CW254-2024

Background

The following delegations addressed Committee with respect to concerns regarding the proposed expansion of Emerald Energy from Waste Inc.:

1. Steven Kirby, Brampton Environmental Alliance, and Julian Russel, Sierra Peel 

2. Liz Benneian, Founder, Ontario Zero Waste Coalition 

3. Emily Alfred, Waste Campaigner, Toronto Environmental Alliance 

4. Amisha Moorjani, Brampton Environmental Alliance 

The delegations' submissions included the following:

• Magnitude of the proposed expansion project
• Environmental impact and associated public health risks
• Timelines for taking action against this project
• Indication that this project does not align with the City's environmental goals
• Previous decisions of the Region of Peel regarding incinerators
• Information on why incinerators are not a good solution for waste
• Information regarding waste burned at this facility and the significant pollution already existing in the Brampton/Peel airshed
• Advocacy to the Provincial Government regarding the impacts of this project
• Impact of this project on Brampton's reputation

• The delegations sought Committee's support to stop the expansion of Emerald Energy from Waste Inc., and to request that the Provincial Government undertake a third party investigation of this matter. 

  Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Concerns regarding air pollution in Brampton
• Suggestion that this matter be referred to Government Relations staff for discussion with relevant provincial partners
• Public awareness and consultation regarding this project
• Suggestion that the delegations attend a future Peel Regional Council meeting, as health issues and waste management are under the jurisdiction of the Region of Peel 

• Sylvia Roberts, Brampton resident, provided information regarding the purpose of the proposed Emerald Energy from Waste Inc. expansion, the implications of not proceeding with this project, and the limited landfill capacity in Ontario. In addition, the delegation expressed support for increasing recycling efforts across Ontario to reduce waste.

  The following motion was considered.

Item Description

That the following delegations to the Committee of Council Meeting of June 19, 2024, re: Concerns regarding the Emerald Energy from Waste Inc. Expansion, be referred to staff:

1. Steven Kirby, Brampton Environmental Alliance, and Julian Russel, Sierra Peel 

2. Liz Benneian, Founder, Ontario Zero Waste Coalition 

3. Emily Alfred, Waste Campaigner, Toronto Environmental Alliance 

4. Amisha Moorjani, Brampton Environmental Alliance

5. Sylvia Roberts, Brampton resident.

Proposed by