Week of July 20, 2026 - Wildfires Rage, Wilmot OP Decision Looms, Fight Ford Rallies Saturday, GRCA Niska Sell-Off Monday, Water Crisis Makes National News, Cabinet Minister Resignation, And More!

Good Day,

Wildfires continue to rage across Ontario as the province's dismal response and forest firefighting face scrutiny. This Saturday make plans to join at least one of the province-wide protests near you. Wilmot Township pushes for Official Plan approval this Monday as citizens demand better, while on Monday the GRCA Board will also try to sell-off Niska conservation lands for development.

The Region of Waterloo's Water Crisis gets extensive national front page coverage in the Globe and Mail, the iconic McMichael Art Gallery is being closed by the provincial government for three years, three by-elections are now required and another Ford cabinet minister resigned in the midst of an expense scandal.

Stay on top of local issues as municipal elections are approaching. More than ever, we need to ensure great people are elected to represent the best interests of our communities in October.

We are still learning as we try out a new platform to create and share the Grand River Watershed Regional updates from GREN. So far we have received very positive feedback, with a couple of questions about how the message displays on different screen sizes. We encourage you to share any questions or feedback with us as we adapt to Leaflet @leaflet.pub. As of July 6, 2026, we started taking advantage of a new feature: each week's newsletter will be posted online - and stored there. The feature makes the newsletter easier to share with your networks, and the ability to look up past newsletters. Check out our new home page, subscribe and find past newsletters here: https://gren.leaflet.pub/.

When you subscribe through our new platform, you will receive each issue of the newsletter as soon as it is published.

Let's dive in to the latest news from across the Grand River watershed and beyond!

1) Wildfires Continue To Rage Across Ontario

Air quality alerts in southern Ontario have been replaced by severe thunderstorm warnings - and even some tornado watches, however, wildland fires continue to grow in northern Ontario. Legitimate questions are being asked about the province's forest firefighting management strategies, budget cuts, and lack of preparations - astonishingly our own Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris Jr. is facing criticism about the lack of response and readiness of his own Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry:

The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca - First Nations Had A Wildfire Plan. Ontario Ignored It. Then Came The Flames:

https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-ignored-first-nations-wildfire-plan/

The Trillium @thetrillium.bsky.social - Chiefs Demand Public Inquiry And Removal Of MNR Leadership:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/indigenous-rural-and-northern-affairs/chiefs-demand-public-inquiry-and-removal-of-mnr-leadership-12585574

CBC News - First Nation chiefs call for public inquiry into Ontario government's wildfire response:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/thunder-bay/wildfire-response-public-inquiry-9.7278584

How do we make sure this never happens again?' says Gull Bay First Nation's chief

CBC News - Ontario is in the middle of its worst wildfire season, early estimates suggest:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-wildfire-season-2026-9.7277682

"Province's numbers suggest fires have already burned more than 7,250 square kilometres, surpassing 2021 record".

Global News - This is Ontario's worst wildfire season yet, early estimates suggest. It's not over yet:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11973912/ontario-wildfire-season-2026/

CBC Radio - As It Happens - Ontario emergency minister's interview cut short after wildfire response questions.
Call with Jill Dunlop ends abruptly after As It Happens host raises concerns from First Nations leaders

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/asithappens/jill-dunlop-as-it-happens-9.7279725

Well worth listening to the audio clip as the minister fumbles this interview with Nil Köksal, then an unidentified government staff member interrupts mid-interview to end the call live on-air.

The Trillium - Around 1,800 people have fled wildfires [as of July 20, 2026] as Ontario mulls further evacuations:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/energy-and-the-environment/around-1800-people-have-fled-wildfires-as-ontario-mulls-further-evacuations-ford-12570540

TBNewswatch - Minister of Natural Resources defends province's response to wildfires:

https://www.tbnewswatch.com/local-news/minister-of-natural-resources-defends-provinces-response-to-wildfires-12565596

Minister of Natural Resources and Kitchener-Conestoga MPP Mike Harris Jr contradicts information from his own ministry in his statements in this article.

Global News - Ontario Grounds Two Waterbombers for Repairs As Wildfires Rage Through North:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11974118/ontario-waterbombers-repair/

"Two of Ontario’s nine waterbombers are grounded for repairs as the province calls in help from across the country to battle for control of nearly 200 wildfires ripping through the north."

Jon Thompson @jonthompson.bsky.social via Bluesky - Union blasts Ford government for 'mismanagement' of forest firefighting efforts:

https://ricochet.media/climate/environment/union-blasts-ford-government-for-mismanagement-of-forest-firefighting-efforts/

Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social - "As #wildfires engulf northern Ontario in historic fires, the union representing forest firefighters is blaming the Doug Ford government for 'mismanagement at the highest levels.' Northern communities are now paying the price."

https://bsky.app/profile/ricochetmedia.bsky.social/post/3mr6k24elok2k

CBC News (video) - Ontario's firefighting system 'falling apart' from mismanagement: union representative:

https://youtu.be/JdsvoXI3hSg?si=3cw8qRTwkmf1ooBt

John Michael McGrath @jm-mcgrath.bsky.social (Bluesky, TVO) - Analysis: What do we know for sure about fighting wildfires?:

https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-what-do-we-know-for-sure-about-fighting-wildfires

Trump Threatens Tariffs Over Smoke

The wildfire smoke drifting across the border into U.S. cities may even have contributed to an announcement of new tariffs on Canadian goods exported to the US:

CBC News - Trump threatens increased tariffs for wildfire smoke that has 'unnecessarily invaded' U.S.:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/us-complaints-trump-widlfire-smoke-9.7274466

Al Jazeera English - Trump threatens Canada with steeper tariff costs over wildfire smoke:
The US president has frequently pushed false claims blaming the mismanagement of rival politicians for large wildfires:

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/7/17/trump-threatens-canada-with-steeper-tariff-costs-over-wildfire-smoke

The Trillium - Ontario ‘in desperate need of support’ as it battles wildfires, U.S. offering none, Ford says:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/energy-and-the-environment/ontario-in-desperate-need-of-support-as-it-battles-wildfires-us-offering-none-ford-says-12569531

Important analysis of the comments (and threats) regarding wildfires directed at Canada from the U.S.:

Heated - Emily Atkin @emorwee.bsky.social via Substack and Bluesky - The fossil fuel money behind the GOP’s wildfire blame game:

https://open.substack.com/pub/heated/p/the-fossil-fuel-money-behind-the

As smoke from Canadian wildfires chokes the United States, Republicans are blaming everyone but the industry heating the planet. Guess why?

The Waterloo Region Record @therecord.com - With His Neighbour’s House On Fire, Donald Trump Can Only Fan The Flames:

https://www.therecord.com/thestar/news/world/through-the-smoke-canadas-wildfires-have-made-one-thing-clear/article_0e34c2b7-f7c5-5804-b376-099e8ef0febf.html

The Waterloo Region Record - Donald Trump’s Hot Air Won’t Stop Smoke From Forest Fires:

https://www.therecord.com/thestar/news/world/donald-trumps-hot-air-wont-stop-smoke-from-forest-fires/article_258636f8-1025-53f0-b26c-18adf1780f7c.html

Climate, Wildfire and Air Quality Management Tools

Here's a collection of mapping and monitoring tools to help keep track this situation with air quality, wildfires, and more:

CBC News - Climate Dashboard: Is today's weather normal? Where are the wildfires? Search for data for your town or city to compare it to previous years:

https://newsinteractives.cbc.ca/features/2023/climate-dashboard/

Government of Canada - Air Quality map - Wildfire Smoke Fine Particulate Matter PM2.5 - Provides a 72h forecast:

https://weather.gc.ca/firework/firework_anim_e.html?type=pa&utc=12

Ontario - Air Quality Ontario:

https://www.airqualityontario.com/aqhi/

IQ Air - Air Quality map:

https://www.iqair.com/ca/air-quality-map

Track and forecast wildfire smoke globally - Firesmoke.ca:

https://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/current/

2) Official Plans - Wilmot OP Approval Decision Monday

New local municipal Official Plans are being finalized for approval including Wilmot Township on Monday. These plans will determine irrevocably so much in our communities for the decades ahead - where and how we grow, what we protect, what we destroy, how we will live, how we will get around, and so much more.

a) Wilmot Official Plan - There are many concerns about Wilmot’s Official Plan and its lack of details and information compared to other Official Plans. Council agreed with the community call for more engagement, more revisions, and more time - delaying final approval of the plan until this coming July 27th.

However, Wilmot Staff have just released their final version Draft #3 with more re-organization, but few of the hundreds of suggestions made by community groups were incorporated. We all need to speak up to demand the better future plan that we need. Please plan to attend Monday's Wilmot Council Meeting to ask Council not to approve this minimal plan and to continue to develop the needed 30 year plan this autumn:

Date/Time: Monday, July 27th at 6:00pm

Location: Wilmot Council Chambers, 60 Snyders Road, Baden

Check out the latest minimal draft Official Plan. It's posted on the EngageWilmot website:

https://www.engagewr.ca/new-wilmot-official-plan

b) Wellesley Official Plan - The Township of Wellesley approved their new Official Plan on Monday.

Here's their media release statement: "The Official Plan expresses the Township's long-term vision and objectives for building complete, sustainable, and resilient communities while providing direction for future land use, infrastructure, and community development. The Official Plan provides policy direction for matters including growth management, housing supply and affordability, employment and commercial development, infrastructure and servicing, transportation and active transportation, parks and recreation, environmental protection, cultural heritage conservation, and the continued protection of the Township's agricultural land base."

Learn more at the EngageWellesley site:

https://www.engagewr.ca/official-plan

c) Woolwich Official Plan - The Woolwich Official Plan is well written and easy to read. It is an excellent document that should serve as a model to others and will prepare this municipality well for the future. Learn more at the EngageWoolwich website at:

https://www.engagewr.ca/official-plan-review

Please also watch for other Official Plans coming forward across the Grand River watershed.

Action Required - Speak up for the future you want to see at meetings, by e-mail, and by calling/writing Staff as well as Elected Officials. Ensure that our Official Plans are the fulsome plans needed for the decades ahead and not minimalist plans written only to please Doug Ford and land speculator lobbyists.

3) Province-Wide Protests And Rallies Planned for This Saturday, July 25th

Following the very successful FightFord protests and the amazing turnouts at more than 60 locations across Ontario, the next protests are planned for this Saturday, July 25th. No matter where you are in the province pack your signs and show up at a local rally. It’s a great chance to meet new people sharing similar concerns and to help build the momentum. More information can be found on the posters below in Appendix D):

Stay up to date at:

Facebook - Fight Ford Protests:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/999677935818616

Instagram - Fight Ford Ontario Protests:

https://www.instagram.com/ontarioprotest?igsh=eHgwNnl2azRsYXB5

Website - Protest Doug Ford:

https://protestdougford.com/

Action Required - Make signs and join one or more of the rallies. This is an opportunity to meet people who share concerns about the Ford government and bring more attention to the many recent very concerning provincial actions.

4) Niska Lands - GRCA Meeting July 27th

A special GRCA Board Meeting is to be held on Monday, July 27th to consider declaring an 8 hectare agricultural parcel south of Niska Road surplus, to be sold off for housing development. An important fact came up in a recent meeting, this land was purchased by the GRCA with taxpayer funds and provincial grants in order to protect it. Intense community efforts and protests have been focussed on seeing that these lands - part of the fomer Kortright Waterfowl Park - are protected and not sold off for profit as our communities are facing a green space shortage in the years ahead.

Learn more at the GRCA website:

https://www.grandriver.ca/who-we-are/grca-properties/property-management/niska-landholdings/#Whyisn%E2%80%99ttheGRCAtransferringallofitsNiskaLandholdingstotheCity

New! - There is an informative website with a one-click letter that you can send to the GRCA Board asking them not to sell off these lands for development and to keep these lands protected for generations to come.meeting:

One Click Letter - Tell the GRCA Board To Protect Our Watershed’s Conservation Lands:

https://win.newmode.net/protectthekortrightwaterfowllands

Media Coverage - Here's this past weeks media coverage:

GuelphToday.com - GRCA eyes declaring part of Niska Lands as surplus:

https://www.guelphtoday.com/local-news/grca-eyes-declaring-part-of-niska-lands-as-surplus-12571120

The Waterloo Region Record - Lend Support to Activists Who Are 'Immune System' of the Planet

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/support-activists-who-are-immune-system-of-the-planet/article_7017c799-3b26-5211-998e-d68dbef74ec9.html

Letter-to-the Editor from Cameron Shelley:

Guelph Needs its Natural Spaces to be Preserved:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/waterloo-region-letters-to-editor/article_28ff9e05-5f34-5f27-a314-8eb3be880c6f.html

Action Required - Continue to speak up against this sell-off. Write GRCA Board members and plan to virtually attend the July 27th meeting.

5) Waterloo Water Crisis Gets National Front Page Coverage

The Globe and Mail ran an extensive multiple page in-depth feature on the Waterloo Water Crisis that filled most of the front page and several additional pages. It accurately states that the crux of the water crisis is that there simply isn't enough water and details the myriad of issues Wilmot residents are facing as the Region takes increases amounts of water from the Waterloo Moraine aquifers to try to shore up the urban supply system.

It is an excellent synopsis of the current water situation, how it arose, what can be done, and how it provides insights into a national water problem:

Globe and Mail - Drying Times: Waterloo Region’s Struggle To Get Enough Water:

https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-waterloo-region-ontario-water-crisis-wells-population-growth/

The solutions our community organizations have been calling for have been ignored for months and the root causes have not been addressed despite the claims of “Solving of the Water Crisis”.

Water Allocations - Concerns about water allocations continue as local municipalities struggle to decide who should get the limited available water:

CTV News - Cambridge and Kitchener Take Steps To Address Water Capacity Issue and Allocation:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/cambridge-and-kitchener-take-steps-to-address-water-capacity-issue/

Well Interference Committee and Wilmot Concerns - Following up the Region's lack of any regional assistance to all the Wilmot citizens facing well and water issues in the areas where water taking has been increased so dramatically, Citizens for Safe Groundwater and other Wilmot groups have expressed concerns and are calling for better solutions. The Region held recent meetings to receive feedback on the review process and the Well Interference Committee. More information should be available for the August 12th Regional Council Meeting to decide the details of the Well Interference Committee.

Better Building Standards and Conservation - The Observer had a great article this week on the importance of blue roofs, rain barrels, and water conservation featuring EnviroStewards and the amazing Mats van Kleff:

The Woolwich Observer - Blue Roofs Are The Rain Barrel Upgrade:

https://www.observerxtra.com/blue-roofs-are-the-rain-barrel-upgrade/

Action Required - This water crisis is far from solved and we need to continue to demand better solutions. Continue to speak up for water security by writing Regional Councillors and area MPPs (contact information at end of update).

6) Ford Ministers' Expense Frenzy Scandal Grows

Ford issued another of his 'heartfelt' apologies and MPP Stan Cho resigned from cabinet, but did not give up his seat. Why is the Ford government operating on an "ask forgiveness, not permission" basis? Many choices require ethics - this has nothing to do with 'cutting red tape'. Elected officials should be held more accountable for their actions and spending, not less. But under Doug Ford, the provincial government has made it much more difficult to expose facts due to the recent restrictions on FOI requests.

The Trillium - Toronto area MPPs have billed taxpayers over $100K for Toronto overnight stays:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/government-finance-and-the-economy/toronto-area-pc-mpps-have-billed-taxpayers-over-100k-for-toronto-overnight-stays-12547497

Global News - Ontario MPP charged riding association for restaurants, hotels and limo rental:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11972137/stan-cho-riding-expenses/

The Trillium - Stan Cho resigns from Premier Ford's cabinet amid hotel-billing controversy:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/stan-cho-resigns-from-premier-fords-cabinet-amid-hotel-billing-controversy-12560623

The Trillium - Ford government minister reimbursed riding association for hotel stays before expense scandal erupted

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ford-government-minister-reimbursed-riding-association-for-hotel-stays-before-expense-scandal-erupted-12585947

Global News - Premier Ford apologizes for hotel expenses claimed by his MPPs:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11972541/doug-ford-hotel-spending-apology/

Global News - Ford government advised its MPPs they could use hotel benefit for night sittings:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11974967/ontario-government-mpps-could-use-hotel-expense/

CBC News - Ontario premier won't say if ex-minister will remain in PC caucus after hotel expense controversy:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ford-stan-cho-mpp-expenses-caucus-9.7276827

The Trillium - Public records undermine former minister's 'late nights' justification for hotel expenses:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/public-records-undermine-former-ministers-late-nights-justification-for-hotel-expenses-12563396

Isaac Callan @isaaccallan.bsky.social via Bluesky and Global News - Brampton MPP faces questions over taxpayer-funded ads in father’s newspaper:

https://bsky.app/profile/isaaccallan.bsky.social/post/3mr3rdeg6ck27

https://globalnews.ca/news/11972529/hardeep-grewal-ndp-complaint/

"A Progressive Conservative MPP is being accused of using public funds to “further the private interests” of his own family, just days after the revelation that he billed taxpayers thousands to stay in downtown Toronto hotel rooms."

Nina Deeb @ninadeeb.bsky.social (Bluesky) posted a video that features members of Ford's cabinet, includes some pertinent comments from MPP Raymond Cho himself :

https://bsky.app/profile/ninadeeb.bsky.social/post/3mr5t7jdfvc2d

"MPP Stan Cho on abuse of taxpayer money. Ont’s $ 1/2 Trillion debt comes with a $17.7 billion interest cost. Charging luxuries to the credit cards of the taxpayers"

7) McMichael Gallery Closure

One of the foremost collections of Canadian and Indigenous art is held at the McMichael Gallery. The provincially-run gallery announced a closure of 3 years starting July 26, 2026 for 'significant redevelopment'. Some have expressed concern about this possibly being another instance of a beloved site in Ontario being closed to the public - along the same lines as Ontario Place and the Ontario Science Centre:

McMichael Gallery @mcmichaelgallery.bsky.social (Bluesky):

We have some important updates to share about our upcoming temporary closure. Learn more at: https://mcmichael.com/mcmichael-reimagined/

https://bsky.app/profile/mcmichaelgallery.bsky.social/post/3mqu3enzsd22m

We will remain open through 5 pm on Sunday, July 26. Bring a friend! Admission will be free on our final weekend, July 25 & 26.

https://bsky.app/profile/mcmichaelgallery.bsky.social/post/3mqrul2ldts2p

McMichael Gallery Release: McMichael Canadian Art Collection Announces Temporary Closure on July 26, 2026 to Begin a Landmark Redevelopment (July 16, 2026):

https://mcmichael.com/press-release/mcmichael-canadian-art-collection-announces-temporary-closure-on-july-26-2026-to-begin-landmark-redevelopment/

CBC News - Acclaimed Ontario art gallery to close for up to 3 years for redevelopment:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/entertainment/mcmichael-canadian-art-gallery-9.7276626

The Hamilton Spectator @thespec1846.bsky.social - McMichael Canadian Art Collection to close for three years for construction:

https://www.thespec.com/entertainment/mcmichael-canadian-art-collection-to-close-for-three-years-for-construction/article_1e520c70-caf2-5b50-9ca1-4b84759f7295.html

Jenny Lee Shee @jennyleeshee.bsky.social (Bluesky) summed up the concerns of many:

https://bsky.app/profile/jennyleeshee.bsky.social/post/3mr4l5i77jc22

"Two years ago, Doug Ford and some Cons visited the McMichael. This week the gallery will close its doors for 3 years for renovations. What are the chances they’re going to find problems with the roof or some other nonsense so they can sell the land to their developer friends? I hope I’m wrong."

8) 570 NewsRadio Sudden Closure

There is a new petition to save to bring back 570 News. Take a few seconds and speak up for the importance of local news media:

https://www.change.org/p/save-local-radio-by-bringing-back-570-news/psf/promote_or_share

A Dozen Ways To Support Local News - The Waterloo based grassroots media advocacy group Ink-Stained Wretches has been working for half a decade to build support for quality journalism. Learn more and check out their resources page listing more than a dozen ways that individuals can support local news organizations - many for free:

https://ink-stainedwretches.org/resources/

Action Required - Hopefully enterprising local entrepreneurs can find new ways to keep these important voices and reliable news sources active in our communities. In the meantime, don’t take any of our essential media for granted, and do everything that you can to support the trustworthy, high quality information we need in our democracy.

9) Very Concerning Martin Grove Gateway Industrial Development

Developers have submitted an alarming industrial proposal pushing over the Countryside Line beyond Waterloo City Limits into southern Woolwich Township farmland. Members of nearby Martin Grove community have reached out seeking assistance.

What’s significant here isn’t just that this is a 100 more acres of industrial sprawl onto rural lands, but that it breaches the Countryside Line and a firm city boundary that has held for decades. The implications are far-reaching. This large industrial development isn’t part of the current Woolwich 30 year Official Plan nor is it part of the next Woolwich 30 year Official Plan. It isn’t part of any City of Waterloo Official Plan either. There is no demonstrated need for all this industrial land and there are thousands of acres of shovel-ready vacant industrial lands already designated across Waterloo Region - much of it has sat empty for decades.

This could be the start of the destruction of Woolwich Township as we know it. There could soon be the loss of thousands of acres of farmland as this is the first opening of the floodgates. We are in a watershed moment where either the rural, agricultural countryside will be protected as it has been for decades in this area, or it will the first onslaught of urban development that currently isn’t part of any long-term city planning other than to benefit land speculators.

We need to find a way to return the Countryside Line to the new Woolwich Official Plan. It has been the one shortcoming in an otherwise fantastic Official Plan draft.

We also need to ensure that everyone in the community understands that a firm urban boundary that has stood for over 50 years is about to be breached and imperil farming and agriculture for a huge part of Woolwich Township. What happens to the future of the St. Jacobs Farmers market if it is no longer surrounded by farms but instead is in the middle of a huge industrial area?

Learn more at the Township of Woolwich Engage Page:

https://www.engagewr.ca/cra-lands-limited

Action Required - Speak up to protect Woolwich countryside and for food security, water, sustainability, and ensuring our farmers markets and agri-tourism isn’t comprised by the floodgates opening to the City of Waterloo industrial areas sprawling into Woolwich Township.

10) Articles

Recent articles this week include new Kitchener Transportation Plan, how activists are the immune system of the planet, Watershed Guardian Awards, New Hamburg apartment building, seed collection, MZO lobbying corruption and a concerning lack of lake perch:

The Waterloo Region Record - Kitchener Transportation Plan Looks To Make Getting Around Easier, Safer:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/kitchener-looks-to-make-getting-around-easier-safer/article_a857e8fe-6210-5e5b-853d-6d0333513ee0.html

The Waterloo Region Record - Susan Koswan - Many Ways To Support Activists Who Are The “Immune System Of The Planet”:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/support-activists-who-are-immune-system-of-the-planet/article_7017c799-3b26-5211-998e-d68dbef74ec9.html

Great to see The Nith Valley Ecoboosters and other great community organizations getting well-deserved recognition in this article!

The Woolwich Observer - Local Advocates Recognized For Their Advocacy Efforts:

https://www.observerxtra.com/local-advocates-recognized-for-their-advocacy-efforts/

The Waterloo Region Record - Apartments, Pool, Spa Part Of New Hamburg Proposal:

https://www.therecord.com/news/council/apartments-pool-spa-part-of-new-hamburg-proposal/article_fc8e29e8-c5fc-50e6-89fe-d788e18f51e3.html

A six-storey high proposal likely to ignite a firestorm in Wilmot given the terror over anything higher than two storeys.

The Woolwich Observer - FGCA Fills In The Gap Training Seed Collectors:

https://www.observerxtra.com/fgca-fills-in-the-gap-training-seed-collectors/

The Woolwich Observer - This Year’s Seed Collection Is Hit Or Miss - Climate Change Might Be The Culprit:

https://www.observerxtra.com/this-years-seed-collection-is-hit-or-miss-climate-change-might-be-the-culprit/

The Trillium - Lawyers ‘failed to comply’ with Ontario’s lobbying law while seeking MZO: oversight office:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/lawyers-failed-to-comply-with-ontarios-lobbying-law-while-seeking-mzo-oversight-office-12557685

Hamilton Spectator - Where's the perch? Port Dover’s fish-and-chips favourite has gone missing from Lake Erie:

https://www.thespec.com/news/hamilton-region/yellow-perch-famous-in-port-dover-missing-from-lake-erie/article_4a88f242-68b4-5c2c-afbe-4a1f5d2edb6b.html

Hamilton Spectator - Where's the perch? Port Colborne business grapples with shortage of popular catch:

https://www.thespec.com/news/canada/wheres-the-perch-port-colborne-business-grapples-with-shortage-of-popular-catch/article_b8cbd76d-151c-533a-9c29-4f8a41769410.html

11) 2026 Municipal Elections

Nominations are open for candidates to seek public office. We need to ensure strong local governance and do everything possible to encourage people to run to serve their communities.

Recent Media:
The Waterloo Region Record - Want To Run For Municipal Office? You Have One Month Left:

https://www.therecord.com/news/municipal-elections/2026-kitchener-waterloo-election/article_b6c71c0a-125c-5f1f-8604-b850bfcefd54.html

Candidate Nominations - Learn who are the candidates nominated for your municipal (& regional) council so far:

City of Guelph:

https://guelph.ca/city-government/mayor-and-council/municipal-elections/candidates-of-the-2026-municipal-and-school-board-election/

Wellington County:

https://www.centrewellington.ca/township-services/2026-municipal-election/

Waterloo Regional Council - Note: Regional Chair is no longer an elected position:

https://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/government-and-council/elections/2026-municipal-election/#RegionalCouncillor-Waterloo

City of Waterloo:

https://www.waterloo.ca/council-and-committees/municipal-elections/find-election-candidates/

Kitchener:

https://app2.kitchener.ca/election/candidates.aspx

Cambridge:

https://www.cambridge.ca/mayor-city-council-government/elections/nominations-candidate-profiles/

Woolwich Township:

https://www.woolwich.ca/learn-about/election/list-of-candidates-financial-statements/

Wilmot Township:

https://www.wilmot.ca/township-office/elections/

Wellesley Township:

https://www.wellesley.ca/council-and-administration/election/

County of Brant:

https://www.brant.ca/council-and-county-administration/elections/certified-candidates/

Brantford:

https://brantfordvotes.brantford.ca/en/candidates/candidates.aspx

Haldimand County:

https://www.haldimandcounty.ca/government-administration/elections/2026-municipal-election/registered-candidates/

Norfolk County:

https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/vote/filed-candidate-nominations/

Caledon:

https://www.caledon.ca/en/government/election-landing-page.aspx

If your municipality is not listed above, visit the official municipal website and search “candidate list 2026”.

12) Battles over Alcohol and Canadian Sovereignty

We got more insight this past week into Donald Trump's determination to take over Canada and use bullying tactics to take anything he wants from us. It is naive to believe that the United States won't try to get our water, oil, minerals, and other valuable resources. Former federal MP Charlie Angus continues to put out excellent articles including this week on how climate chaos is becoming a weapon against democracy:

The Resistance - The Age Of The Predator:

https://charlieangus.substack.com/p/the-age-of-the-predator

And there are several other good articles this week on the challenges confronting our governments:

Global News - Ford says LCBO moratorium on U.S. booze to stay, despite renewed tariff threat:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11974154/lcbo-tariff-threat/

Global News - Nine premiers agree to lift interprovincial trade barriers on alcohol products:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11974771/canada-premiers-interprovincial-alcohol-sales/

Trillium - Trump announces new 50% tariff on many products in response to provincial booze bans:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/government-finance-and-the-economy/breaking-trump-to-sign-executive-order-hitting-canada-with-more-tariffs-12571545

CBC News - Trump says new tariffs not over wildfire smoke but unfair treatment of U.S.:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7278197

Action Required - Be ready. Be educated. Don't be surprised by anything previously unfathomable in this new age of the predator.

13) Brantford Airport Land Grab - New Boundary Adjustment and Rescheduled Public Meetings

Brantford and the County of Brant announced this week the amount of farmland involved in the annexation/boundary adjustment has been reduced by hundreds of acres due to feedback from the public. Kudos to everyone who has spoken up!

County of Brant release: City of Brantford and County of Brant Announce Updated Proposed Airport Boundary Adjustment Map in Response to Public Feedback:

https://www.brant.ca/news/posts/city-of-brantford-and-county-of-brant-announce-updated-proposed-airport-boundary-adjustment-map-in-response-to-public-feedback/

Map of revised proposal for Boundary Adjustment:

https://www.brantford.ca/media/stjlzdyr/updated-airport-transfer-lands_july-13_2026.pdf

However, with these changes the Statutory Public Meetings scheduled for July 27th and July 29th have been rescheduled to August 10th and August 12th:

CTV News - Brantford and Brant County Reschedule Airport Land Public Meetings:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/brantford-and-brant-county-reschedule-airport-land-public-meetings/?utm_source=flipboard&utm_medium=activitypub

Action Required - Send submissions and speak up for better outcomes - it seems absurd to destroy so much farmland to try to create a handful of aviation jobs.

14) Additional Articles

Includes the most beautiful word, AI goes rogue already, history and democracy, as well as how to fight tyranny:

Brandi Morin (Substack) - The world Just Named Its Most Beautiful Word - And It's a Lesson for All of Us:

https://indigenousinsider.substack.com/p/the-world-just-named-its-most-beautiful

Kaitiakitanga (Māori) means guardianship. In a world on fire, it might be the most important word we’ve never used.

CTV News - OpenAI says says AI models went rogue during testing, triggering ‘unprecedented’ breach at startup:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/business/article/openai-says-ai-models-went-rogue-during-testing-triggering-unprecedented-breach-at-startup/

Timothy Snyder @timothysnyder.bsky.social (Substack) - New Lecture Series for the Public "HItler and Stalin Today":
"a public resource for students, researchers, and anyone interested in understanding the relationship between history and contemporary democracy"

https://substack.com/@snyder/p-206640474

Timothy Snyder: Twenty Lessons to Fight Tyranny - Ways to defend democracy with individual action:

https://carnegie.org/article/twenty-lessons-fighting-tyranny/

15) Next Meeting

Please make plans to join our next meeting online on Friday August 21st at 5:30 pm.

Topic: Grand River Watershed Zoom Meeting

Time: Friday August 21, 2026 at 5:30pm EST

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Meeting ID: 826 4469 5701

Passcode: 713374

Thanks for all the great efforts so far - please share any questions or ideas.

Cheers,

Kevin Thomason @kthomason.bsky.social , Mike Marcolongo @mikemarcolongo.bsky.social

and Joan Faux @joantelferfaux.bsky.social on behalf of all our community groups.

A) Upcoming Events

Get out and get involved! And keep us posted on your events so we can share them:

Saturday, July 25th - Various Times - FightFord Rallies & Protests Across Ontario - Get out and speak up!

Monday, July 27th - 9:00am - Special GRCA Board Meeting For Niska Lands Disposal -

https://www.grandriver.ca/who-we-are/grca-properties/property-management/niska-landholdings/#Whyisn%E2%80%99ttheGRCAtransferringallofitsNiskaLandholdingstotheCity

Monday, July 27th - 6:00pm - Wilmot Township Official Plan Meeting - Wilmot Council Chambers 60 Snyder’s Road, Baden

July 30th to August 9th - "Rachel Carson", An original theatrical production at the Registry Theatre, Kitchener

https://registrytheatre.com/event/rachel-carson-2/

Friday, August 21st at 5:30pm - Next GREN Update Zoom meeting -

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82644695701?pwd=bnRsUGtWSUcrRnFWR21uYVBISG9jZz09

Sunday, September 20th from 9am to 1pm - rare Trail Party, Riverbluffs Park, Cambridge

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/130591/2026-trail-party-walk-hike-or-run-for-rare

B) Waterloo Moraine - Our Water Is Not For Sale

https://gpo.ca/action_campaign/protect-waterloo-moraine/?source=C26.E.PWM1

C) Rachel Carson - An Original Registry Theatre Production July 30th to August 9th

Learn more & purchase tickets: https://registrytheatre.com/event/rachel-carson-2/

D) Fight Ford Protests - Saturday, July 25th:

E) Rare Trail Party - Sunday, September 20, 2026

https://raceroster.com/events/2026/130591/2026-trail-party-walk-hike-or-run-for-rare

F) Contact Info:

Speak Up and Ensure Your Voice is Heard:

Wilmot Township Council

All Wilmot Councillors can be reached at a single simple address: council@wilmot.ca

Letters should also be sent to: clerks@wilmot.ca to be included as part of the public record.

Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen@wilmot.ca or 519-634-8519 x 9351

Stewart Cressman, Councillor Ward 1, Wilmot, stewart.cressman@wilmot.ca

Kris Wilkinson, Councillor Ward 2, Wilmot, kris.wilkinson@wilmot.ca

Harvir Sidhu, Councillor Ward 3, Wilmot, harvir.sidhu@wilmot.ca

Lillianne Dunstall, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, lillianne.dunstall@wilmot.ca

Steven Martin, Councillor Ward 4, Wilmot, steven.martin@wilmot.ca

Region of Waterloo Council

All Regional Councillors and Mayors can be reached at this single address: regionalcouncillors@regionofwaterloo.ca

Karen Redman, Regional Chair, kredman@regionofwaterloo.ca

Berry Vrbanovic, Mayor, Kitchener, berryv@kitchener.ca

Dorothy McCabe, Mayor, City of Waterloo, dorothy.mccabe@waterloo.ca

Jan Liggett, Cambridge Mayor, Cambridge, liggettj@cambridge.ca

Sue Foxton, Mayor, North Dumfries, sfoxton@northdumfries.ca

Natasha Salonen, Mayor, Wilmot, natasha.salonen@wilmot.ca

Joe Nowak, Mayor, Wellesley, jnowak@wellesley.ca

Sandy Shantz, Mayor, Woolwich, sshantz@woolwich.ca

Doug Craig, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, dougcraig@regionofwaterloo.ca

Pam Wolf, Regional Councillor, Cambridge, pwolf@regionofwaterloo.ca

Colleen James, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, CJames@regionofwaterloo.ca

Michael Harris, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, MHarris@regionofwaterloo.ca

Matt Rodrigues, Regional Councillor, Kitchener, mrodrigues@regionofwaterloo.ca

Joe Gowing, Kitchener, jgowing@regionofwaterloo.ca

Jim Erb, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, JErb@regionofwaterloo.ca

Chantal Huinink, Regional Councillor, Waterloo, CHuinink@regionofwaterloo.ca

City of Kitchener Council

Mayor - Berry Vrbanovic - berry.vrbanovic@kitchener.ca
Ward 1 - Councillor Scott Davey scott.davey@kitchener.ca
Ward 2 - Councillor Dave Schnider dave.schnider@kitchener.ca
Ward 3 - Councillor Jason Deneault jason.deneault@kitchener.ca
Ward 4 - Councillor Christine Michaud christine.michaud@kitchener.ca
Ward 5 - Councillor Ayo Owodunni ayo.owodunni@kitchener.ca
Ward 6 - Councillor Paul Singh paul.singh@kitchener.ca
Ward 7 - Councillor Bil Ioannidis bil.ioannidis@kitchener.ca
Ward 8 - Councillor Margaret Johnston margaret.johnston@kitchener.ca
Ward 9 - Councillor Debbie Chapman debbie.chapman@kitchener.ca
Ward 10 - Councillor Stephanie Stretch stephanie.stretch@kitchener.ca

County of Brant Council:

Mayor David Bailey david.bailey@brant.ca 226-387-2490

Councillor Ward 1 Jennifer Kyle jennifer.kyle@brant.ca 519-242-0898

Councillor Ward 1 John MacAlpine john.macalpine@brant.ca 519-757-9359

Councillor Ward 2 Steve Howes steve.howes@brant.ca 519-442-4955

Councillor Ward 2 Lukas Oakley lukas.oakley@brant.ca 226-216-3037

Councillor Ward 3 John Bell john.bell@brant.ca 519-209-2277

Councillor Ward 3 John Peirce john.peirce@brant.ca 519-442-7134

Councillor Ward 4 Robert Chambers robert.chambers@brant.ca 519-449-2633

Councillor Ward 4 David Miller jedamiller@sympatico.ca 519-449-1240

Councillor Ward 5 Brian Coleman brianatbridgeview@gmail.com 519-753-2798

Councillor Ward 5 - Ella Haley ella.haley@brant.ca 226-802-2801

Province of Ontario

Premier Doug Ford - doug.fordco@pc.ola.org or 416-325-1941 - available 24/7 - all calls confidential

Or cal or text Doug Ford’s Personal Cell Phone - 647-612-3673