Residents of Chatham-Kent are being asked to help form a human chain in Dresden on Aug. 10 to protest the York1 landfill.
According to organizer Angie Richards-Mills, volunteers are needed to link arm in arm from 29831 Irish School Road south to Dresden Area Central School.
The distance from the dormant dump to the elementary school is about two kilometres.
Calling it a grass roots community event, Richards-Mills said all are welcome to come to support Dresden to push to the provincial government to repeal Bill 5. Approved in June, the controversial legislation creates "special economic zones," specifically naming the York1 project and removing the need for an environmental assessment at the site.
Premier Doug Ford has justified the York1 project by saying it needs to go ahead because of the threat of U.S. President Donald Trump, who could close the border to Ontario's garbage.
Richards-Mills, a Lambton Kent District School Board trustee, said she's spearheading the "peaceful" effort because she's worried about the future.
"I'm hoping to get our kids out to be seen," she told The Voice. "That's what my pull is, it's protecting these kids. Join us as we stand side by side to protect what matters most, our farmland, our water, our children's future. This is a powerful symbol of unity against environmental harm and government overreach. Bring your passion, your friends and family.
"We believe that standing together can make a difference," she added. "Let’s show our strength, our love for this place, and our commitment to protecting it."
The chain will begin at 1 p.m. Parking at the start of the chain is available on a farm owned by Richards-Mills and her husband Mike across the road from the landfill on Irish School Road north of town.
For more information or if interested in attending, email [email protected] or call 519-365-3303, or [email protected] or 519-809-6633.
