Ottawa Councillor Critiques Rushed Process for Landfill Purchase

UPDATE: Ottawa city officials are facing intense scrutiny over a potential landfill site acquisition that has sparked community outrage. Osgoode Councillor Isabelle Skalski condemned the process as “completely ridiculous,” criticizing the lack of transparency and detail surrounding the bid, including the unknown price tag.

Earlier this week, Skalski expressed her concerns on CBC’s Ottawa Morning, stating that the community deserves better engagement on decisions impacting their lives. The city is currently pursuing a bid for a landfill site owned by Taggart Miller Environmental Services Inc., located near Devine Road on Ottawa’s eastern outskirts. The site, which already has permits, is intended to help the city address waste management challenges as the Trail Road landfill approaches capacity.

The city’s finance committee revealed that they learned of the bidding opportunity in early 2025 and signed a non-disclosure agreement that bars them from disclosing the potential purchase price. The city has submitted a “non-binding indicative proposal,” which was accepted in September, allowing them to proceed to the next phase. Councillor Skalski noted that this “very short window” for public engagement is insufficient, especially as the finance committee meeting approaches on November 26.

Residents are urged to provide feedback leading up to the committee’s meeting on Friday. Skalski highlighted that many locals, including longtime resident Gaston Diotte, are alarmed by the lack of information. Diotte voiced his concerns about traffic and potential odors from the landfill, stating, “It’s a no for me.”

The city’s report indicates that public feedback will be taken into account before the council decides on whether to proceed with the acquisition. Skalski stated that the recent change in the site’s permit, allowing it to handle residential waste, has come as a shock to the community, which had previously participated in consultations that limited the site’s use to commercial and industrial waste.

River Ward Councillor Riley Brockington, a member of the finance committee, emphasized the need for transparency. “The public deserves to have as much information as possible,” he said, advocating for an open discussion about the landfill’s potential impact.

The upcoming finance committee meeting represents a critical opportunity for residents to voice their concerns and for the city to clarify its plans. As the deadline for public input looms, Skalski and other councillors are calling for greater transparency and community involvement in this urgent matter.

Residents are encouraged to engage with the city and share their thoughts on this significant issue as the clock ticks down to the meeting. The city’s decisions in the coming weeks will profoundly impact the community’s future, making it crucial for residents to stay informed and engaged.