[All] Fight For Farmland Rally Follow-Up, Conestoga Meats Forest Clearcut, Greenbelt Scandal One Year Later, Zoom Meeting Today (Friday) at 5:30pm
Kevin Thomason
kevinthomason at mac.com
Fri Sep 6 11:46:31 EDT 2024
Good Day,
School is back and things are as busy as ever. Join us today (Friday) at 5:30pm to discuss the latest on the Wilmot Fight For Farmland following the huge tractorcade and protests, upcoming GRCA Meetings, Healthcare Not Highways Events, Conestoga Meats forest destruction, and more! Details are as follows:
Join us Friday September 6th at 5:30pm:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
Here’s the latest:
1) Wilmot Fight For Farmland Update - The huge tractor convoy over 1km long making the journey from the Wilmot Land Assembly site to Regional Headquarters in Downtown Kitchener continues to be the talk of the town. So many tractors in the city in rush hour traffic drew a lot of attention with live traffic reports and people gathering to watch along the route. A strong message of our concerns and unwilling communities was sent during the packed to standing-room only Regional Council meeting.
Thanks to Justus Jurica who was able to get some amazing drone video of the tractor convoy and has posted it to Youtube. Check it out at:
Drone Footage Of The Wilmot Tractor Convoy:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm8PrkLCfwE
MPP Catherine Fife also posted video and comments to social media:
Catherine Fife Rally Video and Twitter Post
https://x.com/cfifekw/status/1829201232466182509?s=61
Bob Jonkman interviewed Fight For Farmland spokesperson Alfred Lowrick on Monday on CKMS 102.7. If you missed it live catch the show on YouTube at:
CKMS 102.7 Community Connections - Alfred Lowrick - Fight For Farmland - Sept 2 2024
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj9bs9RIbeA
The show includes great music from PunkyDoodles Steve Todd
Wilmot Council Meeting, Monday September 9th - This coming Monday will be the first Wilmot Council Meeting where up to three delegations will be allowed on any topic. We have been able to get some Fight For Farmland speakers onto the agenda and encourage you to come protest/rally in advance of the Council meeting and then join inside to hear the delegations which will be right at the start of the meeting. Details are as follows:
Wilmot Township Council: 60 Snyder’s Road West, Baden - Monday, September 9th - 6:30 pm Rally & Protest, Council Meeting starts at 7:00 pm
Lawn signs - Demand for lawn signs continues to be strong with over 100 given out this past week. We have ordered more of both the colour and black & white signs. Find a Sign Captain close to you at www.fightforfarmland.com and continue to show that our communities are unwilling!
Action Required: Keep calling, writing, and speaking up to Wilmot Township Council to get them to declare that Wilmot is an Unwilling Host, as well as to Regional Council and our Provincial MPPs to get them to abandon this absurd mega-industrial sit location and undertake a proper planning process congruent with our Regional Official Plan.
2) Conestoga Meats Seeks To Clearcut Significant Forest - A decision on the expansion by Conestoga Meats near Breslau has been deferred until the end of September so that the Region of Waterloo Council can decide whether to permit the destruction of the significant 36 acres of forest on the property. There have been proposals to try to reforest other parcels and offset damages, however considerable issues remain with each alternative.
Kudos to so many people in our community speaking up with concerns. Here’s the latest media coverage:
CityNews - Plans To Clear-Cut Woodland For Breslau Meat Plant Criticized by Advocates:
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/08/30/investment-and-change-are-essential-plans-to-clear-cut-woodland-to-make-way-for-breslau-meat-plant-expansion-criticized-by-environmentalists/
The Record - “There’s So Much At Stake Here” - Future Jobs Square Off Against Environment in Breslau:
https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/there-s-much-at-stake-here-future-jobs-square-off-against-environment-in-breslau/article_5159a113-015d-5cfb-823d-425d78ba4fc7.html
Woolwich Observer - Conestoga Meats Expansion Plan Meets With Pushback:
https://www.observerxtra.com/conestoga-meats-expansion-plan-meets-with-pushback/
Luisa D’Amato has a great article comparing the Conestoga Meats Application to the 770 Acre Wilmot Land Assembly:
The Record - Regional Council Has A Clear Choice: More Jobs? Or Preserving The Environment?:
https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/regional-council-has-a-clear-choice-more-jobs-or-preserving-the-environment/article_19313469-380e-55aa-b41f-682023109ff9.html
Action Required - Please take the time to learn about this situation, join with those speaking up, and help propose solutions to protect this significant forest.
3) GRCA Strategy Public Meetings - The Grand River Conservation Authority is undertaking consultation on its Draft Conservation Strategy. Two virtual Public Information Centres will be held with pre-registration required:
a) Tuesday, September 10th at 9am - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5F2ZjcYvTQmM8lb0BL_3TQ#/registration
b) Tuesday, September 25th at 6:30pm - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pt-5FMBhT9m_wJXAzSbeZA#/registration
In case you missed it, Guelph resident Susan Watson put out a great blog on the current land disposition taking place at the GRCA:
https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/08/14/premier-fords-greenspace-carve-outs-coming-soon-to-a-conservation-area-near-you/
Action Required - Attend, learn and speak up for the future of our watershed
4) Recent Articles - Include Doug Ford trying to time the next election for his benefit, housing pledges, and record transit ridership on our iON Light Rail Transit system while the Alberta government kills another LRT line already under construction:
The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Is Trying To Beat The Clock To Survive. Premier’s Re-election Depends On Getting Ahead Of RCMP Probe Of Greenbelt Scandal:
https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-is-trying-to-beat-the-clock-what-are-the-opposition-leaders-doing-to/article_4aaebfb4-6a32-11ef-8f0c-4f502d48db45.html
The Record - - Doug Ford Is Trying To Beat The Clock To Survive. Premier’s Re-election Depends On Getting Ahead Of RCMP Probe Of Greenbelt Scandal:
https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-ford-is-trying-to-beat-the-clock-what-are-the-opposition-leaders-doing-to/article_1314ff70-8586-5403-863c-8fb493edb7ee.html
The Record - 40 Storey Tower Planned For One Of Kitchener’s Tallest Points:
https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/40-storey-tower-planned-for-one-of-kitcheners-tallest-points/article_8c844e43-f324-572b-adf7-53f7117d1c2f.html
The Record - Record Ridership To Continue On Grand River Transit In 2024:
https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/record-ridership-to-continue-on-grt-in-2024/article_342c9863-c188-57d1-9bcb-19d10a0c5f6a.html
The Tyee - UCP Reversal Kills Calgary’s New Light Rail Line:
https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2024/09/05/UCP-Flip-Flop-Kills-Calgary-Green-Line-Rail/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial
5) Public Health Care - Not Greenbelt Highways - Environmentalists and Public Health Care Advocates are joining together for a series of rallies/events in mid-September. As we know, Ontario is facing emergency room closures and shortages of nurses, family doctors and other health professionals. At the same time, our provincial government plans to spend tens of billions of dollars on two unnecessary highways through the Greenbelt.
Read more about it :
https://environmentaldefence.ca/healthcarenothighways/
While there are lots of events planned around the province, our area of Kitchener/Waterloo/Guelph is not currently represented. Anyone want to take the lead here? There will be lots of support! Contact Mike Marcolongo - mmarcolongo at environmentaldefence.ca <mailto:mmarcolongo at environmentaldefence.ca>
6) Greenbelt Scandal 1 Year Later - The Trillium has released an excellent article looking back on the clean up efforts of the provincial government over the past year following the Greenbelt reversal. It contains some great insights such as:
“Industry is complaining that it is being shut out of the decision-making process and apparently it is exceptionally harder to get a meeting with senior MMAH staff complains developer lobbyists.” Read more at:
The Trillium - With “Holy Water” and “Carte Blanche”, Paul Calandra Cleaned Up The Greenbelt Scandal, Sources Say:
https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/housing/with-holy-water-and-carte-blanche-paul-calandra-cleaned-up-the-greenbelt-scandal-sources-say-9471427
7) New PPS And Death Of The Provincial Growth Plan - We reported last week about the release of the new Provincial Planning Statement. Now as more people and groups get a chance to review what has been released we are getting a better idea of the implications and consequences. As expected it is not good as the province is further weakening farmland and natural protection that will make the housing crisis worse. Ontario Nature has issued an excellent press release with an overview of the implications of losing the Growth Plan:
Ontario Nature - Ontario Says Goodbye to the Growth Plan For The Greater Golden Horseshoe:
https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ontario-says-goodbye-to-the-growth-plan-for-the-greater-golden-horseshoe-836497361.html
And here’s an excellent Op-Ed from Phil Pothen at Environmental Defence:
Environmental Defence - Ford Caused Ontario’s Housing Shortage - Now He’s Making It Worse:
https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/08/30/opinion/ford-caused-ontarios-housing-shortage-now-hes-making-it-worse
The Provincial Growth Plan directed new growth to existing towns and cities to protect farmland and limit unaffordable urban sprawl. This plan has now been replaced by the Provincial Planning Statement. Here’s some initial analysis by the law firms most excited to see if it:
Aird Berlis - It’s Here! Ontario Releases Provincial Planning Statement:
https://www.airdberlis.com/insights/publications/publication/it-s-here!-ontario-releases-provincial-planning-statement--2024
Dentons - Ontario Government Releases Final Version Of The Provincial Planning Statement:
https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2024/august/22/ontario-government-releases-final-version-of-the-provincial
McMillan - Ontario’s Update 2024 Provincial Planning Statement Comes Into Effect October 20, 2024:
https://mcmillan.ca/insights/ontarios-updated-2024-provincial-planning-statement-comes-into-effect-october-20-2024/
Ontario Bar Association - Ontario Plans For Growth:
https://www.oba.org/Sections/Municipal-Law/Articles/Articles-2024/August-2024/Ontario-Plans-for-Growth-The-New-Provincial-Plann
8) Greenbelt Party Sept 29th - Greenbelt Promise has announced a Greenbelt fundraiser on Sunday, September 29th from 12pm to 5pm with live music, barn dancing, local food, and family activities to further protection of the Greenbelt at the Bela Farm in Hillsburgh. There’ll be amazing food, local beverages, and contra dancing!
Learn more and purchase your tickets at:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-barn-dance-at-bela-farm-tickets-970443391307
9) Other Articles - Include the government suing hospital patients, housing pledge updates, the troubling influence bad actors may have on our democracy, and a great Narwal feature on how is Doug Ford going to power Ontario after flip-flopping on renewable energy?:
The Trillium - Ontario Hospital Patient Finde $28,600 For Refusing To Go To Long-Term Care Home:
https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/health/ontario-hospital-patient-fined-28600-for-refusing-to-go-to-long-term-care-home-9472082
CityNews - Waterloo Council Well Behind On Its Housing Pledge As It Weighs Two New Projects:
https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/09/04/waterloo-council-well-behind-on-its-housing-pledge-as-it-weighs-two-new-projects/
PressProgress - Far-Right Media Outlet Linked To Secret Russian Influcence Campaign Produced 50+ Video’s Focussed On Canada:
https://pressprogress.ca/far-right-media-outlet-linked-to-secret-russian-influence-campaign-produced-50-videos-focused-on-canada/
CBC - Meet The Right-Wing Canadian Influencers Accused of Collaborating With An Alleged Russian Propaganda Scheme:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/investigates/russian-influence-election-tenet-media-chen-southern-1.7314976
The Narwhal - The Doug Ford Goverment Flip-Flopped On Renewables. So What Are Its Plans To Power Ontario Now?:
https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-energy-policy-explainer/
10) Federal Election? - On Sept 4, Jaghmeet Singh announced in a post on Twitter that he is ending the Supply and Confidence Agreement with the Liberals. This means that NDP MPs are able vote against legislation brought in by the Liberals. Because the Liberals have a minority, this makes a federal election possible. It is a move not without risk, as polls have the CPC with a large lead, and only one week ago the CPC Leader Poilievre insisted that Singh should end the agreement:
https://x.com/theJagmeetSingh/status/1831375557507850740
Brittlestar weighs in on the NDP ripping up the agreement:
https://youtu.be/pxawo7h4kUA?si=iWi19B--gtxuHFI5
11) City of Waterloo Official Plan Open House - September 12th - The City of Waterloo has announced the Open House meetings for their Official Plan Review on Thursday, Sept 12th from 2pm to 4pm or 5pm to 8pm at the Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex at 101 Father David Bauer Drive in Waterloo. The Official Plan Reviews are one of the most important times to determine the future of our communities. Speak up for the future that you want to see. More details are in the attached PDF and the link below:
https://www.engagewr.ca/waterloo-official-plan
12) Interesting Social Media Post;
"Premier Ford claims his is the "only govt in history that didn't raise taxes"
BUT_ #DougFord has added over $100 BILLION in debt in 6 yrs -- instead of funding things with tax revenues.
Personal income taxes would need to be 30% higher to cover the $16B gap each year.
That's right #Ontario: Doug Ford would need to raise our personal income taxes by 30% to cover his debts"
PS. He has no intention of covering his debts. He will leave it to others to clean up his mess.
13) Reminder - Next Meeting - Join us today, Friday, September 6th at 5:30pm online at the Zoom link below:
Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting
Time: Every Other Friday at 5:30pm EST
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701
Passcode: 713374
Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.
Cheers,
Kevin Thomason, Mike Marcolongo, and Joan Faux on behalf of all our community groups.
-----------------------------------
A) Upcoming Events - Get out and get involved! And keep us posted on your events so we can share them:
Friday, September 6th at 5:30pm - Next group update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09
Monday, September 9th at 6:30pm - Wilmot Council Meeting - Rally & Delegations - www.fightforfarmland.com and https://calendar.wilmot.ca/townshipcalendar/Index
Tuesday, September 10th - GRCA Virtual Strategic Plan Consultation Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_5F2ZjcYvTQmM8lb0BL_3TQ#/registration
Saturday and Sunday September 14th & 15th - Healthcare Not Highways - https://environmentaldefence.ca/healthcarenothighways/
Tuesday, September 25th at 6:30pm - GRCA Virtual Strategic Plan Consultation Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pt-5FMBhT9m_wJXAzSbeZA#/registration
Sunday, September 29th from 12pm to 5pm - Greenbelt Party in Hillsburgh - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-barn-dance-at-bela-farm-tickets-970443391307
October 1st - Seniors Day Of Action On Climate - https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-the-seniors-for-climate-mailing-list
Sunday, October 6th at 2pm - SaveOurWater.ca presents Plastic People At Gorge Cinema - https://www.saveourwater.ca/
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B) Upcoming Events - Plastic People At Gorge Cinema by SaveOurWater.ca - Oct 6th 2pm

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C) Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard:
Wilmot Township Council
Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca <mailto:natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca> or 519-634-8519 x 9351
Stewart Cressman, Councillor Ward 1, Wilmot, stewart.cressman at wilmot.ca <mailto:stewart.cressman at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-1496
Kris Wilkinson, Councillor Ward 2, Wilmot, kris.wilkinson at wilmot.ca <mailto:kris.wilkinson at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-4173
Harvir Sidhu, Councillor Ward 3, Wilmot, harvir.sidhu at wilmot.ca <mailto:harvir.sidhu at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-2521
Lillianne Dunstall, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, lillianne.dunstall at wilmot.ca <mailto:lillianne.dunstall at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-4975
Steven Martin, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, steven.martin at wilmot.ca <mailto:steven.martin at wilmot.ca> or 519-807-5214
Region of Waterloo Council
Karen Redman, Regional Chair, kredman at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:kredman at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor, Kitchener, berryv at kitchener.ca <mailto:berryv at kitchener.ca>
Dorothy McCabe, Mayor, City of Waterloo, dorothy.mccabe at waterloo.ca <mailto:dorothy.mccabe at waterloo.ca>
Jan Liggett, Cambridge Mayor, Cambridge, liggettj at cambridge.ca <mailto:liggettj at cambridge.ca>
Sue Foxton, Mayor, North Dumfries, sfoxton at northdumfries.ca <mailto:sfoxton at northdumfries.ca>
Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca <mailto:natasha.salonen at wilmot.ca>
Joe Nowak, Mayor, Wellesley, jnowak at wellesley.ca <mailto:jnowak at wellesley.ca>
Sandy Shantz, Mayor, Woolwich, sshantz at woolwich.ca <mailto:sshantz at woolwich.ca>
Doug Craig, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, dougcraig at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:dougcraig at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Pam Wolf, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, pwolf at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:pwolf at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Colleen James, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, CJames at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:CJames at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Michael Harris, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, MHarris at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:MHarris at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Kari Williams, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, KariWilliams at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:KariWilliams at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Rob Deutschmann, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, RDeutschmann at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:RDeutschmann at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Jim Erb, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, JErb at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:JErb at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Chantal Huinink, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, CHuinink at regionofwaterloo.ca <mailto:CHuinink at regionofwaterloo.ca>
Province of Ontario
Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco at pc.ola.org <mailto:doug.fordco at pc.ola.org> or 416-325-1941 - available 24/7 - all calls confidential
Paul Calandra - Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing - paul.calandra at pc.ola.org <mailto:steve.clark at pc.ola.org> or 416-585-7000
Andrea Khanjin - Minster of Environment, Conservation and Parks - andrea.khanjin at pc.ola.org <mailto:andrea.khanjin at pc.ola.org> or 705-722-0575
Todd Smith - Minister of Energy - todd.smith at pc.ola.org <mailto:todd.smith at pc.ola.org> or 613-962-1144
Michael Parsa - Associate Minister of Housing - michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org <mailto:michael.parsaco at pc.ola.org>
Local Conservative MPPs:
Mike Harris Jr - Minister of Red Tape Reduction, MPP Kitchener-Conestoga - mike.harris at pc.ola.org <mailto:mike.harris at pc.ola.org> or 519-669-2090
Brian Riddell - MPP Cambridge - brian.riddell at pc.ola.org <mailto:brian.riddell at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-2770
Jess Dixon - MPP Kitchener South - jess.dixon at pc.ola.org <mailto:jess.dixon at pc.ola.org> or 519-650-9413
Will Bouma - MPP Brantford-Brant - will.bouma at pc.ola.org <mailto:will.bouma at pc.ola.org> or (519) 759-0361
Ted Arnott - MPP Wellington-Halton Hills - ted.arnott at pc.ola.org <mailto:ted.arnott at pc.ola.org> or (519) 787-5247
Ernie Hardeman - MPP Oxford - ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org <mailto:ernie.hardeman at pc.ola.org> or (519) 537-5222
Matthew Rae - MPP Perth-Wellington - matthew.rae at pc.ola.org <mailto:matthew.rae at pc.ola.org> or (519) 272-0660
Local NDP MPPs:
Catherine Fife - MPP Waterloo - cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca <mailto:cfife-qp at ndp.on.ca> or 519-725-3477
Local Green Party MPPs:
Mike Schreiner - MPP Guelph - mschreiner at ola.or <mailto:mschreiner at ola.org>g or (519) 836-4190
Aislinn Clancy - MPP Kitchener Centre - aclancy-co at ola.org <mailto:aclancy-co at ola.org> or 519-579-5460
Independent MPPs:
Bobbi Ann Brady - MPP Haldimand-Norfolk - babrady-co at ola.org <mailto:babrady-co at ola.org> or (519) 428-0446
Federal Members of Parliament
Local Liberal MPs:
Bryan May - MP Cambridge - bryan.may at parl.gc.ca <mailto:bryan.may at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 624-7440
Tim Louis - MP Kitchener-Conestoga - tim.louis at parl.gc.ca <mailto:tim.louis at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 578-3777
Valerie Bradford - MP Kitchener-South Hespeler - valerie.bradford at parl.gc.ca <mailto:valerie.bradford at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 571-5509
Bardish Chagger - MP Waterloo - bardish.chagger at parl.gc.ca <mailto:bardish.chagger at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 746-1573
Lloyd Longfield - MP Guelph - lloyd.longfield at parl.gc.ca <mailto:lloyd.longfield at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 837-8276
Local Conservative MPs:
Michael Chong - MP Wellington-Halton Hills - michael.chong at parl.gc.ca <mailto:michael.chong at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 843-7344
Larry Brock - MP Brantford-Brant - larry.brock at parl.gc.ca <mailto:larry.brock at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 754-4300
John Nater - MP Perth-Wellington - john.nater at parl.gc.ca <mailto:john.nater at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 273-1400
Local Green Party MPs:
Mike Morrice - MP Kitchener - mike.morrice at parl.gc.ca <mailto:mike.morrice at parl.gc.ca> or (519) 741-2001
-----------------------------------
Kevin Thomason
Vice-Chair, Grand River Environmental Network
www.gren.ca <http://www.gren.ca/>
Phone: (519) 888-0519
Mobile Phone/WhatsApp: (519) 240-1648
Twitter: @kthomason
E-mail: kevinthomason at mac.com <mailto:kevinthomason at mac.com>
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