Chatham-Kent (CK) council has approved the final step for a multi-million-dollar ‘Waste to Energy Project’.
The project, which converts landfill to energy and organic fertilizer, will cost the municipality $16 million right now, with the total price tag of roughly $137 million being funded through provincial and federal government loans and grants, as well as Greenfield Global, the company overseeing the project.
During Monday night's meeting, CK Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Gord Quinton and Public Utilities Commission (PUC) General Manager Darren Galbraith gave a final presentation.
Through the discussion, Quinton explained that CK has already invested roughly $2 million in studies, staff time, engineering, and designing.
"Everyone is going to benefit," said Quinton as he discussed the financial benefits of the project. "This is a new source of revenue that will lower both tax and wastewater rate increases in the future."
Over 30 years, the municipality is expected to see $123 million in cash payments, but Quinton expects that number to be much higher.
"There's profit from day one," Quinton added.
However, councillors remained skeptical, including Councillor Michael Bondy.
"I don't find this as a very objective presentation. You (Quinton) seem to be selling this," said Bondy.
Councillor Alysson Storey also had problems with the lack of communication with CK residents about how taxpayer dollars are being spent. She put forward a motion to postpone the decision until in-person public consultations have been held on this item.
Storey's motion failed with a 14- 4 vote.
Councillor Melissa Harrigan, who opposed Storey's motion, said she is excited about this project and the 30 jobs it will create.
"This did not move forward silently," Councillor Marjorie Crew explained, noting the 'Waste to Energy Project' was brought before council eight times.
The facility, which will begin construction in the spring of 2027, is near the PUC plant, allowing the landfill to be transported through underground pipes, rather than by truck.
The construction and operation of an anaerobic digestor operation at 175 Bloomfield Road has been approved by council 14 to four, with Councillors Storey, Bondy, Amy Finn, and Rhonda Jubenville voting in opposition.
