The spotlight is once again on a controversial land acquisition proposal in Wilmot Township, as Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles hosts a town hall in the community, likening the deal to the Greenbelt scandal. The event on Friday drew hundreds of attendees, some of whom couldn’t fit inside the meeting room at the Wilmot Recreation Complex and resorted to watching the proceedings from outside on their phones. This contentious issue revolves around the Region of Waterloo’s plan to acquire 770 acres of farmland spanning six farms between Wilmot Centre Road and Nafziger Road.
The region justifies its intention to purchase the tract as a move to “create shovel-ready sites to attract economic investments and create jobs.” However, property owners allege that they were given an ultimatum—if they weren’t willing to sell voluntarily, their lands would be subject to expropriation. Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles criticized this approach, labeling it as “a false choice” that disregards the lives, livelihoods, and families dependent on these lands. She pointedly accused Doug Ford’s government of making unilateral decisions without adequate consultation, a sentiment echoed by several stakeholders.
During a recent visit to Kitchener, Doug Ford commented on the proposed Wilmot acquisition as part of a broader provincial strategy aimed at preparing sites for development. While acknowledging his government’s directive to municipalities to set aside land, Ford expressed dissatisfaction with how the process is being managed. He clarified that although no specific companies have been promised the land, the government anticipates companies will invest in developing the sites.
Despite Ford’s comments, calls for greater transparency persist. Critics, including Kevin Thompson from the Grand River Environmental Network, highlight similarities with past controversies such as the Greenbelt scandal. They raise concerns about secrecy and decision-making in closed-door meetings, emphasizing the need for open dialogue and clarity in such matters.
Farmers in the affected area, such as Eva and Tim Wagler from St. Jacobs Foods, voice deep-seated apprehensions. Situated directly across from the land under scrutiny, the Waglers worry about potential impacts on their groundwater and the future viability of their business. Tim Wagler expressed concerns about the potential consequences of a major manufacturing operation on their farm’s irrigation and environmental sustainability.
The unfolding saga of the Wilmot land acquisition underscores broader issues of land use, community consultation, and economic development strategies. As stakeholders grapple with these complexities, the need for transparent and inclusive decision-making remains paramount.
