July 24 - Community Update
Response to the Region of Waterloo’s Press Conference
Last week the Region of Waterloo held a press conference announcing that they had acquired one-third of the 770-acre parcel intended for a new mega-industrial site. However, we believe this claim is misleading and contrary to the Region’s assertion, the actual percentage of land acquired is only 21.7% - leaving almost 80% still to be acquired.
The families who recently sold their properties had personal reasons for their decisions and were not part of the core group of farmers and residents opposed to this project. The remaining farmers and residents, represented by the Fight for Farmland Group, remain resolute in their commitment to preserve their land. Stewart Snyder, one of the farmers in the group, has repeatedly publicly stated, “My farm is NOT for sale.” This firm stance highlights the failure of the Region’s strategy to divide and conquer the landowners. The remaining farms are lined with large signs, banners, and billboards that state “We are NOT a willing host” and “Save our farmland”.
Council Chair Karen Redman was quoted trying to draw a parallel from the mega-site to the Light Rail Transit (LRT) system. During the LRT planning process, the community was assured that investments like the LRT would support urban growth and prevent sprawl past the Countryside Line. The LRT was sold to us as a visionary project to enhance urban areas while preserving rural farmland. Now we are confronted with a plan to shift significant industry, growth, and development far into the countryside that undermines these very goals. The Region even spoke of potentially very expensive new pipelines apparently transferring wastewater and sewage between municipalities in ways that have never had previous discussion or study. It is extremely troubling to see the Region going in such a new strategic and growth direction in the face of so much public opposition and so contrary to extensive previous planning focused on sustainability, farmland preservation, and growing within our existing communities that have been so successful.
The Fight for Farmland Group has issued a Press Release with more a more detailed response. You can read more about it here:
READ PRESS RELEASE
We are determined to get answers and ensure that this mega-industrial site and accompanying development is relocated where there are far fewer negative impacts. We continue to demand a full costing, proper studies, a comprehensive Environmental Assessment, and public meetings.
We will continue to speak up, rally, protest, write, call, e-mail, and do everything possible to show that our community is unwilling to see our farmland and township as we know it destroyed and local farmers pushed off some of the best prime farmland in Canada for an unknown mega-industrial development for a company that doesn’t even exist yet and may never come.
Wilmot Township Council Meeting This Coming Monday
Here’s your chance to participate firsthand. Wilmot is about to host it’s mid-summer Council meeting and we have an opportunity to build on the strong presence we have had protesting outside earlier Council meetings. Please join us this Monday for a demonstration. Bring your signs and your t-shirts. Let’s continue to show we are UNWILLING HOSTS!
Wilmot Township Council: 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden -
Monday, July 29, 5:30 pm (council meets at 7:00 pm)
Region of Waterloo Council: 150 Frederick Street, Kitchener
- Wednesday, August 28, 6:30 pm
If you are interested in speaking as a delegation at a council meeting, please email us at wilmotlandowners@gmail.com.
How Stratford Fought a Similar Battle and Won An Article By Luisa D’Amato
While most of us were in COVID-19 lockdowns during 2020 and 2021, Stratford was grappling with a political fight over a Chinese company looking to locate a large float glass factory on the West side of Stratford. Today, this situation mirrors the current crisis in Wilmot.
In both cases, we see agricultural land being converted for industrial use after only secret and closed-door meetings, citizens accusing the government of bypassing proper public consultation processes, and widespread concerns about environmental and social impacts. Community groups like Fight For Farmland in Waterloo Region and Get Concerned Stratford in Stratford have mobilized opposition to these plans.
Not only were Stratford citizens successful in stopping the Xinyi Glass factory, but most elected officials were turfed in the following elections, municipal staff were found to have acted improperly, and even professional planning consultants have faced disciplinary actions from their governing body over improper procedures.
Although the specific situations differ, this local example offers valuable lessons for addressing our present challenges and shows firsthand the power of citizens working together for the benefit of their community.
In The Media
This week, the proposed mega-industrial project in Wilmot has received significant media coverage. Here are some of the key articles from the past week:
Mystery Mega-Project: Waterloo Refuses to Release Documents - National Observer
Regional Chair’s Approach to Wilmot Land Process Contrasts with My Own - The Record
Wilmot Land Assembly Fighter Feels Opponents Being Pushed into a Legal Battle - The Record
Nearly One-Third of Land Purchased in Wilmot Land Project - Cambridge Today
These articles reflect the ongoing public concern and debate surrounding the project.
A Sonnet Poem written about the Fight For Farmland by Dr. Robert Hudgins
The Struggle In Wilmot:
One wonders who it is that runs the shew
For Wilmot Township press core’s scrum.
And why are mayor and full elected crew
So sworn to keep each other oddly mum?
Those seven hundred acres of good land
Still sacred to the growth of yearly crops
Are suddenly and silently all scanned
For shovel-ready use as builders’ props.
One notes the stealth of hirelings sent to find
Some owners of land yet to be concreted.
They must be in a row and all be signed.
Suspicion re the deal has been deep-seated.
Such shifty actions show a need to stress
The welcome intervention of the press.
Stay tuned for more updates and keep showing that we are UNWILLING HOSTS!