<html><head><meta http-equiv="content-type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8"></head><body style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;">Good Day,</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;">The onslaught of concerning issues continues with Bill 162, Bill 165, Bill 185, troubling PPS changes, the Wilmot Farm Land destruction along with a number of great upcoming events in our communities. However, before we dive into things we thought we should offer a reminder about why we’re in the trenches and why our work is so important. Watch this great ad on Toad Watch by Zero Hour in the UK:</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhlMWK7GysA</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"> Now brace yourself, here’s the latest:</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">1)</span></b><b style="font-size: 14px;"> </b><b style="font-size: 14px;">NDP Protect Wilmot Farmland Town Hall Meeting</b><b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span></b><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">- </span></b>There was an overwhelming turnout at the Wilmot Recreation Centre on Friday with hundreds of people overflowing the meeting room and the lobby to the point where Wilmot Rec Centre officials and Security Guards wouldn’t let people in the building. </div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>It’s unfortunate that the Township Facility Staff so were unco-operative in opening the other half of the meeting room or helping to accommodate so many citizens eager to learn more about this Wilmot Land Assembly. Staff claimed that they couldn’t open the adjacent room because it was booked - despite it sitting empty with the lights off the entire time, then NDP organizers were told they wouldn’t let people in the building because of fire capacity limits despite the massive building complex having a capacity for thousands of people. Then they were told by staff it was because of the planned hockey game - despite no one present for the game hours early and the lights not even being on in the arena when people were already being ushered back outside.</div><div><br></div><div>In the end, hundreds of people were pushed out into the cold and thankfully many stayed and gathered in the playground, splash pad and picnic shelter where it was sunny and out of the wind. At first, NDP Staff tried to broadcast the meeting commencing inside over laptop computers and phones to the crowd assembled outside. Thank goodness for area citizen Paul Ellingham who is a musician and realized he had his band equipment in his car - including microphones and large speakers. He quickly swung into action and set-up equipment for the outdoor crowd, only to be told by Wilmot Rec Centre Staff that he couldn’t even plug into the outdoor electrical plug on the side of the building because “it wasn’t a sanctioned event”. Quick thinking and undeterred, Paul raced to his nearby house, switched cars with his wife who has an electric Tesla car with lots of EV power and electrical outlets that he was then able to plug his sound system in to provide the needed power for microphones and speakers for the outdoor meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>The indoor meeting had commenced with a welcome from NDP Leader Marit Stiles then local farmer Eva Wagler, Stratford Concerned Citizens leader Mike Sullivan, National Farmers Union President Jen Pfenning, and Nicolas Weber from the Waterloo Federation of Agriculture all speaking and then split - with Albert Lowrick a local landwoner, Eva Wagler, Kevin Thomason, and some of the NDP MPPs and Staff staying to address questions from the almost 200 people in the room, while Marit Stiles, Mike Sullivan, and Jen Pfenning went outside to address the outdoor crowd and answer questions. There were at least 100 people also joining the meeting online through Zoom despite limited sound and video.</div><div><br></div><div>In the end, both the indoor and outdoor meetings had lots of questions and discussion and each wrapped up well in advance of the 7:30pm hockey game. </div><div><br></div><div>It was fantastic to see in addition to NDP MPPs, Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy, Federal Liberal MP Tim Louis, several Councillors from Oxford and Perth, and the Mayor of Blanford-Blenheim, and two Federal Conservative candidates all crossing party lines to show support for the Wilmot farmers and landowners at the meeting.</div><div><br></div><div>It was good to see Wilmot Councillor Harvir Sidhu at the inside meeting and Wilmot Councillor Steve Martin at the outside meeting when he couldn’t get in the building either.</div><div><br></div><div>There has been good news coverage - with CTV News going live on air at 6pm from the Rec Centre Playground because they couldn’t even get inside as well. There has also been good media coverage from the Press Conference at St. Jacobs Farms with Eva and Tim Wagler earlier in the day:</div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Ontario NDP Leader Backs Wilmot Farmers:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/ontario-ndp-leader-backs-wilmot-farmers/article_ceef143f-08da-5ee1-8eac-eacd133f6717.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/ontario-ndp-leader-backs-wilmot-farmers/article_ceef143f-08da-5ee1-8eac-eacd133f6717.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CTV CKCO Television News - NDP Leader Likens Farmland Grab To Greenbelt Scandal:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/ndp-leader-likens-wilmot-farmland-grab-to-greenbelt-scandal-1.6854222">https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/ndp-leader-likens-wilmot-farmland-grab-to-greenbelt-scandal-1.6854222</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CBC - Region’s Controversial Plan To Buy Wilmot Farms Raises Questions For Provincial, Federal Politicians:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/region-s-controversial-plan-to-buy-wilmot-farms-raises-questions-for-provincial-federal-politicians-1.7179058">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/region-s-controversial-plan-to-buy-wilmot-farms-raises-questions-for-provincial-federal-politicians-1.7179058</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CBC - Hundreds Show Support For Wilmot Township Landowners At Town Hall With Ontario NDP Leader, Local Politicians - People Who Couldn’t Make It Into Meeting Part Of Second Event Outside:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/wilmot-township-land-purchase-town-hall-ontario-ndp-1.7180088">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/wilmot-township-land-purchase-town-hall-ontario-ndp-1.7180088</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Includes a great photo and quote from local farmer Stewart Snyder</div><div><br></div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Thanks also to local photographer Janice Jim for her excellent photos and video of the Town Hall - <a href="https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipN0xNehzV7BcuUYav1OMWzJl5h8Q1hAX5VqtnTBKh_dWQVA0_pSB-mJpoPQ9jaw5g?">https://photos.app.goo.gl/bYzR7RoUbAJ87vA86</a></div><div><br></div><div>The NDP has also released an excellent video overview of the Wilmot situation based on the Friday Press Conference: <a href="https://twitter.com/maritstiles/status/1782080133601407152?">https://twitter.com/maritstiles/status/1782080133601407152?</a></div><div><br></div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b><span style="font-size: 14px;">2)</span></b><b style="font-size: 14px;"> Latest Wilmot Land Assembly Updates - </b> Kudos to so many citizens and farmers for making it clear that we are unwilling hosts for this mega-industrial site. More than 1,100 signs are on lawns across Waterloo Region, thousands more people have signed petitions, and considerable media coverage continues with an increasing provincial focus. </div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><b>Farmers Market Sign Distribution and Petition Signing</b> - Thank you to everyone who helped out last weekend at the St. Jacobs Farmers Market on a cold, snowy day where hundreds of people signed petitions and expressed significant support. We are looking for volunteers to help this coming Saturday at the St. Jacob’s Farmer’s market and canvassing door-to-door in Baden and New Hamburg. If you can help to volunteer with either activity please e-mail:</div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="mailto:wilmotlandowners@gmail.com">wilmotlandowners@gmail.com</a></div><div><br></div></div><div><b>Blog Post Part #2 -</b> Melissa Bowman has continued with Part 2 of her fantastic blog post on SubStack providing an further information about this Wilmot Land Assembly and massive community expansion. Check it out at:</div><div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Melissa Bowman - Hush Hush In Wilmot - Part 2:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://citified.substack.com/p/hush-hush-in-wilmot-pt-2">https://citified.substack.com/p/hush-hush-in-wilmot-pt-2</a></div></div><div><br></div><div><b>Online Petition</b> - Thanks to everyone who has signed the online <a href="http://change.org/">Change.org</a> petition that has now surpassed an astounding 32,000 signatures! Please continue to promote it:</div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.change.org/p/stop-appropriation-targeting-wilmot-township-farmland">https://www.change.org/p/stop-appropriation-targeting-wilmot-township-farmland</a></div></div><div><br></div></div><div><b>Lawn Signs - Fight For Farmland - </b>Another 400 lawn signs have been ordered and will be ready by this weekend. We need to keep up the momentum and show firsthand an unwilling community. Order yours online, pick them up from local Sign Captains throughout Waterloo Region, and learn more at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="http://www.fightforfarmland.com/">www.fightforfarmland.com</a> </div><div><br></div><div><b>Great media coverage -</b> both local and province-wide continues including:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CityNews - Opposition to Waterloo Region’s Wilmot Land Grab, Growing:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/17/opposition-to-waterloo-regions-wilmot-land-grab-growing/">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/17/opposition-to-waterloo-regions-wilmot-land-grab-growing/</a></div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-432d9b4b-7fff-e8c1-867a-26f4371d3583"><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>CityNews - Wilmot Is The “Canary In The Coalmine”: NDP Leader Marit Stiles:</span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/18/wilmot-is-the-canary-in-the-coalmine-ndp-leader-marit-stiles/?" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/18/wilmot-is-the-canary-in-the-coalmine-ndp-leader-marit-stiles/?</span></a></div><br></span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The National Observer - A Secret Threat Hangs Over A Tiny Corner Of Ontario Farmland:</span></div><div><span><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><a href="https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/04/19/news/secret-threat-hangs-over-tiny-corner-ontario-farmland">https://www.nationalobserver.com/2024/04/19/news/secret-threat-hangs-over-tiny-corner-ontario-farmland</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CityNews - Kitchener-Conestoga Member of Parliament Tables Motion To Study Protection Of Farmland:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/19/kitchener-conestoga-mp-tables-motion-to-study-protection-of-farmland/">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/19/kitchener-conestoga-mp-tables-motion-to-study-protection-of-farmland/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Trillium - Opposition Parties Demand Answers About Waterloo Region’s Plan To Buy Wilmot Farmland:</div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.thetrillium.ca/">https://www.thetrillium.ca/</a></div></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - “This Feels Like Brute Force” - Homeowners Back Farmers In Wilmot Land Battle:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/this-feels-like-brute-force-homeowners-back-farmers-in-wilmot-land-battle/article_ea99fe75-e77d-572e-8fff-c12757a4fb8b.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/this-feels-like-brute-force-homeowners-back-farmers-in-wilmot-land-battle/article_ea99fe75-e77d-572e-8fff-c12757a4fb8b.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Wilmot Land Grab Sparks Broad-Based Pushback:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/wilmot-land-grab-sparks-broad-based-pushback/article_b61d52ad-07fc-54b9-b559-1effc708228c.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/wilmot-land-grab-sparks-broad-based-pushback/article_b61d52ad-07fc-54b9-b559-1effc708228c.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - NDP and Greens Take Wilmot Land Battle To Queen’s Park:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/ndp-and-greens-take-wilmot-land-battle-to-queens-park/article_c0674d36-8a61-5c5d-b743-88dac14f21e9.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/ndp-and-greens-take-wilmot-land-battle-to-queens-park/article_c0674d36-8a61-5c5d-b743-88dac14f21e9.html</a></div><div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"></div></div></div></div></div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - If The Wilmot Land Deal Is For The Greater Good, Why The Secrecy?:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/if-wilmot-land-deal-is-for-the-greater-good-why-the-secrecy/article_5f865b98-c04b-5d95-aa1b-55fbae1db18a.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/if-wilmot-land-deal-is-for-the-greater-good-why-the-secrecy/article_5f865b98-c04b-5d95-aa1b-55fbae1db18a.html</a></div><div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Farmers Forum - They Want To Steal Our Land - Waterloo Region Farmers Fight Expropriation:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://farmersforum.com/they-want-to-steal-our-land-farmers-fight-expropriation-threat-in-waterloo-region/">https://farmersforum.com/they-want-to-steal-our-land-farmers-fight-expropriation-threat-in-waterloo-region/</a></div><div><div><br></div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - What The News From Honda Tells Us About The Land Assembly In Wilmot:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/what-the-news-from-honda-tells-us-about-the-land-assembly-in-wilmot/article_9d9bf756-f908-5d45-8728-e444913b28c0.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/what-the-news-from-honda-tells-us-about-the-land-assembly-in-wilmot/article_9d9bf756-f908-5d45-8728-e444913b28c0.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>In The Legislature -</b> After visiting Wilmot Township on Friday, NPD Leader Marit Stiles raises concerns in the Provincial Legislature, calling out the provincial government. Watch the video:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Marit Stiles - Ontario Legislature on Monday regarding Ford Government Ignoring Wilmot Farmers:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6d2A6z8yJU">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6d2A6z8yJU</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><span id="docs-internal-guid-3ff9e7b3-7fff-5629-0242-e4bb65e4c76b"><b>Joint Letter -</b> It’s fantastic to see the National Farmers Union, Ontario Farmland Trust, and the Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario joining together to issue a joint letter regarding the threats to farmland in Wilmot:</span></div><div><span><br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span><span style="color: rgb(34, 34, 34); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);">Joint Letter to Premier Ford Regarding Threat to Farmland in Wilmot - NFU-Ontario, Ontario Farmland Trust, and CFFO:</span></div><div><font color="#222222"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span></font><a href="https://nfuontario.ca/news/joint-letter-to-premier-ford-regarding-threat-to-farmland-in-wilmot/" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-position: normal; text-decoration: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">https://nfuontario.ca/news/joint-letter-to-premier-ford-regarding-threat-to-farmland-in-wilmot/</span></a><font color="#222222" face="Arial, sans-serif" size="3"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"><br></span></span></font><br><br><b>Similar Issues </b>- The Wilmot land grab is very similar to the land assembly in St. Thomas and Central Elgin. Early in 2023, Bill 63 the St. Thomas-Central Elgin Boundary Adjustment Act allowed the City of St. Thomas to annex 1,500 acres of prime farmland from the Municipality of Central Elgin to create what the municipality calls “an investment ready mega-site.” It was announced as the location for an EV battery manufacturing facility for Volkswagen in March, 2023:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CBC - The Province Wants To Turn This Farmland Into Factories. The Neighbours Hate It:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/st-thomas-central-elgin-bill-63-boundary-adjustment-1.6765867">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/london/st-thomas-central-elgin-bill-63-boundary-adjustment-1.6765867</a><br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Residents say they were never consulted and their local politicians won’t call them back”</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CTV - Completely Off Guard: Central Elgin Mayor Shocked By Province Annexing 700 Acres:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://london.ctvnews.ca/completely-off-guard-central-elgin-mayor-shocked-by-province-annexing-700-acres-1.6293515">https://london.ctvnews.ca/completely-off-guard-central-elgin-mayor-shocked-by-province-annexing-700-acres-1.6293515</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CTV - Volkswagen To Build First Overseas Battery Manufacturing Plant In St. Thomas:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://london.ctvnews.ca/volkswagen-to-build-first-overseas-battery-manufacturing-plant-in-st-thomas-1.6310913">https://london.ctvnews.ca/volkswagen-to-build-first-overseas-battery-manufacturing-plant-in-st-thomas-1.6310913</a><br><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><br>It is important to note that this St. Thomas site was already part of an urban boundary, had significant infrastructure nearby, and doesn’t have many of the water and sewage issues facing Wilmot Township and this confounding location being targetted for a mega-industrial site in Waterloo Region.<br><br><br><b>Action Needed -</b> Please continue to show firsthand that Wilmot is unwilling to host this mega-industrial site and massive growth of tens of thousands of new residents by:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Signing petitions and sending letters, e-mails, and phone calls to elected officials</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Putting up a lawn sign encouraging others to Fight For Farmland too</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Volunteering to help engage the public at the Farmer’s Markets and canvassing door-to-door</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Signing up for updates on the www.fightforfarmland.com website</div><div><br><br><br><b style="font-size: 14px;">3) Agricultural Advisory Council Concept -</b> Kudos to Wilmot activist Rory Farnan who has come up with the idea of creating an Agricultural Advisory Committee to help ensure that agriculture has a seat at the table and is better considered in decision making. It could be modelled after Environmental Advisory Committees (EAC) that are common in municipalities across Ontario where stakeholders, volunteers and experts can communicate challenges and provide advice to Council to help shape public policy.</div><div><span><br></span></div><div><span>Rory has submitted a letter to Wilmot Township Council outlining the concept with support for this innovative idea from the National Farmers Union and others in the community - particularly given that agriculture is the largest industry in our region and there is often little agricultural expertise in local government despite the numerous broad issues that have to be navigated. Learn more at:</span></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CTV News - Wilmot Resident Proposes New Committee In Response To Possible Expropriation:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/wilmot-resident-proposes-new-committee-in-response-to-possible-expropriation-1.6857347">https://kitchener.ctvnews.ca/wilmot-resident-proposes-new-committee-in-response-to-possible-expropriation-1.6857347</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CityNews - Seed To Start Agricultural Advisory Committee Planted In Wilmot:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/24/seed-to-start-agricultural-advisory-committee-in-wilmot/">https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2024/04/24/seed-to-start-agricultural-advisory-committee-in-wilmot/</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Action Needed on Ag Advisory Council -</b> Encourage Wilmot Council to pioneer and adopt the visionary concept of an Agricultural Advisory Council.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b style="font-weight: bold;">4) Campbellville-Milton Rally -</b> </span>Let's Support our neighbours on Saturday in this important upcoming by-election. ACTION Milton is doing a terrific job of asking the Premier for accountability around his promise to shut down the Reid Road Quarry proposal (by James Dick Construction Limited). They held an all candidates public meeting in late March and are now taking this concern to the finish line by organizing a rally on Saturday, April 27th from 2 to 2:30pm at Victoria Park (100 Mary Street) in Milton. </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">A great line-up of speakers including Tim Gray (Environmental Defence), Doug Tripp (Reform Gravel Mining Coalition), Tom Minikakis (ACTION Milton), and elected or about to be elected officials (Marit Stiles and Bonnie Crombie). A Rally Poster with more information is attached below. </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">Please join us in Milton rain or shine! </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CHCH News - Group In Milton Oppose Quarry, Ask Ford To Keep Promise Made Four Years Ago:</div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.chch.com/group-in-milton-oppose-quarry-ask-ford-to-keep-promise-made-4-years-ago/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.chch.com/group-in-milton-oppose-quarry-ask-ford-to-keep-promise-made-4-years-ago/&source=gmail&ust=1714096654199000&usg=AOvVaw046fipFrCHho5ggEJ8eX0r" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://www.chch.com/group-in-milton-oppose-quarry-ask-ford-to-keep-promise-made-4-years-ago/</a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>5) Bill 162 - The Get It Done Act -</b></span> The alarming Bill 162 is nearing final approval at Queen’s Park. This broad omnibus Bill will have particularly far-reaching consequences in Waterloo Region where it stands to force open urban boundaries to enable thousands of acres of farmland loss for unnecessary urban sprawl. There are particular concerns about our vulnerable water supply and how this Bill encourages development on important groundwater aquifer recharge areas:</div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Bill 162 Opening Thousands Of Acres To Developers:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/bill-162-opening-thousands-of-acres-to-developers/article_e7025e68-2f43-56fa-b98b-964c21fa64c6.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/bill-162-opening-thousands-of-acres-to-developers/article_e7025e68-2f43-56fa-b98b-964c21fa64c6.html</a></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Development In Southwest Kitchener Threatens Drinking Water: Region Of Waterloo Report:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/development-in-southwest-kitchener-threatens-drinking-water-region-of-waterloo-report/article_b872906c-71c7-520e-88e8-50520785598d.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/development-in-southwest-kitchener-threatens-drinking-water-region-of-waterloo-report/article_b872906c-71c7-520e-88e8-50520785598d.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Bill 162 which is expected to be passed into law before Queen’s Park closes for the summer, will allow development where recharge areas for the underground aquifers are located that supply nearly all the tap water for most of the region’s population."</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><b>Great Social Media Stream Thread - </b>Phil Marfisi has created a great thread of over 20 X Posts talking about this precarious water and development situation Waterloo Region finds itself in. It’s well worth reading at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>https://twitter.com/philmarfisi/status/1781373933003956730</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Action Needed on Bill 162:</b></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- please continue to reach out to elected officials and demand that these forced boundary expansions be stopped </div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- that we proceed forward instead with the our sustainable Regional Official Plan with firm urban boundaries</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- that our Countryside Line and strong farmland protection be upheld</div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;"><br></b></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">6) Bill 185 - Cutting Red Tape To Build More Homes Act -</b> The horrific Bill 185 continues to garner serious concerns in particular with regards to the removal of Planning Authority from the Region of Waterloo along with 7 other GTA Upper-Tier Regions, changing what can be appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), and changing what constitutes “public notice” - all of which could have far-reaching consequences.</div><div><br></div><div><div>The removal of Planning Authority from the Region of Waterloo along with the settlement area boundary changes proposed in this Act could be fatal to our visionary Countryside Line protecting farmland, and compromise or even eliminate almost all of our environmental protections in Waterloo Region - particularly since we don’t have Greenbelt protection like the other impacted upper-tier regions losing Planning Authority. </div><div><br></div><div>We also don’t have pipelines to the Great Lakes like the other upper-tier Regions impacted so it’s ironic that our region with the most vulnerable water supply and no backup, could have the least protections.</div><div><br></div><div>We need to see Planning Authority restored to the Region of Waterloo, or at least see equivalent Greenbelt expansion to other regions to overlay our Protected Countryside and protect the Waterloo Moraine groundwater recharge areas. Please speak up loudly and write/call MPP’s to ensure the province is aware of the potential devastation it is about to unleash on citizens and lands across Waterloo Region.</div></div><div><br></div><div>Other astonishing proposed things in Bill 185 include:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- further limiting and eliminating third party appeal rights so that pretty much developers are the only group with the ability to appeal municipal decisions,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- opening of settlement area (urban) boundaries with sweeping changes to allow almost unlimited urban expansion onto farmland,</div><div><br></div><div>Although there are a couple of potentially positive proposals including:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- reversing some development charge cuts previously imposed by the Ford government in an attempt to provide desperately needed funding to municipalities facing severe development charge shortfalls,</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- removal of parking minimums in transit station areas.</div><div><br></div><div>Bill 185 is unlikely to build more housing but the consequences could be felt for generations. Here’s some excellent media articles:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Hamilton Spectator - Doug Ford Is Undermining Our Democracy And Our Climate:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/doug-ford-is-undermining-our-democracy-and-our-climate/article_5ee48c9b-15e8-5ca9-9fde-5ae93ff03e6a.html">https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/doug-ford-is-undermining-our-democracy-and-our-climate/article_5ee48c9b-15e8-5ca9-9fde-5ae93ff03e6a.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><div class="asset-masthead" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: "Merriweather Sans", "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><header class="asset-header" style="box-sizing: border-box; width: min(960px, 100%); max-width: none; margin: 0px auto;"></header></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Record - Now We Need Greenbelt Status To Protect Our Water:</div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/now-we-need-greenbelt-status-to-protect-our-drinking-water/article_f46f7093-4369-59a5-8cde-13e1c5a24721.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/now-we-need-greenbelt-status-to-protect-our-drinking-water/article_f46f7093-4369-59a5-8cde-13e1c5a24721.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b>Powerful Open Letter -</b> The folks at Hold The Line Waterloo Region have published an Open Letter signed by 13 former elected officials who helped to create or uphold Waterloo Region’s visionary Countryside Line policy protecting farmland calling for the continuance of the Countryside Line policy:</div></div></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Hold The Line and The Record - Open Letter: The Countryside Line Is Still Worth Protecting:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/open-letter-the-countryside-line-is-still-worth-protecting/article_1c6178ff-2458-5584-a83b-9349c0cd7598.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/open-letter-the-countryside-line-is-still-worth-protecting/article_1c6178ff-2458-5584-a83b-9349c0cd7598.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Bill 185 Analysis -</b> Some of the best analysis of Bill 185’s myriad of impacts are from Environmental Defence, Donnelly Law, and Reform Gravel Coalition:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Environmental Defence - Bill 185:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/04/10/bill-185-and-proposed-provincial-planning-statement-would-unleash-a-wave-of-greenfield-scandals-by-removing-tribunal-oversight-of-sprawl-approvals/#:~:text=Together%2C%20the%20new%20law%20and,natural%20areas%20outside%20the%20Greenbelt.">https://environmentaldefence.ca/2024/04/10/bill-185-and-proposed-provincial-planning-statement-would-unleash-a-wave-of-greenfield-scandals-by-removing-tribunal-oversight-of-sprawl-approvals/</a></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bill 185 creates a huge potential for corruption when so many millions of dollars are at stake in urban boundary expansions with little oversight and inexperienced municipal councils.<br class="Apple-interchange-newline"><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Reform Gravel Bill 185 Petition Protecting Public Participation and Appeal Rights:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.reformgravelmining.ca/amend-bill-185">https://www.reformgravelmining.ca/amend-bill-185</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bill 66, Bill 23, and now Bill 185 all try to strip residents and community groups of their right to appeal and erode democracy making the OLT a developer’s only tribunal…</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>David Donnelly Law:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Full PDF Report attached below<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Bill 185 reverses two decades of Smart Growth by removing control of urban boundaries from municipalities and hands it to the Ontario Land Tribunal while taking away citizens rights to appeal. This is an egregious breach of justice. </div><div><br></div><div>Numerous legal firms (often in favour of Bill 185) and associations have now published overviews and opinions of Bill 185 including:</div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Goodman's - Shifting Sands - Ontario Proposes More Changes Through Bill 185:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.goodmans.ca/insights/article/shifting-sands-ontario-proposes-more-changes-to-the-land-use-planning-framework-through-bill-185">https://www.goodmans.ca/insights/article/shifting-sands-ontario-proposes-more-changes-to-the-land-use-planning-framework-through-bill-185</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Aird Berlis Bill 185 Overview:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.airdberlis.com/insights/publications/publication/first-reading-of-bill-185-and-the-draft-2024-provincial-planning-statement">https://www.airdberlis.com/insights/publications/publication/first-reading-of-bill-185-and-the-draft-2024-provincial-planning-statement</a></div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>McMillan - Introducing Bill 185 and the New PPS:</div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://mcmillan.ca/insights/publications/introducing-bill-185-the-cutting-red-tape-to-build-more-homes-act-and-an-update-on-the-new-provincial-planning-statement/">https://mcmillan.ca/insights/publications/introducing-bill-185-the-cutting-red-tape-to-build-more-homes-act-and-an-update-on-the-new-provincial-planning-statement/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Association of Ontario Municipalities - Bill 185:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2024/april/11/continuing-to-cut-through-the-red-tape">https://www.dentons.com/en/insights/articles/2024/april/11/continuing-to-cut-through-the-red-tape</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Christian Farmers Federation of Ontario - Protecting Ontario’s Farmland Amidst Red Tape Reduction:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.christianfarmers.org/media/commentary/balancing-growth-and-guardianship-protecting-ontario-s-farmland-amidst-red-tape-reduction">https://www.christianfarmers.org/media/commentary/balancing-growth-and-guardianship-protecting-ontario-s-farmland-amidst-red-tape-reduction</a></div></div><div><br></div><div><b><br></b></div><div><b>Actions Needed on Bill 185:</b></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Planning Authority should be retained by the Region of Waterloo, our Countryside Line remain intact, and forced boundary expansions eliminated,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Changes to Settlement Area Boundaries should not be permitted outside of regular municipal comprehensive review periods,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- Planning Act Sections dealing with Third Party Appeals should be rescinded,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- The Attorney General should disclose all communications with municipalities and developers requesting changes to third party appeal rights,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- The OLT should be required to permit third party appeals,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- We need to be speaking up loudly to elected officials and on the ERO - <span style="caret-color: rgb(0, 104, 218); color: rgb(0, 104, 218); text-decoration: underline;">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8365</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">7) MPP’s Removed from Standing Committee’s -</b> In yet anther affront to democracy the Ford government removed numerous Liberal, Green Party and Independent MPP’s from Standing Committee’s. The motion passed on Thursday saw Liberal MPP’s John Fraser, Stephen Blaise, Adil Shamji, and Stephanie Bowman stripped of their committee roles. Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner and Independent MPPs Bobbi Ann Brady and Vincent Ke were taken off the committees they had been on as well.</div><div><br></div><div>“The removal of 6 Liberal, Green and Independent MPPs, without notice is just another example of this government attempting to silence their critics,” John Fraser the Liberal’s parliamentary leader said. “They don’t like tough questions or to be held accountable.”:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Trillium - Liberals Accuse PC’s Of Silencing Their MPPs & Other Independents On Committees:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thetrillium.ca/">https://www.thetrillium.ca/</a></div><div><br></div><div>It’s astonishing that this anti-democratic move by the Ford government isn’t front page news. Few Ontarians are likely to be in favour of such ruthless tactics undermining democracy and long-standing legislative structures. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">8) Breaking News - Greenbelt Scandal Continues - </b>The opposition parties are stating that the government’s Greenbelt coverup is unravelling as new details and facts emerge that show more Ford Staffers misleading investigators and the Integrity Commissioner. Shakir Rehmatullah, founder and president of Flato Developments - the beneficiary of 14 MZO’s and 3 Greenbelt parcels claimed that he and Doug Ford’s longtime #2 staffer, Amin Massoudi “do not socialize and have never been to each other’s homes". Recent evidence shows that Massoudi actually visited Rehmatullah’s Markham mansion numerous times while working as the Premier’s secretary - contradicting previous testimony and calling into question all claims and testimony:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Trillium - Ford Dodges Opposition Claim His Government’s Greenbelt Story Is Unravelling:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thetrillium.ca/">https://www.thetrillium.ca/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Trillium Texts Contradict Developers Testimony About Relationship With Ford Aide During Greenbelt Investigation:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-trillium-investigations/texts-contradict-developers-testimony-about-relationship-with-ford-aide-during-greenbelt-investigation-8643723">https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/the-trillium-investigations/texts-contradict-developers-testimony-about-relationship-with-ford-aide-during-greenbelt-investigation-8643723</a></div><div><br></div></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Pointer - Mississauga MPP Kaleed Rasheed Vows To Clear His Name From The Greenbelt Scandal But Won’t Explain How:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thepointer.com/article/2024-04-25/mississauga-mpp-kaleed-rasheed-vows-to-clear-his-name-from-pc-greenbelt-scandal-but-won-t-explain-how">https://thepointer.com/article/2024-04-25/mississauga-mpp-kaleed-rasheed-vows-to-clear-his-name-from-pc-greenbelt-scandal-but-won-t-explain-how</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>The Narwhal has also just released an excellent podcast miniseries on the Greenbelt Scandal starting this week:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Narwhal - Paydirt - A Podcast MiniSeries About Ontario’s Greenbelt Scandal:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thenarwhal.ca/paydirt-greenbelt-podcast-miniseries/">https://thenarwhal.ca/paydirt-greenbelt-podcast-miniseries/</a></div><div><div><br></div><p><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>9) Flip Flop Ford - </b></span>The many reversals, back-tracks and flip-flops of Doug Ford has set records recently - particularly with the Union-Pearson Fiasco this past week that saw the government reversing itself within two days. The waste and stupidity continues with the government’s refusal to engage in any sort of public consultation that could save it so much embarrassment and greatly improve effectiveness:<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></p><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>TVO Today - The Ford Government Is Making It Very Difficult For Me To Write Op-Eds About The Ford Government:</div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-is-making-it-very-difficult-for-me-to-write-op-eds-about-the-ford-government">https://www.tvo.org/article/the-ford-government-is-making-it-very-difficult-for-me-to-write-op-eds-about-the-ford-government</a></div></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>CBC - Ontario U Turns On UP Express Service Changes:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/up-express-changes-ontario-1.7175895">https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/up-express-changes-ontario-1.7175895</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>TVO Today - A Friendly Warning To The Ford Government: Think Before You Cut:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.tvo.org/article/a-friendly-warning-to-the-ford-government-think-before-you-cut">https://www.tvo.org/article/a-friendly-warning-to-the-ford-government-think-before-you-cut</a></div><div><br></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Toronto Star - Doug Ford’s Flip Flop On UP Express Draws Mockery From Opposition:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thestar.com/politics/doug-fords-flip-flop-on-up-express-draws-mockery-from-opposition/article_10691690-fcd9-11ee-b47c-0f86014872dd.html">https://www.thestar.com/politics/doug-fords-flip-flop-on-up-express-draws-mockery-from-opposition/article_10691690-fcd9-11ee-b47c-0f86014872dd.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>“Once again this is a government that doesn’t think before they act. They didn’t talk to transit riders.”</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">The other significant flip-flop was the Ford government backtracking on it's recent announcement that it was going to eliminate free water testing for rural private water wells: </div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.frontenacnews.ca/frontenac-county-news/item/17213-province-clarifies-stance-says-private-well-water-testing-will-continue#">https://www.frontenacnews.ca/frontenac-county-news/item/17213-province-clarifies-stance-says-private-well-water-testing-will-continue#</a></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false"><br></div><div dir="ltr" data-setdir="false">A story in Queen's Park Today (only available to subscribers) also confirmed the Ontario government reversal on the elimination of free water testing for private wells saying that the province will now plan to continue to provide free well water testing for rural households.</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>10) Bill 165 - Keeping Energy Costs Down Act -</b></span> <span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Doug Ford wants you to pay more for heating and continues to push </span><font color="#26282a">the ironically named Keeping Energy Costs Down Act, Bill 165 to override the Ontario Energy Board’s (OEB) December decision that Enbridge gas pipeline expansions shouldn't be subsidized by current gas ratepayers given that there are now better alternatives such as heat pumps available. </font></div><div><font color="#26282a"><br></font></div><div><font color="#26282a">Kudo’s to the Nith Valley Ecoboosters who were able to get Wilmot Township Council to unanimously pass a motion on Monday night to have Staff create a report on Bill 165 and the proposed overruling of the OEB. It’s unfortunate the Wilmot wouldn’t issue an immediate resolution as this entire issue could be over by the time their Staff Report is completed. Learn more in this good article:</font></div><div><font color="#26282a"><br></font></div><div><font color="#26282a"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></font>The Record - Province’s Plan To Allow Subsidy For Gas Hookups Puzzles Wilmot Council:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/province-s-plan-to-allow-subsidy-for-gas-hookups-puzzles-wilmot-council/article_442904a3-711b-541d-a6f8-b0de462be2d7.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/province-s-plan-to-allow-subsidy-for-gas-hookups-puzzles-wilmot-council/article_442904a3-711b-541d-a6f8-b0de462be2d7.html</a></div><div><div><br></div></div><span style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Please see if you can get your local Council to pass a similar motion in support of the OEB and phasing out fossil fuels like Guelph, Hamilton and others. The Clean Air Alliance has great tools and examples for you:</span></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.cleanairalliance.org/cities-speak-up/">https://www.cleanairalliance.org/cities-speak-up/</a></div><div><br></div></div><div>Or watch the video of the recent Environmental Defence webinar:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJgUwSp2K-M" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJgUwSp2K-M</a></div><div><br></div></div>Other good recent articles on the absurdity of Bill 165 include:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Globe And Mail - Why Is Ontario Taking From Homeowners To Subsidize Gas Companies?:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-why-is-ontario-taking-from-homeowners-to-subsidize-gas-companies/">https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/commentary/article-why-is-ontario-taking-from-homeowners-to-subsidize-gas-companies/</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Ontario’s Bill 165 Will Increase Energy Costs And Fuel Global Warming:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/ontario-s-bill-165-will-increase-energy-costs-and-fuel-global-warming/article_33da380f-c3d1-5fed-90c6-41ed56dac9b9.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/ontario-s-bill-165-will-increase-energy-costs-and-fuel-global-warming/article_33da380f-c3d1-5fed-90c6-41ed56dac9b9.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Great Op-Ed Article by CAPE and CHASE</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Action Needed On Bill 165:</b></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- write MPPs on the need to eliminate fossil fuels such as methane (natural) gas and not force its future use for decades to come</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- have your local municipality pass a resolution in support of the OEB and phasing out of natural gas</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- join the Nith Valley Ecoboosters to learn about replacing your gas stove with an induction stove on Tuesday, April 30th - <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/events/stove-talk-introduction-to-induction">https://actionnetwork.org/events/stove-talk-introduction-to-induction</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">11) New Provincial Planning Statement (PPS) - </b>Everyone is still trying to figure out all the changes and updates in the latest draft of the proposed Provincial Planning Statement (PPS). There are no shortage of troubling things to try to interpret including what appears to be:</div><div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- concerning changes to remove greenfield density targets,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- the elimination of required intensification targets,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- 2 additional residences permitted on every farm despite last year’s efforts to prevent the absurd 4 severances per farm,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- troubling changes to permit new subdivision developments in rural areas,</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>- encouraging development on septic systems and water systems that have proved problematic in the past.</div><div><br></div><div>We’ll keep you posted as we learn more. Speak up in the ERO with concerns so far at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Review Of Proposed Policies For A New Provincial Planning Policy Instrument:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462</a></div></div><div><br></div>In many ways both Bill 185 and the proposed PPS will be a repeat of the current Wilmot situation where they are coming for farmland in previously unfathomable situations however, this could unfold rapidly with massive amounts of farmland loss across all of Ontario.</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b>Action Needed on proposed Provincial Planning Statement (PPS):</b></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>- speak up to elected officials and on the ERO before May 12th - <a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8462</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>12) Recent Articles -</b></span> Media stories this week include concerning stories on plunging new home construction numbers as Ford continues to move us in the wrong directions, Earth Day celebrations, and the troubling push for Highway #413:</div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><br></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Housing Slump Deepens As New Home Construction Plunges In Waterloo Region:</div></div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/housing-slump-deepens-as-new-home-construction-plunges-in-waterloo-region/article_c9f196b8-4daa-59e5-9ca5-07b7d1e113de.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/housing-slump-deepens-as-new-home-construction-plunges-in-waterloo-region/article_c9f196b8-4daa-59e5-9ca5-07b7d1e113de.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>“The City of Waterloo is leading the decline with just 18 homes started in the first three months of 2024. This includes 12 detached homes, six row homes and not a single new apartment…”</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Guelph Today - Earth Day Celebration And Call To Action Outside City Hall:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/earth-day-celebration-and-call-to-action-saturday-outside-city-hall-8624564">https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/earth-day-celebration-and-call-to-action-saturday-outside-city-hall-8624564</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Pointer - Highway 413 Cannot Proceed If Federal Government Does Its Job:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://thepointer.com/article/2024-04-16/highway-413-cannot-proceed-if-federal-government-does-its-job-says-environmental-group">https://thepointer.com/article/2024-04-16/highway-413-cannot-proceed-if-federal-government-does-its-job-says-environmental-group</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Adding Housing Is Going To Be Difficult In Waterloo Region, Home Builders Warn:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/adding-housing-is-going-to-be-difficult-in-waterloo-region-home-builders-warn/article_70084ffc-909e-5456-ab1a-dcda68ff7045.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/adding-housing-is-going-to-be-difficult-in-waterloo-region-home-builders-warn/article_70084ffc-909e-5456-ab1a-dcda68ff7045.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Guelph Today - Crowd Gathers In Market Square To Mark Earth Day:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/crowd-gathers-in-market-square-to-mark-earth-day-8630515">https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/crowd-gathers-in-market-square-to-mark-earth-day-8630515</a></div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Ford Could Break Ontario’s Fractured Home-Care System:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/ford-could-break-ontario-s-fractured-home-care-system/article_64a1f78e-3abc-5568-8311-1776d392b018.html">https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/ford-could-break-ontario-s-fractured-home-care-system/article_64a1f78e-3abc-5568-8311-1776d392b018.html</a></div><div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Yet another sweeping Bill proposing dramatic changes with no public consultation that isn’t likely to go well...</div></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>13) GreenWR West 5 Tours -</b></span> An invitation has been extended to anyone who would like to join GreenWR (<a href="http://www.greenwr.org/">www.greenwr.org</a>), a local grassroots organization promoting Green Development Standards to help ensure we better meet our climate targets, on a tour of West 5 in London. West 5 is an all-solar, net-zero community that has done many innovative things for sustainability.</div><div><div><br></div><div>The tour will be given by the project’s lead engineer Derek Satnik from s2e Technology in St. Jacobs.</div><div><br></div><div>We will be meeting at West 5 (<a href="https://west5.ca/">https://west5.ca/</a>) at 2:00pm on Friday, May 3rd and there will be options to carpool down to London if you would like to travel down with others. </div><div><br></div><div>Please let Kevin Thomason (<a href="mailto:kevinthomason@mac.com">kevinthomason@mac.com</a>) know if you would be interested in joining the citizens, elected officials, developers, and municipal staff on this tour to see what we can learn and how we can bring needed innovations to our local communities.</div></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline"></div><div><br></div><div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>14) Caledon Under Threat - </b></span> Kudos to Democracy Caledon and the amazing Debbe Crandall for holding an emergency meeting to discuss Mayor Annette Groves threats to use Strong Mayor Powers to fast-track development of 35,000 new homes - doubling the population of Caledon by cutting out the public and Council, and undertaking a number of questionable activities to try to force development. </div><div><br></div><div>There is tremendous concern, questionable tactics, and much to be learned for protecting other communities from such developer-lead antics. Learn more in this insightful article:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Pointer - With Caldeon Under Threat, Over 150 Residents Meet To Demand Action From Town Council, Mayor Annette Groves:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://thepointer.com/article/2024-04-20/with-caledon-under-threat-over-150-residents-meet-to-demand-action-from-town-council">https://thepointer.com/article/2024-04-20/with-caledon-under-threat-over-150-residents-meet-to-demand-action-from-town-council</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div><div><span style="font-size: 14px;"><b>15) Guelph Community Climate Forum - Saturday, May 4th from 1pm to 4pm - </b></span>Join the Guelph Climate Action Network for a Community Climate Forum for information, tips, and opportunities for ongoing collective action on climate change. Learn more and register at:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://guelphclimateactionnetwork.carrd.co/#communityclimateforum">https://guelphclimateactionnetwork.carrd.co/#communityclimateforum</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">16) Other Articles - </b>Here’s other current articles on the Huron Natural area and the housing crisis that are worth reading:</div><div><br></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Record - Development Limits Access To Huron Natural Area:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/development-limits-access-to-huron-natural-area/article_bb0fccf4-7f1f-5b79-ac42-dd39141713b6.html">https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/development-limits-access-to-huron-natural-area/article_bb0fccf4-7f1f-5b79-ac42-dd39141713b6.html</a></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>The Hamilton Spectator - We Must Solve The Housing Crisis While Also Protecting The Environment:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/we-must-solve-the-housing-crisis-while-also-protecting-the-environment/article_09731d2e-0a34-5410-a2af-5fe37b1d2b71.html">https://www.thespec.com/opinion/contributors/we-must-solve-the-housing-crisis-while-also-protecting-the-environment/article_09731d2e-0a34-5410-a2af-5fe37b1d2b71.html</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">17) Some Inspiration From James Gordon - </b>James is a nationally recognized musician, author, speaker, and retired Guelph City Councillor. He has drafted a powerful letter and call to action that is attached below as a PDF. It is well worth taking a minute to read.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="gmail_quote"><div style="line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="line-break: after-white-space;"><div><br></div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">18) Highway #413 -</b> A troubling announcement was made last week on a partnership by the Federal government with the Provincial government to work together on environmental concerns regarding the unnecessary and destructive Highway #413. There are still many things that we can be doing to try to prevent this highway from destroying thousands of acres of farmland, greenspace, Greenbelt, and important habitat.</div><div><br></div><div>Learn more about the current status and what can be done by reading the recent Environmental Defence Webinar slides at:</div><div><br></div><div><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span>Highway #413 Webinar:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Lu-ouigvlFGJeoYs6oN_t7428upnQgCc/mobilepresent?slide=id.g261a6bf380a_0_0">https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Lu-ouigvlFGJeoYs6oN_t7428upnQgCc/mobilepresent?slide=id.g261a6bf380a_0_0</a></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Additional Resources, Maps, Reports, Lawn Signs, And Materials:</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1uKlMIbKhWvFOAjRrEEiYaQNqqhGHFVKQ1tmDU5iaZCA/mobilebasic">https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1uKlMIbKhWvFOAjRrEEiYaQNqqhGHFVKQ1tmDU5iaZCA/mobilebasic</a></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">19) Reminder - Next Meeting</b><b><span style="font-size: 14px;"> -</span></b> Join us next <span dir="ltr">Friday, May 3rd</span> at 5:30pm online at the Zoom link below. </div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Topic: Grand River Watershed Bill 23 Bi-Weekly Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Time: Every Other <span dir="ltr">Friday at 5:30pm EST</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Join Zoom Meeting</div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; min-height: 14px;"><br></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meeting ID: <span dir="ltr">826 4469 5701</span></div><div style="margin: 0px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space: pre;"> </span><span dir="ltr">Passcode: 713374</span></div><div><br></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div>Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.</div><div><div id="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqtfd24641" class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770yqt1303954863"><br clear="none"><div dir="ltr"><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span class="ydp9fa07544yiv0892781770ydp8bacb94dyiv1865983000Apple-style-span">Cheers,</span></div><div style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);">Kevin Thomason and Mike Marcolongo on behalf of all our community groups.</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><br></div><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">-----------------------------------</b></div><div><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">A) Upcoming Events</font></b></div></div></div></div></div><div></div><div><br></div><div>Saturday, April 27th - 2:00pm - Keep The Promise Rally Against The Campbellville Quarry - See Poster Below for Details</div></div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div></div><div>Sunday, April 28th - Killer Water: The toxic legacy of Canada’s oil sands industry for Indigenous communities - Princess Twin in Waterloo, Sunday April 28th - <a href="https://www.ink-stainedwretches.org/film-festival.html">https://www.ink-stainedwretches.org/film-festival.html</a></div><div><br></div><div>Tuesday, April 30th - 7pm - Wilmot - Nith Ecoboosters Induction Stove Event - <a href="https://actionnetwork.org/events/stove-talk-introduction-to-induction?source=direct_link&">https://actionnetwork.org/events/stove-talk-introduction-to-induction?source=direct_link&</a></div><div><br></div><div>Wednesday, May 1st - 6:30pm to 8:30pm - Waterloo Region Climate Collaborative - Help local environmental groups figure out how we can collaborate and work together better - Civic Hub 23 Water Street N. Kitchener or on Zoom at <a href="https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86159205227?pwd=OWhYOEo5ZFN0RjlOU3laVHVLT1RYUT09" target="_blank">https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86159205227?pwd=OWhYOEo5ZFN0RjlOU3laVHVLT1RYUT09</a></div><div><br></div><div>Friday, May 3rd - 2:00pm - West 5 all-solar neighbourhood tour in London - contact <a href="mailto:kevinthomason@mac.com">kevinthomason@mac.com</a> if you would like to join us.</div><div><br></div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><span dir="ltr">Friday, May 3rd</span><b style="caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><span style="font-weight: 400;"> <span dir="ltr">- 5:30pm</span> - Next group update meeting on Zoom - </span><a href="https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09" style="font-weight: 400;">https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09</a></b></div></div><div><br></div><div>Saturday, May 4th - 1pm to 4pm - Guelph Community Climate Forum -<a href="https://guelphclimateactionnetwork.carrd.co/#communityclimateforum">https://guelphclimateactionnetwork.carrd.co/#communityclimateforum</a></div><div><br></div><div><div><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div dir="auto" style="overflow-wrap: break-word; -webkit-nbsp-mode: space; line-break: after-white-space;"><div><b style="font-size: 14px;">-----------------------------------</b></div><div><b style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); caret-color: rgb(38, 40, 42); color: rgb(38, 40, 42);"><font style="font-size: 14px;">B) Bill 185 Environmental Registry of Ontario Filing:</font></b></div></div></div></div></div><div></div></div><div><br></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div>Speak up before May 12th:</div><div><br></div><div><a href="https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8365">https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-8365</a></div><div><br></div><div></div></div></div></body></html>