“It's heartbreaking to see neighbours, family, and friends facing this callous government overreach," says WilmotCAN Spokesperson John Jordan.
January 22, 2025 – New Hamburg, ON - The Wilmot Civic Action Network (WilmotCAN) proudly presents the first of a three-part mini documentary video series, in partnership with renowned Director of Photography Thom Varey, about the Region of Waterloo's secretive land assembly fiasco for a highly controversial mega-industrial site on 770 acres of prime farmland in rural Wilmot Township.
In this first installment, viewers will hear from a targeted farmer, neighbouring farmers questioning if they're next to be unjustly expropriated, a highly-respected environmental expert, local advocates, and even provincial MPPs seeking answers from Doug Ford’s provincial government, which has acknowledged funding the land purchase for the Region. Each expresses a deep shared concern about the clandestine actions of multiple levels of government contrary to all previous planning and protections, echoing the provincial Greenbelt scandal now under RCMP investigation.
Independent, but fully supportive of the Fight For Farmland group, the newly formed Wilmot Civic Action Network has united community groups and focused community outrage. They are advocating for transparency and accountability from our elected leaders who have continued to ignore thousands of citizens expressing concerns. Despite Wilmot Township already being in dire financial straits, the leaders have not held a single public meeting or released any reports, studies, or financial cost estimates.
Photo: Still from video of affected landowner Stewart Synder on his dairy farm . Photo Credit: Thom Varey
“It's heartbreaking to see neighbours, family, and friends facing this callous government overreach, that places their livelihoods, homes, farms, businesses, and well-being at risk. Together, as caring neighbours we must speak up and demand better as no politician was elected to override all previous planning and create potentially one of the largest industrial developments in the world in secret backroom deals without even a single public meeting. This unconscionable land grab will forever change our community in so many negative ways while also threatening local food production and the groundwater we all depend on" said WilmotCAN Spokesperson John Jordan.
Varey, a Toronto-based creative professional with professional ties to Wilmot added; “It is my hope that this video series exposes the sheer lack of foresight and fair process this government exhibits, while also shining light on hard-working farmers who face uncertainty for the future of their lands and livelihoods.”
The second episode of the three-part video series will emphasize the significance of Class One farmland, highlighting the consequences of developing it including the threat to food security. It will be released in early February 2025. In the meantime, watch the first episode online here www.youtube.com/@WilmotCAN on the WilmotCAN website at www.wilmotcan.com, or on the WilmotCAN Facebook Page.
We urge people to reach out to elected officials at Wilmot Township, the Region of Waterloo, and the Ontario government to express their concerns, demand this absurd land assembly be abandoned and relocated to a location with far fewer negative impacts. We need to show support for farmers under such threats - not only here but across the province and demand the provincial government follow proper planning processes for our communities with the required transparency, public engagement, and accountability.
About the Wilmot Civic Action Network
The Wilmot Civic Action Network brings together neighbours and community groups to advocate for transparency and accountability from elected leaders. Volunteers from diverse backgrounds contribute their expertise and experience to foster understanding and collaborate for a prosperous, sustainable future for our community. Supporting neighbours, especially during uncertain times, requires a collective effort. www.WilmotCAN.com
About Thom Varey
Thomas Varey is an accomplished creative professional based in Toronto, known for his multifaceted talents as a director of photography, audio engineer, and colourist. His diverse skill set and commitment to excellence have made him a sought-after figure in many facets, including music video production, brand content, event live-streaming, and front-of-house audio engineering. www.vareysound.com/
Source: Wilmot Civic Action Network