Take Action
In Wellington-Halton Hills, we’re building momentum on these GPO campaigns
- Reverse Bill 5!
- Protect our farmland
- Build more homes people can afford
What if we treated the land that feeds us like the essential infrastructure it is?
Ontario’s farmland grows more than food. It supports farmers, rural communities, local economies and our ability to feed future generations. Yet, Ontario loses 319 acres of farmland to development every day! That’s equivalent to about 582 family farms per year.
Bill 21, the Protect Our Food Act, proposes a new approach to protecting farmland, farms, and our vital agricultural sector.
If passed, the bill would create a Foodbelt Protection Plan Advisory Committee, bringing farmers, agricultural experts, soil scientists, planners and agricultural organizations together to recommend how Ontario can better protect a connected agricultural land base.
In Wellington-Halton Hills, we understand the value of agriculture. That’s why a local organization, Ag Care Connect, is stepping up to put farmland protection where people can’t miss it: on the side of a barn!
On September 26, join us at this barn to paint a barn banner, celebrate the installation of a large mural by artist August Swinson, design a barn quilt, meet community members, enjoy music and tell our MPPs to Vote “Yes” to the Protect Our Food Act.
Click “one time gift” to direct your donation. All one-time donations received between August 21 and October 27 will go directly to the Barn Mural Project.
R.E.A.C.H. Wellington
Sponsored by the Wellington-Halton Hills Greens, Rural Engagement for Community Housing and Advocacy (REACH) is hosting the Centre Wellington Mayors’ Debate.
Wednesday, September 23 6:00-9:00
Jefferson Elora Community Centre
6:30-7:30 Debate
Public Q&A to follow
Light refreshments provided
Donate Today
With your help, we can build a future you can believe in. Every little bit helps.
Facebook Posts
What a great collaboration! Thank you, Shawna Percy and Ag Care Connect for putting the foodbelt and farmland protection on the map. If you haven't seen it yet, take a drive along highway 6 between Fergus and Guelph. You can't miss it! If you want to take action to protect farmland, get in tAilsa Kay Ailsa Kay.
Last night in Centre Wellington, the Jefferson-Elora Community Centre hall was packed to overflowing. And for what? A mayoral debate! Wellington-Halton Hills Greens proudly sponsored this event because, like the 400+ people who attended in-person or online, we think debates matter. R.E.A.C.H Wellington- Rural Engagement and Advocacy for Community Housing, thank you for your expert organizing and moderating. Most of all, thank you for putting housing affordability, food insecurity, mental health, and inclusion on the agenda for Centre Wellington's future council. Thank you to the candidates, for putting yourselves forward and for a thoughtful conversation. Thanks to the organizations who attended to share information about their programs and resources. Your work is vital to this community, and it was great learn more aCentre Wellington PridePrGuelph-Wellington Women in CrisisrFood Uniting Neighboursbours, and Poverty Elimination Collaborative. #ElectionsMatter #centrewellington
Why does farmland protection matter to you? Add your voice. Let's come together on this.
We're nearly there! Join us at the barn this weekend. Learn what you can do to protect our farmland, our food, our future.
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In The Media
Mike Schreiner leads discussion on affordable housing
ELORA – Ontario Green Party Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner championed a discussion on [...]
Ontario Green Leader Mike Schreiner Visits Fergus to Talk Housing Solutions
FERGUS – Ontario Green Party Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner was in Fergus Wednesday [...]
Halton Hills Council backs new foodbelt plan to protect prime farmland
Halton Hills Council has unanimously endorsed a proposal to establish a foodbelt protection plan advisory [...]
Centre Wellington council endorses Schreiner/Brady bill
ELORA – Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner and Haldimand–Norfolk MPP Bobbi Ann Brady were preaching to [...]
Community members gather for Bill 5 rally in Elora
ELORA – Community members and activists gathered at MacDonald Square in Elora on Aug. 23 [...]
How Wellington-Halton Hills candidates plan to tackle affordability and the health-care crisis
Wilton said her government wants to eliminate the land transfer tax for first-time homebuyers as [...]
Animated Belwood audience boos, sighs, applauds for candidates
BELWOOD – An all-candidates meeting was held Feb. 19 at the Pine Meadows community in Belwood. [...]
Health care, roads, voter turnout, local knowledge dominate discussion at Aberfoyle debate
Wilton said the loss of farmland to development is a big concern in the riding [...]
The Protect Our Food Act
Proposed by Ontario Greens Leader and Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner and Independent MPP for Haldimand–Norfolk Bobbi Ann Brady
Here in Wellington and Halton:
- 2,600+ farms grow what our families eat.
- 12% of Ontario’s dairy cattle and milk production.
- 10% of the province’s poultry and egg farms.
- 8% of hog and pig operations.
Halton Hills’ agri-business sector adds $50 million to the local economy each year — and its greenhouses and nurseries are major local employers.
Once farmland is destroyed, it’s gone forever.
- In the past 35 years, Ontario has lost 2.8 million acres — 18% of farmland.
- Farmland loss is accelerating: 319 acres per day (about nine family farms per week).
Local stakes
- A Mississauga developer is appealing to the Ontario Land Tribunal to turn Class A farmland north of Elora/Salem into sprawl — in direct opposition to the Township’s efforts to protect farmland.
- The Township is fighting for farmland; the Province is siding with developers.
But with the Protect Our Food Act, communities like ours will have a chance to defend local farms.
What can you do?
- Email Joseph Racinsky to support the Foodbelt
- Sign the petition
- Donate locally to the Wellington-Halton Hills Constituency Association
Make a difference today. Protect Ontario farmland.
Get Involved
Get in touch: whh@gpo.ca