Week of July 27, 2026 - Concerning Wilmot Official Plan Approved, Niska Lands Sell-Off, Billy Bishop Airport Win!, Troubling Developments, And More!

Good day,

The province's response has been dismal as wildfires continue to rage across northern Ontario. One result of the budget cuts to forest firefighting is the province is at least 40 crews short. Locally, Wilmot Township approved an inadequate Official Plan, and the GRCA Board approved selling-off Niska conservation lands for development.

In better news, the federal government announced they will not support the Ford government's proposal to expand Billy Bishop Airport, the Region of Waterloo's Water Crisis continues to receive media attention, the very troubling Martin Grove development receives media coverage, and Devil's Creek is seeing excellent grassroots organizing to prevent a destructive Cambridge development.

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

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. If you have any issues reading the update as an email message, you now have the option to read it using your favourite browser. The newsletter is now easier to share with your networks, and you also have the ability to look up past newsletters. Check out our new home page, subscribe, and find the current and 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) Very Concerning Wilmot Official Plan Approval

On Monday, July 27th Wilmot Council Chambers was packed to standing room only as concerned citizens fought for the stronger, better plan Wilmot will need in the years ahead. After many outstanding citizen and community group delegations there was a successful vote to reject the Official Plan and take more time to get it right - which was fantastic and met with cheers around the room.

However, a very confused Wilmot Councillor Stewart Cressman, claimed he didn't understand the question (yes or no to approve the plan) and that he had voted incorrectly. After 30 minutes of legal wrangling and procedural bylaw decisions, it was decided to do the vote on the Official Plan a second time as it is the most important decision these Councillors will ever make in their careers. This time, unfortunately Councillor Cressman changed his vote in favour of the inadequate plan, and it was approved by the narrowest margin possible - his single vote.

The disappointment and concern of so many citizens and groups that had worked so hard for a better Official Plan was significant. What was very clear was most of the citizens in the room knew more about the Official Plan, planning, and had put more time into the Wilmot Official Plan than any of the elected officials. The elected officials asked so many basic questions that it demonstrated, in public view, a lack of understanding of even the basics of the Official Plan process, the concerns with the plan, and the fact there had been only three weeks to review/address the final draft that contained so many changes, errors and omissions - mislabelled maps, missing concepts, etc.

Wilmot is now committed to a weak, insufficient, and very problematic Official Plan - a plan that will force massive development, do little to address the water crisis, create even more financial turmoil, and leave farmland/nature with inadequate protections. These protections pale in comparison to other municipalities - making Wilmot easy pickings for developers and land speculators.

Kudos to Councillors Kris Wilkinson and Harvir Sidhu who tried to have the vote deferred until later this autumn like other municipalities are doing so that issues could be properly addressed and decided upon by the newly elected Council. Mayor Natasha Salonen along with Councillors Stewart Cressman, Lillianne Dunstall, and Steven Martin voted in favour of an immediate approval, despite all of the concerns raised by frustrated (and irate) citizens, community groups, and experts.

The only hope for a better plan now is for us to work to ensure that a new Mayor and new Councillors are elected this autumn who will work for the greater public good, and protect the small, rural, agricultural community that Wilmot citizens desire, rather than undermining it by supporting efforts by Doug Ford, land speculators, and greedy developers who are so determined to destroy Wilmot and turn it into a large urban industrial centre (similar to the rapid transformation Milton has undergone over the past 15 years).

Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette - Wilmot approves new official plan but not without opposition:

https://www.granthaven.com/post/wilmot-approves-new-official-plan-but-not-without-opposition

The Waterloo Region Record - Wilmot Approves Official Plan To Guide Growth:

https://www.therecord.com/news/council/wilmot-council-approves-official-plan-to-guide-growth/article_ecec15a2-634e-546d-84a0-04e16322ab91.html

Another issue in Wilmot that was learned in the Official Plan process is - surprisingly - there are abandoned oil and gas wells in the township. The National Observer has just issued a very concerning story about how old wells are killing people in Ontario:

Canada's National Observer - Forgotten Gas Wells Are Killing Ontario's:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/07/27/news/forgotten-gas-wells-killing-ontarians

Action Required - Vote this autumn for candidates who will revoke this inadequate, minimalist Wilmot Official Plan written to please Doug Ford and replace it - ensure a new robust, stronger Official Plan that Wilmot needs to protect our farms and rural ways of life and help our community thrive into the future.

2) Billy Bishop Island Airport Expansion Not Supported By Federal Government

The federal government announced late in the day Friday, July 24th they will not support moving forward with the plan to expand Billy Bishop Airport proposed by the provincial government. The statement from federal Transport Minister Steven MacKinnon mentioned the significant public opposition from more than 87,000 people in the explanation. Kudos to everyone who spoke up to oppose the proposed expansion!

It’s important to remain vigilant as the statement from the federal government did not say the expansion is cancelled. Note the statement says “Toronto voices will shape any future plans for Billy Bishop Airport.” and review the articles below. Not everyone was delighted by this news.

Statement from Federal Minister of Transport Steven MacKinnon:

CBC News - Federal government says it won't support Ontario's Billy Bishop Airport expansion plans:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/billy-bishop-airport-federal-government-9.7283568

The rally organized for Sunday July 26th to oppose the proposed Toronto Island airport expansion quickly transitioned to a celebration:

Environmental Defence - More than 1000 Torontonians celebrate decision to ground Island Airport expansion:

https://environmentaldefence.ca/2026/07/26/more-than-1000-torontonians-celebrate-decision-to-ground-island-airport-expansion/

Jenny Lee Shee @jennyleeshee.bsky.social (Bluesky) posted photos from the #NoJetsTO celebration gathering and this comment :

‘Sometimes when you fight the good fight, you win. Thanks to everyone who continues to work to make things better for their communities… ’

https://bsky.app/profile/jennyleeshee.bsky.social/post/3mrkqlg7cbs2m

Hamilton Spectator @thespec1846.bsky.social - ‘Disappointed’ Doug Ford spoke privately with Mark Carney after decision blocking Billy Bishop expansion:

https://www.thespec.com/thestar/politics/provincial/disappointed-doug-ford-spoke-privately-with-mark-carney-after-decision-blocking-billy-bishop-expansion/article_b34d82c6-d7cb-5c9f-a8cc-9e10e4660c17.html

CTV News Kitchener @ctvnewskitchener.bsky.social - Ontario rethinking support for federal government’s Alto high-speed rail after Billy Bishop expansion plan blocked:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/toronto/article/ontario-rethinking-support-for-federal-governments-alto-high-speed-rail-after-billy-bishop-expansion-blocked

https://bsky.app/profile/ctvnewskitchener.bsky.social/post/3mrrpsfy65g2c

Hamilton Spectator - Billy Bishop airport expansion isn’t dead, Ford minister insists:

https://www.thespec.com/thestar/politics/provincial/billy-bishop-airport-expansion-isnt-dead-ford-minister-insists/article_264fc4e3-d77e-5be8-b62c-d866ce1ce851.html

Trillium @thetrillium.bsky.social - Ford government won’t return Billy Bishop Airport land to City of Toronto:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/municipalities-transit-and-infrastructure/billy-bishop-airport-land-not-returned-city-toronto-sarkaria-12601517

Hamilton Spectator - Doug Ford’s MPPs criticize Mark Carney’s Alto high-speed rail project after Billy Bishop veto:

https://www.thespec.com/politics/provincial/doug-ford-tories-rethink-support-for-carneys-alto-high-speed-rail-project-after-billy-bishop-move/article_8d7f8d9d-fec5-597e-8ac3-ba46c1bc3017.html

Concerning statement in this article:

"Fed sources speaking confidentially ... say a smaller island airfield expansion could still be possible if it addresses local concerns & complements plans to expand Pearson International Airport & the Alto project."

Action Required - Keep speaking up for the future we need to see on the Toronto waterfront be it Ontario Place, the Island Airport, the absurd Convention Centre, or whatever scheme Ford comes up with next.

3) Waterloo Water Crisis Continues

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”.

CBC News - Is Waterloo Region’s capacity crisis over? Officials say not yet, but there’s been progress:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/region-of-waterloo-water-capacity-constraint-eight-month-update-9.7286159

The Waterloo Region Record - How Limited Water Will Shape New Homes:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/how-limited-water-will-shape-new-homes-in-waterloo-region/article_8074940e-3fca-5993-9fc3-84a1c84b1221.html

ICYM: The Globe and Mail ran a huge, national front page article on the Waterloo Water Crisis. 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/

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/

Other communities are also struggling with how to pay for growth and fund water infrastructure without bankrupting the community:

The Toronto Star - Halton Region Secures Billions Of Dollars From Developers To Support Massive Growth Planned In Its Municipalities:

https://www.thespec.com/business/halton-region-secures-billions-of-dollars-from-developers-to-support-massive-growth-planned-in-its-municipalities/article_1eb0e1fe-f364-5e51-b9f3-cb9dc7ea7c4b.html

The Brampton Environmental Alliance - The Province May Be Stealing Our Water With Taxpayers Footing The Bill:

https://www.bramptonea.org/2026/07/20/the-province-may-be-stealing-our-water-with-taxpayers-footing-the-bill/

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.

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).

4) GRCA Declares Niska Lands Surplus

A very disappointing outcome for so many Guelph citizens and others as the Grand River Conservation Authority works to sell off needed green space and conservation lands.

A special GRCA Board Meeting was 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 former 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

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

CTV News - Agricultural field near former Kortright Waterfowl Park lands declared surplus:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/guelph/article/agricultural-field-near-former-kortright-waterfowl-park-lands-declared-surplus/

Action Required - Continue to speak up against this sell-off. Write GRCA Board members and plan to protest this unforuntate decision.

5) Martin Grove Gateway Industrial Park Serious Concerns

Developers have submitted an alarming industrial proposal pushing over the Countryside Line beyond Waterloo City Limits into southern Woolwich Township farmland. Members of the 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

Media Coverage includes:

The Record - Opposition Mounts Against Proposed Woolwich Industrial Park:

https://www.therecord.com/news/council/opposition-mounts-against-proposed-woolwich-industrial-park/article_322570d3-9cf5-52ef-a4ae-586519e287a0.html

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.

6) Devil's Creek Development Concerns

It is encouraging to see fantastic grassroots community organizing to oppose development at Devil's Creek. There is a proposal to try to force 30 townhouses into a property that even the developer acknowledges is so environmentally sensitive that at least three-quarters of the site can't even be developed and must be protected. We need to ensure that entire natural areas are protected - not just some parts. A petition is online, and a Facebook group is now up and running:

https://www.ipetitions.com/p/stop-devils-creek-destruction/

https://linktr.ee/savedevilscreek

Action Required - Speak up and help to ensure this important part of Cambridge is protected and that new town houses are built in a better location without such environmental impact and threatening water aquifers.

7) Cambridge Chemical Spill

The Grand River Environmental Network started receiving calls about a mysterious milky white substance seen in stormwater pond and West Creek (that connects to the Speed River) near a new data centre. Reports became more troubling and there has been a strong response from the Ministry of the Environment, the GRCA, and others who have been undertaking a massive clean-up.

CBC News Kitchener-Waterloo - Investigation into Cambridge stormwater spill shows 'no evidence of contaminants of concern,' province says:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/sample-stormwater-pond-cambridge-no-contaminants-of-concern-9.7287381

Waterloo Region Record - Chemical Spill at Cambridge Data Centre:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/chemical-spill-at-cambridge-data-centre/article_f155475a-917a-5984-a56a-6a7cbf374350.html

CTV News Kitchener - Crews cleaning up milky white substance from stormwater pond in Cambridge:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/crews-cleaning-up-milky-white-substance-from-stormwater-pond-in-cambridge-ont/

Guelph Gasoline/Oil Spill - Kudos also to GREN member Laura Murr who reported a significant oil and gas spill in the Speed River over the holiday long weekend that is being investigated.

Action Required - Demand our governments go after polluters and report anything concerning that you come across.

8) Ford Government Ignores Public Consultation Input

We have seen this before as the Ford government proceeds forward with concerning developments regardless of the feedback and significant concerns raised - it's a pattern, Fatima Syed @fatimabsyed.bsky.social reveals in The Narwhal:

The Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca - Leaked analysis shows 98.98% opposition to Ontario’s new at-risk species law:
"Of 17,000 comments made in response to the new at-risk species law, 98.98 per cent were opposed."

https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-endangered-species-law-opposition/

Important Bluesky thread by Fatima Syed - with receipts - reveals the Ford government pattern of passing legislation and policy changes that ignored results from public consultations.

The Doug Ford gov't got >17,000 responses on its plan to weaken species-at-risk law. Internal analysis shows 98.98% opposed, warning of 'negative impacts on Ontario’s biodiversity and ecological integrity.' The government moved ahead anyway. This is a pattern across years of the Doug Ford government's consultation:

In 2022, Ontario asks for feedback on opening the Greenbelt to development; it got 30,000+ comments.

"No changes were made to the proposal as a result of public consultation." …

Read the complete thread on Bluesky:

https://bsky.app/profile/fatimabsyed.bsky.social/post/3mrvdengmd22g

Action Required - We need to keep speaking up so that our concerns are properly noted in the public record and with such numbers/strength that we can't be ignored or overridden in the future.

9) Ontario Wildfires Fallout

The Ford government's inadequate response to hundreds of wildfires across Ontario (including many that are still burning) brings calls for a public inquiry:

Trillium @thetrillium.bsky.social - Ford government spokesperson out after minister pulled from radio interview:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/politics/ford-government-spokesperson-out-after-minister-pulled-from-radio-interview-12597787

Trillium - Collins chief says they were told ‘not to worry’ about fire:

https://www.thetrillium.ca/news/indigenous-rural-and-northern-affairs/collins-chief-says-they-were-told-not-to-worry-about-fire-12598350

CBC News - First Nations leaders repeat demands for Ontario wildfire response inquiry:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/9.7291719

Ricochet @ricochetmedia.bsky.social - First Nations Chief says government MPP is lying about meeting with him:

https://ricochet.media/indigenous/first-nations-chief-says-government-mpp-is-lying-about-meeting-with-him/

APTN News @aptnnews.bsky.social - Chiefs of Ontario backs calls for public inquiry into wildfire response:

https://www.aptnnews.ca/national-news/chiefs-of-ontario-call-for-public-inquiry-over-provinces-catastrophic-and-systemic-failure-of-wildfire-response/

https://bsky.app/profile/aptnnews.bsky.social/post/3mrvcon4br22q

'There has been a catastrophic and systemic failure at nearly every level and at nearly every step of this process,' says Ontario Regional Chief Abram Benedict.’

Barrie 360 - First Nations slam Ontario's lack of commitment to publicly review wildfire response:

https://barrie360.com/first-nations-call-public-inquiry-ontario-wildfire-response/

Several First Nation chiefs told a press conference at Queen's Park on Thursday they are not getting answers from the premier, Natural Resources Minister Mike Harris, Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop or Indigenous Affairs Minister Greg Rickford.

10) PC MPP Expense Frenzy Scandal

The provincial PC MPP expense scandal continues, now finally reaching Premier Doug Ford. Taxpayers have been footing the bill for Doug Ford along with many PC MPPs for private jet flights, lavish meals, hotel accommodations, advertising and more. There is a significant effort underway to draw attention away from this scandal by the Premier and his party:

Global News - Premier Ford charged taxpayers for Florida trip to attend union conference at Disney:

https://globalnews.ca/news/11995827/doug-ford-disney-liuna/

CityNews - Premier Doug Ford has billed Ontario taxpayers $44K despite claims of ‘zero expenses’:

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/07/28/premier-doug-ford-has-billed-ontario-taxpayers-44k-despite-claims-of-zero-expenses/

Milton Today - Milton MPP defends Toronto accommodation expenses amidst reactions on Facebook:

miltontoday.ca/local-news/milton-mpp-defends-toronto-accommodation-expenses-amidst-mixed-reactions-on-facebook-12617567

A humorous take from Barney Panofsky’s Best Intentions on Bluesky @mynamesnotgordy.bsky.social

"Local man says he's very disappointed in team members who did what he told them to do."

He's referring to this article:

Global News - Progressive Conservative caucus divided over Ontario hotel spending scandal

https://globalnews.ca/news/11986657/hotel-spending-caucus-divide/

https://bsky.app/profile/mynamesnotgordy.bsky.social/post/3mrjaadaob22w

View post on Bluesky

11) Data Centres & Electricity

Concerns about data centres are in the news, with some municipalities contemplating a moratorium and municipalities such as Mississauga approving a moratorium. The province is pushing expensive nuclear power, suggesting this as the only option to power Ontario into the future:

National Observer @nationalobserver.com - Ontario says data centres will pay full energy costs — but some say power bills could still rise:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/07/29/news/ontario-data-centres-power-bills?nih=lUxmjSj675HcULKtmNV2al17bJcf3ZpyfC0m92kaTts

National Observer - Mississauga votes for data centre moratorium that could set Canadian precedent:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/07/29/news/mississauga-council-voted-data-centre-moratorium

In Haldimand County, Minister of Energy and Mines Stephen Lecce announced funding to explore construction of a electricity generating facility - potentially a nuclear facility - at Nanticoke, the site of the massive coal-fired electricity generating plant that was shut down in 2013. Here's the release:

Ontario Ministry of Energy and Mines - Ontario Takes Next Step Toward New Energy Generation in Haldimand County:

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007815/ontario-takes-next-step-toward-new-energy-generation-in-haldimand-county

CBC News - Once one of the world's largest coal plants, Nanticoke in Ontario could generate power again

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/nanticoke-coal-plan-site-ontario-investment-9.7289780

Isn't it odd there is no mention anywhere in the announcement or article that OPG has an existing 44MW solar generating facility at Nanticoke that was built in collaboration with Six Nations of the Grand River Development Corporation? The option to expand solar capacity is being ignored despite the huge success of the solar battery storage and the fact this type of nuclear power generation (Small Modular Reactor/SMR) they are pushing is unproven technology at this scale. SMRs require significantly more time and money to construct than solar. Also missing from these announcements is any mention of the risks and the real costs associated with nuclear power or the fact this technology requires enriched uranium fuel from the USA.

This OPG article has more detailed description of the solar facility (from 2019):

https://www.opg.com/power-generation/our-power/solar/

Finally, an article just released by CBC that raises some of the concerns about this push for nuclear power:

CBC News - Canada built its nuclear industry to avoid foreign fuel. Its new reactors will depend on it:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/canada-nuclear-supply-chain-smr-darlington-uranium-enrichment-9.7289297

Action Required - Speak up for better energy solutions.

12) Brantford Airport Land Grab

City of Brantford and County of Brant announced more time for public review and comments on the revised plan for the city to annex land from the County of Brant. Kudos to everyone who shared their concerns with the proposal.

County of Brant - City of Brantford and County of Brant provide additional time for public review of updated map and continued work on draft Airport Boundary Adjustment Agreement

https://www.brant.ca/news/posts/city-of-brantford-and-county-of-brant-provide-additional-time-for-public-review-of-updated-map-and-continued-work-on-draft-airport-boundary-adjustment-agreement/

Public meetings have been rescheduled: The new date for Brantford's statutory public meeting is Monday, August 10th, 2026 at 6:00PM. The County of Brant's statutory public meeting will take place on Wednesday, August 12th, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. The meetings will take place at their respective Council Chambers.

Learn more, visit:

https://letstalkbrantford.ca/airport

Brant Beacon - Local municipalities delay airport public meetings:

https://www.brantbeacon.ca/local-municipalities-delay-airport-public-meetings/

Action Required - Participate in these upcoming meetings and provide feedback for the best possible outcomes.

13) County of Brant Community Planning Permit System update

At the County of Brant Council meeting on July 28, 2026, the Official Plan Amendment (By-law 83-26) and Community Planning Permit By-law (By-law 84-26) were approved. The Community Planning Permit System (CPPS) is not yet in effect. T he appeal period runs until 4:00 p.m. on August 17, 2026. If no appeals are filed, the CPPS is expected to come into force on August 22, 2026. If an appeal is filed, the by-law will be forwarded to the Ontario Land Tribunal and will not come into effect until the appeal is resolved.

Learn more at the Engage Brant CPPS page: https://engagebrant.ca/cpps

14) Recent Articles

Include Giant Hogweed spreading, shifting baselines, bumbling use of AI, weighted democracy (?!?), confounding consultation after federal cuts, rail travel, and more:

CBC News Kitchener Waterloo - 'It's taken over': Giant hogweed expert sees invasive plant spreading along Grand River:

John Kemp says giant hogweed is growing by 500% a year

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/invasive-giant-hogweed-spread-waterloo-region-john-kemp-9.7287581

David Suzuki - Rabble @rabble.ca and Bluesky - On love and legacy: Shifting baseline syndrome strikes home:

https://bsky.app/profile/rabble.ca/post/3mrskajdhgm2j

https://rabble.ca/environment/on-love-and-legacy-shifting-baseline-syndrome-strikes-home/

CTV News - New Brunswick politician says he learned lesson after using AI for speech:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/new-brunswick/article/video-of-new-brunswick-politicians-apparent-ai-use-goes-viral/

CBC News - Shopify CEO endorses idea to give more votes to wealthy Canadians:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/shopify-ceo-endorses-idea-to-give-more-votes-to-wealthy-canadians-9.7286688

This alarming take was not missed by Barney Panofsky’s Best Intentions@mynamesnotgordy.bsky.social :

“Local man says democracy best when purchased.”

https://bsky.app/profile/mynamesnotgordy.bsky.social/post/3mrs43ffdo22m

View post on Bluesky

National Observer - Feds ask fired scientists to advise on Canada's future research:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/07/31/news/federal-agriculture-department-scientists-steering

Some humour mixed with timely commentary by Stewart Reynolds aka Brittlestar @brittlestar.com - Late Night Canada: Shopify Democracy, VIA Rail and Doug Ford

https://youtu.be/SBp1Dtgyg04?si=oJW32bm84TtNnNr_

Toronto Star - Opinion - Doug Ford's Protect Ontario ads are a scam trying to hide the damage he's doing:

https://www.thestar.com/opinion/contributors/doug-fords-protect-ontario-ads-are-a-scam-trying-to-hide-the-damage-hes-doing/article_0c54aee8-b0d4-4c51-a72e-1a1da7f4238a.html

Press Progress - Ludicrous Alberta-Ontario pipeline fuels climate anxiety as wildfires rage across the country:

https://pressprogress.ca/ludicrous-alberta-ontario-pipeline-fuels-climate-anxiety-as-wildfires-rage-across-the-country/

15) Good Recommendations From Ontario Headwaters Institute

The Ontario Headwaters Institute (OHI) has submitted recommendations to the federal and Ontario governments regarding the renewal of the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem. OHI is requesting you to consider supporting these two recommendations.

That Canada and Ontario should:

1. Codify how to collaborate on the integration of land use and watershed planning in Ontario, perhaps based on “How Much Habitat is Enough” and the precedent of the Canada-Ontario Lake Erie Action Plan, and perhaps in a new Annex to COA; and

2. Commit to significantly improved public engagement and accountability to support a renewed Agreement, including outreach and education programs for both improved land use planning, and enhanced occupancy practices on both privately and publicly owned lands.

One-click petition - Sign the petition at:

https://win.newmode.net/ontarioheadwatersinstitute/supportgreatlakesecosystemhealth

Action Required: Read the full submission, sign the petition, and keep speaking up for our water.

16) 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

CBC News - Municipal candidate numbers have been sliding in Ontario for years. Will this election buck the trend?

"Fewer people on the ballot also creates a “feedback loop” that suppresses voter turnout."

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-2026-election-candidate-deadline-9.7291011

Candidate Nominations - Learn who the nominated candidates are 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”.

Also, if you are in Waterloo Region check out Bob Jonkman’s excellent detailed overview of candidates for Regional government and the seven municipalities:

https://poliblog.jonkman.ca/Poliblog-Elections/2026-10-26-Municipal-Election/

Finally, check out the ALO Municipal Election Toolkit on 10 Actions Municipal Governments Can Take To Help Build Liveable Communities:

https://www.liveableontario.ca/alliance-resources/roadmap

Action Required - Get involved, step forward, or assist however you can to ensure that we get the representation we need for the greater public good in October.

17) Good News

Includes new hybrid Via-Rail locomotives, data proves the benefits of EVs, and better graphite production using Canadian technology having far-reaching impacts:

CBC News - Feds announce almost $2B for 45 hybrid battery-diesel Via Rail passenger locomotives:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/via-rail-newbattery-diesel-locomotives-9.7288814

MIT News - For Most US Drivers EVs Offer Emissions Benefits And Cost Savings:

https://news.mit.edu/2026/us-drivers-electric-vehicles-offer-emissions-benefits-cost-savings-0512

Energy Mix @theenergymix.com - Research in Montreal: Cleaner graphite production:

https://www.theenergymix.com/montreal-start-up-aims-to-take-graphite-off-the-critical-minerals-list-with-cleaner-cheaper-refining-process/

https://bsky.app/profile/theenergymix.com/post/3mrfdedl3js2f

18) Additional Articles From Around The World

Includes European wildfires, underestimating Canada, and a 160th birthday:

CBC News - A human-made forest is at the centre of France's raging wildfires.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated.

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/livestory/france-spain-wildfires-evacuations-9.7289592

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/human-made-forest-france-wildfires-9.7287788

“In the mid-1800s, under Napoleon III, vast wetlands considered unhealthy and unproductive were drained and replaced with a pine forest. The new forest transformed the local economy, produced timber and resin and made the area habitable. Nearly two centuries later, that same landscape is burning.”
The Toronto Star - Americans Who Covet Canada Always Underestimate Our Resolve:

https://www.thestar.com/politics/political-opinion/americans-who-covet-canada-always-underestimate-our-resolve/article_9c0c3db2-d423-4c91-aeae-26aaa7e21596.html

Happy 160th Birthday to Beatrix Potter!

Perhaps best known as an author and illustrator of children’s books (‘The Tale of Peter Rabbit’ and many other titles), Beatrix Potter was also a landscape artist, preservationist and conservationist who was born on July 28, 1866. Throughout her life she purchased land protecting it from development, then willed about 4000 acres and 14 farms to the National Trust (UK) when she died in 1943. Her efforts are largely responsible for the Lake District being the beautiful protected area it is.

https://beatrixpottersociety.org.uk/

National Trust @nationaltrust.org.uk (Bluesky):

https://bsky.app/profile/nationaltrust.org.uk/post/3mrpc6efyo42h

19) Next Meeting

Please make plans to join our next meeting online on Friday August 21st at 5:30 pm. Enjoy a few weeks off between now and then.

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.

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

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

August 10th - 6:00PM, Brantford City Hall - Public meeting regarding Airport Lands annexation

August 12th - 6:00PM, County of Brant Council Chambers - Public meeting regarding Airport Lands annexation

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

Learn more and send a message:

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) Sustainable Cooking Classes - Sunday, Aug 16th:

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

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

F) Contact Info: