Written by
Robin Cooke
—
May 15, 2025
What's New This Week - May 15, 2025
Photo Credit: Chatham Daily News, Ellwood Shreve
Concerns Mount in Region Over Proposed Dresden Landfill Expansion
A proposed expansion of the existing landfill site near Dresden is generating significant concern in the Sarnia-Lambton region, particularly following the provincial government's decision to remove a key environmental oversight process.
The project, put forward by York1 Environmental Solutions, involves a proposed thirty-fold expansion of the dormant landfill. While the site is located in Chatham-Kent, its proximity to Lambton County and the potential for a dramatic increase in truck traffic carrying construction waste, estimated at 700 trucks daily, 24/7, has prompted a strong response from local governments.
Lambton County has officially joined the opposition, with county council voting overwhelmingly (16-1) to approve a motion calling on the province to reinstate the environmental assessment (EA) that the government plans to remove. Local mayors like Al Broad of Dawn-Euphemia and Todd Case of Warwick Township have voiced sharp criticism of the provincial government's decision to remove the EA via Bill 5, arguing that it undermines critical public consultation and the thorough review process they deem essential. Warwick Mayor Todd Case noted that an EA currently underway at the large Twin Creeks landfill in his municipality is considered critical and is halfway complete. Opponents in the region fear the project could contaminate the Sydenham River watershed, spoil farmland, and destroy the quality of life in Dresden and surrounding areas.
The provincial government's stated rationale for removing the EA for the Dresden site via Bill 5 is the urgent need to increase landfill capacity within Ontario. Premier Doug Ford has highlighted that Ontario currently sends 40% of its garbage to the United States, a reliance he believes could be abruptly cut off. Premier Ford stated Ontario needs to be prepared and responsible for its own garbage and is prioritizing building capacity on existing sites like Dresden.
Adding another layer to the controversy, a request has been formally submitted to the Integrity Commissioner by Ted Hsu asking for an investigation into whether Premier Doug Ford and other ministers may have contravened the Members' Integrity Act or breached parliamentary convention in relation to decisions surrounding the Dresden landfill. This request highlights concerns regarding substantial political donations from developers and executives with a financial stake in the project, Premier Ford's participation in related fundraising events, and the subsequent introduction of Bill 5 which would cancel the EA, potentially benefiting those same donors.
Lambton County plans to forward its request for EA reinstatement to various government officials, including Premier Ford and the relevant ministers. This issue remains a focal point of local concern and opposition within the Sarnia-Lambton region.
Ontario Permanently Cutting the Gas Tax and Taking Tolls Off Highway 407 East
Province keeping costs down for families in the face of tariffs and economic uncertainty
May 13, 2025
As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is continuing to lower costs for hard-working families, support local businesses and put more money back into people’s pockets through its plan to permanently cut the gasoline and fuel tax rates, which would save households, on average, about $115 per year going forward. The government is also proposing to remove tolls from the provincially owned Highway 407 East, which is expected to save daily commuters an estimated $7,200 annually.
“I know that families and business owners are worried about rising costs, especially as U.S. tariffs threaten to raise the price of everyday essentials,” said Premier Doug Ford. “That’s why we’re cutting the gas tax permanently and taking tolls off Highway 407 East, and that’s why we’ll always keep looking for ways to put more money back into the pockets of Ontario families.”
Ontario Together Trade Fund
Learn how eligible Ontario companies impacted by trade disruptions can get support to enhance resilience, strengthen capacity, build local supply chains in Ontario, and expand market reach.
The Ontario Together Trade Fund (OTTF) provides financial support to help businesses near-term investments so they can serve more interprovincial customers, develop new markets and re-shore critical supply chains in the face of U.S. tariffs. With a focus on small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the program will help businesses, build local capacity, enhance trade resiliency, and make the necessary investments to successfully expand into new markets.
Yesterday, the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce and the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) released the 2025 Ontario Budget Submission. The submission calls for the Ontario government to prioritize measures that cultivate a competitive business and trade environment; build growth-enabling infrastructure; develop qualified people and diverse talent; and invest in healthy, sustainable communities.
Recommendations outlined in the budget submission were developed in consultation with 60,000 member businesses of all sizes, labour unions, postsecondary institutions, non-profit organizations, industry associations and close to 150 chambers of commerce and boards of trade.
Read The Budget Submission Here
You're Invited: 2025 Business Summit
Join us on Wednesday, July 10 at Four Points by Sheraton for the Sarnia Lambton Chamber’s Business Summit—a full day of expert panels, dynamic speakers, and networking opportunities. Dive into topics like Market Trends, Global Opportunities, and Energy & Sustainability with leaders shaping our region’s future.
Don’t miss this chance to connect, collaborate, and grow!
Register Today For This Must Attend Event
Join us for an engaging evening of networking at the upcoming Business After Five event, proudly hosted by Rebound, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Sarnia-Lambton, and Simply OMG! This networking event offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with fellow professionals, learn about impactful community programs, and explore local initiatives.
Whether you're looking to expand your network or support community-driven organizations, this event promises meaningful conversations in a welcoming atmosphere. Bring your friends and colleagues and be part of a night that celebrates collaboration and community spirit.
We are proud to welcome Imperial Sarnia Site as our 2025 sponsor, partnering with us to honour and support the incredible women making a difference in our community. This event offers a fantastic opportunity to connect with inspiring professionals, share in the spirit of empowerment, and build valuable relationships.
May will feature Sarah Maxfield. A fellow Chamber Member and entrepreneur, Sarah is a leader in wellness and personal development with 16 years of experience helping people unlock the highest potential. As a certified Coach, Trainer and Facilitator, Sarah Supports clients through 1-1 coaching, group programs and workshops.
What if career exploration started with a conversation?
We’re partnering with the Ontario Career Lab to help bring real career stories into classrooms — and we’re looking for volunteers to share their journey with students.
Whether you’re early in your career, retired, or anywhere in between — your story could be exactly what a student needs to hear.
✅ In-person and virtual sessions available✅ One class period to a full day✅ All industries and career paths welcome
Contact Us Today for More Information
Supporting Canadian exporters through United States tariff challenges
The Government of Canada is actively assisting Canadian exporters in navigating recent U.S. tariff challenges. In response to tariffs imposed by the United States the Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) offers comprehensive support. This includes guidance on compliance with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), access to remission frameworks, and connections to provincial and territorial resources. Canadian businesses can also utilize self-serve tools, industry-specific assistance, and direct support from trade commissioners to mitigate the impact of these trade measures. For more information and resources, visit the TCS's dedicated page on U.S. tariff challenges.
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Chamber Membership Has Its Advantages
Contact the Team Today To See How We Can Help Your Business Thrive And Grow!
Join the people who get things done. We are the hub for business communication and collaboration. Your membership provides you with a connection to local businesses, events, seminars, and member exclusive deals. We invite you to enjoy all that we have to offer.