Erin residents upset about ‘disgusting’ illegal dumping

ERIN – Residents in and around the new Erin Glen subdivision are speaking out about illegal dumping taking place in the community.

“It’s not hard to throw your garbage to the curb on garbage day or take old belongings to the dump,” said resident Amanda Sousa.

“It’s laziness and disgusting.”

Sousa, who moved to the subdivision in May, said she hadn’t really noticed the issue until she began walking her kids to the bus stop in September.

“There is a huge pile of garbage on the side of the road on Sanders Road that me and my children – and many other families – walk by every single day to get to the school bus stop,” said Sousa.

“I’ve witnessed kids digging and picking up things from that pile. It’s unsanitary and not to mention dangerous, as there may be broken glass.”

Sousa noted the garbage issue has really soured her family’s move from Brampton.

“I moved here from Brampton for a better quality of life and seeing that pile every day is a reminder that we’re dealing with the same problems here as we did in Brampton,” she said. 

The subdivision is being overseen by five developers and partners, including Solmar Development Corp., Cachet Homes, Lakeview Homes, National Properties and Northern Capital.

In a statement to the Advertiser, Giuseppe Paolicelli, Solmar’s executive vice president of construction and land development, said the company  is “extremely disappointed by the repeated instances of illegal dumping” in the neighbourhood.

“While the actions of a small number of individuals do not represent the broader community, this behaviour is unacceptable and undermines the efforts being made by residents, our site staff, and the development team to maintain a clean and welcoming environment,” he stated.

“To address the issue, National Properties has gone above and beyond by coordinating and funding ongoing cleanup efforts at significant additional cost.”

Paolicelli  added Solmar has “implemented several proactive measures aimed at discouraging this behaviour and identifying those responsible.”

He noted the developer’s efforts thus far have included issuing community notices to reminding residents of proper waste disposal requirements, encouraging anonymous reporting of illegal dumping activities through incentive-based programs, and conducting investigations when dumping occurs. 

“In some cases, site personnel have physically reviewed discarded materials to identify the originating household and hold those responsible accountable,” Paolicelli stated. 

The company has also confirmed the impending installation of security cameras within the subdivision. 

While houses are still being constructed, much of the subdivision is currently receiving regular garbage pickup from the county. 

“This has been done in phases throughout 2025 – 2026,” stated Das Soligo,  Wellington County’s manager of solid waste services.

He noted collections services are currently being provided to 907 homes in the development.

“We extend collections services once ... the area is deemed suitable ... for collection vehicles to safely and efficiently access the households within the development,” Soligo stated.

Some roads in the subdivision are not yet assumed by the Town of Erin, but that does not preclude municipal enforcement of town bylaws.

However, Erin bylaw officer Martyna Sliwiak says she has received just one complaint, in February, from residents regarding garbage dumping in the Erin Glen subdivision.

“The complaint was investigated and appropriate follow-up was completed,” said Sliwiak. 

“The file has since been closed.”

The current fine for illegal dumping is $155, with an additional $35 victim fine surcharge and $5 in court costs, for a total of $195. 

“Enforcement action may be taken against an individual, business or contractor where there is sufficient evidence to identify the responsible party and substantiate the offence,” said Sliwiak.

To report illegal dumping, visit erin.ca or email bylawenforcement@erin.ca.