In Wilmot Township, a passionate group comprising Ontario Greens leaders, local farmers, and community members is taking a stand. Their mission? To protect 770 acres of prime farmland from looming rezoning threats.
This land, nestled between Nafziger Road, Bleams Road, and Wilmot Centre Road, represents not just soil and crops but the very essence of food security and the agricultural economy in Ontario.
Mike Schreiner, the Ontario Greens Leader, alongside Deputy Leader Aislinn Clancy, has been vocal about the repercussions of losing such valuable land. "We cannot afford to lose 319 acres of farmland every day," Schreiner emphasizes, pointing to the alarming rate at which agricultural land is diminishing in Ontario. With only five percent of the province's land suitable for farming, the need to act is more urgent than ever.
The battle to save Wilmot's farmland is against more than just rezoning; it's a fight to preserve the agricultural way of life, ensuring the sustainability of the food and farming industry valued at $50 billion.
The group's efforts shine a light on the broader issue of urban boundary expansions, which have accelerated under the current government, often at the expense of agricultural lands.
This movement is not just about conserving land; it's a call to action for all Ontarians to recognize the vital role farmland plays in our food security, economy, and environment. As Aislinn Clancy puts it, "Once it's gone, it won't come back." The Ontario Greens are determined to work across party lines to halt the destruction of prime farmland, advocating for alternatives that do not compromise our agricultural heritage.
As this initiative gains momentum, it stands as a testament to the power of community and political will in protecting the lands that feed us, ensuring they remain for generations to come.