The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to investigate the need for slope stabilization along the Sydenham River near 455 and 459 Sydenham Street in the Community of Dresden.
Why this study is being undertaken?
Slope instability and erosion can pose risks to adjacent roads, municipal infrastructure, nearby properties, and the natural environment. The purpose of this study is to better understand these issues along Sydenham Street and identify a practical, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective solution that responds to both current conditions and future needs. The MCEA will assist with determining an appropriate long-term solution to address slope stability and erosion concerns along Sydenham Street. This study will examine existing conditions, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend a preferred approach that helps protect public safety, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment.
Study Area
The study area is focused on a 250m long section of Sydenham Street near 455 and 459 Sydenham Street where slope stability and erosion concerns have been identified.
About the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process
This project is being carried out in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for Schedule ‘B’ projects, which is an approved planning process under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. A Schedule ‘B’ study includes defining the problem or opportunity, identifying and evaluating alternative solutions, consulting with the public and review agencies, and documenting the study process and recommended solution in a Project File Report for public review.
Alternatives to be Considered
As part of the study, the project team will identify and assess a range of possible solutions. The proposed alternative solutions that are to be evaluated include:
Option 1: Do Nothing
Option 2: Road Reconstruction Without Additional Improvements
Option 3: Road Reconstruction with Curb and Gutter (No Retaining Wall)
Option 4: Road Reconstruction with Retaining Wall
The alternatives will be evaluated based on their environmental effects, technical feasibility, constructability, property considerations, long-term performance, and cost.
How to Get Involved
Review the project information and study materials posted on this page.
Attend the in-person Public Information Centre in the Dresden Hall at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre, located at 1212 North St in Dresden on July 9th, 2026 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM.
Provide comments, questions, or local knowledge that may help inform the study by July 23rd, 2026.
Check back here for updates as the study progresses.
The Municipality of Chatham-Kent is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to investigate the need for slope stabilization along the Sydenham River near 455 and 459 Sydenham Street in the Community of Dresden.
Why this study is being undertaken?
Slope instability and erosion can pose risks to adjacent roads, municipal infrastructure, nearby properties, and the natural environment. The purpose of this study is to better understand these issues along Sydenham Street and identify a practical, environmentally responsible, and cost-effective solution that responds to both current conditions and future needs. The MCEA will assist with determining an appropriate long-term solution to address slope stability and erosion concerns along Sydenham Street. This study will examine existing conditions, identify and evaluate alternative solutions, and recommend a preferred approach that helps protect public safety, infrastructure, and the surrounding environment.
Study Area
The study area is focused on a 250m long section of Sydenham Street near 455 and 459 Sydenham Street where slope stability and erosion concerns have been identified.
About the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Process
This project is being carried out in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process for Schedule ‘B’ projects, which is an approved planning process under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. A Schedule ‘B’ study includes defining the problem or opportunity, identifying and evaluating alternative solutions, consulting with the public and review agencies, and documenting the study process and recommended solution in a Project File Report for public review.
Alternatives to be Considered
As part of the study, the project team will identify and assess a range of possible solutions. The proposed alternative solutions that are to be evaluated include:
Option 1: Do Nothing
Option 2: Road Reconstruction Without Additional Improvements
Option 3: Road Reconstruction with Curb and Gutter (No Retaining Wall)
Option 4: Road Reconstruction with Retaining Wall
The alternatives will be evaluated based on their environmental effects, technical feasibility, constructability, property considerations, long-term performance, and cost.
How to Get Involved
Review the project information and study materials posted on this page.
Attend the in-person Public Information Centre in the Dresden Hall at the Ken Houston Memorial Agricultural Centre, located at 1212 North St in Dresden on July 9th, 2026 from 5:30PM to 7:30PM.
Provide comments, questions, or local knowledge that may help inform the study by July 23rd, 2026.
Check back here for updates as the study progresses.
