Aerial photo of former Thornbury Landfill site

Thornbury Landfill Reclamation

On this page:
1. Project Updates
2. Staff Reports & Council Decisions
3. Public Consultation
4. Map of Project Area
5. Related Documents

The Town is embarking on a project to rehabilitate the former Thornbury Landfill property located on King Street West, east of the Little Beaver River. The site is currently used for material and equipment storage related to Town activities, in addition to seasonal storage of boat cribs and trailers.

The Town has completed an Environmental Impact Study, in addition to Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments and Stage I and II Soil and Groundwater Investigations. These reports and investigations have confirmed the extent and depth of waste on the site, and have categorized the groundwater and soil characteristics.

Phase 1: Site Reclamation Plan

As a first step, Dillon Consulting has been engaged to prepare a site reclamation plan. The Plan will evaluate and specify remediation methods to be undertaken to enable unrestricted future use of the land.

The plan will work to successfully return the site to a condition that imposes reduced impact on the surrounding ground and surface water.
The plan will consider the cost of the remediation and the future potential value of the land.
The plan will review viable alternative locations/methods for the current uses of the property.
The plan will take into consideration the Town’s Official Plan and Zoning By-law.
The plan will consider methods of remediation that could gain reliable upper-level government funding support for brownfield development.
The plan will not determine future uses of the land, but conceptual options will be envisioned.

Following completion of the draft plan, it will be presented to Council and the public for review and comment before being finalized and adopted.

Phase 2: Reclamation Efforts

The actual reclamation of the site will be completed pending completion of the plan and future approval of budget for the required work.

Why Now?
This site is located with the Town’s drinking water intake protection zone, adjacent to the Little Beaver River and within the settlement area of Thornbury. Removing contaminants and returning the site to a restored condition that could be used for park space, residential or other development lands is beneficial for all.

Project Updates

May 12, 2026 - Background Reports and Studies

The Town has uploaded and shared the key background reports and studies that have informed the Closed Thornbury Landfill Reclamation Plan. This includes Technical Memorandums for the Stage 1 and 2 Soil and Groundwater Results, and the Phase 1 and 2 Environmental Site Assessment Reports. This files can be found at the link below.

Background Studies and Reports

Staff have finalized a date for a Public Information Centre (PIC) regarding the Thornbury Landfill Reclamation project. This PIC will be held in person at Town Hall on Thursday, May 7, 2026 beginning at 5:00 p.m. to provide an update on the status of the Site Reclamation Plan. The meeting will include a public comment and question period. All those interested in the project are invited to attend.
View Notice

Staff Reports & Council Decisions

Staff Report CSOPS.23.004 was presented to Committee of the Whole on January, 31, 2023. The report asked for direction based on the findings of the completed Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments. Committee directed staff to proceed with further investigation to determine the cost for full site remediation including removal of contaminants.
Presentation of the report begins at the 2:14:55 mark of the Committee meeting recording.
View Meeting Recording
Staff Report CSOPS.22.035 was presented to Committee of the Whole on April 26, 2022. The report provided background on the former Thornbury Landfill site, and requested Council direction to maintain ownership of the property following an inquiry from a development firm. Committee of the Whole voted in favour of the staff recommendations which included further direction to report back on the findings of the Phase I and II Environmental Site Assessments for the property.
Committee discussion of the Staff Report begins at the 6:42:00 mark of the meeting recording.
View Meeting Recording

Public Consultation

Public Information Centre #1 - May 7, 2026

The first Public Information Centre is being held to provide an update on the status of the Site Reclamation Plan.

View Presentation Deck

View Meeting Recording

View Notice

Map of Project Area

Aerial image of former Thornbury Landfill site with property lines highlighted