‘Majority’ of Wilmot residents show strong opposition to farmland expropriation for industrial development

Fight For Farmland protest outside Wilmot Township's council meeting on Aug. 26, 2024. (Colton Wiens/CTV News)

A recent poll conducted by Pallas Data between Jan. 30 and 31, reveals overwhelming opposition among Wilmot residents to expropriation of 770 acres of farmland for a mega-industrial site. The data comes as concerns continue to swirl around the Region of Waterloo’s plan to assemble a large parcel of land for potential future developments. Community members have repeatedly spoken out against the process, citing worries about the loss of agricultural land, any potential environmental impact and a perceived lack of transparency.

During previous interviews with CTV News Kitchener, Regional Chair Karen Redman confirmed the region is trying to buy some of the land, however she added although expropriation is a tool the region can use, it is not a tool they want to use.

Despite her assertions, some community members are worried about the threat of potential expropriation.

According to the poll:

• A majority of Wilmot residents who participated in the survey strongly agree that Wilmot Council should oppose farmland expropriation
• Respondents were three times more likely to vote against councillors who support the proposal in the next municipal election
• Only 12% of respondents believe the government has adequately consulted the public
• Nearly six in ten respondents in the Kitchener-Conestoga riding think elected officials should be allowed to discuss the issue publicly, rather than be bound by non-disclosure agreements

Community concerns and political impact

The Region of Waterloo has been working with the provincial government to acquire properties to turn into a shovel-ready site. Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, previously confirmed the province is involved in the process by providing necessary funding. But he also said: “It’s up to the local municipality, in this case the region, to do the ground game. Period.”

Critics have accused the region and the provincial government of engaging in a secretive process. The region has said it is limited in what it can disclose due to non-disclosure agreements.

So far, there is no known tenant for the proposed land.

“The findings underscore widespread concerns about transparency, environmental impact, the loss of agricultural land and the serious erosion of local democracy,” John Jordan of Wilmot Civic Action Network (WilmotCAN) said in a media release.

Stephen Palmateer of WilmotCAN warned of political consequences.

“There will be political repercussions for Mayor Salonen and Wilmot councillors in the next municipal election if they ignore their constituents’ clear stance. This polling confirms what everyone already knew - Wilmot is an unwilling host for this unprecedented industrial mega-site.”

Dr. Joseph Angolano of Pallas Data described the results as decisive, noting opposition to the expropriation outnumbers support by as much as three to one in some cases, and nearly six to one on the issue of public consultation.

Calls for action

In response to the findings, WilmotCAN is urging:

• Wilmot Council declare the township is not a willing host for the project
• Politicians engage in open discussions rather than avoiding public debate
• The Ontario government cancel funding for the proposed expropriation
• Expansion of the Greenbelt to protect farmland in the Waterloo region

A public information session will be held on Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. at Zion United Church in New Hamburg to discuss the polling results and potential legal options.