Region of Waterloo criticized after corn crop on newly purchased Wilmot lands plowed over

The Region of Waterloo is being criticized for plowing down a corn crop on land it recently purchased in Wilmot Township.

But the region says the work is a necessary step to complete studies on the land.

In a photo circulating on social media, farm machinery can be seen plowing over crops, sparking outrage from Wilmot landowners and supporters who are not in favour of the region's plans to buy land in the township. 

The land was recently sold to the region as part of its plan to acquire 770 acres [nearly 312 hectares] in the area of Nafziger and Bleams roads for a future industrial site. 

Alfred Lowrick, spokesperson for the affected landowners, said many people watched in disbelief as the corn was demolished. 

"We couldn't believe that [the region] would spend the time and effort to do this at this point in time and not wait the additional six weeks before it became viable crop, or an additional couple months to make it into food products we all enjoy," Lowrick told CBC News. 

"Someone is just trying to send a message here that they're in charge and we can't do anything about it. It was disheartening."

In an emailed statement to CBC News, the region confirmed that on-site investigations are underway.

"Plowing is required to complete studies as part of the continued due diligence process." 

Region seeks land

In March, 12 landowners of six farmland properties and six residential properties were told the Region of Waterloo wanted to purchase their land.

The plan has been praised by some local business leaders but criticized by some of the landowners, their supporters and politicians, including Ontario NDP Leader Marit Stiles.

Two Wilmot Township councillors have also called on the region to be more transparent about their plans.

Earlier this month, the region said it had purchased nearly a third of the sought land and on-site technical analysis would soon begin.

The decision to plow the land has garnered reaction from the National Farmers Union of Ontario (NFU-O).

Union president Max Hansgen questioned the region's decision to plow over 160 acres [nearly 65 hectares] of corn while farm fields are burning across Western Canada, calling for the process to be stopped.

"The NFU-O calls on the Region of Waterloo to return to proper land use planning processes, halt this misguided land assembly, and work with local farmers, concerned citizens and members of the Fight for Farmland coalition, the Grand River Conservation Authority, and community groups like the Grand River Environmental Network, to find a better solution, one that respects the community's voice and puts the land and the community above private profit," the release reads. 

Many residents also attended Wilmot's council meeting Monday evening to show their support for the landowners.

Lowrick said the crowd was there to send a message to council.

"They still had their signs for 'save our farmland,' but new signs developed and new people came forward from the community to say this is wrong," he said. 

"Awareness is increasing and as soon as you get food insecurity issues in the forefront, I think a lot of other people are now coming into play."