JUNE 2 - COMMUNITY UPDATE
There’s lots happening as people across Wilmot Township and Waterloo Region continue to speak up and show firsthand that they are unwilling to have this mega-industrial site and massive unplanned growth forced on our communities with no proper processes, studies, or public engagement.
Public Protests and Demonstrations Continue
The protest last week at MPP Mike Harris Jr’s office in Elmira inspired people to demonstrate outside Monday’s Wilmot Council meeting in Baden. What started as just a couple of people soon grew to more than 20 people waving signs and receiving strong support from passing cars honking and cheering. They even managed to talk directly with Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen and several Wilmot Councillors though few answers were received and many concerns remain. There are plans to have small groups rally outside each Wilmot and Regional Council meeting in June and July to remind Councillors firsthand that we are unwilling:
Plan to attend the rallies at each Wilmot and Regional Council meeting in June and July.
The dates and times are as follows though start times could vary if special meetings are scheduled for Councillors in advance of regular meetings:
Wilmot Township Council, 60 Snyder's Road, West, Baden
Monday, June 10 @ 6:30 pm
Monday, June 24 @ 6:30 pm
Monday, July 29, @ 6:30 pm
Region of Waterloo Council, 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener
Wednesday, June 19 @ 6:30 pm
Wednesday, August 28 @ 6:30 pm
Please join these small rallies and speak up. Learn more and watch for updates at:
Township of Wilmot Council Meeting
Also at Monday’s Wilmot Township council meeting, local farmer Stewart Snyder who is facing expropriation sought to discuss the controversial land assembly. Although initially allowed to speak, Stewart was directed to stick to the agenda topic concerning a bylaw on contaminated soil. Snyder questioned how he could address the land assembly issue formally with the council when he has been denied the opportunity to address Council for almost three months. Mayor Natasha Salonen instructed him to contact the Region of Waterloo, so Stewart highlighted the disconnect between local politicians and their constituents, reflecting broader concerns about democratic engagement.
We continue to state that the Township of Wilmot must represent their residents and the many concerns in our community by stating to Regional Council that we are unwilling to host this mega-industrial site. Should Wilmot Council vote against this proposed development it would make it very difficult for the Region to force it on an unwilling municipality.
The Fight For Farmland Group remains strong in trying to open communication and find a way to delegate to our Township councillors and urge them to speak up to the Region with our concerns. It is imperative that our voices are heard, as we are the community citizens they are elected to serve. We aim to ensure that our concerns and perspectives are acknowledged and addressed, fostering a more transparent and responsive local government.
More on Stewart Snyder's delegation and why can’t he speak to his elected representatives:
Upcoming Townhall Meetings
The Fight For Farmland Group is actively working on a series of Townhall Meetings later in June to present what we have been able to learn to date and seek answers on behalf of the community regarding the impact of the proposed industrial site. We are particularly concerned about the potential dangers to our environment, our community, and prime agricultural lands. Our goal is to share information and facilitate a community discussion. We hope that you will be able to attend, so please stay tuned for further updates, dates and locations.
In the media
Waterloo Region Council Chair Karen Redman mentioned the land acquisition during this year's Regional State of the Union presentation and Don Iverson, the former Mayor of Edmonton shared concerns about the impact that Bill 185 could have if the provincial government forces the removal of Regional Planning Authority from Waterloo Region as happened in Alberta 20 years ago with disastrous results. We need to have a strong Regional Official Plan clearly laying out growth and development for the coming decades with strong public engagement, public support, and collaboration between municipalities – not unplanned, chaotic development of every municipality seeking as much growth as possible at any cost and no co-ordination as it appears is about to unfold in the weeks and months ahead.
Woolwich Observer - Wilmot Land Grab Indicative Of Policies Of Growth Over People: https://www.observerxtra.com/wilmot-land-grab-indicative-of-polices-of-growth-over-people/
Lawn Signs - Fight For Farmland
Another 200 new signs of the original black & white design have just arrived from the printers. There are now over 2,500 signs up in our communities and demand continues to be strong! Order yours online, pick them up from local Sign Captains throughout Waterloo Region, and learn more at:
Please continue to speak up and show firsthand that we are unwilling!