Trail users alarmed by large-scale dumping at parking area

A large pile of illegally dumped garbage was discovered at the rail trail parking lot at the end of Powerline Road in Paris, drawing concern from residents who frequent the area. The County of Brant was notified and responded promptly to remove the waste.

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

While many residents rolled up their sleeves to clean up their neighbourhoods on Earth Day, an act of illegal dumping along a local trail has left parts of the community frustrated.

A large pile of garbage was discovered at the car park at the end of Powerline Road, off Oak Park, along the popular rail trail. The debris quickly drew attention from residents who use the trail regularly, with several taking to social media on Earth Day to share photos and voice concern.

According to the County of Brant, staff were notified of the situation and responded promptly to remove the waste.

In response to questions from The Paris Independent, Community Services staff said there have been “a few incidents over the past year” at the location, though nothing matching the scale of the most recent dumping.

“It is very disappointing to see this type of activity in our community,” the County said in a statement, adding staff are now reviewing potential options to help deter future incidents.

Residents have noted that illegal dumping is an ongoing concern in rural and trail-access areas, where waste is sometimes abandoned instead of being taken to proper disposal facilities.