This post provides ongoing updates on the Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre (CRRRC). 

Latest Update: January 2026

Council approves next steps to purchase the Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre (CRRRC)
Earlier this week, Council held a special meeting to receive an update on the proposed acquisition of the CRRRC site in Carlsbad Springs, a privately owned property licensed to receive residential waste. As the City is bound by a non-disclosure agreement with the seller (Taggart-Miller), the update and debate were held in closed session, but the go/no-go vote was taken in open session.

For all the same reasons I highlighted at committee, I voted “no” alongside all other Rural Councillors. Council voted 20–5 to proceed.

The day after I was elected, I was briefed on this acquisition process, which had already begun. As soon as I was able, I’ve been meeting regularly with the Carlsbad Springs Community Association and hearing from many residents. The message has been consistent: Strong opposition to using this site as a landfill, and serious concerns about whether it’s appropriate for residential waste given the instability of the leda clay layer—including the risk of cost overruns and environmental contamination. At the heart of these concerns are safety of well water, the environment, human health, quality of life, and costs to taxpayers.  

I also recognize some will see Council’s decision as a relief. If the City owns the site, there will be more opportunity for public engagement and influence over what happens there. My priority is to protect the interests of Carlsbad Springs residents and keep you informed.

Here’s what comes next:
Council has authorized the City Manager to finalize the purchase at an approved price and report back once complete. At that point, I will ensure that there will be full disclosure of the process, costs and clarity on how this will be managed going forward. Staff have indicated this should take place by the end of Q1 2026.

As this next phase moves ahead, I want residents of Carlsbad Springs to know that I have heard your deep frustrations. You have endured a great deal, and many feel the process has not been fair. I have taken every opportunity to advocate for our ward, advance protections and assessments to address the heart of your concerns and I will continue to advocate for you every step of the way.

Latest Update: November 2025

CRRRC Landfill Acquisition Report Received
Wednesday at City Council, City staff confirmed that they finalized the purchase of the landfill site in Carlsbad Springs and presented a report to disclose the details of the CRRRC acquisition.

Here’s a summary of what they said:

• The City bought the CRRRC land + key provincial approvals/permits for $95M
• The site is made up of eight parcels of land at Boundary Rd / Frontier Rd area.
• Some of the lands had two commercial leases and an occupancy agreement in place, which were terminated at closing by the seller.
• A residential lease was also on the land but due to requirements under the Residential Tenancies Act the lease will continue following closing and will terminate in the future.
• The City relied on KPMG and other consultants to help value the site to put forward a bid.
• $95M will be paid for by debt. The debt servicing fee would be paid for via the ‘solid waste fee’ on your taxes starting in 2027 – this will result in a slight increase from the planned fee (from an avg. of 5.4% to 5.7%).
•  
• Answers to your questions:
• Staff confirmed that they relied on the Provincial Environmental Assessments to determine the suitability of the site for a landfill. No external expertise about the feasibility of developing a landfill on leda-clay was taken into account.

• There are no “strings attached” to the conditions of this sale. No special treatment for the sellers or the Tewin development.
• Regarding previous permit conditions and expiry dates, the COO received assurances from the Ministry of Environment that all conditions of the permit have been met and confirmed no pending expiry.

What’s next?

• The City commited to turn its attention to advancing the human health risk assessment, upgrading the Community Liaison Committee, scoping the truck route review and getting started on developing a community benefit program.
• The future use of this site has not yet been decided. The City’s long-term direction for waste technology will be determined in Q1 2027, staff are working now on options.

Ask questions – stay informed!

• Next week (Tuesday Feb 3) my open office hours 1:00-5:00pm will take place at the Carlsbad Springs Community Centre to shorten the commute for area residents to pop-in and ask questions or discuss concerns.
• I am hosting a Town hall on Thursday February 5 at 6:30 at the Carlsbad Springs Community Centre
• If you want to be part of the future Community Liaison Committee – reach out to my office.

Read the report!
The report and summary of terms are available at item 11 – https://pub-ottawa.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx…