Protesters rally outside Ford Fest in Kitchener

Protesters rallied outside Ford Fest at Bingemans in Kitchener on Sept. 8, 2023.

By CityNews Kitchener Staff

Posted Sep 8, 2023 06:09:11 PM.

Last Updated Sep 9, 2023 08:44:22 AM.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford brought his Ford Fest BBQ tour to Kitchener and while his visit attracted many supporters, protesters also rallied to greet him.

Local environmental, community and labour groups coordinated to stage a rally to coincide with Ford’s scheduled appearance on Friday afternoon.

The protesters lined Bingemans Centre Drive with many chanting the words ‘Enough is Enough’ and plenty of the signs being carried referred to the Greenbelt development scandal.

Protesters and speakers take over the Bingemans entrance to protest Doug Ford before he arrives for Ford Fest @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/I3Fnym828P

— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) September 8, 2023

The rally was planned in the wake of two scathing reports from the auditor general and the integrity commissioner, and occurred less than a week after the resignation of former housing minister Steve Clark.

Ontario Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner also joined the protesters.

“This is what democracy looks like, and people are going to continue to fight until this Premier keeps his promise to keep his hands off the Greenbelt,” he said.

The crowd of protesters grows larger and louder in front of Bingemans as the Premier kicks off Ford Fest just a few feet away @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/vMcAs28Zit

— Brandon Maher (@BrandonCityNews) September 8, 2023

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife, who is a member of Ontario’s New Democratic Party, was also in attendance.

“We have called for an immediate return of the legislature to return the stolen lands back into the Greenbelt,” she said. “We are not going to let up at all, we are going to stand firm against this government.”

At Ford Fest, supporters gathered to hear from Ford who touted Ontario’s work in building housing.

“We are setting up this community for success, our PC is team at Queen’s Park is working to deliver for you and Ontario,” Ford said. “That means building and building homes. Building homes for the young people, building homes for your kids, building homes for your grandchildren.”