Region's controversial plan to buy Wilmot farms raises questions for provincial, federal politicians

The region's controversial plan to buy up farmland in Wilmot Township is gaining the attention of provincial and federal politicians, with the Ontario NDP and Green Party, as well as a Liberal MP now weighing in.

Leader of the NDP Marit Stiles was in St. Jacobs on Friday morning, showing her support for the affected residents.

Back in March, 12 landowners of six farmland properties and six residential properties were told the Region of Waterloo plans to purchase their land. In total, the region is pursuing 770 acres of land in Wilmot Township near the intersection of Nafziger Road and Bleams Road, south of New Hamburg.

If the landowners refuse to sell, they have been told their land would be expropriated.

There has been limited information provided about plans for the land.

The Region of Waterloo provided a statement to CBC News in response to questions about future development.

"The Region of Waterloo and Wilmot Township are partnering on land readiness to create shovel-ready sites to attract economic investments and create jobs," reads the statement. "Land assembly is underway to create shovel-ready sites for large-scale economic investments to further support Waterloo Region's economic vitality as it grows to one million residents by 2050."

Wilmot Township officials did not respond to requests for comment from CBC News. It was also confirmed councillors signed non-disclosure agreements about the project.

"It's a tight-knit farming community and some of the most pristine, prime agricultural land in our beautiful province," said Stiles at a news conference on Friday.

"Doug Ford has overlooked rural concerns time and time again, but we're going to get to the bottom of this just like we did with the Greenbelt."

The conference was held at St. Jacobs Foods, a local supplier of cabbage and homemade sauerkraut. Eva Wagler is the co-owner of the farm and spoke alongside Stiles.

She shared the story of her journey from the Czech Republic to Wilmot over 15 years ago.

Despite limited knowledge of farming, Wagler said she and her husband worked hard and eventually bought the farm, as the previous owners decided to retire.

"We have expanded our business and now we also sell into other provinces. We have worked so hard to get this for where we are now," Wagler said.

Though Wagler's farm is not affected by the region's plans, she said she's worried it could happen one day.

"How do we even plan and keep growing our business when we do not know if our land will be taken away? If they can do this across the road, they can do it here too any day."

The intersection of Nafziger and Bleams roads in Wilmot Township, where many farmers are feeling forced from their homes after receiving notices on behalf of the Region of Waterloo, stating their land is needed for future industrial projects. (Karis Mapp/CBC)

The Green Party of Ontario is also showing its support for the farmers.

"The province and Waterloo Region must work with the local community to find a more suitable development location that does not jeopardize our vital food and farming economy," said Aislinn Clancy, MPP for Kitchener Centre, in a release on Friday.

"Greens will continue working across party lines to fight back against forced boundary expansions and protect prime farmland for generations to come."

Local MP calls for a land study

Meanwhile, Kitchener-Conestoga MP Tim Louis said he is doing what he can to help his constituents navigate the potential expropriation.

In a release on Thursday, Louis said he is introducing a motion in the Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food calling for a study on protecting prime agricultural land.

"The study will allow the committee to consult with stakeholders, including farmers, on the future of agricultural land, which will be reported to the House of Commons for a government response."

Group supporting the purchase

A group made up of the presidents of local chambers of commerce, economic development, Communitech and Explore Waterloo Region penned an open letter April 5, supporting the region's plan to purchase the land.

The group, called BESTWR, wrote in its letter that "this is a critical time" in the region "that requires bold action."

"We are on the path to one million residents and this inevitable growth requires investment and, most importantly, jobs," the letter says. "Preparing shovel-ready land is critical and will be pivotal to the ongoing success of our future economy and communities across Waterloo region."