During the Ontario City Council meeting on November 19, 2024, significant discussions centered around the proposed warehouse project at 5355 East Airport Drive, with strong opposition voiced by local labor representatives and community members. The meeting highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the project's potential environmental impact and its implications for local employment.

Community members expressed their apprehension about the cumulative effects of adding another warehouse to the city, citing increased pollution and traffic from additional truck and passenger trips. Speakers emphasized the need for a thorough transportation analysis, arguing that the current assessments underestimate the project's impact on local residents. The repeated calls for the council to uphold an appeal against the project underscored a sense of frustration among residents who have been advocating against it for nearly a year.

Labor representatives from various unions, including the United Associations Local 398 and Ironworkers Local 433, also voiced their opposition. They criticized the developer, Prologis, for failing to ensure equitable job opportunities for skilled tradespeople in the community. Union leaders argued that the project would primarily benefit non-skilled workers, undermining the potential for good middle-class jobs that could support local families. They urged the council to deny the project, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in job creation.

In contrast, Tyson Chafe, representing Prologis, defended the project by highlighting its economic benefits. He noted that Prologis has been a part of the Ontario business community for over four decades and has made significant investments that support local employment and generate tax revenue for public services. Chafe asserted that the project would enhance Ontario's reputation as a logistics hub and emphasized the company's commitment to collaborating with union partners during construction.

The meeting concluded with a clear divide between community concerns about environmental and labor issues and the developer's focus on economic growth. As the council deliberates, the outcome of this project could have lasting implications for the local workforce and the environment, reflecting broader tensions between development and community well-being in Ontario. The council's decision will be closely watched by both supporters and opponents of the project, as it will shape the future of local employment and environmental health in the region.