Politicians should listen to local voices

The decision to open up farmland to build a possible battery plant in Wilmot is wrong.

This decision will bring the city to the country, will tear the fabric of local ways of life, and damage farmland, water and wildlife ecosystems.

This kind of decision-making disrespects farmers and all local people. It weakens the trust and confidence people have in their politicians, governance structure and democracy as a whole.

One of the pleasures of living in Waterloo Region is the ability to leave the city and within a short time be able to enjoy the benefits of the country.

A hallmark of Waterloo Region is the beautiful countryside, along with our local food and Mennonite rural culture. People from all over the world come to enjoy and experience this, as evidenced by the popularity of the St. Jacobs farmers market. Decisions made to expropriate local farmland and displace farmers place all of this in jeopardy.

This kind of hasty decisionmaking, which is shrouded in secrecy, and the lack of consultation with local and Indigenous voices is reminiscent of the Greenbelt scandal all over again.

Proper consultation and due diligence, including the inclusion of local voices, would help to find a more suitable location for this plant.

Kudos to New Democrat MPP Catherine Fife, Green MPPs Mike Schreiner and Aislinn Clancy, and Liberal MP Tim Louis for standing with local people on this issue.

The rest of our politicians need to wake up and hear local voices! Politicians at all levels must never forget the people they serve.

Marion Kelterborn, Kitchener