[All] Very Successful WilmotCAN Town Hall, Election Debates & Promises, Greenbelt Turns 20, And More! Join Us On Zoom At 5:30pm To Learn More And Discuss

Fri Feb 21 12:08:58 EST 2025

Good Day,

It’s been another busy week in the midst of the provincial election with a very successful WilmotCAN Town Hall Meeting, numerous debates, rallies, and election events, the Greenbelt turns 20 years old, and lots more.  Join us at 5:30pm today (Friday) to learn more and discuss:

	Join us Friday, February 21st (today) at 5:30pm:
	https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz0 <https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09>
Here’s the latest:	

1) WilmotCAN Community Town Hall Meeting - Kudos to more than 120 people who made it through a cold, stormy winter night and another 90 people online to hear outstanding presentations and recent polling results regarding the very concerning proposed Wilmot mega-industrial site.  Perth County farmer John Drummond gave such a powerful presentation on why farmers across Ontario are so worried about what is happening here in Wilmot along with other threats to Ontario farmland and local food that he got a standing ovation from everyone assembled at the end of his speech.  More than 10,000 people have now watched his incredible presentation on social media since last Thursday evening.  Check it out at:

	Watch John Drummond’s Presentation on Facebook:
	https://www.facebook.com/watch/?mibextid=wwXIfr&v=1787695732011141&rdid=GGYWsys20qJU8Q8j

Fundraising - It has been truly impressive how much we have been able to accomplish with the Fight For Farmland and now the Wilmot Civic Action Network (WilmotCAN) over the past 11 months with almost no budget or fundraising.  Our community has continually risen to the occasion with the needed resources, expertise, volunteer efforts, etc. for rallies, parades, websites, signs, materials, and so much.  However, in order to continue to take the fight for the future of our community to the next level, additional resources are required to host meetings, organize events, launch legal challenges, continue investigations, undertake professional polling, produce more videos, and continue to raise awareness at the local, provincial and national level to ensure our voices are heard.

It was so impressive to see the community pledge and raise significant funds in just 10 minutes at the Town Hall meeting, and we are honoured to announce that folks online and additional donations have now increased this amount even further which will go a long way to providing the needed resources to cover expenses and ensure that we are defending the future of our communities with a strong voice.  If you are able to donate and help support our upcoming activities you can make a tax-deductible donation to “Protect Waterloo Farmland Now” at the Small Change Fund at:

	https://smallchangefund.ca/project/protect-waterloo-farmland-now/

Or you can mail a cheque to: The Small Change Fund
						747 Manning Ave, Suite 200
						Toronto, Ontario M6G 2W5
						Please include “Protect Waterloo Farmland Now” in the Memo or Notes section of the cheque.

Election Candidates - The evening also included the chance to meet several of the candidates running in the provincial election and find out where they stand on the land assembly.  Unfortunately, MPP Mike Harris Jr never responded to invitations and was a no show at the Town Hall.  However the polling data showed 83% of Wilmot voters definitely would not vote or might not vote for a candidate who supports the proposed expropriation in the provincial election and even 38% of Conservatives in Kitchener-Conestoga stated they don’t trust their own Conservative MPP Mike Harris Jr. to represent the interests of Wilmot residents.

Watch the video of the entire Town Hall meeting and learn all the survey results at: https://www.youtube.com/live/REFQN0ZiTY0?si=hcJPrBpTJ1fxH5mb

Media Coverage - There was good media coverage of the meeting including:

	The Record - Wilmot Residents Making Land Assembly Election Issue:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/wilmot-residents-making-land-assembly-election-issue/article_d452c576-65c2-503a-96ba-5c788560e4cc.html

	The Record - Wondering Where Mike Harris Jr Was At Town Hall Meeting?:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/feb-19-wondering-where-mike-harris-jr-was-at-town-hall-meeting-the-many-ways/article_729dde68-5431-5577-9ef8-be31a7128503.html

	The Woolwich Observer - Wilmot Land Grab Scheme An Issue In Kitchener-Conestoga Election:
	https://www.observerxtra.com/wilmot-land-grab-scheme-an-issue-in-kitchener-conestoga-election/

Wilmot Council Budget Meeting 2pm Monday, Feb 24th - There will be a Special Wilmot Council Budget Meeting this coming Monday, February 24th at starting at 2:00pm and then a regular Council Meeting at 7:00pm.  It seems that the 51% tax increase has been adjusted to around 19% which is still quite significant.  It is important to keep speaking up and keep attending to let Council know that financials concerns about this unplanned mega-industrial site.

Wilmot Council Meeting 7pm Monday, Feb 24th - It’s fantastic to see the letters against the Wilmot mega-industrial site in the Council package though there seems to be nothing on the agenda regarding the mega-industrial site.  We encourage you to attend the Board of Trade Election Debate instead to ensure the proposed Wilmot mega-industrial site is adequately addressed with the provincial candidates.  Keep writing letters to Council (see below) to urge them to declare that we are an unwilling host.

Regional Council Meeting 7pm Wednesday. Feb 26th - wording from before?  We have several delegations including WilmotCAN founders John Jordan and Stephen Palmateer delegating at the Regional Council Meeting this coming Wednesday, Feb 26th at 7:00pm.  We urge you to come out and support their presentations and show Regional Councillors first hand that we are an unwilling community!  It’s been a few months but hopefully we can get dozens of people to the meeting to send a strong message.

	Region of Waterloo Council Meeting: 150 Fredrick Street East, Kitchener - Wednesday, February 26th - Council Meeting starts at 7:00pm

Letters To Elected Officials - It has been great to see so many letters recently.  We encourage you speak up and keep writing to Members of Wilmot Council, Waterloo Regional Council, and the Provincial Government to make the three demands: 

Stop the Expropriation
Declare Wilmot an Unwilling Host
Expand the Greenbelt to Protect Farmland

There are helpful tips and contact information for elected officials in the Communication Guide on our website: https://wilmotcan.com/communication-guide/
Please remember send us a copy of your letters (add cc letters at wilmotcan.com <mailto:letters at wilmotcan.com> ).

Action Required - Attend upcoming events, and call or write elected officials at Wilmot Township, the Region of Waterloo and the provincial government and tell them to finally abandon this absurd Wilmot Industrial Mega-site location - that we are an UNWILLING community, the landowners have made it clear they are UNWILLING, and a better plan is needed.

2) Provincial Election - How much evidence is needed to convince people that voter suppression is happening right now in Ontario?  This election is unnecessary, Ford has a clear majority but called the election close to 1.5 years early, set a date in the depths of a severe winter, voting cards are not being sent automatically, reduced days of advance voting, and it is difficult (or impossible) to find voting locations. 

However, there have been debates, radio shows, lots of people volunteering, good media coverage, and so many people speaking up to try to bring more effective government and representation to our communities.

Wilmot Kitchener-Conestoga Debate - Last night the Wilmot Rod & Gun club was filled to standing room only as four of the candidates (NDP. Liberal, Green, and Ontario Party) answered questions for almost two hours.  It was unfortunate but not surprising that MPP Mike Harris Jr was not present to hear so many concerns from residents or be accountable for six years of his government's decisions that are so impacting our communities in unprecedented ways.  Watch the debate recording at:

	https://www.youtube.com/live/VSTCXhDFKio

Rogers Debates - Rogers has recorded debates that will be broadcast over the days ahead.  Learn more at:

	Local Debates Streamed On Rogers TV:
	https://www.youtube.com/@ROGERStvofficial

	Waterloo Region Provincial Candidates Debates Available For Streaming On Rogers TV:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2025/02/15/waterloo-region-provincial-candidates-debates-available-for-streaming-on-rogers-tv/

Wilmot Board Of Trade Debate - This coming Monday, February 24th at 7:00pm the New Hamburg Board of Trade has organized a debate of the six provincial election candidates running in Kitchener-Conestoga.  Apparently, Mike Harris Jr. Is apparently attending despite the shameful Conservative tradition of not participating in public meetings or debates.  Learn more at:

	https://nhbot.ca/event/meet-your-provincial-candidates/

	Submit your questions for the New Hamburg Board Of Trade Debate at: newhamburgbot at gmail.com

However, Conservative candidates are notably absent from most debates as the media is reporting:

	The Hamilton Spectator - No-show Progressive Conservative candidates spur criticism at Hamilton election debates (mentions no shows in Niagara, Burlington, Kitchener and Brantford):
	https://www.thespec.com/politics/provincial-elections/no-show-progressive-conservative-candidates-spur-criticism-at-hamilton-election-debates/article_0442b07d-9ca7-5a29-a6d5-c0904fdaf0a2.html

This is because PC party has told them not to participate: https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/will-pc-candidates-attend-debates-this-time-theyll-knock-on-doors-party-says-10190347

	The Record - If Conservatives Keep Winning, We Can’t Expect Them To Show Up At Debates:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/if-conservatives-keep-winning-we-can-t-expect-them-to-show-up-at-debates/article_914c894e-7ce1-508e-9d6e-5b5c7f7812cb.html

Advance Polls Are Open - Don’t delay or gamble on next Thursday’s Election Day winter weather - get out and vote today and tomorrow at Advance Polls.  It can be fast and easy.  Learn more at:

	Advance Voting Days (Feb 20, 21, 22), and other options: 
	https://www.elections.on.ca/en.html

No Voter Card?  Enter your postal code and find out where and when to vote:

	https://voterinformationservice.elections.on.ca/en/election/search?mode=postalCode

Election Help Needed - There are several parties in ridings in the Grand River Watershed that are eagerly looking for volunteers to help with campaigns where there is a good chance of electing candidates who are going to be far more progressive and offer policies more in the best public interest than what we have seen from the provincial Conservative government.  Please reach out to parties including the Green Party in Wellington-Halton Hills, the Liberal Party in Cambridge, and the NDP Party in several area rural ridings where there is a particularly good chance of change.  In Brantford-Brant it looks like NDP candidate Harvey Bischof has the best chance to win with co-operation.  Helping by making phone calls, door knocking, getting people to the polls, and other simple activities could make all the difference in close races.  Please do what you can over the next couple of weeks to get better electoral outcomes:

Required Actions - The Ontario election campaign will be over in a week and we will have to live with the outcomes for four years - volunteer, donate, speak up and make the most of every day to ensure the best possible outcomes.

3) Cooperate For Canada - It has been fantastic to see Cooperate for Canada getting great recent media coverage encouraging parties to work together, unity candidates, and progressive solutions.  Check out what is being said at:

	The Record - Ford Is Counting On A Divided Opposition, It Doesn’t Have To Be That Way:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/ford-is-counting-on-a-divided-opposition-it-doesnt-have-to-be-that-way/article_34c5e324-4484-5e51-a622-b626396fa659.html

	CityNews - Mike Farwell Show, Feb 19th, 2025 at the 36:00 minute mark:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/audio/the-mike-farwell-show/
	Listen to our own Dr. Barbara Schumacher on the Mike Farwell Show explaining about Cooperate For Canada.

	The Toronto Star - It’s Time For The Ontario Liberals And NDP To Get Over Themselves And Stop Fighting For Second Place:
	https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/its-time-for-the-ontario-liberals-and-ndp-to-get-over-themselves-and-stop-fighting/article_361b1b7a-eb0a-11ef-ac11-cb8e1cb54b93.html

Cooperate for Canada has published a list of Unity Candidates - the candidate most likely to win or retain a seat for the Liberal, NDP, Green Party, or an Independent:

	https://cooperateforcanada.ca/heres-how-you-can-help-ontario/#6-the-list-unity-candidates-

Unity Candidates were selected using a combination of polling analysis, electoral history, campaign priorities and strength, as well as interviews with as many candidates as possible. 

C4C continues to urge the NDP, Liberals and Greens to cooperate, to step back in ridings where they are unlikely to win, and to enable the Unity Candidates to oppose the PCs as strongly as possible.  For those candidates behind in the polls we urge them to make this brave choice.  Where there are extremely close races between progressive parties, this is particularly important.  Within the Grand River Watershed there are Unity Candidates who represent the NDP, Liberal and Green parties.  Candidates who are not likely to win in their riding can shift support to a candidate in another riding.  For example, if the Green candidates stepped back in their ridings and encouraged their supporters to vote for the Unity Candidate in their own riding, then shifted to help support Aislinn Clancy in Kitchener Centre, it would boost Aislinn’s campaign, and help all of the Unity candidates in all of the other ridings to get more votes.

Please consider supporting a Unity Candidate in your riding or a nearby riding financially or to help make phone calls. 

Action Required - Learn more about the cooperation strategy for Ontario and find your local Unity Candidate in the list on the Cooperate for Canada website:

	https://cooperateforcanada.ca/heres-how-you-can-help-ontario/

4) Greenbelt 20th Anniversary! - The provincial Greenbelt this coming week will turn 20!  It is amazing how integral the Greenbelt has become to our future of our province in just 2 decades.  There are events happening in numerous communities and we will be celebrating this milestone on our Friday at 5:30pm call tonight.

If you missed the Greenbelt 20th Celebration Webinar "20 Years Strong: Strengthening, Protecting and Growing the Greenbelt for Future Generations” last week, the watch the webinar video at:

	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwhDbqXBKUY

And watch the highlight reel (with clips perfect for sharing on social media) at:

	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jNGudaUnLps

We anticipate a 20 year review of the Greenbelt later this year.  Let’s make sure the importance and benefits of the Greenbelt along with calls for Greenbelt expansion across the Grand River Watershed is heard loud and clear.

Action Required - Learn, engage, and take meaningful action in protecting and growing the Greenbelt for future generations.

5) Highway #413 - Some good news and join us for a rally this Saturday in Orangeville! 

First, some good news on Highway 413: very quietly and through a document back-dated to January 27th - last Friday, the federal government released the anticipated Habitat Protection Order for the endangered Redside Dace. You can find the Habitat Protection Order here: https://www.gazette.gc.ca/rp-pr/p2/2025/2025-02-12/html/sor-dors4-eng.html. 

A big thanks to the thousands of you that reached out to federal MPs to make this happen!  The documentation is now in place to make it incredibly difficult for permits to be issued by the Department of Fisheries and Ocean for a highway that would irreversibly harm this important species. 

Please join us on Saturday, February 22nd at 1pm for a rally to remind Deputy Leader of Ontario Sylvia Jones that opposition to Highway 413 in Dufferin-Caledon is strong, growing and even in the dead of winter, not going away! The rally is going to take place outside of Sylvia's campaign office at 229 Broadway in Orangeville. Bring noisemakers and your signs!  There will be lots of music including the classic AC/DC song "Highway to Hell"! 

 Environmental Defence has released a new online post about Highway #413 - The destructive, expensive and unnecessary highway.  Check it out at:

	https://environmentaldefence.ca/2025/01/29/highway-413-the-destructive-expensive-and-unnecessary-highway/

Recent Media - Includes:

	The Pointer - Highway 413 & Doug Ford's Developer Driven Transportation Planning:
	https://thepointer.com/article/2025-02-21/highway-413-doug-ford-s-developer-driven-transportation-planning

Action Required - Join us in Orangeville tomorrow and keep speaking out against this absurd and unaffordable highway.

6) Recent Articles - Include new towers for almost 5,000 people finally coming for the City of Waterloo, the lack of environmental or climate change in election debates, the need for better election outcomes, and how the Greenbelt scandal is shaping the provincial election:

	The Record - End Of Planning Dispute Clears The Way For A Dozen Towers In North Waterloo:
	https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/end-of-planning-dispute-clears-the-way-for-a-dozen-towers-in-north-waterloo/article_af3acce9-4a09-5cd9-aab0-0afca9ebbff5.html

	The Record - Please: Anyone But Doug Ford:
	https://www.therecord.com/thestar/opinion/contributors/please-anyone-but-doug-ford/article_fbcd3146-00e4-5d7f-9d87-57f629af1fb1.html

	The Record - Ontarians - And Doug Ford - Finally Got The Election Debate They Deserved:
	https://www.therecord.com/politics/provincial/ontarians-and-doug-ford-finally-got-the-election-debate-they-deserved/article_f6b8b965-c59c-5455-be36-e4ff6452cfa8.html

	The Narwhal - Ontario Leaders Debate - Fact Checking All Things Environment - And There Weren’t Many:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-election-debates-2025/

	Canada’s National Observer - Ontario Leaders Debate Ignores Climate Action:
	https://www.nationalobserver.com/2025/02/19/news/ontario-leaders-debate-ignores-climate-action?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

	The Narwhal - How the Greenbelt Scandal Is Quietly Shaping Ontario’s 2025 Provincial Election:
	https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-election-greenbelt-scandal/

7) Election Resources and Opportunities - It’s fantastic to see so many community and non-profit groups working to provide election resources, tools, and materials.  Here’s the latest list:

	New Majority - An amazing organization focussed on getting young people and first time voters to the polls has numerous part-time jobs available immediately to help get people involved in the election.  Learn more at:
	https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_hGtSbAVeTnGu35nvg3n9Lg#/registration

	Environmental Defence - Ontario Needs A Government That Takes Climate Change Seriously - What To Look For In A Future Ontario Government:
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/2025/01/29/ontario-needs-a-government-that-takes-climate-change-seriously/

	Trillium Tracker - Many ridings still do not have candidates nominated for one or more parties. The Trillium has an interactive tracker which provides candidate information 2022 election data for each Ontario riding:
	https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ontario-provincial-election-nomination-roll-call-9608301

	Not One Seat Sharables - Toronto based Not One Seat has created brilliant videos, graphics, and online resources to help call out shortcomings and issues with the current provincial government and highlight opportunities for better policies:
	https://www.notoneseat.ca/digital-sharables

	Stop Vote Splitting - A tool to help voters find their riding and identify the best candidate to prevent a conservative win:
	https://smartvoting.ca/

	Vote Like Your Quality Of Life Depends On It - The AMO (Association of Municipalities of Ontario) has launched a public awareness campaign.  Learn more at:
	https://www.voteonqualityoflife.ca/

	Ontario Forward - A coalition of unions and other organizations have formed Ontario Forward to show that Ontario can’t afford Doug Ford.  They have excellent ads running and you can learn more at:
	https://ontarioforward.ca/

	Ontario Climate Emergency Campaign (OCEC) - Recording of the February 13th Town Hall "Vote! For our Future: The Ontario Election and You: 
	https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXBcggkrT1Q&t=12s

	Ontario Nature Election Toolkit - Learn what you can do, policy asks and opportunities:
	https://ontarionature.org/campaigns/provincial-election-2025/

	Yours To Protect Election Website - Create a plan, take action and get great voting resources:
	https://environmentaldefence.ca/yourstoprotect/

	Alliance For A Liveable Ontario (ALO) Election Toolkit - Learn how you can spread the word on how the Ontario government can make homes affordable and part of liveable communities:
	https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/election-prep-toolkit

	Waterloo Region Candidate List - a very detailed list of candidates, parties, and contact information for each riding in Waterloo Region compiled by Bob Jonkman:
	https://poliblog.jonkman.ca/Poliblog-Elections/2025-02-27-Provincial-Election/#Kitchener-Conestoga-Patrick_Doucette-Ontario_Party-

Required Actions - Share and utilize these tools and resources to help achieve the best possible election outcomes.

8) Continued Criticism of the Ford Government's Housing Record: The media is increasingly outspoken on Doug Ford’s dismal housing record:

	Globe and Mail - Doug For Made Several Promises on Housing. Critics Say he "Ripped Up" Rules with Few Results:
	https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-doug-ford-made-several-promises-on-housing-critics-say-he-ripped-up/
	Including quotes from expert planner Kevin Eby and Victor Doyle.

	The Trillium - Industry Group OREA and More Neighbours Toronto Give Ford Government a Failing Grade on Housing: 
	https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/housing/housing-orgs-rank-pcs-homebuilding-plan-as-worst-10261820

	The Record - Housing Affordability Crisis At The Heart Of Most Election Issues:
	https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/housing-affordability-crisis-at-the-heart-of-most-election-issues/article_5c6835e4-2cbd-542d-869d-c20ae3edccf0.html

9) Ontario Science Centre - Kudos to reporter Colin D’Mello at Global who has reported that despite record snowfall the roof at the Ontario Science Centre has not collapsed.  Check out his film footage of the abandoned world-class facility standing strong:

	https://x.com/colindmello/status/1892302945028337688?s=61

10) Reconnect Waterloo Region Coordinator Job Role Posted - Environmental Defence’s Yours To Protect Reconnect Program is looking to expand to Waterloo Region and has posted an ad seeking someone for this paid position.  It is a great initiative they are rolling out in-conjunction with area community and environmental groups.  Learn more at:

	https://edc-careers.applytojobs.ca/reconnection%20project/36488  <https://edc-careers.applytojobs.ca/reconnection%20project/36488>

11) Vote For Climate - Waterloo Region Climate Collaborative Election Signs - WRCC has printed hundreds of fantastic lawn signs urging people to vote for climate.  There are several different designs available for just $15 from area sign captains and in local stores.  Learn more and see examples below in Appendix E) or online at:

	Waterloo Climate Collaborative Election Signs:
	https://wrclimatecollaborative.ca/vote-for-climate/

Action Required - Get a lawn sign and encourage your neighbourhood to vote for climate.

12) Rescheduled! - WRCE High Performance Development Standards Information Session - The Waterloo Region Community Energy (WRCE) is holding pubic information sessions on their proposed building standards.  Come to learn more and share your thoughts on building better buildings and more resilient, efficient communities.  Given that more than 40% of our carbon footprint comes from buildings and design of our communities, making significant improvements will be essential in addressing climate change.  These standards have been years in the making and could help influence energy use, building construction, new EV adoption, tree planing, and water efficiency.

Attend the final rescheduled session Thursday, March 6th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm -  Woolwich - Woolwich Council Chambers, Elmira - https://www.engagewr.ca/high-performance-development-standards

You can also learn more and engage online at: https://www.engagewr.ca/high-performance-development-standards

Action Required - These Green Development Standards that will build more efficient and comfortable homes that use far less energy and are far cheaper to run are facing considerable push-back from certain developers and builder lobby groups.  Speak up for the better future we need and help ensure Waterloo Region is building better buildings and communities like other cities such as Toronto, Markham, Mississauga, and even rural communities like King Township and Halton Hills already are.

13) Rescheduled! - One Million Neighbours Round Tables - There is still a final Round Table session for the One Million Neighbours initiative.  This multisolving session is focussed on Cambridge and rural communities and will be hosted at the rare Charitable Research Reserve.  Details are as follows:

	Date: Thursday, March 27th, 2025
	Time: 6:00pm to 8:00pm
	Location - rare Administrative Centre - 1679 Blair Road, Cambridge

Register and learn more at: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/multisolving-roundtable-cambridge-rural-focus-tickets-1088360799449 

14) Other Articles - Include a good analysis of the US/Canada situation, the federal government finally announces High Speed Rail, and the confounding love of Russia by Trump at the expense of the rest of the world, dignity and decent human values:

	The Tyee - Don’t Test Us Trump.  It Won’t End Well For You:
	https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2025/02/13/Do-Not-Test-Us-Trump/ <https://thetyee.ca/Analysis/2025/02/13/Do-Not-Test-Us-Trump/?utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=editorial>

	CityNews - Feds Move Ahead With High Speed Rail Line Between Toronto And Quebec City:
	https://kitchener.citynews.ca/video/2025/02/19/feds-move-ahead-with-high-speed-rail-line-between-toronto-and-quebec-city/

	The Hamilton Spectator - Future Of Brampton Stellantis Plant Up In The Air After Automaker Hits Pause On Jeep Compass:
	https://www.thespec.com/thestar/business/future-of-brampton-stellantis-plant-up-in-the-air-after-automaker-hits-pause-on-jeep/article_1ac3d21a-de18-5f9b-9ab1-bb112e3cc4d1.html

	Heather Richardson - Letters From An American on Ukraine’s Horror:
	https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/p/february-19-2025

15) Carol Walthers Art Show - Carol is an artist living in Cambridge advocating against gravel pits through artwork.  She is having an exhibition of her work called “An Application Has Been Made” at the Cambridge Centre For The Arts starting February 22nd until March 22nd.   Learn more in the poster below in Appendix F) or online at:

	https://www.carolwalthers.com/

16) Reminder - Next Meeting - Join us today Friday, February 21st at 5:30pm online at the Zoom link below to discuss the latest:

	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, February 21st - 5:30pm - Next group update meeting on Zoom - https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Saturday, February 22nd - 1:00pm - Rally Against Highway #413 - Orangeville - In front of MPP Sylvia’s Jones campaign office at 229 Broadway St. in Orangeville

Monday. February 24th - 2:00pm - Wilmot Council Budget Meeting - https://pub-wilmot.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=90c40725-16fd-404b-b9e3-6f7c16afa8b3&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

Monday. February 24th - 6:00pm - New Hamburg Board of Trade Election Debate - Kitchener-Conestoga - New Hamburg Community Centre - https://nhbot.ca/event/meet-your-provincial-candidates/

Wednesday, February 26th - 7:00pm - Region of Waterloo Council Meeting - Support WilmotCAN & Fight For Farmland delegations - https://pub-regionofwaterloo.escribemeetings.com/Meeting.aspx?Id=b04dafe6-6c55-4f55-89da-4d994b11eff3&Agenda=Agenda&lang=English

New Date! - Wednesday, February 26th - 7:00pm - Heat Pumps Deep Dive - Woolwich Memorial Centre - See Poster Below in Appendix H)

Thursday, February 27th - Get Out And Vote In The Provincial Election!!!

New Date! - Thursday, March 6th from 5:30pm to 7:00pm - WRCE High Performance Development Standards Information Session - Woolwich - Woolwich Council Chambers, Elmira - https://www.engagewr.ca/high-performance-development-standards

Thursday, March 20th - 9:00am - Ontario Farmland Trust Farmland Forum - Elora, Ontario - See Poster Below in Appendix I)

Thursday, March 27th - 6:00pm to 8:00pm - One Million Neighbours Round Table - rare. 1679 Blair Road, Cambridge - https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/multisolving-roundtable-cambridge-rural-focus-tickets-1088360799449 

Tuesday, April 1st - 7:00pm - Getting Off Gas - Electrify Your Home - Nith Valley Ecoboosters/REAP - https://bit.ly/gettingoffgas

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B) Waterloo Region Climate Collaborative - Vote For Climate Lawn Signs - Get yours today!

https://wrclimatecollaborative.ca/vote-for-climate/

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C) Not One Seat Sharables: Download and start to use these today:

https://www.notoneseat.ca/digital-sharables

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D) Waterloo Region High Performance Development Standards

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E) The Trillium Declaration - Join Others Speaking Up:

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F) Carol Walthers Art Show - An Application Has Been Made - Aggregate Pit Activism Through Artwork - February 22nd to March 22nd, Cambridge Centre For The Arts:

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G) We Can’t Afford Ford By Susan Koswan:

Hard as it is to look away from the train wreck in US politics, we must focus on our own in Ontario. By wasting billions on cancelled contracts, legal fees and more, he is laying waste to environmental protection, climate action, and a healthier and better educated population. 
A sample of why Ford has to go on February 27:

Economy

·       $1.4 billion to cancel beer store contracts and expand beer and liquor sales into a larger marketplace

·       $230 million to cancel clean energy contracts

·       $1.1 billion lost revenue cancelling vehicle license fees

·       $2 billion dollars plus on Ontario Place redevelopment plans that were not “fair, transparent or accountable”

·       $4.3 million in legal fees plus $4.1 billion in backpay for Bill 124, ruled unconstitutional by the Ontario Court of Appeal 

·       $103.5 million on advertising, $63.7 million of which was ads to “promote the governing party.”

·       $19.4 billion - the largest contingency fund in Ontario history 

·       $145.3 million plus for this election 

·       $3 billion for the $200/person “rebate” of our own money

Ontario Healthcare

·       “Hallway medicine” increased, now averaging 2000/people/day in the province

·       400 emergency room closures in 2022/23

·       "Since Doug Ford took office in 2018, the number of nurses leaving the system has increased every year…For every 10 nurses this government says have been hired, six have left." Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA) Provincial President Erin Ariss <https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/ontario-nurses-association-celebrates-second-bill-124-legal-victory-as-ford-government-loses-its-appeal-of-earlier-decision-815337369.html>, RN

·       Hospital and long term care staffing shortages met by increased reliance on for-profit agencies at double and sometimes triple the cost with no salary cap 

·       Long term care lacking “fully effective systems and procedures to ensure that residents receive quality care and services.”  

Environment

·       Repealed all protective environmental and climate change legislation

·       Violated Environmental Bill of Rights multiple times

·       Excessive use of Ministerial Zoning Orders (MZOs) ignoring local planning and environmental assessments

·       Tripled <https://www.cleanairalliance.org/campaigns/gas/> energy from polluting gas-power plants since 2017

·       Financially backing the contentious Wilmot land assembly 

·       $48 million to remove Toronto bike lanes

Housing

·       Legislative changes that deepened the housing crisis with increased urban sprawl, destruction of farmland, new highway plans, and unaffordable rent due to multiple loopholes <https://policyalternatives.ca/sites/default/files/uploads/publications/Ontario%20Office/2024/04/rent-control-in-ontario.pdf>
·       Greenbelt scandal, still under RCMP investigation. “Owners of the 15 land sites removed from the Greenbelt could ultimately see a collective $8.3 billion increase to the value of their properties.” 

Education

·       “Public schools are receiving $1,500 less per student compared to 2018, when the Ford government was first elected.” Elementary Teachers Federation of Ontario <https://www.etfo.ca/news-publications/media-releases/fall-economic-statement-2024>
Culture

·       Shuttered and demolished Ontario Science Centre against government’s own expert advice <https://www.canadianarchitect.com/the-true-cost-of-repairing-the-ontario-science-centre-is-much-much-less-than-what-infrastructure-ontario-has-been-saying-and-the-proof-is-in-its-own-documents/>
·       Privatizing Ontario Place, including clearcutting 800 trees, and threatening and displacing local wildlife and ecosystems with sewage overflow plan

On top of it, Doug Ford is “100 percent happy” about Trump getting re-elected, and trash-talking how electing Liberal Bonnie Crombie or NDP Marit Styles would be “an absolute disaster.”   

We can’t ignore what the Office of the Auditor General of Ontario <https://www.auditor.on.ca/en/content/annualreports/arbyyear/ar2024.html>, Financial Accountability Office of Ontario <https://fao-on.org/en/report/2024-25-expenditure-monitor-q2/>, Ontario Federation of Labour’s Ford Tracker <https://ofl.ca/ford-tracker/>, Registered Nurses Association of Ontario’s Policy and Political Action <https://rnao.ca/policy>, and Environmental Defence Protecting Ontario’s Environment <https://environmentaldefence.ca/campaign/protecting-ontarios-environment/> are telling us.

If any or all of this resonates with you, take the pledge—both provincial and federal—with Cooperate for Canada <https://cooperateforcanada.ca/voting-pledges/> to find the Unity Candidate in your riding. 

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H) Woolwich Heat Pump Event - New Date!!! - Wednesday February 26, 2025 at 7:00pm:

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I) Ontario Farmland Trust Farmland Forum - March 20, 2025:

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J) Getting Off Gas Event - Tuesday April 1st, 7pm:

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K) Election Humour:

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L) 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>

County of Brant Contact list:

Mayor David Bailey  david.bailey at brant.ca <mailto:david.bailey at brant.ca>   226-387-2490
Councillor Ward 1 Jennifer Kyle jennifer.kyle at brant.ca <mailto:jennifer.kyle at brant.ca> 519-242-0898
Councillor Ward 1 John MacAlpine john.macalpine at brant.ca <mailto:john.macalpine at brant.ca> 519-757-9359
Councillor Ward 2 Steve Howes steve.howes at brant.ca <mailto:steve.howes at brant.ca> 519-442-4955
Councillor Ward 2 Lukas Oakley lukas.oakley at brant.ca <mailto:lukas.oakley at brant.ca>  226-216-3037
Councillor Ward 3 John Bell john.bell at brant.ca <mailto:john.bell at brant.ca> 519-209-2277
Councillor Ward 3 John Peirce john.peirce at brant.ca <mailto:john.peirce at brant.ca> 519-442-7134
Councillor Ward 4 Robert Chambers robert.chambers at brant.ca <mailto:robert.chambers at brant.ca> 519-449-2633
Councillor Ward 4 David Miller jedamiller at sympatico.ca <mailto:jedamiller at sympatico.ca> 519-449-1240
Councillor Ward 5 Brian Coleman brianatbridgeview at gmail.com <mailto:brianatbridgeview at gmail.com> 519-753-2798
Councillor Ward 5 Christine Garneau christinegarneau at brant.ca <mailto:christinegarneau at brant.ca> 226-802-1217

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
	Or cal or text Doug Ford’s Personal Cell Phone - 647-612-3673
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
Vic Fedeli - Minister of Economic Development- vic.fedeli at pc.ola.org <mailto:vic.fedeli at pc.ola.org> or 416-326-8475
Rob Flack - Minister of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness - rob.flack at pc.ola.org <mailto:rob.flack at pc.ola.org> or 416-326-3074
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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