Poll Shows Wilmot Township Residents Reject Mega-Industrial Project, Unwilling Hosts Demand Action

Wilmot, ON –  – Strong opposition among Wilmot residents to the proposed expropriation of 770 acres of farmland for a mega-industrial site is revealed in a recent poll conducted by Pallas Data (January 30-31, 2025).  Wilmot is a rural township in the Regional Municipality of Waterloo in southwestern Ontario where this massive development contrary to all previous planning and farmland protections has been the headline issue for the past year. 

John Jordan from Wilmot Civic Action Network (WilmotCAN) stated, “The findings underscore widespread concerns about transparency, environmental impact, the loss of agricultural land, and the serious erosion of local democracy.” 

Key findings from the poll include:  

• A clear majority of Wilmot residents who expressed an opinion, strongly agree that Wilmot Council should pass a resolution opposing the farmland expropriation proposal.

• By a strong ratio of 3:1 Wilmot residents definitely will not vote or are less likely to vote for a councillor who supports the proposed expropriation in the next municipal election and only 5% that said they would very likely vote for a candidate who supports the proposed expropriation.

• Only 12% of respondents felt that our governments have adequately consulted with citizens on the mega-industrial site proposal.

• A strong majority of nearly 6 out 10 respondents in the Kitchener-Conestoga riding think elected officials should be allowed to participate in public debate about the proposed expropriation and not be bound by a non-disclosure agreement.

Stephen Palmateer of WilmotCAN stated, "There will be political repercussions for Mayor Salonen and Wilmot councillors in the next municipal election if they ignore their constituent’s clear stance.  This polling confirms what everyone already knew - Wilmot is an unwilling host for this unprecedented industrial mega-site."

"These results are decisive: opposition to the expropriation is significant," said Dr. Joseph Angolano of Pallas Data.  “In some cases, residents opposed to the expropriation outnumber supporters by three to one, and nearly six to one on the question of adequate consultation.”

In light of these findings, WilmotCAN is calling for decisive and responsive action:

1. Wilmot Council must pass a resolution declaring the community is not a willing host for the mega-industrial project on farmland.

2. Politicians must stop hiding from public discussion of the issue.

3. The Ontario government must cancel funding for the proposed expropriation of 770 acres of farmland.

4. The Greenbelt should be expanded to protect farmland in the Waterloo region.

A public information session will be held by WilmotCAN at 7pm Thursday, February 13th at Zion United Church, 215 Peel St., New Hamburg (doors open at 6:30PM).  On the agenda is an explanation of the polling data results and the determination of the next advocacy steps and legal options.

Provincial election candidates have been invited to state their position on the proposed expropriation.  Opposition party candidates are expected to attend the community meeting.  Other media report Progressive Conservative Party Campaign Staff have stated that it is “against party policy” for their candidates to participate in public meetings during the election.  It is an insult to his constituents that MPP Mike Harris Jr, may not appear at this important public event and be accountable for his government’s decision to fund the unnecessary expropriation of prime farmland in Wilmot Township. 

This issue has become a flashpoint for broader concerns about land use planning, food security in a tariff context, and local governance.  As the Region of Waterloo continues its land assembly efforts, the community's resolve to protect its agriculture, local food, water, and natural resources only grows stronger.