September 8 - Community Update
Protest Rally at Wilmot Township Council Meeting
On Monday, August 26th, the Fight for Farmland Group held a protest gathering over 300 people at the Castle Kilbride parking lot in Baden to demonstrate strong opposition to the proposed mega-industrial land assembly and make it clear that our community is NOT a willing host.
The event featured several speakers, including local farmers, the president of the National Farmers Union, and prominent voices such as Green Party leader Mike Schreiner and deputy leader Aislinn Clancy. Local musician Punkeydoodles Steve also performed, captivating the crowd with songs, including his latest release, "770 Acres."
We will continue to demand that Wilmot Township declare it is an unwilling host and urge you to join us to rally at upcoming Wilmot Council meetings including this coming Monday, Sept 9th at 6:30pm.
Unprecedented 1km Long Tractor Convoy and Huge Protest at Region of Waterloo Council Meeting
On Wednesday, August 28, more than 500 protestors gathered outside the Regional Headquarters, where prominent politicians and community leaders delivered speeches. Speakers expressed outrage over the government’s secretive processes and lack of information about this massive development, which has left farmers and residents in the dark. They highlighted the devastating impact the development could have on agriculture and the quality of life across Wilmot Township. The demonstration included speeches from Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner, NDP MPP Catherine Fife, a statement from Liberal Ag Critic Ted Hsu, and really impactful stories from local farmers. Live music from local artist PunkeyDoodles Steve energized the crowd, including his hit song "770 Acres" about the destruction of local farmland.
Accompanying the protest was a massive convoy of over 1km-long, consisting of dozens of tractors driven by frustrated farmers determined to deliver a strong message to Regional Councillors and Mayors at the Region of Waterloo Headquarters on Frederick Street in downtown Kitchener. The impressive convoy traveled 27 km starting from the proposed industrial site near New Hamburg, with supporters lining the route to cheer on the farmers. Many thanks to Regional police who facilitated the convoy by controlling traffic to ensure a smooth journey on the two-hour journey into the city.
Among the protestors was Wilmot resident Rory Farnham, who attended with his 8-year-old son. "We are deeply concerned about this unplanned development so far from the cities. It will harm so many farms and destroy the quality of life in Wilmot Township and beyond," Farnham said.
Inside the packed and overflowing Council Chambers, Council members heard from several delegations urging them to provide transparency and, above all, to resist blindly following the province's demands without adhering to proper planning. Mark Reusser of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture encouraged the council to lead, seek innovative solutions that avoid the destruction of prime farmland, and restart the process with proper procedures in place while others called for a halt to the project and a more transparent planning process.
This unprecedented tractor convoy, huge protest, and record Council audience demonstrated firsthand the widespread frustration over the lack of transparency, lack of information, lack of proper process, and not even a single public meeting regarding the development. For six months, local farmers and homeowners have been pressured to sell their land or face expropriation, with limited communication and considerable confusion from local, regional, and provincial governments.
THANK YOU ALL - Thank you to everyone who came out with their signs, voices, and passion to join us in protest! Your presence made a powerful statement. A special thank you to those who bravely stood up and spoke, sharing your thoughts and concerns, and to all the farmers who drove their tractors in the convoy—it was all an incredible sight to behold!
We also want to acknowledge the incredible team who helped organize these events. Your hard work and dedication made it possible for us to stand together and send a strong message. Lastly, thank you to the Waterloo Regional Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, and Regional Security Guards for ensuring that our convoy and protests were carried out safely.
Donations to the Wilmot Family Resource Centre
At our recent protests, we are proud and grateful to have collected over 200lbs of food for the Wilmot Family Resource Centre. This incredible achievement wouldn't have been possible without your generous support. Collecting 200lbs—especially considering most of it was light and bulky cereal in symbolic recognition of the destroyed corn crop—is no small feat! A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. Your donations are sending a message and making a difference during this time of heightened food insecurity in our community.
Upcoming Events
Please join the Fight for Farmland Group at these upcoming events. It is important that we continue to keep the pressure on our councils and stay strong together!
Wilmot Township Council Meeting: September 9, 2024 – Rally at 6:30pm, Council Meeting at 7:00 pm – where we will have speakers for the first time on the agenda at Castle Killbride - 60 Snyder's Rd W, Baden, ON N3A 1A1
Bring your signs, your friends and family, to show we are unwilling outside and then join inside for the first part of the meeting to support our speakers. Please note there is construction going on Snyders road at the front entrance to the facility and there will be a temporary entrance off Livingston Blvd at the rear.
Region of Waterloo Council Meeting: Wednesday, September 25, 2024 @ 7:00 PM – Mark your calendars and join us to keep the pressure on Regional Councillors and Mayors
New Hamburg Fall Fair: September 12 – 15 – Fight For Farmland will have a booth at the Fair drop by to sign petitions, get more lawn signs and show your support.
In the media
Massive protest planned in Wilmot over land assembly
CBC News video coverage of protest
Wilmot farmers take tractor protest to Waterloo Regional Council
The Record: Tractor convoy protests Wilmot Land Assembly
Tractor convoy protest from New Hamburg to Kitchener
CBC News: Dozens of tractors roll into Kitchener to protest farmland deal
The Record: Fight for Farmland rally sends message to Wilmot Township
Protestors unwilling to go along with Wilmot farmland sale
Wilmot farmers’ FOI requests denied again, new rallies planned
Fight for Farmland rebuffed by Region of Waterloo
Please continue to speak up and show that we are unwilling!