The company behind the proposed Dresden Landfill is trying to clear up what it believes is misinformation about the project.
York1 Environmental Waste Solutions contacted CK News Today after the Municipality of Chatham-Kent (CK) held a public meeting on Wednesday, expressing concerns about how the project is being portrayed.
It explained that the project is not a landfill but a regenerative recycling facility that will process non-hazardous materials such as wood, concrete, drywall, brick, metal, and asphalt.
"It will not accept household garbage, and it is not a new dump. Up to 80 percent of the material that comes in is expected to be recycled and diverted from traditional landfills," said Laryssa Waler, a spokesperson for York1.
The municipality explained that it's still waiting to see final submissions for the project, but at this time, does expect a large part of the area to be used as a landfill.
York1 argued that it continues to be transparent with the municipality, Dresden residents, and nearby First Nations.
At the municipality's public meeting, staff said they've been struggling to get information from the company.
According to Waler, the two sides have been in contact over the past five years. This includes two public open houses in Dresden in 2024 and a meeting with senior municipal staff in November 2025.
She also noted that York1 has provided technical reports, a letter to Mayor Darrin Canniff, and, most recently, a traffic study.
"The suggestion that there was no engagement before that point does not reflect the record," added Waler.
Her comments about engaging with First Nations are in response to Walpole Island First Nation Leela Thomas, who spoke at the municipality's public meeting. Thomas explained that the last time they met with York1 was in 2025, and they were told that the company didn't have to consult with them.
Waler confirmed that York1 and leaders of the First Nation met in 2025, but refuted the claim about not having to consult.
"Engagement with Walpole Island First Nation and other First Nation communities has also been ongoing, including meetings in 2024 and 2025, and it continues. We have real respect for that process and for the communities involved," she said.
The last point Waler wanted to clarify concerned the traffic study. The municipality stated that no trucks would drive through Dresden, instead traveling through the nearby communities of Thamesville and Kent Bridge.
"[The routes] were designed to reduce impacts on residential areas, schools, and the downtown core. We understand there are fair questions about how the routes affect neighbouring communities," added Waler.
She mentioned that the company is willing to share more information about the traffic study if there are continued concerns.
