NDP hosting town hall in Wilmot Friday
The Ontario New Democrats have scheduled a town hall meeting April 19 to further protest the attempted land acquisition by the Region of Waterloo.
This time, NDP leader and leader of the provincial opposition Marit Stiles will be in attendance. A release from Stiles’ office said since last August, government officials have put into play the expropriation of 770 hectares of farmland for industrial development without public consultation.
“To date, there are no clear answers on how rezoning will affect water resources for this area. Community leaders, residents and organizations have come together to call on the government to halt this plan. This protected parcel of land was never slated for development and is reminiscent of the Greenbelt fiasco.”
Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife will also be in attendance and said the party is trying to create a space for issues and concerns to be raised about the potential expropriation.
"It's important to bring people together in the face of silence from all regional politicians, staff and local provincial representatives."
She added the plan comes back to the provincial Conservative government.
"I've briefed Marit, and we share the concerns of the community around lack of transparency, environmental issues and the role of the Ford Government in this scheme. Creating an opportunity for folks to share their concerns and solutions in support of the farming community is much needed."
The event is at the Wilmot Recreation Centre on Friday, April 19 from 5-6:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A. The party is asking people to RSVP to reserve a spot and email questions for speakers to reply to at outreach@ndp.on.ca.
Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, The Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette
