Ottawa Eyes Landfill Purchase, Incineration Debate Heats Up

UPDATE: Ottawa city councillors are grappling with a pivotal decision as the city moves to potentially purchase a landfill site from Taggart-Miller. This development could significantly impact ongoing discussions about waste management strategies, including a proposed waste-to-energy incinerator, which remains a contentious topic.

The city is set to submit a bid for a 192-hectare landfill near Boundary Road and Highway 417 in a private process managed by BMO Capital Markets. The price of the potential acquisition has not been revealed, but councillors are concerned that this move could preempt years of debate over how to best manage Ottawa’s waste.

This decision comes at a crucial time as Ottawa’s Trail Road landfill has only about 10 years of capacity left. City officials, including Alain Gonthier, the general manager of public works, reassured councillors that the exploration of the landfill purchase will not halt plans for a comprehensive waste management strategy, which is expected to be discussed in early 2027.

Councillors were informed about the landfill negotiations in closed sessions prior to the public announcement earlier this month. The city staff conducted thorough due diligence before recommending the acquisition, citing the site’s existing ministry approvals to accept municipal waste as a rare opportunity.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by a recently fast-tracked consultant’s report that evaluated five waste management options, ranking the incinerator as a viable choice alongside the status quo. The report highlighted that constructing a new landfill from scratch was the least favorable option, coming in fifth out of five.

Mayor Mark Sutcliffe supports the landfill purchase, suggesting that ownership will provide the city with greater control over waste management solutions. He stated, “If the city does become the owner of this property, we could still operate an incinerator or another waste energy solution in Ottawa.” However, the purchase has raised questions among councillors about the feasibility of funding two waste solutions when one has already been secured.

Councillor Matt Luloff expressed concern that acquiring a second landfill could reduce the urgency for pursuing an incinerator, stating, “I think it changes the calculus… by providing a new variable.” Luloff has long advocated for a waste-to-energy incinerator, arguing it is a more modern solution for waste disposal compared to traditional landfills.

The consultant’s analysis identified that a waste-to-energy facility could convert 77 percent of waste into steam for electricity generation, while only 23 percent would remain as ash requiring disposal. However, the projected cost of building such an incinerator ranges from $497 million to $862 million, making it a significant financial commitment for the city.

The Taggart-Miller landfill site, which has been in the works since it received ministry approval in 2017, is seen as a critical asset for the city. It has the license to accept both commercial and household waste, with an amendment to include municipal waste expected by May 2024. Still, the site has yet to begin operations and lacks an approved site plan.

Councillors are also considering the environmental implications of waste management strategies. The ongoing discussions highlight the city’s broader commitment to reducing waste and managing greenhouse gas emissions effectively.

As the city navigates this complex issue, the decision on the landfill acquisition could reshape Ottawa’s waste management landscape. The next steps will involve analyzing community feedback, finalizing the bid details, and continuing discussions on the future of waste management in Ottawa.

Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed as this story develops, with implications that could affect both the environment and the city’s budget for years to come.