Premier Doug Ford says the Waterloo region’s plan to buy a large swath of farmland in Wilmot for an unnamed commercial allocation is part of a grand provincial strategy to prepare sites for development, but that “one facet of the proposed deal” is adequate. with him.
Ford was asked about the proposed land acquisition in an unrelated investment announcement in Kitchener on Thursday.
The 770-acre farmland block in Wilmot Township, just outside of Kitchener, has been a source of controversy in recent months. The region says it needs to buy the land “to create sites ready to start attracting economic investment and creating jobs. “
Farmers say they were told that if they were willing to sell, their land would be expropriated. Environmental teams have also expressed concern.
Property under attention for long-term “ready-to-implement projects” in Wilmot.
On Thursday, Ford said his government had asked municipalities to reserve land, though it had not promised express transport companies that much.
“We sent bureaucracy (I think it was about a year ago) saying, ‘If they need to gain land, we’ll be there to help them,'” Ford told reporters.
“Whoever sets it up, we’re sure they’ll come and set up a facility there. “
Ford projects would create jobs and spur economic development.
“A lot of small towns, like Wilmot, need money, so what’s better than to clear land and create some development,” he continued.
He cited the example of St. Thomas, Ontario, where Volkswagen is building a huge plant to make batteries for electric vehicles.
Premier Doug Ford announces a $14 million investment in housing for the City of Kitchener on April 11, 2024, as announced by Kitchener Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. (Dan Lauckner/CTV Kitchener)
Asked about farmers’ considerations of possible eminent domain, Ford said part of the plan was “taken the wrong way. “
“I’m all for consolidating land across the province, but I personally think it would have deserved to have been dealt a little bit with a real estate company, so it really bothered me when I heard that,” Ford said. A volunteer actor and that’s what we’re looking for: volunteer actors, voluntary cantons and regions that should open up the possibility for corporations to come here and create jobs. “
Alfred Lowrick, a spokesman for the affected landowners, said he agreed with Ford that things have been treated differently.
“There’s no question that this happened and we want to rectify it,” Lowrick said.
Lowrick said citizens oppose economic development, but need more collaboration and transparency from the region and the municipality.
In an emailed statement, Waterloo Region said it appreciates Ford’s feedback on its parcel consolidation efforts, which it says will create an area for “a once-in-a-generation investment. “
“This is a competitive location that will attract foreign investment. It is an excellent match for progress and long-term investment given the proximity to arterial transportation and existing infrastructure, as well as the connection to the Waterloo region’s professional workforce,” the region said. in part. ” While the main points of the negotiations remain certain, we are confident that we will be able to reach fair and amicable agreements with the affected landowners. “
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