Protect our Farmland
In the
past couple of weeks, it has come to light that Wilmot Township, the Region of
Waterloo, the provincial government (through the provincial agency, the Ontario
Realty Corporation) are threatening farmers and landowners of 770 acres of
prime farmland with expropriation should they refuse to sell their land for a
manufacturing mega-site. Convertingprime agricultural land into a “mega-site” for
an unspecified manufacturing operation is a mega- mistake. For
the agri-food sector to remain a critical economic driver in the province we
must prioritize the protection of farmland alongside sustainable, transparent
land-use decision making processes.
When we came together to protest against the Greenbelt Grab, we won. Concerned farmers and residents of Wilmot Township & Waterloo Region need to join together to say no to industrial development on farmland.
Follow the links below to learn more.
*We're not fond of the "freedom" language... but this is the easiest action
Write a letter to politicians**
**We wrote a template posted below - feel free to copy & adapt
Show up for the Townhall Meeting when announced on the Fight For Farmland website
*THIS DRAWS VERY HEAVILY ON THE NATIONAL FARMERS UNION PRESS RELEASE TEXT*
Find local councilor and MP contact list HERE
Converting 770 acres of prime agricultural land in Wilmot Township for an unspecified manufacturing operation is a mistake that needs to be reconsidered. The forcible and undemocratic acquisition of this land will have profound implications for Ontario’s food security and for land use planning across the province.
These acres are home to vegetable, grain, and dairy operations as well as two significant creeks that flow into the Nith river. Why is this industrial site being built on prime farmland rather than reclaimed aggregate sites, grey field, brownfield, or other already compromised locations that abound in the Region and Township?
“Just like the recent failed Greenbelt Grab, short-sighted decision-making is taking precedence over sustainable development,” says Max Hansgen, NFU-O President. The complete lack of public consultation and transparency in this process clearly shows that land use decision-making in the province still has not incorporated the lessons from popular opposition to Bill 23 and Bill 97. Ontarians agree that industrial development does not belong on farmland.”
As a decision maker and leader in Waterloo Region, I call on you to follow the Provincial Policy Statement, 2020 that maintains that all prime agricultural land be reserved for farming, not development. It is unconscionable to permanently pave over this land for a short-term development payout when more suitable, non-arable land exists for industrial mega-sites.
Given that there are two creeks on the land proposed for development and that underground aquifers account for 80% of the region’s water supply, I am frustrated that the Township has yet to solicit the expertise of the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA). I call on the Township to immediately invite the GRCA to survey and report to the public on the potential impact this development will have on water and ecological health. Speeding up development assessment processes and disregarding the precautionary principle could result in major public health concerns.
Expropriation of farmland leaves all farmers in Wilmot Township and the Region of Waterloo feeling vulnerable. For the agri-food sector to remain a critical economic driver in the province we must prioritize the protection of farmland alongside sustainable, transparent land-use decision making processes. The constant weakening of environmental, agricultural, and democratic protection for the benefit of fast-tracking development is to the detriment of all Ontarians.
Farmers and the public deserve and expect better. I join the many other voices in our Region calling for an immediate pause of land expropriation in Wilmot Township.
Sincerely,
Angie Koch
*don't forget to add your address, so they know if you are a constituent
226-747-2552
Fertile Ground Farm is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit.