DOCUMENTARY COVERS WILMOT LAND GRAB

On Jan. 19, 2025, the first part of a three-part mini documentary, Unearthed, about the Wilmot land grab was posted on YouTube. With executive producers John and Kathie Jordan, and director and editor Thom Varey, they sought to give voice to farmers and Wilmot residents.  

“The objective of this project is to assemble one contiguous parcel of land as a step toward attracting a major employer for the future and securing well-paying jobs and further economic prosperity,” the Region of Waterloo said in a statement.  

In the first episode, viewers heard directly from impacted farmers who are left wondering what is next for their farms and livelihoods. In the second they covered the small amount of farmland that exists and in the third they spoke about the true cost of the land assembly to residents in Wilmot and beyond.  

“We’re dealing with a bunch of city people that have no idea about farming, and about the land and the soil itself,” Jordan said.   

The 12-minute-long documentary stands as a call to action for residents of the Waterloo Region and beyond, as well as a call for local politicians to speak up and speak out against the Wilmot land assembly.   

“How much more critical of a mineral do you need than soil?  Because you can’t make more of it. Well, not without a few thourand years,” Jordan said.   

Jordan and his family live across from the 770 in what is referred to as the Shadowlands in Wilmot. It is referred to as such because whatever happens on the land assembly will affect the residents who live in the area.   

“Our well is only 19 and a half feet deep, and I get it tested, and the water is perfect, but they’re gonna start messing with the soil and the water, I don’t know what will happen to our water quality then,” Jordan said.   

In 2022, Statistics Canada found Ontario was losing 319 acres of farmland per day to development. Compared to 2016, 175 acres were being lost per day. This is a 319 per cent increase in development. Many farmers and residents of Wilmot are concerned with this growth rate, as a majority of Ontario’s farmland is in Wilmot.  

“The province has put these parameters around the lack of engagement, around a lack of transparency, around NDAs. And is ultimately funding the entire scheme,” Catherine Fife, MPP for Waterloo Region, said.   

The documentary was created in partnership with the Wilmot Civic Action Network. The network unites community groups and neighbours to advocate for farmland. Quality of life, a transparent government, financial accountability and environmental responsibility are the tenants that the network operates by.   

“This is a turning point really for agriculture in Ontario. If you can be so disrespectful to these farmers in Wilmot, then you will do this to other farmers,” Fife said.   

Jordan and the Wilmot Civic Action Network are not opposed to development, however only if it does sustainably and responsibly. They demand transparency and accountability from elected municipal and provincial leaders.   

“The entire infrastructure piece is going to be incredibly expensive. There will be a financial impact on the taxpayers and the residents of the Waterloo Region. That is why they deserve to have a voice in this,” Fife said. 

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MUSE GOETTL RAISES AWARENESS FOR LYDIA’S LAW

Muse Goettl, a local drag artist known as Mama Muse, wants to bring awareness to Lydia’s Law (Bill 189) which is aimed in addressing delays in the Canadian Justice system. Specifically related to the 1,326 sexual assault (SA) cases that were withdrawn or stayed in 2022.  Goettl found Bill 189 helpful for navigating the justice system.  

“It gives me hope that there’s a chance I could be able to redo the criminal case, but that’s only if the government chooses to enact it [Bill 189],” Goettl said.  

Goettl recounted meeting his abuser in 2018, starting a relationship with him in January 2019, and experienced abuse until 2022. He was able to end the relationship in July 2022 after an arduous process where he also lost friends due to paranoia. After reaching out to an old friend for support, he found the strength to have his abuser arrested and charged in November 2022.   

“The Criminal Court system has been proven to be hostile to survivors, including myself. Good example of this, when I was told that that his charges had stayed permanently, I was told to move on with my life, and if I pursue this further, I’m gonna look vindictive,” Goettl said.   

Catherine Fife, MPP of Waterloo, currently has a petition running using Bill 189 to call for justice to sexual assault survivors. Fife hopes to adopt Recommendations 1 and 3 of the Auditor General’s 2019 Annual Report. These recommendations would make Independent Legal Advice (ILA) more accessible to survivors.   

“Every police service that receives a sexual assault complaint from a person who is 16 years of age or older shall make the person aware of the Independent Legal Advice Program that is delivered through Ontario Victim Services of the Ministry of the Attorney General,” Bill 189 states.   

Goettl’s case was severely delayed due to the backlog caused by COVID-19. Currently he faces challenges with pursuing his case through civil court because of defamation risks. He feels Lydia’s Law gives him protection and a foundation to lean on.   

“The Attorney General shall, (a) review the efficiency of the Victim Quick Response Program as a replacement for the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board in supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking; and(b) report the results of the review to the Assembly within one year after section 1 comes into force,” Bill 189 states.  

Goettl’s case has, in his words, been mishandled and has had a huge impact on their mental health. He plans to raise awareness of Lydia’s Law through a charity show, social media and advocating for Lydia’s Law in Kitchener Waterloo to provide survivors with legal options.  

“The plan right now is, I want to bring awareness to this, which is why I want to do this interview. I’m planning a charity show in the new year to raise money for [Sexual Assault Support Centre]. I want to be as loud as I can about this, because it’s not fair that not just me, but thousands of others have had to go through this. They don’t have legal recourse. And the only way is through Lydia’s Law,” Goettl said.  

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