Local group calls on Wilmot council to approve Schneider Land donation

Wilmot Township is facing some backlash for its decision to impose a parking lot request for lands being donated by a local family.

The Schneider family has been trying to donate over 230 acres of land for the last four years to rare Charitable Research Reserve. In order for that to be processed, the Township has required a parking lot to be installed.

Dorothy Wilson of Nith Valley EcoBoosters said her organization is anxious for the severance to go through so the land can be protected.

“We would like this matter to be settled, and some kind of solution be arrived at that’s acceptable to both the township and the Schneider family,” said Wilson.

In their Jan. 23 letter to the council, the EcoBoosters noted the lands are ecologically important to local plant and animal life. They say the lands are designated as an Environmentally Sensitive Landscape.

Other correspondents to the council have called for the parking lot requirement to be removed completely.

“I strongly recommend that Wilmot Council remove the parking lot requirement and approve the severance application as soon as possible,” said Andrew Wilson in a letter addressed to the council.

The township has cited liability and insurance concerns for the parking lot request.

Wilmot Council will meet at 7 p.m. on Monday where correspondents will be introduced.