The Wilmot Industrial Mega Site Report
Based on research, regional and provincial documents, WilmotCAN has developed a report which explains why the Region of Waterloo’s plans for an industrial mega-site on the 770 acres in the Township of Wilmot should never happen.
The Region should not pave over farmland abutting the Waterloo Moraine. We have evidence of poor p, a lack of transparency, and too many unanswered questions. After reading this report, you too will agree that Wilmot should remain an unwilling host.
Letter Writing Tips
We encourage everyone in the community to write personalized letters to highlight the urgent need to preserve 770 acres of Wilmot’s prime farmland. Here are some topics to help you get started when writing to our municipal and provincial political leaders, urging them to declare Wilmot an unwilling host to the 770-acre industrial land assembly on prime farmland. Be respectful but firm in your tone.
When emailing or writing to councillors and leaders, remember to email and ask the clerk of each level of government to include your letters in agendas as Official Correspondence.
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Township of Wilmot Clerks: clerks@wilmot.ca
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Region of Waterloo Clerks: regionalclerk@regionofwaterloo.ca
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Clerk of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario: Clerks-Office@ola.org
Ready to dive right in? Check out this expandable list of quick ideas to get you started.
Loss of Farmland
- Relevant Statistics: Highlight the alarming rate of farmland loss, such as the loss of 319 acres of farmland per day. Emphasize how this project will contribute to this ongoing issue.
- Impact on Local Agriculture: Discuss how the loss of 770 acres of prime farmland will affect local farmers and the agricultural community.
Emotional Toll
- Impact on Farmers: Share personal stories or testimonials from local farmers about the emotional and psychological impact of losing their land.
- Community Well-being: Address the broader emotional toll on the community, including feelings of loss, anxiety, and grief associated with the destruction of irreplaceable farmland.
Food Security
- Importance of Farmland: Explain the crucial role that farmland plays in ensuring food security.
- Future Generations: Argue that preserving farmland is essential for feeding future generations, especially as the global population continues to grow.
Transparency
- Lack of Transparency: Point out the lack of transparency in the decision-making process for the land assembly project.
- Call for Accountability: Demand greater transparency and accountability from political leaders and decision-makers to ensure that the community’s interests are prioritized.
Environmental Impact
- Sustainability Concerns: Discuss the environmental impact of converting farmland into industrial land, including potential harm to local ecosystems and biodiversity.
- Climate Change: Highlight how preserving farmland can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts by maintaining green spaces and reducing carbon footprints.
Economic Considerations
- Economic Loss: Address the economic loss associated with the destruction of valuable farmland, including the loss of potential revenue from crops.
- Alternative Solutions: Suggest alternative locations for industrial development that do not involve sacrificing prime farmland.
Consequences and Expectations
- Conclude with the consequences that will follow the decision the councillor makes
- And the specific action you would like your councillor to take