Regional chair breaks silence on Wilmot Township farmland expropriation
CTV
Karen Redman has addressed Waterloo Region’s controversial plan to acquire farm land in Wilmot Township in an email to concerned citizens.
Karen Redman has addressed Waterloo Region’s controversial plan to acquire farm land in Wilmot Township in an email to concerned citizens.
Property owners have been fighting against the proposal to buy 770 acres of land between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road and Wilmot Centre Road. Exact plans for the property have not been announced publicly.
The letter, sent from the Region of Waterloo chair’s email address to members of Nith Valley EcoBoosters, was then forwarded to CTV News. It said the region remains committed to balancing “the protection of our natural environment with facilitating economic opportunities to support a high quality of life for residents.”
Nith Valley EcoBoosters initially reached out to the region to voice their concerns about the possible environmental impact of any development on the farm land.
“We feel called on to take action when we see our water sources, natural areas and farmlands threatened,” the group wrote. “We see that happening now with the planned acquisition of land in Wilmot.”
In her response, Redman said having shovel-ready land is critical to securing future investment and jobs that support community growth.
“Since 2021, Waterloo Region has received numerous inquiries seeking large-scale parcels for development, speaking directly to the urgent need for this type of land,” Redman explained. “No current or future shovel-ready lands are or will be located within the Regional Recharge area, which is critical to our water supply. The Regional Official Plan protects our water sources and ensures a more than adequate supply of high-quality farmland remains. Generally speaking, this area is excellently suited for future development and investment given the proximity to arterial transportation and existing infrastructure, and the connection to Waterloo Region’s skilled workforce.”
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