The Threat to a Family Legacy
In the quiet expanse of Wilmot Township, a generational farm faces a potential upheaval. Mountainoak Cheese, a cherished family-run dairy farm, finds itself in the crosshairs of a proposed land assembly by the Region of Waterloo, which could significantly reshape its future.
Founded in 1996 by Adam Van Bergeijk after relocating from Holland to Ontario, Mountainoak Cheese is not just a business but a family heritage. Adam, alongside his family, transformed their initial 200 acres and a herd of just over 100 cows into a thriving operation milking more than 250 cows on 700 acres. The farm, which has expanded through the years under the stewardship of Adam’s sons, embodies the essence of family farming, with dreams of passing the legacy down through generations.
A Disconcerting Proposal
The tranquility of this family enterprise was disrupted in March when representatives from the Region approached the Van Bergeijks with a proposal to purchase land as part of a larger, undisclosed investment project. The lands under consideration stretch across crucial areas between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road, and Wilmot Centre Road, encompassing parts of the farm that are integral to its operations.
“The offer they made did not reflect the true value of our land,” stated Arjo Van Bergeijk, Adam’s son and the current operator of Mountainoak Cheese. He further expressed concerns about the possibility of expropriation if they refuse the region’s offer, highlighting the profound impact it could have on their farming operations, particularly in terms of crop rotation and nutrient management.
An Uncertain Horizon
As spring approaches, the uncertainty looms large over the Van Bergeijk family. Despite the lack of communication from regional representatives and the looming threat to their land, the family has resolved to continue planting this season, clinging to hope that they will not be forced to forfeit their crops.
Arjo, echoing the sentiments of many in his community, voiced frustration over the non-disclosure agreements that have stifled conversation and left many landowners in the dark about the future of their properties. “It’s like planting seeds in fog, not knowing if you’ll be around to see them sprout,” he lamented.
Standing Firm in Tradition
Despite these challenges, the Van Bergeijk family remains steadfast in their commitment to their land and their way of life. Adam’s vision of a family-oriented farm thriving into the future is shared by his 12-year-old grandson Jake, who eagerly anticipates his turn to steward the land.
“We will continue to do what we do best: farming and nurturing our family,” Arjo stated with a determined calm. As negotiations continue behind closed doors, the community watches and waits, hoping that the outcome will allow the Van Bergeijk family to maintain their way of life and keep their family’s farming legacy alive.
The Region of Waterloo maintains that their goal is to reach “fair and equitable agreements with all landowners,” though details remain scant. As the Van Bergeijks and their neighbors await further developments, the resilience of this farming community serves as a poignant reminder of the human element often overshadowed in large-scale land negotiations.
