November 9 - Community Update
Luisa D’Amato draws parallels between the $200 government cheques and the Wilmot 770 Acres in her recent opinion article
The article discusses Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s recent decision to distribute $200 cheques to taxpayers as a response to growing affordability concerns, especially rising grocery and housing costs. Critics like NDP Leader Marit Stiles and Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie argue that this move is a short-term attempt to win votes rather than address long-term affordability issues. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner also questions why wealthy individuals, like grocery tycoon Galen Weston, should receive the same relief as those facing severe financial challenges. Despite these criticisms, Ford’s approach is seen as an emotional appeal, much like his 2022 licence plate fee refunds, which helped him secure a second-term majority.
However, the article points out Ford’s administration has been controversial, especially regarding issues like attempting to open protected Greenbelt land to developers, which is now under RCMP investigation, and potentially compromising farmland and water supplies in Waterloo Region through the controversial Wilmot Land Assembly project and his intentions to remove Planning Authority from Waterloo Region.
Ultimately, Luisa states that the $200 cheques are less about financial aid and more about trying to distract from the many issues his government doesn’t want you to focus on such as our ongoing housing crisis, healthcare issues, education funding shortfalls, or the meddling in municipal decisions such as overriding our Regional Official plan to force thousands of acres of urban sprawl, removing our Countryside Line, threatening our drinking water supply, and this Wilmot industrial mega-site happening without a single public meeting on lands that are supposed to be protected from development.
In a more recent article Luisa D’Amato also talks about how the U.S. Election and Donald Trump’s recent promises could affect what’s going on in Wilmot
The election of Donald Trump as U.S. president could impact plans for the controversial Wilmot Land Assembly, a proposed industrial park on 770 acres of farmland in Wilmot Township. Trump's protectionist stance and potential changes to trade agreements like NAFTA could discourage companies from setting up manufacturing in Canada, reducing pressure on the Region of Waterloo to develop farmland for industrial purposes. This shift could temporarily ease tensions between business advocates and farmers/environmentalists, who argue that farmland should remain dedicated to food production.
Local leaders like Tony LaMantia, president of the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation, have supported the industrial park for job creation and economic growth. He previously suggested the land could host a food processing plant or an electric vehicle battery facility, given its proximity to key automotive sites. However, Trump’s policies, especially around electric vehicles, may deter companies from investing in non-U.S. sites, potentially putting the Wilmot project on hold.
For now, Trump's victory adds uncertainty, with some viewing it as a potential reprieve for farmers resisting development. However, economic leaders maintain that a large industrial site is still essential for Waterloo Region's growth, though its immediate future remains uncertain.
LWIFF and Fight For Farmland Film Night - Rebels With A Cause: How a Battle Over Land Changed the Landscape Forever
On October 28, the Princess Cinema hosted a sold-out screening of Rebels With A Cause, a documentary by Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto, as part of the Laurier Wellbeing In Film Forum (LWIFF). The evening began with live music from Steve Todd, who performed his song “770 Acres” to set the stage for an engaging community discussion after the film. Kevin Thomason and Stewart Snyder got the chance to speak to the crowd on behalf of Fight for Farmland and answer discussion questions. Rebels With A Cause offered inspiring insights into how citizen groups fought for years to protect Northern California’s farms and natural areas, sparking thoughtful questions and ideas from the audience.
WATCH REBELS WITH A CAUSE ON PBS
Wilmot Land Assembly Gets Its Own Documentary - Thom Varey, a renowned Canadian film-maker has been in Wilmot and working over the past two weeks to interview and film the Wilmot Land Assembly to create online materials and perhaps even a short documentary about the situation unfolding Wilmot as democracy and all previous planning is being overridden against considerable public concern and pushback without even a single public meeting. This production could really help raise awareness and reach additional audiences.
Thanks to Kathy and John Jordan for organizing this initiative including full days of leading all the interviews and co-ordinating the production crew. There are costs of a few thousand dollars being incurred to rent professional filming gear, etc. and how much can be edited together into some sort of documentary may depend on resources. If you can help donate to assist with this production please e-mail or e-transfer to john@johnjordan.ca.
Upcoming Events
Region of Waterloo Council Meeting: 150 Fredrick Street East, Kitchener - Wednesday, November 20th - 6:30pm Rally & Protest, Council Meeting starts at 7:00pm
Join us at the Region of Waterloo Council meeting and continue to show them we are unwilling hosts!
At the last council meeting, Regional Chair Karen Redman reported that the unprecedented Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) surrounding the Wilmot Land Assembly had been discussed earlier in a Closed Meeting. Despite provincial Cabinet Ministers publicly sharing details, Regional Legal Counsel has deemed the NDA still valid and in force.
Councillor Rob Deutschmann, who had moved to seek further transparency on the NDA and the Shredding of the Corn Staff Report, was asked by the Regional Chair to withdraw his motion, which he did. Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen, who had seconded the motion, also agreed to the withdrawal. Once again, the public is left in the dark, with no questions answered and critical decisions being made behind closed doors about this concerning mega-industrial site.
Please keep writing and calling elected officials to show that we demand transparency and answers on the Wilmot mega-industrial development.
Friends of Fight For Farmland Instagram
Erin & Lilly, two high school students with a deep passion for agriculture and respect for hardworking farmers, started an Instagram account to engage their peers on the critical issues facing Wilmot. With the potential loss of 770 acres of prime farmland at stake, they’re committed to keeping the community updated on events and news in support of the Fight for Farmland group!
Follow them @friendsoffight4farmland for event reminders, updates, and insights into why Gen Z and Millennials must stand up and stop this mega-industrial site, which could shape our township for decades to come
Thank you all for your continued support! Please keep reaching out to provincial MPPs, Wilmot Councillors and Regional Councillors, reminding them that what’s happening in Wilmot is wrong and that the public demands transparency and a better plan. Together, let’s make it clear: WE ARE UNWILLING HOSTS!