The City of Ottawa is moving forward with its bid to acquire a privately owned landfill in the east end, though officials are remaining tight-lipped about specific details due to an ongoing competitive bidding process.
Confidentiality Concerns Dominate Landfill Discussion
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe confirmed the city will continue participating in the bidding for the 475-acre site near Carlsbad Springs, but cited confidentiality requirements that prevent disclosing crucial information, including the potential purchase price. The decision emerged from a lengthy closed-door session held by city council on Wednesday that lasted more than two hours.
"Understandably, I know members of the public are anxious to hear more information," Sutcliffe acknowledged during a public statement. "The City of Ottawa will continue its participation in the competitive bidding process related to the acquisition of this landfill."
Public Input Amid Non-Disclosure Constraints
Sutcliffe emphasized that the city has made efforts to involve residents despite the limitations imposed by a non-disclosure agreement signed in April. Council members "went above and beyond" to provide opportunities for public input during last week's finance and corporate services committee meeting, where residents could express their views through public delegations.
The mayor described the situation as "an issue of timing, not transparency," assuring that full details will be disclosed once the bidding process concludes and the confidentiality agreement is lifted.
Significance of the Potential Acquisition
The landfill in question, known as the Capital Region Resource Recovery Centre (CRRRC), represents a significant opportunity for Ottawa's waste management strategy. Currently owned by Taggart Miller Environmental Services Inc., the facility holds the distinction of being the only landfill approved in Ontario over the past two decades.
The property is situated on the east side of Boundary Road north of Devine Road and west of Frontier Road, positioned near the Boundary Road-Highway 417 interchange and adjacent to the east-end Amazon fulfillment center.
Sutcliffe recognized that the confidential nature of the proceedings has created challenges for both residents and council members, but maintained that the city followed proper procedures by holding a public finance committee meeting to share available information and gather community feedback.
The decision to proceed with the bid was reached through a direction to staff during the in-camera session rather than a formal council vote, reflecting the sensitive nature of the competitive acquisition process.
