Ford addresses Wilmot land acquisition controversy
Premier Doug Ford says the Region of Waterloo’s plan to buy a large tract of farmland in Wilmot for an unidentified industrial project is part of a broader provincial strategy to ready sites for development, but one aspect of the proposed deal “doesn’t sit well” with him.
Ford was asked about the proposed land acquisition during an unrelated funding announcement in Kitchener Thursday.
The 770-acre block of farmland in Wilmot Township, just outside Kitchener, has become a source of contention in recent months. The region says it wants to purchase the land “to create shovel-ready sites to attract economic investments and create jobs.”
Farmers say they were told if they weren’t willing to sell, their lands would be expropriated. Environmental groups have also raised concerns.
A map shows the land the Region of Waterloo wants to buy. (Graphic by Hayden Phillips/CTV Kitchener)
On Thursday, Ford said his government asked municipalities to set aside land, although it hasn’t been promised to any specific companies.
“We’ve sent some forms out – I think it was about a year ago – saying, ‘If you want to assemble land we’ll be there for you,’” Ford told reporters.
“Anyone who assembles it, we’re pretty confident that companies are going to come and put a facility there.”
Ford said the projects will create jobs and spur economic development.
“A lot of smaller towns, like for insistence Wilmot, they need money, so what better way than you know clear some land and create some development,” he continued.
He pointed to St. Thomas, Ont., where Volkswagen is building a massive plant to manufacture electric vehicle batteries, as an example.
Premier Doug Ford announces $14 million in housing funding for the City of Kitchener on April 11, 2024, as Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic looks on. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)
Asked about farmers’ concerns about potential expropriation, Ford said that part of the plan “rubbed [him] the wrong way.”
“I’m all for assembling land across the province, but personally, I think it should have been handled a little differently with a real estate company, so it kind of really bothered me when I heard that,” Ford said. “You have to be a willing participant and that’s what we’re looking for, willing participants, willing townships and regions that want to open an opportunity for companies to come here and create jobs.”
Alfred Lowrick, a spokesperson for the affected landowners, said he agrees with Ford that things should have been handled differently.
“There’s no doubt this has gone sideways and it needs to be rectified,” Lowrick said.
Lowrick said the residents aren’t against economic development but they want more collaboration and transparency from the region and the township.
In an emailed statement, the Region of Waterloo said it appreciated Ford's comments in support of its land assembly efforts, which it said will create space for "a once in a generation investment."
"It is a competitive site that will attract international investment. It 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," the region said in part. "While the details of the negotiations remain confidential, we are confident that we can reach fair, amicable agreements with the landowners involved."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Lawsuit against Meta asks if Facebook users have right to control their feeds using external tools
Do social media users have the right to control what they see — or don't see — on their feeds?
BREAKING 15-year-old boy stabbed in Ottawa on Thursday dies
A 15-year old boy who was critically injured after a stabbing in Nepean on Thursday has died of his injuries, Ottawa's English public school board said Sunday.
Dash cam catches moment suspected drunk driver hits parked car, sends it careening into North Shore flower shop
Police say it’s fortunate no one was injured or killed in a collision at North Vancouver’s Park and Tilford shopping centre Saturday evening that sent one vehicle careening into a flower shop and another into a set of concrete barriers outside a Winners store.
El Nino weakening doesn't mean cooler temperatures this summer, forecasters say
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Nylander defends Leafs' core after playoff exit, Toronto again picks up the pieces
The Maple Leafs battled back from a 3-1 series deficit against the Boston Bruins with consecutive 2-1 victories - including one that required extra time - in their first-round playoff series to push the club's Original Six rival to the limit before suffering a devastating Game 7 overtime loss.
Amid climate change warnings, Canadians lukewarm on electric vehicles
Amid scientists' warnings that nations need to transition away from fossil fuels to limit climate change, Canadians are still lukewarm on electric vehicles, according to a study conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News.
Three dead, two hospitalized, following collision in Fredericton: police
Three people have died and two have been hospitalized after a speeding car struck a tree and landed on another vehicle in Fredericton Sunday morning.
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.