70% of Wilmot farmland purchased for future industrial site, region says
CBC
The Region of Waterloo says it has purchased 70 per cent of the land it wants in Wilmot Township as part of its plans to create an industrial site for future use.
In a media release Wednesday, regional Chair Karen Redman said this is a "major milestone" that gets the region "significantly closer to securing long-term investment and economic prosperity locally."
"It is imperative, now more than ever, that Waterloo region be ready to support Canadian manufacturing and well-paying, local jobs," Redman said.
This announcement follows a contentious land battle in Wilmot Township that started last year. In March 2024, 12 landowners of six farmland properties and six residential properties were told the region wanted to purchase their land.
Affected landowners received compensation offers from the region and were told that if they refused to sell, their land could potentially be expropriated.
In the release Wednesday, the region said it is "committed to ensuring fair and equitable agreements for landowners."
The region has been working to acquire 770 acres of land (312 hectares) near the intersection of Nafziger Road and Bleams Road for future industrial use. The region maintains it has lost out on potential investment opportunities from major players in the past because of their lack of shovel-ready land.
According to the region, the area was chosen for several reasons, including:
The region initially planned to have all land purchased by August 2024. In July 2024, the region had announced on-site technical analysis was set to take place after it had purchased nearly one-third of the 770 acres it said it needed.
WATCH | Wilmot tractors travel to Kitchener for farmland protest:
A complicated road followed the region's initial announcement that they would acquire the land needed for development. Some groups, like farmers as well as provincial and federal elected politicians, opposed the project and said it would negatively impact farmland, food growth and water access.
This was bolstered in July 2024 when the region faced criticism for plowing over a corn crop after it purchased a farm.
On Wednesday, the region responded to that criticism by saying "planting will continue on lands where appropriate. No existing crop will be removed and any existing crop will be harvested when ready."
During a media briefing Wednesday, Redman said "the voices that I'm hearing from are people that are very excited. This is good news. This is about preparing for the future."
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