Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations Plan

Friday, 30 November 2018 12:31

Local MPP Ernie Hardeman says the Ontario Government has taken a major step forward towards giving municipalities a say on where landfills are located.

WOODSTOCK - The Ontario Government is making strides towards giving municipalities a say on how landfill sites are chosen.

Local MPP Ernie Hardeman says the Preserving and Protecting our Environment for Future Generations Plan was announced at Queens Park on Thursday.

"Local communities must have a voice on how landfills are approved in their neighbourhoods. Currently, our municipalities have a say in where a Tim Horton’s goes, but not in something as significant as where a landfill will go in their community. That is why I am proud to stand with my colleague Rod Phillips, Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks, to announce that our plan for the environment will move forward on giving municipalities a say in where landfills are built."

Hardeman says the Ontario Government will look for opportunities to strengthen the voices of municipalities and will also make sure that new landfill proposals meet the highest standards, including having strict requirements for the design, operation, and eventual closure of sites.

Ingersoll Mayor Ted Comiskey is pretty happy with the announcement.

"I want to thank the Minister of the Environment for moving forward with this, and that we are committed to working with the Province to make this promise a reality. Today’s announcement recognizes that the Government of Ontario has listened to our message and begun to act upon it. This is another step forward to ensuring that municipalities have a right to say yes or no to landfill development in their communities."

Hardeman says this is an important first step.

"This is an important step for empowering municipalities and provides them a say on how landfills impact their communities. I look forward to continue working with the Minister of the Environment and our community leaders on this important issue."