Opposition to Waterloo Region’s Wilmot land grab, growing

A local faith based environmental advocacy group is adding its voice in opposition to Waterloo Region’s land acquisition plans in Wilmot Township.

The Region is looking to acquire 770 acres of prime farm land for future development. The area in question is between Wilmot Centre Road, Bleams Road and Nafzinger Road.

Faith Climate Action Waterloo Region has been a long time supporter of the Region’s green initiatives. Members campaigned in support of the Transform WR Climate Action Strategy and the Waterloo Region Official Plan.

“To make a move like this, which is largely counter to all those commitments, is really concerning.” said Kai Reimer-Watts while speaking on The Mike Farwell Show.

“It betrays trust that we have worked hard to build up.”

The group said it has been hearing from people across the region who are concerned about the environmental and food production impact. But also what this process says about the state of regional governance.

“It’s not just a few farmers and rural people that are concerned about this move,” said group member Peggy Nickels, “it’s many people across the region including people of faith, people from a diversity of communities who may not share a religious faith but faith that their governments will stand for what they say they stand for.”

The Region has told land owners, some who’ve owned their properties for generations, it will expropriate the lands if they choose not to sell.

Provincial NDP Leader Marit Stiles is hosting a town hall on Friday, April 19 at the Wilmot Recreation Complex starting at 5:00 p.m.