October 25 - Community Update
Region of Waterloo Council Meeting October 23rd
Wednesday’s council meeting once again featured dozens of protesters with banners and signs, and multiple delegations addressing the Wilmot Land Assembly, with many residents voicing their concerns, particularly around water issues and the non-disclosure agreement (NDA). It was incredible to see the gallery packed with over 100 supporters, proudly wearing t-shirts and stickers in solidarity—thank you all for showing up. Your support is making a real impact.
Among the delegations was Ian McLean, President/CEO of the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce (GKWCC), who, as expected, opposed our position, repeating the familiar arguments of "jobs, jobs, jobs," speculating that companies like Toyota might require the site, and lamenting the loss of businesses like Schneiders due to a supposed lack of land. However, it was refreshing to hear Councillor Rob Deutschmann challenge Ian’s claims, particularly the speculation about Toyota and the auto industry’s need for this mega-site. Deutschmann also set the record straight on Schneiders, explaining that the company didn’t relocate out of the Region due to a shortage of land, but rather because of water issues and needed synergies with other facilities. He further noted that the site Schneiders ultimately chose was only 48 acres—a fraction of the size of a "mega-site."
The final delegation of the evening, representing the Fight for Farmland Group, was Kevin Thomason. Kevin delivered an outstanding presentation, laying out the facts: that there is no shortage of industrial land in the Region. He provided historical context on the available industrial lands and highlighted how the Regional Official Plan already includes a comprehensive blueprint for responsible industrial growth and job creation—without the need for this unnecessary mega-site.
Watch the Council Meeting:
Delegations starting at ~ 50:00 including Dr,. Dalinda Reese and Dr. Gregory Michalenko
Kevin Thomason at ~ 1:47:00
While the delegation presentations happened at the start of the Council meeting, dozens of supporters stayed for hours until the Wilmot Land Assembly Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) and Shredding Of The Corn Report came forward as one of the last agenda items of the night. Regional Chair Karen Redman unfortunately reported that this unprecedented NDA had been discussed earlier in a Closed Meeting and that Regional Legal Counsel had determined that the NDA was still valid and in-force despite the province breaching it on numerous occasions as Cabinet Ministers have released details about the land assembly.
Councillor Rob Deutschmann was asked by the Regional Chair to withdraw his motion regarding the NDA and seeking additional details on the Shredding Of The Corn Report which he then withdrew. Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen who seconded the original motion on the NDA also agreed to the withdrawal, so once again we are left in the dark with more Closed Meetings held in secret and no answers to so many questions about this very concerning proposed mega-industrial site.
Watch the NDA and Shredding Of The Corn discussion at the 3:02:30 mark
Wilmot Land Assembly in the Ontario Legislature
Catherine Fife, one of the most vocal NDP MPPs speaking out against the Wilmot Land Assembly at Queen’s Park, intensely questioned the Premier and Cabinet Ministers during the first Question Period following the Legislature's record-breaking five-month recess. Watch these compelling video clips from the Legislature:
On Monday, MPP Catherine Fife also introduced a motion in the Finance and Public Works Standing Committee, calling for a vote on whether the Auditor General should investigate the proposed appropriation of farmland in Wilmot. Not surprisingly, the PC MPPs used their majority to vote against the investigation. While the Auditor General ultimately decides whether to proceed with such inquiries, this vote raises concerns about potential secrets they may want to keep hidden and highlights a lack of commitment to transparency with the public.
For further details, see the following news coverage:
Upcoming Events
LWIFF and Fight For Farmland Film Night - Rebels With A Cause – How a battle over land changed the landscape forever- A DOCUMENTARY by NANCY KELLY and KENJI YAMAMOTO
Will be playing at at the Princess Twin Cinema on October 28th from 7-9pm. This is a free film night hosted by the Laurier Wellbeing Film Forum (LWIFF) to learn about and discuss the proposed industrial development of Wilmot Township and explore what it would mean for the future of the Waterloo Region.
Advance registration for this free screening is required to guarantee entrance and tickets are going fast with only a few left. Please sign up for free at:
Musician Steve Todd is going to play “770 Acres” and other songs he’s written about the Wilmot Land Assembly in advance of the movie so come a bit early. Craig Norris of The Morning Edition on the CBC did a great interview with LWIFF organizers on Thursday morning about the Fight For Farmland and this film and you can hear
Potential Water and Aquifer Impacts of the Wilmot Land Assembly
Former Record environmental reporter Bob Burtt has written an insightful article on the potential impacts the Wilmot Land Assembly could have on local water resources and aquifers. You can read the article here:
Thank you, as always, for your unwavering support. Together, we are making a real impact on the future of Wilmot. Let’s keep standing strong—we are NOT a willing host!