[All] Farmers & Citizens Shred Regional Report, NDP Requests Wilmot Audit, Greenbelt Scandal 1 Year Later, Lots Of Local Events, And More!

[Kevin Thomason]

Good Day,

Concerned farmers and citizens speak up about an insufficient Regional Staff Report regarding the unbelievable destruction of the corn crop in Wilmot, the NDP has requested the Auditor General investigate the Wilmot Land Assembly, the first year anniversary of Doug Ford’s mea culpa and promise to return land to the Greenbelt, and there’s lots of interesting events coming up across the Grand River watershed.  Here’s the latest:

1) Front Page National Globe & Mail Coverage for the Fight For Farmland - It was fantastic to see Friday's front page article running across Canada in the Globe & Mail on the Wilmot Land Assembly and the Fight For Farmland.  Globe reporter Jeff Gray had spent more than a month researching the article, travelling to Wilmot, meeting with impacted landowners, getting photos, and writing the excellent article.  National coverage important in raising awareness and calling out the provincial and regional governments on this absurd location and complete lack of proper process for this proposed mega-industrial site.  Check it out at:

	Globe & Mail - In Ontario, The Race For Industrial Megasites Meets Farmers’ Fury:
	https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-waterloo-farmers-megasite/


2) Region of Waterloo Council Shredding Chaos - Wednesday evening’s Regional Council meeting had a fantastic start after dozens of protesters rallied in front of Regional Headquarters with banners and signs getting lots of support from passing motorists. Then 16 year-old Erin Jackson made a very powerful delegation on how the proposed mega-industrial site and its disregard for farmland will impact her goals of becoming a farmer.  She was accompanied by a strong contingent of dozens of youth from Waterloo-Oxford High School who stayed for hours at the Council meeting watching as the drama increased as the agenda shifted to Council discussion of the totally inadequate Regional Staff Report on the shredding of the corn in August on the single farm the Region has acquired.

There were four very impactful delegations by Wilmot farmers calling out this insufficient report (and the land assembly plan).  Even many Councillors expressed serious concerns with the report.  The Council meeting descended a downward spiral as Councillor turned on Councillor, Staff couldn’t or wouldn’t provide needed answers, and Chair Redman tried to justify the unjustifiable while defending the undefendable. 

The heated discussion intensified as many questions were raised about the lack of information in the Staff Report requested last month by Wilmot Mayor Natasha Salonen on the wasteful shredding of the corn and at a cost of likely hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars while destroying enough food for 2.5 million boxes of cereal.  Sue Foxton, Mayor of North Dumfries made a wide-ranging apology, Councillor Doug Craig talked about feeling targeted by MPP Mike Harris Jr, who had tried to place all of the blame for the land assembly issues on Regional Council.  Chair Redman asked Doug Craig to withdraw his remark, but he refused, saying he stood by his remarks.  At that point Chair Redman made a comment - ironically asking people to take the high road, saying it has less traffic.  This comment resulted in several members of the public walking out of the Council Chambers in frustration since with the Region not having held a single public meeting or answering any questions nor Freedom of Information requests it certainly can’t claim to be taking the high road.

There is even a lack of clarity about the Non-Disclosure Agreement that Councillors signed - with Councillor Rob Deutschmann (who is a lawyer) stating his opinion that because the Premier and Cabinet Ministers had breached the NDA, it is no longer in effect.  In the end, a lengthy motion was passed to seek clarification on the NDA and confidentiality for the October 23rd Regional Council Meeting then further discussion and a proper Staff Report will be brought to the November meeting - providing at least two more opportunities for our delegations to present to Regional Council on the wasting of the corn and this whole land assembly plan.

For reference:

		Region of Waterloo Staff Report - PDL-ECD-24-007 - Land Assembly - Due Diligence Reports:
		https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/filestream.ashx?DocumentId=9471

As well, lead by Steve Bottoms, Fight For Farmland has released and excellent detailed critique and review of the Staff Report that is attached below in Appendix C.

We encourage you to watch the Council Meeting recording at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGIA-Qrnsi4

It’s increasingly apparent the high price and toll that our Region is paying to provide a front for the province - who is clearly calling the shots, with little planning or understanding of our Region.  There are so many parallels to the Greenbelt scandal, Ontario Place, Ontario Science Centre, and other poorly conceived provincial initiatives that had no study, no consultation, no financial costing, and now like the latest 401 tunnel highway scheme proposed yesterday by Doug Ford, defy all logic and rationale and will never actually see the light of day.

The need to abandon the Wilmot mega-site plan, restore our integrity, and restart using proper planning processes is huge.  This Council meeting did nothing to provide transparency, restore public trust, or build any confidence in the Region.  It achieved only the opposite of each while pitting Councillors against each other and making staff look incompetent as they tried to provide cover for the province who’s done nothing but blame them and throw them under the bus in this absurd and continually bungled land assembly fiasco.

Read the extensive media coverage about the Council meeting and the totally inadequate Staff Report on the shredding of the corn at:

	CityNews - Timelines Did Not Allow For A Delay”: Report Released On Wilmot Corn-Crop Destruction:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/09/20/timelines-did-not-allow-for-a-delay-report-released-on-wilmot-corn-crop-destruction/

	The Record - There’s Still No Sign Of Those Archeological Tests Happening In Wilmot:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/sept-21-theres-no-sign-of-those-archeological-tests-happening-in-wilmot-local-residents-dont/article_268d8eed-5868-5634-8d32-f5cf65f494d9.html

	Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette - Region Of Waterloo Councillors Getting Report On Decision To Plow Over Corn Crop, Region Chair Says Staff Are Not To Blame:
	https://www.granthaven.com/post/region-of-waterloo-councillors-getting-report-on-decision-to-plow-over-corn-crop-region-chair-says

	CKCO CTVNews - Region Releases Report On Why Corn Was Destroyed On Purchased Wilmot Land:
	https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/region-releases-report-on-why-corn-was-destroyed-on-purchased-wilmot-land-1.7050536

	The Record - “That Document Has Been Blown Up” - Regional Councillors Question NDA, Confidentiality In Wilmot Land Assembly:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/that-document-has-been-blown-up-regional-councillors-question-nda-confidentiality-in-wilmot-land-assembly/article_19da12f6-bc71-5a7b-b971-84405eea8278.html

	CKCO CTVNews - Councillors, Advocates Question Report On Corn Crop Destruction In Wilmot Township:
	https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/councillors-advocates-question-report-on-corn-crop-destruction-in-wilmot-township-1.7053477

Action Required - Please keep writing and calling Regional Councillors and Mayors to demand this industrial mega-site location be abandoned and a proper planning process undertaken respecting our Regional Official Plan and Countryside Line.


3) NDP Request Auditor General Investigation Into Wilmot Land Assembly - NDP MPP’s Catherine Fife (Finance and Treasury Board Critic) and NDP MPP John Vanthof (Agriculture Critic and Official Opposition House Leader) have formally requested the provincial Auditor General launch a value for the money audit and investigation into the Wilmot Land Assembly.  A copy of request letter is attached below in Section C.

It was just a year ago that a similar audit revealed so many issues with the Greenbelt Scandal that resulted in Doug Ford apologizing, admitting his errors, and reversing the Greenbelt take-outs.

Here’s some of the recent media about this request to the Auditor General for an investigation:

	CBC - Waterloo MPP Asks Ontario’s Auditor General To Investigate Region Of Waterloo’s Plans To Buy Farmland:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/wilmot-farmland-purchase-region-waterloo-fife-auditor-general-1.7331642

	CityNews - MPP Fife Calling For “Value-For-Money” Audit On Wilmot Land Assembly:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/09/24/mpp-fife-calling-for-audit-on-wilmot-land-assembly-pens-letter-to-auditor-general/?

	CKCO CTVNews - As part of the Corn Shredding Story:
	https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/region-releases-report-on-why-corn-was-destroyed-on-purchased-wilmot-land-1.7050536


4) Other Fight For Farmland News And Upcoming Events - Also this week there were protests and excellent delegations at Monday’s Wilmot Township Council meeting.  We encourage you to watch Susanna Compton’s powerful delegation on the YouTube video stream starting at the 2:18:00 mark:

	Wilmot Council Meeting, Monday September 23, 2024
	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWbgxbYMSyQ

Huge Success At Doors Open Mountain Oak Cheese - This past Saturday, September 19th was Doors Open Waterloo 2024 and Mountain Oak Cheese was one of the sites for the event.  A terrific group of volunteers set up a Fight for Farmland booth at the farm at very short notice. They, along with all of the people who work at Mountain Oak Cheese were amazed by the massive turnout of over 1,200 people.  Hundreds of petition signatures were gathered and many more lawn signs went home with people.  Thank you to everyone who assisted and attended.

National Farmers Union Wilmot Rally and Tractor Tour/Parade - Sunday, September 29th - The NFU is organizing a special event on this coming Sunday, September 29th from 1:00pm to 6:00pm at Tim & Eva’s Farm in Wilmot at 3171 Bleams Road.  There will be farm tours of St. Jacobs Foods and their cabbage/saukerkraut operations, a tractor rally/tour around the affected mega-industrial site lands, speakers and food (a farmer’s Thanksgiving of sorts including BBQ Farmers Sausage with Eva’s Sauerkraut, Potato Pancakes, Mountain Oak Cheese, and Mapleton Ice Cream). 

We will have a Fight For Farmland booth with petitions, lawn signs, and information.  More details about this fun event are in the poster below.  Please RSVP by e-mail to:  

		NFU Rally For Farmland:
		nfu.local340 at gmail.com <mailto:nfu.local340 at gmail.com>

International Plowing Match - October 1st to 4th - Lindsay, Ontario - The Fight For Farmland is looking to see how we can make the most impact at this massive agricultural event where Premier Doug Ford and all MPPs from every party will be in attendance.  Please let us know any ideas and if you can help as we are seeking volunteers who can help out for the day on Tuesday, October 1st.  Please e-mail wilmotlandowners at gmail.com if you are available.

Lawn signs - Demand for lawn signs continues to be strong with many more lawn signs distributed this past week.  We have ordered more of both the colour and black & white signs yet again as we surpass more than 4,000 signs in the community.  Find a Sign Captain close to you at www.fightforfarmland.com <http://www.fightforfarmland.com/> and continue to show that our communities are unwilling!

Support From Other Groups and Organizations - It has been fantastic to see so many other groups around Ontario profiling the Wilmot Fight For Farmland in their newsletters and publications including The Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign (OCEC), Get Concerned Stratford, CLIMATE MOMENTUM Perth County, Cooperate For Canada, and others.

It has also been great to see so much ongoing coverage in agricultural publications including this excellent article in FarmersForum this week:

	Farmers Forum - Wilmot Township Cheese Makers Refuse To Sell Their Land For Industrial Project - Gouda Kings In Battle At Waterloo:
	https://farmersforum.com/gouda-kings-in-battle-at-waterloo/

Letters to the Editor - And it’s wonderful to see all the Letters to the Editor in local newspapers.  Please keep writing amazing letters such as this:

	Letters To The Editor - The Record - Regional Council Must Refuse To Do Ford’s Dirty Work:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/sept-24-conestoga-meats-did-the-right-thing-by-withdrawing-expansion-request-regional-council-must/article_2f3c874a-04a9-59ab-9f0f-f602e9e55c35.html

Action Required: Keep calling, writing, and speaking up to Wilmot Township Council to urge them to declare that Wilmot is an Unwilling Host and to both Regional Council as well as the provincial government to abandon this proposed site.  Join us on Sunday in Wilmot and Tuesday in Lindsay at the International Plowing Match.


5) Conestoga Meats Withdraws Woodland Removal Application - It has been further confirmed that Conestoga Meats has withdrawn their application to destroy Kepler Woods, a 36 acre significant forest for the construction of their new plant near Breslau.  Thanks again to everyone who sent a loud, clear message against the destruction of this forest, and hopefully the company will insteadl pursue one of the many other alternatives that would allow for construction of the new facility in a different configuration on the site in a manner that will save and protect the forest.

	The Record - Conestoga Meats Withdraws Application For Woodland Removal In Breslau:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/conestoga-meats-withdraws-application-for-woodland-removal-in-breslau/article_48174685-8073-5610-a33f-cc5963bb17b6.html

	CBC - Proposal To Cut Down Breslau Woodlot For Pork Plant Withdrawn:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/proposal-to-cut-down-breslau-woodlot-for-pork-plant-withdrawn-1.7329902

	Letters To The Editor - The Record - Conestoga Meats Did The Right Thing By Withdrawing:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/sept-24-conestoga-meats-did-the-right-thing-by-withdrawing-expansion-request-regional-council-must/article_2f3c874a-04a9-59ab-9f0f-f602e9e55c35.html

	And on the importance of forests from GREN’s own Susan Koswan:
	The Record - Nature Is Irreplaceable And We Must Treat It As Such:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/nature-is-irreplaceable-and-we-must-treat-it-as-such/article_f3a86d59-4f64-520b-9a66-e2eed318eef7.html


6) Greenbelt Scandal 1 Year Later: It has been exactly a year since the Ford government backtracked on the Greenbelt and returned lands removed for development.  The Narwhal has done an excellent article looking back over the past year and outlining where threats still exist:

	The Narwhal - A Year After Ontario’s Greenbelt Scandal, Battles Over Proposed Intrusions Still Simmer:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-greenbelt-scandal-anniversary/ <https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-greenbelt-scandal-anniversary/?utm_source=The+Narwhal&utm_campaign=9546cfd65a-Sept.+21+2024+%E2%80%94+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f6a05fddb8-9546cfd65a-108708480&mc_cid=9546cfd65a&mc_eid=ae503a3d7f>


7) Not Only Greenbelt Lands For Developers - The Toronto Star issued the results of a lengthy investigation into how the new route for the Toronto Yonge Street Subway extension was rerouted off Yonge Street in an unprecedented move under an entire residential neighbourhood (where Kevin grew up) and over to lands owned by well-connected developer friends of the Ford family despite projections showing this distant route would have far lower ridership.  There were also significant objections raised by area municipalities whose Official Plans were overridden and destroyed by this forced planning some of the highest urban densities in the world with the approval of almost 100 80 storey buildings - creating a core area more dense than almost any city in the world.

	The Toronto Star - What’s On The Line?  How Developers Will Benefit From The Yonge Street Subway Route Change And Why Its Raising The Spectre Of The Greenbelt Scandal:
	https://www.thestar.com/news/investigations/how-developers-will-benefit-from-the-yonge-subway-route-change-and-why-it-s-raising/article_e15a5586-6c80-11ef-94a4-4bd182b023b9.html


8) GRCA Conservation Lands Strategy - Please continue to participate on this important Grand River Conservation Authority consultation as the strategy being proposed by the GRCA doesn’t include any targets, metrics, or reporting on how they plan to acquire lands for conservation and recreation purposes.  There are no more Public Information Sessions, however more details on the strategy and ways to make submissions can be found at:

	https://www.grandriver.ca/news/posts/grca-seeks-input-on-conservation-areas-strategy/

And there is an excellent article by Susan Watson in GuelphToday.com:

	GuelphToday.com - Tell The GRCA Not To Sell Niska/Kortright Conservation Lands:
	https://www.guelphtoday.com/letters-to-the-editor/letter-tell-the-grca-not-to-sell-niskakortright-conservation-lands-9566593


9) Region of Waterloo Water Supply Strategy Update - In a timely coincidence with the Wilmot Land Assembly, it appears that the Region of Waterloo has launched its Water Supply Strategy Update to seek enough water sources through 2051.  The project will identify short-term and long-term recommendations for drinking water supply.  It will be important for citizens to have a strong voice and role if we want to ensure a sustainable future and avoid a pipeline to Lake Erie.

Learn more and register for updates at:  https://www.engagewr.ca/watersupply


10) Concrete Consequences - Environmental Defence has a new report out about more negative impacts of Highway #413.  Check it out and share it with others:

	https://environmentaldefence.ca/report/concrete-consequences/


11) Recent Articles - Current articles include new data on Highway #413 impacts, our construction and housing crisis, and progress in Kitchener and Waterloo on housing starts:

	Leave it to the Ford government to be moving in the opposite direction of Paris, New York City and other places actually addressing the climate crisis and improving the quality of life for their citizens:
	CBC - Fact Checked Doug Ford - Premier Makes Several Exaggerated Claims About Toronto Bike Lanes:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/doug-ford-toronto-bike-lanes-1.7332276

	The National Observer - GTA Watersheds Cited As Under Threat By Highway #413:
	https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/09/19/news/gta-watersheds-threat-highway-413-pollution-health

	The Record - From Bad To Worse: Canada, We Have A Massive Construction Crisis On Our Hands:
	https://www.therecord.com/business/from-bad-to-worse-canada-we-have-massive-construction-crisis-on-our-hands/article_916d263c-de95-542f-8326-70889cc8379d.html

	CBC - Ford Says Ontario Should “Build The Damn "Highway #413, When Asked About Customized Environmental Process:
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-ford-highway-413-1.7331737

	The Record - Waterloo Making Headway Breaking Out Of Housing Slump:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/waterloo-making-headway-breaking-out-of-housing-slump/article_a0f40a62-6048-59d7-8ebd-d3931b04c171.html

	The Record - New Guide Answers Common Questions On Tiny Homes, Additional Units In Kitchener:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/new-guide-answers-common-questions-on-tiny-homes-additional-units-in-kitchener/article_fa64d092-2a6d-5471-8f85-de9408426127.html <https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/new-guide-answers-common-questions-on-tiny-homes-additional-units-in-kitchener/article_fa64d092-2a6d-5471-8f85-de9408426127.html?source=newsletter&utm_content=a03&utm_source=ml_nl&utm_medium=email&utm_email=2DF5A405D6082D2C0C4FDB5202BCAE69&utm_campaign=wrha_3847>
	Note: City of Kitchener is hosting a webinar on Thursday, Sept 26th at 7pm on Zoom to discuss additional dwelling units - https://www.kitchener.ca/en/building-and-renovating/additional-dwelling-units.aspx

	The Record - Already The Tallest City, Waterloo Aims To Grow Even Taller:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/already-the-tallest-city-waterloo-aims-to-grow-even-taller/article_b6cd7e79-186f-58ee-87b1-2569a766e829.html


12) Greenbelt Party Sept 29th - Greenbelt Promise is having a Greenbelt fundraiser this Sunday, September 29th from 12pm to 5pm at the Bela Farm in Hillsburgh with live music, barn dancing, and family activities to further protection of the Greenbelt.  There’ll be amazing local food and beverages along with contra dancing!

Learn more and purchase your tickets at:	

	https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-barn-dance-at-bela-farm-tickets-970443391307


13) ALO All Member Meeting - The Alliance for a Liveable Ontario is having an all-member meeting on Tuesday, October 1st at 7pm on Zoom.  Register online and learn the latest election analysis, upcoming plans and provide feedback:

	https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-ey01dY5Q3yveFnZh1xkSA#/registration


14) Seniors For Climate Day This Tuesday! - Seniors groups across Canada are holding their day of action on Tuesday, October 1st.  Check out the latest information and events happening in our communities at:

	National Seniors Day For Climate - Oct 1st, 2024
	https://seniorsforclimate.org/en/home/

On the subject of climate the CBC reported that “Germany Warns Canada That Europe’s Appetite For Natural Gas Is Set To Shrink":
	https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/germany-canada-natural-gas-hydrogen-1.7330043


15) Climate Emergency Vigils Resume! - Starting Friday, Oct 4, Faith Climate Justice Waterloo Region will be hosting public climate emergency vigils in Waterloo Public Square, free for all to attend. These vigils build on the power of the 16 vigils hosted last fall, and are designed to create sacred spaces to process complex climate emotions together, to reflect, and to share opportunities for action leading up to the Conference of the Parties climate talks, COP29 happening in November.  Spread the word, and we hope you will join us.  For more information see the poster attached below or visit:
	https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/clim <https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html>ate-vigils.html <https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html>

16) Get Concerned Stratford: Closed Meetings - Kudos to the determined and persistent folks at Get Concerned Stratford who are finally getting some action on the longstanding issues they have faced with Closed Council Meetings.  Learn more in the following article:

	Get Concerned Stratford - A Long Time Coming:
	https://www.getconcernedstratford.org/2024/09/16/a-long-time-coming/


17) Puslinch By Design Industrial Site - The Township of Puslinch has launched its process to identify additional industrial lands somewhere in Puslinch township.  It seems they are looking for a willing host.  Learn more about their search at:

	https://puslinch.ca/puslinchbydesign/


18) Other Articles - This week there are additional articles on Doug Ford’s plans to limit and remove bike lanes, Doug Ford telling people experiencing homelessness to get jobs, and an excellent article on how 
Doug Ford creates controversial wedge issues to dominate media and get votes:

	The Toronto Star - “Put Them On Secondary Roads”: Doug Ford Shoots Down Criticism Of Controversial Plan To Limit Bike Lanes:
	https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/put-them-on-secondary-roads-doug-ford-shoots-down-criticism-of-controversial-plan-to-limit/article_0cb02cea-79df-11ef-aede-43927fa0836d.html

	The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Scolded For Telling Homeless People To Get Jobs:
	https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/get-off-your-a-s-s-doug-ford-scolded-for-telling-homeless-people-to-get/article_ba2c1e12-7a8c-11ef-b002-7fdcd3a10fe2.html

	The Record - Where Is Mike Harris, Minister Of Red Tape Reduction When We Really Need Him?
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/where-is-mike-harris-minister-of-red-tape-reduction-when-we-really-need-him/article_94994327-56fd-53ac-abc1-193f04b78251.html
	
	This is a true story and not an article from the Beaverton:
	The Trillium - Doug Ford Promises To Build Tunnel Under Highway 401:
	https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/municipalities-transit-and-infrastructure/ford-promises-to-build-tunnel-under-401-9569628

	Global News - Cost Of Ford’s Highway 401 Tunnel Dream Would be Astronomical Experts Say:
	https://globalnews.ca/news/10775005/highway-401-tunnel-expressway-cost/
	
	The Toronto Star - Doug Ford Announce Proposal For Tunnel Under Highway 401 To Carry More Traffic:
	https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-announces-proposal-for-tunnel-under-highway-401-to-carry-more-traffic/article_047f2558-7b42-11ef-bdbd-ff0e3614980a.html

	TVO Today - It’s A Shame The Premier Has So Few Good Answers For The Real Issues Facing Ontario That He Has To Invent Fake Ones:
	https://www.tvo.org/article/opinion-want-the-housing-crisis-fixed-how-about-hallway-medicine-too-bad-doug-ford-would-rather

	The Record - Doug Ford’s Tunnel Talk And War On Bike Lanes Are About Wedge Politics, Not Urban Planning:
	https://www.therecord.com/politics/political-opinion/doug-fords-tunnel-talk-and-war-on-bike-lanes-are-about-wedge-politics-not-urban/article_107478db-2d63-5de4-b16b-7b9b5939c58d.html

	TwitterX post from @TDotResident and @Corruptario connects many road and transit projects and potentially the 401 tunnel plans to developers involved in Greenbelt scandal and Hwy 413:
	https://x.com/corruptario/status/1839004166313631948?s=46&t=XLYcxxaKfwXm7EGqQ-olxw

	TwitterX post from Green Leader MPP Mike Schreiner calling out Doug Ford’s “idiotic” Highway #401 tunnel scheme:
	https://x.com/MikeSchreiner/status/1839019617403936821
	
 	Brittlestar Parody Video - make sure you read the captions on the podium:
	https://youtu.be/0FwaYJySBsY?si=loMUWJIvMX6491H-


19) How the Alt Right Have Laid Siege To Pickering Council - Here’s a great warning for all of us to be on the lookout for as radical factions have seized Pickering City Council turning it into an absurd, dysfunctional mess.  This could happen to communities anywhere and we need to do all we can to ensure the best possible functioning local governments:

	The Toronto Star - Controversial Pickering City Councillor Has Pay Suspended:
	https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/controversial-pickering-city-councillor-has-pay-suspended-over-unacceptable-behaviour/article_b6238ffc-79d9-11ef-9a15-17b03b439044.html

	A great video outlining the issues increasingly confronting local Councils:
	https://youtu.be/MQcU1SBqXqE


20) Reminder - Next Meeting - Join us next Friday, October 4th 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:

Saturday, September 28th - 9am to 11am - Laurelwood Park Wildflower Planting - https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/community-programs-in-parks.aspx

Sunday, September 29th from 12pm to 5pm - Greenbelt Party in Hillsburgh - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/gather-barn-dance-at-bela-farm-tickets-970443391307

Sunday, September 29th from 1pm to 6pm - National Farmers Union Wilmot Rally and Tractor Tour/Parade - see poster below

Tuesday, October 1st - Fight For Farmland At International Plowing Match - contact wilmotlandowners at gmail.com if you can help out

Tuesday, October 1st - ALO All Member Meeting - https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_-ey01dY5Q3yveFnZh1xkSA#/registration

Tuesday, October 1st - Seniors Day Of Action On Climate - https://actionnetwork.org/forms/join-the-seniors-for-climate-mailing-list

Wednesday, October 2nd - Build The Ontario We Need - EFTO Town Hall Meetings Across Ontario - https://ofl.ca/event/town-hall-kitchener-waterloo/

Friday, October 4th at 5:30pm - Next group update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Friday, October 4th - 8pm - Climate Emergency Vigils - Waterloo Town Square - https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html

Saturday, October 5th - 9am to 11am - Waterloo Park Woodland Garden Planting - https://www.waterloo.ca/en/things-to-do/community-programs-in-parks.aspx

Sunday, October 6th at 2pm - SaveOurWater.ca <http://saveourwater.ca/> presents Plastic People At Gorge Cinema - https://www.saveourwater.ca/ 


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B) Fight For Farmland Critique of the Corn Shredding Regional Staff Report:

Fight For Farmland has released and excellent detailed critique and review of the Regional Staff Report that is attached below:

	


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C) NDP Request For Auditor General Investigation into Wilmot Land Assembly: 





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D) National Farmers Union Rally For Farmland - Sunday, Sept 29th 1pm to 6pm 






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D) Plastic People - Gorge Cinema Sunday, Oct 6th at 2pm:



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E) Climate Emergency Vigils every Friday, 8-9pm - October 4th to November 29th

https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html



https://www.faithclimatejustice.ca/climate-vigils.html


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F) Region Of Waterloo Water Supply Update Flyer:




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G) City of Waterloo Community Planting Events:





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H) Seniors Day Of Action For Climate - Tuesday, October 1st:

https://seniorsforclimate.org/


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I) 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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