Kitchener industrial site gets go-ahead from council

Delegates passionately pleaded with Kitchener council to reconsider a proposed development near the Huron Natural Area. CTV’s Spencer Turcotte explains.

Kitchener council has endorsed a plan to build an industrial site next to the Huron Natural Area, despite some vocal opposition from neighbours.

“Disappointment, but not surprising,” said Ray Angod, a member of Protect Huron Natural Area, a group that opposed the plan.

More than 20 delegates addressed councillors at Monday night’s meeting.

“C’mon Kitchener,” Dianne Rath said. “You can’t tout the praises of Huron in your literature, websites and social media as a natural area of significance unless you’re doing your absolute best to protect it. Nature deserves better.”

“Industrial development on the site of interest eliminates the immersive experience,” said an emotional Natalie Wennyk. “I believe this is not a decision to make today.”

The Huron Natural Area is bordered by Trillium Drive, Strasburg Road and Huron Road. It is described as one of the city’s largest natural spaces with more than 250 acres of protected forest and wetland, as well as a natural playground, hiking trails and lookout areas.

The city decided to sell the land next to the Huron Natural Area in 2018. The property sold in 2022 and it is currently zoned for industrial use.

“This private land owner already has the necessary designation of usage on this parcel to proceed forward with a manufacturing development,” said Paul Singh, Ward 6 councillor.

In fact, it’s been zoned industrial since the 1980s and Ward 1 Councillor Scott Davey underscored the point that Gateman-Milloy, the Kitchener-based developer, didn’t have to engage in public consultation.

“[They] could have went ahead and built a giant Amazon-style warehouse at any time without talking to city council, without talking to the public and getting their input,” said Davey.

But Gateman-Milloy proposed an industrial park on the property with 10 buildings, which is what gave councillors a say, since they wished to divide the space up. The plan also includes a created habitat, buffer and wetland adjacent to the Huron Natural Area, along with several acres of land conveyed back to the city.

It’s part of the reason why councillors were hesitant to shut the plan down.

“We might not have gotten those 12 acres of new, open-land park space donated to the city if they didn’t go through this process,” said Davey. “It’s been twisted into some sort of belief that we’re actually going to be risking or damaging this area, which could not be further from the truth.”

“It is a tactic I’ve seen in the past. You know, if you look at the worst case scenario [and point out] this is the worse thing that could have happened,” said former city councillor Yvonne Fernandes, who also supported the group Protect Huron Natural Area.

Delegates raised several concerns about the project at Monday’s council meeting. One was the environmental impact study, which they said contained discrepancies that needed clarification. Some suggested the city should buy back the land. The opponents all agreed the city should defer making a final decision.

“We have so many vacant industrial spaces throughout Kitchener already, especially in the area. So what are we really adding to the community?” said Angod.

Councillors said their hands were tied.

“We don’t own this land anymore,” said Ward 3 Councillor Jason Deneault. “If the owner wanted to develop, as we’ve heard many times tonight … No extra protections would be in the mix, and the footprint would remain the same.”

The project got the green light during the committee phase last month, but needed council’s approval to move forward.

The final vote was 8-2. The two members who opposed the plan were Ward 5 Councillor Ayo Owodunni and Ward 9 Councillor Debbie Chapman.

“I think there are enough voices that have come forward to impress upon us their concerns and their assessment of what’s going on here,” Chapman told council. “As an elected official, I will honour those positions.”

Mayor Berry Vrbanovic, who voted in favor of the proposal, promised the city would continue to protect the Huron Natural Area.

Fernandes and Angod are two of the many Kitchener residents who are dedicated to making sure the city stays true to that promise.

“We will be watching with lots of people on-site to see what the next steps are,” said Fernandes. “And I think we’re going to investigate what other avenues we have.”

- With reporting by Krista Simpson