Toronto Faces Urgent Decisions on Landfill Closure Plans

UPDATE: Toronto’s future hangs in the balance as officials confront critical decisions regarding the imminent closure of the Green Lane Landfill near London, Ontario. With capacity expected to be reached within 10 years, residents and city planners are grappling with the complex realities of managing Toronto’s waste legacy.

Once a thriving landfill, the site is now poised to become the next environmental challenge for the metropolis. The Beare Hill Park, situated on the remains of a former landfill, serves as a cautionary tale, illustrating the lengthy and expensive transformation process. “It does take some effort. It does take money. It does take some planning,” stated Larry Conrad, a professional engineer and board member with the Solid Waste Association of North America’s Ontario division.

Perpetual Care Required
If Toronto moves forward with closing Green Lane, it will need to commit to ongoing monitoring and maintenance. “You can’t just walk away from this thing after closing it,” warned Mark Winfield, a professor at York University’s Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change. The decomposition of waste, particularly plastics and glass, could take centuries, necessitating long-term oversight.

Officials emphasize that even after a landfill is capped, which involves sealing it in sections to manage emissions and leachate, the surrounding environment remains at risk. Proper closure requires extensive planning and investment, as evidenced by Toronto’s previous landfill transformations, which took decades.

Closure Timeline and Costs
Once a landfill reaches 90 percent capacity, municipalities must submit a detailed closure plan to Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for approval, outlining management protocols for leachate and gas emissions. The Beare Road Landfill’s transformation into Beare Hill Park took nearly 40 years, highlighting the extensive timeline associated with such projects.

The costs associated with these closures can be substantial. For instance, Mississauga invested $13 million to convert the Britannia Landfill into a golf course, while Toronto allocated $1.5 million for Beare Hill Park. However, officials have not disclosed the total expenses for decommissioning the Keele Valley Landfill, which is slated to become part of a new regional park.

Environmental Risks Persist
Hazards associated with closed landfills remain a concern. Leachate can seep into groundwater, potentially contaminating local water sources. “In Kitchener, there was a notorious landfill on Ottawa Street where the city had to buy back some houses and tear them down because of methane seepage around the landfill,” McClenaghan noted, emphasizing the potential dangers of mismanagement.

As the situation develops, Toronto’s residents and environmental advocates will be watching closely. The city’s decision-making process regarding the Green Lane Landfill will not only impact local communities but will also set a precedent for future landfill closures across Ontario.

What’s Next?
City officials are expected to announce their plans regarding Green Lane’s future in the coming months. As discussions progress, the focus will remain on sustainable waste management solutions and the potential for converting closed landfills into usable green spaces.

Stay tuned for updates as Toronto navigates the complexities of its landfill closures and the environmental implications that follow. The outcomes of these decisions will resonate for generations to come.