HALT was established during the first week in October, 2004 as a vehicle to respond to citizen concerns about the proposed expansion in the fill rate at the Edwards Landfill site just outside of Cayuga.

Since that time, it has grown rapidly and, through engagement and participation of literally hundreds of citizens, HALT has developed a clear set of purposes:

• Through a combination of research and advocacy, to stop the re-activation of the Edwards Landfill site as a landfill site and any increase in the current fill rate or its possible expansion to adjacent land.


• To take actions which will ensure that other existing sites within Haldimand with dormant Certificates of Approval for use as landfill sites are not re-activated for this purpose.


• To work with residents, organizations and governments at all levels to find and where feasible implement acceptable alternatives to landfill for waste generated in Haldimand or elsewhere in the Province of Ontario

• The dump is to be created in a wetland which would otherwise be protected by the Ontario Wetlands policy. (Note: The land in question was exempted from the Wetlands Bylaw on Aug. 29,1994 as long as there is a certificate of approval present.)


• The toxic nature of garbage has changed for the worse since the original certificate of approval in 1971.


• Proper local notification of public review was not given.


• This area is part of the source waters of the Grand River and Oswego water sheds. Any leakage will directly impact drinking water downstream.


• Large increase in traffic of large trucks on rural roads.


• 90% of the material will come from outside of Haldimand. There will be no economic or standard of life benefit to the community.


• The Landfill company has put up a $5 million insurance policy to cover problems that will occur within the first 25 years of the dump's life. Will our children's and grandchildren's generations have to deal with the fall out if there's a problem once the company is no longer responsible for the dump in 25 years?


• Is this just a start to a rush of companies and communities that will attempt to trash Haldimand?