Overview
On May 23, a protest against the expropriation of farmland in Wilmot Township took place in front of Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris’ office in Elmira. The protest aimed to draw attention to the concerns of local farmers and landowners regarding the potential expropriation of their lands. Despite the efforts to engage in dialogue with MPP Harris, the office was closed for the day, leaving the protesters without a direct response.
Protest Details
Around 30 to 40 individuals gathered at 63 Arthur St. S. Unit 3, armed with signs and a collective voice to support the preservation of farmland. The event saw a significant show of support from passing vehicles, indicating broader community backing for the cause. Organizer Judy Brown highlighted previous attempts to communicate with MPP Harris, which had not yielded a substantial dialogue or response.
MPP Harris’ Response
In response to the protest, MPP Harris acknowledged the active engagement of Wilmot’s residents and their efforts to bring their concerns to his attention. He noted that the matter primarily falls under the jurisdiction of the Region of Waterloo and that his office had sought further details to better address the concerns. Harris expressed hope for a constructive dialogue between the parties and the Region to collectively address and move forward on the issue.
The Controversy Surrounding Land Assembly
MPP Harris described the land assembly in Wilmot as a strategic initiative with significant potential for economic opportunities in the region. He emphasized the importance of not overlooking opportunities that could generate employment, citing the suitability of the assembled land for various industrial uses, including a battery assembly plant, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and data storage manufacturing.
Community Support and Opposition
The protest and the broader movement against the expropriation have garnered substantial support, as evidenced by nearly 35,000 signatures on an online petition and over 2,000 support signs sold through the campaign’s website. Despite the uncertainty of Harris’ presence at his office during the protest, organizers were confident their message would be conveyed. The community’s stance is clear: while not opposed to industry and job creation, there is a strong desire for development plans to align with official regional plans and to protect class A-1 farmland.
Silence from Wilmot Township Councillors
Wilmot Township councillors have remained silent on the issue, bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This has added to the frustration and concern among the community members, who seek open dialogue and transparency regarding the future of their farmland and community.