Week of August 26, 2026 - Fight Ford Rallies Saturday, Election Season Underway, Farmland Destruction Costs Mount, And More!

Good Day,

This coming Saturday, August 29th join Fight Ford Protests in dozens of cities across Ontario, election season has clearly started with campaigning starting across the Grand River Watershed, the Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly continues to make headline news as tens of millions of taxpayer dollars have been wasted in an attempt to destroy prime farmland for unwanted industrial lands, and next week on September 3rd are three provincial by-elections - including the East Hamilton-Stoney Creek riding, presenting excellent opportunities to send the Ford government a strong message that they have lost public support and are going in the wrong directions.

Here's the latest:

1) Fight Ford Protests Across Ontario This Saturday, August 29th

This Saturday, August 29th, there will be Fight Ford protests and rallies across Ontario. A complete listing of times and locations can be found below. The Fight Ford Protests in Guelph will be co-hosted with educators and the Ontario Education Coalition, and the focus will be protesting the cuts to education, amongst the many other critical issues in Ontario. Meet at the corner of Gordon Street and Wellington Street from 12 noon until 12:40, then the group will move to the Gazebo in Royal City Park to hear speakers until 1:30 pm.

Please share this info with your teacher friends and make plans to join. Bring your own sign or signs will be available.

If you are not close to Guelph, Fight Ford protests are happening in over 60 more communities province-wide. These protests will continue on the last Saturday of every month for the foreseeable future. Join us!

This is a family-friendly event that takes place rain or shine. Dress for the weather.

Everyone is welcome! More info:

2) It’s On: Election Season in Ontario

What could be one of the most important local elections in generations is underway. Please confirm (or update) your voter registration. It takes just a few minutes:

https://vreg.registertovoteon.ca/en/home

Candidate lists were finalized for the municipal election on August 21st:

CTV News - Waterloo Region Candidates Running In The 2026 Election:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/waterloo-region-candidates-running-in-the-2026-municipal-election/

CTV News - Guelph Candidates Running In The 2026 Election:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/guelph-whos-running-in-the-municipal-election/

CTV News - Brantford and Brant County Candidates Running In The 2026 Election:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/brantford-and-brant-county-whos-running-in-the-2026-municipal-election/

LeadWR and VisionWR - It’s fantastic to see community groups forming to help facilitate the elections, prepare candidates, get out the vote, and ensure the best possible participation in the election process.

VisionWR Launches its October 2026 Elections Website and Social Media! - VisionWR, is a new grassroots volunteer organization dedicated to promoting education, dialogue, and debate on the issues that will shape our shared future: climate change, housing, transportation, water, biodiversity, food security, wellbeing and local democracy. The website and engagement hub is a central place for candidates and voters to learn more about the issues, share their perspectives, and find links to other information and tools.

Does your organization have a candidate survey? Send the link!

Wondering what to ask candidates? Check out our voter questions on the issues!

Want a deep dive on the issues? Check out the blog!

Want to share your perspective? Send us a short video for our social media!

Want to organize an all-candidates meeting? Access our tools and support!

In addition to the website, our freshly launched Instagram (Visionwaterlooregion) and Facebook (VisionWR) pages will have election information from now to October 26th and will feature reels about the issues from contributors like you. We invite you to follow us!

VisionWR Campaign School - There are upcoming activities including a Campaign School Event organized by VisionWR and hosted by the Waterloo Region Labour Council:

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 2nd from 6pm to 9pm

Location: 50 Sportsworld Crossing Road, Unit 220, Kitchener

RSVP: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpDb1REba2_7NwIC3xHhmkS6s0_dquUqjEamJY3ah2j8ID9g/viewform

This is for candidates and their teams, and aspiring future candidates too!

6:00-7:00 Mini-workshop 1: ANSWER THE QUESTION -Hone your skills for participation in all-candidates meetings!

John Milloy, former MPP for Kitchener Centre
Meena Waseem, Trustee with the Waterloo Region District School Board

7:00-8:00 Mini-workshop 2: GETTING OUT THE VOTE - Translate expressions of support into votes on the ballot!

Led by Brad Rubinoff, Campaign Strategist

8:00-9:00 Informal discussion and networking -Connect with other attendees to share experiences and ideas

Questions? Contact: info.visionwr@gmail.com

Water and the Election - Ontario Headwaters Institute (OHI) has created an excellent poster that concisely outlines the responsibilities of municipal councillors with regards to water, and provides a list of questions to help you identify council candidates who are committed to protecting our watersheds and clean, healthy drinking water.

The poster can be downloaded and printed:

https://ontarioheadwaters.ca/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Vote-for-Healthy-Watersheds-and-Abundant-Clean-Drinking-Water.pdf

Recent Media - It’s great to see the concerns being expressed about the anointed Regional Chair by Doug Ford in Waterloo Region and all of the possible conflicts of interest. This process simply isn’t democratic or in the best public interest:

CTV News - Waterloo Regional Councillors Express Opposition To Any Decision That Would Have One Person Serve As Both Mayor And Regional Chair:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/waterloo-regional-councillors-express-opposition-to-any-decision-that-would-have-one-person-serve-as-both-a-mayor-and-regional-chair/?

CityNews - Motion To Oppose Joint Regional Chair-Mayor Role Gets Full Support:

https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/08/27/motion-to-oppose-joint-regional-chair-mayor-role-gets-full-support/?

Upcoming Provincial By-Elections - There are also three provincial by-elections scheduled for September 3rd: Hamilton East - Stoney Creek, Scarborough Southwest, and York - Simcoe. Find more details about these by-elections here:

https://www.elections.on.ca/en.html

Here's also a terrific Op-Ed well worth reading and acting upon:

The Hamilton Spectator - Opinion: Send Doug Ford a message when you vote in the upcoming by-election:

https://www.thespec.com/opinion/columnists/send-doug-ford-a-message-on-sept-3/article_457d2a08-8885-5da7-a58e-5267b53a0f40.html

Upcoming Federal By-Election - One federal by-election will take place in Ontario on August 31st in Beaches-East York - the seat vacated by MP Nate Erskine-Smith in the hopes of seeking the leadership of the Ontario Liberals. (His plan fell apart when his nomination bid to be the Liberal candidate for the Scarborough Southwest provincial by-election failed.) Erskine-Smith has announced his candidacy for Toronto City Council:

CBC News - Former Liberal MP Nate Erskine-Smith to run for council seat in Beaches-East York

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/former-liberal-mp-nate-erskine-smith-council-race-beaches-east-york-9.7311920

A date has not yet been set for the by-election to fill the seat for Brantford-South Brant-Six Nations that MP Larry Brock will vacate after his recently announced departure from politics.

Wilmot Township All Candidates Meetings - Dates have already been announced for all candidate meetings in Wilmot Township:

All Ward Councillor Meeting/Debate - Monday, September 28th from 7pm to 9pm, New Hamburg Community Centre

Mayoral Meeting/Debate - Wednesday, September 30th from 7pm to 9pm, New Hamburg Community Centre

Local Municipal and Regional Election Candidate info - Learn who the nominated candidates are for your municipality and region:

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/

Be sure to check out the ALO Municipal Election Toolkit with 10 Actions Municipal Governments Can Take To Help Build Liveable Communities:

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

Action Required: With federal and provincial by-elections upcoming with the municipal election, it is important for us to do whatever we can to support strong candidates and to get the vote out. Get involved, step forward, and assist however you can to ensure that we get the representation we need for the greater public good in October.

3) Data Centre Concerns

Two weeks ago Doug Ford announced Ontario’s data centre playbook in Guelph while dozens of protesters rapidly assembled outside. At the time Ford pressed his position that municipalities must accept data centres as necessary for the economy. Not everyone shares this point of view.

Here's the official provincial press release:

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007871/ontario-launches-data-centre-playbook

Submit comments to the ERO by September 12th at 11:59pm:

https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0853

Media Coverage - Fatima Syed @fatimabsyed.bsky.social has done an excellent overview of the concerns about data centres for the Narwhal @thenarwhal.ca:

The Narwhal - Doug Ford is pushing back at data centre resistance — but vows projects will pay their own way

https://thenarwhal.ca/ontario-ai-data-centres-explained/

Waterloo Journal - Waterloo Region’s AI Data Centre Debate: What Is Being Built, Who Controls It and Could Residents Pay More?:

https://waterloojournal.ca/local-politics/waterloo-region-ai-data-centre-debate

One-Click Petition - The Water Watchers has a one-click data centre petition you can sign:

https://win.newmode.net/waterwatchers/municipaldatacentremoratorium

Action Required - Speak up now to ensure our communities are faced with the challenges before so many other communities around the world dealing with massive data centres. Speak up and submit comments to the ERO. The comment period is only 30 days and closes September 12th, 2026 so be sure to speak up and be part of the public record at: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0853.

4) Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly - Media Raises Serious Questions

It’s great to see the front page news coverage of the many concerns regarding the unwanted Wilmot Mega-Industrial Land Assembly. Investigations by reporters revealed the province and region have wasted over $50 million taxpayer dollars (that is almost $100 for every citizen in Waterloo Region) on this unnecessary destruction of prime farmland for land speculation, a site that has never had any proper planning, public engagement, or been a part of any Official Plan - and still not in Wilmot’s just approved 30-year Official Plan.

Here’s the latest media reports asking all the right questions:

The Waterloo Region Record - Luisa D’Amato - We Need Answers On Wilmot’s Industrial Mega-site:

https://www.therecord.com/ontario-communities/cambridge/waterloo-region-letters-to-editor/article_8d4510fb-3f1b-5663-9c68-f424370bf05d.html

The Waterloo Region Record - Joe McGinty - Waterloo Region Spends $55 Million Buying Farmland For Wilmot Industrial Site

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/region-spends-55-million-for-wilmot-industrial-site/article_625a87c6-78e3-5890-b548-87a949009638.html?

It is simply absurd that current elected officials continue to waste millions of dollars on a development scheme that:

- is illegal - not conforming to the Planning Act nor any Official Plans,

- was never budgeted for, nor in any financial plans,

- that destroys their own Regional Official Plan, farmland protections and Countryside Line,

- has destroyed 40 years of goodwill, reputation, and rapport in the community by not following any proper planning processes or public engagement,

- has been fought by thousands of citizens every step of the way, with hardly anyone or any organization expressing support at any point,

- is going to cost millions of dollars to finance, care for and tend this land speculation for years into the future. Governments should not be in the land speculation business - particularly not when the process is destructive to our communities.

Wilmot citizens have made it clear they aren’t a willing host and have no desire to become a major industrial and urban centre in the future.

ICYM - Other good recent articles:

The Waterloo Region Record - Luisa D’Amato - Something Big Is Happening At Wilmot’s Industrial Megasite. Why Are We In The Dark?:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/columnists/wilmot-megasite-proceeds-without-public-input/article_687ccbf2-c2b3-51b7-897f-bc8ee23cf3b9.html

The Waterloo Region Record - Susanna Compton - Bulldozing Barns Underlines Region’s Disregard For Wilmot:

https://www.therecord.com/opinion/contributors/bulldozing-barns-underlines-regions-disregard-for-wilmot/article_52d5ad9e-0c5c-508f-ae4d-5e6612958af1.html

"In bulldozing those buildings without saving anything to reuse or to even place in a museum, the region has again shown this community, and all the rural townships, that their lifestyle, heritage and integrity are not important. They are only in the way. Just like the people."

The Woolwich Observer - Susanna Compton - Local Advocate Recalls The Early Days Of Region's Wilmot Land Grab:

https://www.observerxtra.com/local-advocate-recalls-the-early-days-of-the-regions-wilmot-land-grab/

The Waterloo Region Record @therecord.com - Region Demolishes Buildings On 770-acre Mega-Site In Wilmot:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/region-demolishes-buildings-for-land-assembly-in-wilmot/article_f07b24d7-c11b-537c-8f0b-db209cd5ca51.html?

Official Plans Posted To The Environmental Registry Of Ontario (ERO) - Both Wilmot Township and Wellesley Township have just had their recently approved Official Plans posted to the ERO. This is another important opportunity to speak up and share concerns that in Wilmot this is not a strong enough, nor sufficient plan for the scale of the challenges to be faced in the future. Speak up before September 19th at 11:59pm.

Wilmot Official Plan ERO - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0838

Wellesley Official Plan ERO - https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/026-0811

Action Required - We need to keep calling out, speaking up, and ensure that this is an election issue for the entire region. Continue to send the clear message to the Region and Province that Wilmot is not a willing host for a mega-industrial site. With elections pending, it's critical that only candidates promising to cancel this fiasco are elected and be sure to speak up on the ERO - it only takes a few minutes to ensure that your comments are part of the public record!

5) Waterloo Water Crisis

The Region of Waterloo has hired a new Water Commissioner to try to deal with the ongoing water crisis:

The Record - Waterloo Region hires former Gordie Howe Bridge director

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/waterloo-region-hires-former-gordie-howe-bridge-director/article_060dbfd8-a67c-52d1-9611-33a0f6608493.html?

CBC News - Former Gordie Howe Bridge director named Waterloo region's new water commissioner

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/kitchener-waterloo/gordie-howe-bridge-director-new-water-commissioner-9.7319393

Water Crisis Expert Community Presentation - The Research Talks presentation by University of Waterloo experts originally scheduled for June has been announced again with a venue change to the Registry Theatre in downtown Kitchener:

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 22nd at 6:30pm

Location: Registry Theatre, 150 Fredrick Street, Kitchener

RSVP and Learn More:

https://uwaterloo.ca/research/about-research/research-excellence/research-talks

Other Recent Media - includes:

The Waterloo Region Record - We Need To Build Trust And Accountability: New Complaints Process Unveiled For Rural Well Owners:

https://www.therecord.com/news/waterloo-region/rural-well-owners-getting-new-deal/article_9aaa055b-642e-52ff-ac34-a48b94e33d12.html

CityNews - Well Owners, Councillors Get First Look At New Well Interference Policy:

https://kitchener.citynews.ca/2026/08/13/well-owners-councillors-get-first-look-at-new-well-interference-policy/?

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) and attend upcoming public lectures.

6) More Greenbelt Scandal Yet Again

It appears that the Greenbelt Scandal is going to continue to plague the Ford government as it turns out the government has never delivered on Premier Ford’s promise to reimburse communities that spent significant taxpayer funds dealing with the scandal and its negative impacts:

CBC News - 5 Ontario communities still waiting for reimbursement after Greenbelt scandal:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-greenbelt-scandal-reimbursement-9.7314598

Action Required - Speak up and ensure that the Greenbelt Scandal is properly addressed once and for all.

7) Very Concerning Martin Grove Gateway Industrial Park Proposal Continues To Make Front Page News

What happens to the future of the St. Jacobs Farmers Market if it is no longer surrounded by farms, but found in the middle of a huge industrial area instead?

Community members from Martin Grove have raised concerns about an alarming proposal for a 100+ acre industrial development that would breach both the Countryside Line and the firm City of Waterloo boundary, sprawling onto southern Woolwich Township farmland. This large industrial development is not part of the current Woolwich 30 year Official Plan, or the new draft Woolwich 30 year Official Plan, and it isn’t part of any City of Waterloo Official Plan either. There is no demonstrated need for designating new industrial land since there are thousands of acres of shovel-ready vacant industrial lands already designated across Waterloo Region - with much of it sitting vacant and unused for decades.

It was fantastic to recent front page coverage devoted to the concerns local residents have about this proposed industrial park as Green Party MPP Aislinn Clancy toured the site:

The Woolwich Observer - Green Party MPP Tours Controversial Development Site:

https://www.observerxtra.com/green-party-mpp-tours-controversial-development-site/

Woolwich has eliminated the important Countryside Line concept from its next Official Plan and already developers and land speculators are seeking to purchase Woolwich farms for development presuming the success of this current industrial park development application.

If this plan were to be approved, it risks opening the floodgates - potentially thousands of acres of farmland could be lost to development with little the Township could do about it - beginning the destruction of Woolwich Township as we know it.

The Woolwich Observer - Talk Returns In The Community About The Countryside Line:

https://www.observerxtra.com/talk-returns-in-the-community-about-the-countryside-line/

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 industrial areas sprawling into Woolwich Township.

8) Protest for Healthcare - Tuesday, September 1st

Now is the time to stand up for Public Healthcare. Please join the Waterloo Region Health Coalition for just ONE HOUR to defend this pillar of our society. Canada Strong must mean protecting and defending our universal medicare system and saying ......

"NO to US style healthcare", that has no compassion or equity.

DON'T LET THEM DESTROY CANADIAN PUBLIC HEALTH CARE

On September 1, Alberta's Danielle Smith government is rolling out private health care to end universal public health care and bring in U.S. style privatization. It has been 7-months in the making, yet the federal Mark Carney government has not yet stood up for the Canada Health Act.

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 1st at 12:00pm noon

Location: MP Bardish Chagger’s Office, 100 Regina Street South, Waterloo City Hall

9) PC Party Corruption And Expense Scandal Grows

The Premier’s recent Captain Canada performance provides convenient cover for the ongoing expense spending spree by members of his cabinet and himself.

Recent Media:

Global News - Ontario minister charged trade mission meals to riding association instead of government:

https://globalnews.ca/news/12029247/vic-fedeli-riding-association-expenses/

Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development charged his riding association more than $21,000 for “out of country” travel expenses, public records show, while simultaneously billing taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars for official government-related travel.

The Premier continues to be unapologetic when asked about his party’s decision to send someone to Jamaica to surveil Liberal Leader Bonnie Crombie while she was on vacation. Reporters continue to investigate this affair finding hidden charges from Jamaica buried in expense reports and party election filings as Doug Ford continues to try to normalize this outrageous breach of ethics and decency as normal politics.

ICYM - There's a fantastic new claymation animated video and song out by Alex Huot about this provincial corruption - take three minutes to watch it and it will make your day with a catchy song stuck in your head all weekend too!

New Alex Huot Video: Protect Ontario from Doug:

https://youtu.be/KrgsV66P7gs?si=Sphtq097NGc0zyjC

Action Required - Keep speaking up and demand better.

10) Buy Canadian - Including Where You Get Your News

It is important to stay current, and the media outlets we choose as our news sources are critical. Now, more than ever, the need to support Canadian news media is urgent.

For quite some time Post Media has been majority owned by Chatham Assets, a U.S.-based hedge fund. Post Media owns National Post and well over 100 newspapers and media outlets across Canada. Check the list of their newspapers and outlets here:

https://www.postmedia.com/brands/#brands-ontario

Please do what you are able to in order to support local journalism, and independent Canadian news media wherever possible. Consider purchasing a subscription and show support for your locally owned and operated newspapers and excellent independent Canadian outlets such as The Narwhal The Narwhal, Ricochet Media @ricochetmedia.bsky.social, The Breach @breachmedia.ca, and others that provide factual, well-researched news coverage by Canadian journalists.

11) Recent Articles

Includes more details emerging regarding the MOU between Six Nations of the Grand River and Brantford, Global impacts of climate crisis being seen locally and around the globe: the impending Super El Niño, major ice loss in Greenland, horrendous flooding in the Himalayas, and a shift in Saudi Arabian energy strategy. Also…Lake Ontario!

CBC News - Brantford, Ont., and Six Nations take steps to share development benefits, improve relationship, mayor says:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/six-nations-of-grand-river-memorandum-of-understanding-city-of-brantford-9.7314793

Brant Beacon - Six Nations Council addresses concerns over joint MOU:

https://www.brantbeacon.ca/six-nations-council-addresses-concerns-over-joint-mou/

CBC News - Peach trees in Ontario's Niagara region under threat due to recent historic flooding:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/hamilton/niagara-peaches-floods-climate-9.7318259

CBC News - ‘Super’ El Niño didn’t cause this year’s fires and heat waves, but it’s about to take us on a ‘wild ride’:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/climate/el-nino-2026-extreme-weather-9.7313170

European Space Agency (ESA) - Sentinel-1 captures major ice loss from Greenland glacier:

https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Copernicus/Sentinel-1/Sentinel-1_captures_major_ice_loss_from_Greenland_glacier

Down To Earth - Nepal, Rishiganga and Dharali are signals of a Himalayan crisis:

https://www.downtoearth.org.in/natural-disasters/nepal-rishiganga-and-dharali-are-signals-of-a-himalayan-crisis

A series of recent Himalayan disasters in Nepal, Uttarakhand and Tibet reveal a new pattern of extreme floods driven not by cloudbursts but by collapsing masses of rock and ice.

CBC News - 30 Canadians and permanent residents among missing after Nepal, Tibet floods: Global Affairs:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/livestory/nepal-tibet-floods-rescue-efforts-9.7322361

PV Magazine - Saudi Arabia awards $1.16 billion for 8 GWh of battery storage:

https://www.pv-magazine.com/2026/08/25/saudi-arabia-awards-1-16-billion-for-8-gwh-of-battery-storage

CBC News - Name of Lake Ontario not changing despite Trump’s antics, political leaders in Canada say:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-reaction-renaming-lake-ontario-9.7323384

The mapping company Mapquest @mapquest.com posted on Bluesky (they did not rename the Gulf of Mexico), and have created an app that has generated lots of interesting ideas.

https://bsky.app/profile/mapquest.com/post/3mu3nxoai6k2m

“We're not changing the name of Lake Ontario. Name it whatever you want at your leisure: https://gulfof.mapquest.com/lakeontario

(tag us so we can see your work 🙂)”

12) Governing by Announcements

As we watch trade/tariff news or enjoy the last bits of summer vacation, there continues to be lots of announcements. It is concerning that Premier Doug Ford remains committed to his government’s ‘summer break’ scheduled to continue into late October - completely dismissing multiple requests to return to Queen’s Park and resume sitting sooner.

Global News - Ontario legislature faces calls to return amid trade war. Ford calls it ‘gutter politics’:

https://globalnews.ca/news/12034902/ontario-legislature-return-tariffs/

Waterloo MPP Catherine Fife @waterloompp.bsky.social shared this Bluesky post with a reminder about the history of Ford government announcements, including one recently about awarding the exclusive contract for teacher purchases to supply classrooms (using money from the Ontario Education budget) to US owned Staples:

In the middle of a devastating trade war, the premier is giving government contracts to 🇺🇸 firms and taking jobs away2 from 🇨🇦 workers. While we should all be looking for more ways to #BuyCanadian, Doug Ford keeps selling us out. #onpoli

https://bsky.app/profile/waterloompp.bsky.social/post/3mu3k5nxgvc2m

Energy:

CBC News - NL, Quebec to sign new Churchill Falls agreement worth billions - with help from Ottawa:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/new-churchill-falls-deal-announced-wakeham-carney-frechette-9.7309135

According to the federal government, altogether these projects represent the largest clean energy investment in North American history, valued at nearly $70 billion — and will nearly triple the current generating capacity of Churchill Falls

CBC News - What the Churchill Falls deal means for Quebec and the provincial election:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/montreal/churchill-falls-energy-deal-quebec-election-9.7310261

Skills Development Fund:

Let’s hope Ontario’s auditor general and the opposition parties are not on vacation as this sixth round for this scandal-ridden fund was announced. Previous rounds saw millions upon millions of dollars awarded to many PC-connected (as well as some sketchy) organizations and companies through what can best be described as an opaque selection process overseen by the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. Investigations are ongoing. Multiple calls for the resignation of the minister have been completely ignored.

CBC News - Ontario to spend $10 M on new skills development training programs:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ontario-spending-10-million-dollars-skills-development-training-programs-9.7311372

Province’s announcement:

Ontario Investing More Than $9.8 Million to Protect and Train Workers in Major Canadian Industries:

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1007896/ontario-investing-more-than-98-million-to-protect-and-train-workers-in-major-canadian-industries

2026 AMO Conference in Ottawa

CBC News - Province, feds roll out $1B for municipalities that don't charge development fees:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/province-feds-roll-out-1b-for-municipalities-that-don-t-charge-development-fees-9.7309180

Note, in other related news:

Expositor - Brantford, Six Nations announce new memorandum of understanding

https://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/news/local-news/brantford-six-nations-announce-new-memorandum-of-understanding

MOU to ensure Six Nations will share in the prosperity generated by development on the so-call boundary lands, 3,060 hectares (7,563 acres) of land transferred to Brantford from the County of Brant in 2016.

Funding for the community prosperity fund for Six Nations of the Grand River will come from development charges

CTV News - Waterloo delegation heads to AMO conference to push local priorities:

https://www.ctvnews.ca/kitchener/article/waterloo-delegation-heads-to-amo-conference-to-push-local-priorities/

TVO - Analysis: Ontario’s municipalities want a ‘new deal’ — but they might not like the one they get:

https://www.tvo.org/article/analysis-ontarios-municipalities-want-a-new-deal-but-they-might-not-like-the-one-they-get

Related article:

Global News - Punished for dissent: top municipal officials speak out about working with Ford government:

https://globalnews.ca/news/12024792/punished-for-dissent-top-municipal-officials-speak-out-about-ford-government/

Youth Climate Corps: An Announcement that’s gone nowhere:

The Pointer - Canada’s young people will feel the brunt of climate change, the Carney government is cutting them out of the process to help prevent it:

https://thepointer.com/article/2026-08-16/canada-s-young-people-will-feel-the-brunt-of-climate-change-the-carney-government-is-cutting-them-out-of-the-process-to-help-prevent-it

13) What’s PM Carney up to?

PM Carney will attend State of the Union session of EU parliament in September and address the Parliament:

Politico.eu - Canada’s Mark Carney to attend EU’s State of the Union:

https://www.politico.eu/article/canada-mark-carney-to-attend-eus-state-of-the-union-ursula-von-der-leyen/

Carney will become the first foreign head of government to ever attend the speech, where he will be received as a guest of honour. The Canadian leader will also give a speech to the Parliament the day after von der Leyen’s State of the EU, on Sept. 17

Watch this closely as the world's largest investors are coming to Canada:

Canadian Dimension - Carney’s CEO summit could put public assets on the table:

https://canadiandimension.com/articles/view/carneys-ceo-summit-could-put-public-assets-on-the-table

The world’s largest investors are coming to Toronto, with airports and other public infrastructure potentially up for grabs

14) Upcoming Bio-Regioning Conference

We encourage everyone who is concerned about the future of our watershed to participate in the upcoming r 3.0 Global Conference, Sept 8-10th. The easiest way is to join the Grand River Watershed confluence - a group of people coming together from our watershed to be a part of this year’s event.

The main conference is online - sessions will be recorded so you will have access to watch even if you can’t join live. Our local confluence will meet in person on September 9th and online the other days.

The conference will present many opportunities to exchange ideas, meet people, learn about the excellent work that is happening locally, and around the globe.

This year’s conference theme is Bioregional Regeneration as Collapse Resilience: Earth-centric Biocultural Kinship, Knowledge & Governance. While that may seem rather complex, the facilitators do an outstanding job of making the content accessible and engaging for all. To participate, join the online Grand River Watershed Hub, where you’ll find all of the registration details and more about the conference. Advance registration is required - before September 3rd, but sooner is better! Bonus: the registration fee for the conference is waived when you register as a member of the local Confluence.

To learn more, visit the conference website:

https://conference2026.r3-0.org/

Registration and more details available in the Grand River Watershed Hub (it’s free too), visit:

https://design-school-for-regenerating-earth.mn.co/plans/1904678?bundle_token=86deee24490dbafd1b3c2b0ab27bf7e8&utm_source=manual

Also coming soon: Book study - Ecocivilization by Jeremy Lent.

15) Pipelines and Climate Action

The plan for constructing a BC-Alberta pipeline will cost tens of billions of dollars. What is the federal government doing to offset climate impact?

Canada's National Observer - Feds throw $34 million at climate change adaptation programs:

https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/08/12/news/feds-34-million-climate-change-adaptation-programs

Take Action! - Sign this new petition from Greenpeace against taxpayer funded pipelines in Canada:

https://act.greenpeace.ca/en-ca/no-taxpayer-funded-pipelines?

Build the Future - Not Pipelines! - The Federal government has announced a public consultation process for the recently announced West Coast Pipeline. We have until September 18th to speak up, push back and tell the federal government our concerns. Environmental Defence has created a great one-click letter for you to send to Prime Minister Mark Carney and tell him to reject the proposed tax-payer funded West Coast pipeline and restore key environmental protections:

https://act.environmentaldefence.ca/page/194584/action/1

Action Required - Speak up for the sustainable energy and future we need - not more pipelines.

16) Together For Nature Tour

We are lucky that the Grand River Watershed is one of the stop locations for the Together For Nature Tour by LAND, Ontario Nature, and others, which creates the opportunity to hear directly from Indigenous land protectors and youth leaders about the growing challenges facing lands, waters, and wildlife. Learn how communities across Ontario can work together to support nature and a healthier future for all. Details are as follows:

Date/Time: Thursday, September 17th from 7pm to 9:30pm

Location: St. Matthews Lutheran Church, 54 Benton Street Kitchener

Tickets are a great deal for the musical line up including Susan Aglukark, Okinawa, Here We Stand and Friends of The Attawapiskat River at $30. To purchase, visit:

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/ontario-nature/events/together-for-nature-tour-kitchener/

17) Climate Conversations - Lets Get Talking

The Climate Crisis has become impossible to ignore. We need to get people talking. Join Seniors For Climate and Dr. Katharine Hayhoe for a webinar on the importance of talking about the climate crisis.

Date/Time: Wednesday, September 9th at 6:30pm Eastern

Register: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_aZvI0aGJTlGyw_X37nkRaA

18) ClimateFest 2026 - Sunday, September 13th 1pm To 7pm

Join ClimateActionWR and dozens of community groups again this year at ClimateFest in downtown Kitchener. There will be lots of booths, workshops, cooking demonstrations, a climate supermarket, repair cafe and much more.

Date/Time: Sunday, September 13th from 1pm to 7pm

Location: Gaukel Block, Downtown Kitchener

19) Heat Pump Seminar - Get Pumped - A Better Way To Heat And Cool Your Home

Join local experts to discuss the pros and cons of heat pumps. Learn more:

Date/Time: Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00pm

Location: Wellesley Recreation Complex, 1401 Queens Bush Road, Wellesley

Register and Learn More:

https://getpumpedwr.ca/

20) Next GREN Zoom Meeting

Please make plans to join our next meeting online today, Friday, September 11th at 5:30 pm.

Topic: Grand River Watershed Zoom Meeting
Time: Friday September 11th, 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 August 29 Province-wide Ford Protest - more details in Section E below

Friday, September 11th at 5:30pm - Next GREN Update Zoom meeting -

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

Sunday, September 13th from 1pm to 7pm - ClimateFest, Gaukel Bloc, Kitchener

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

Saturday, September 26th from 9:30am to 12:30pm - Nith Valley Ecoboosters Repair Cafe - Zion Church 215 Peel St, New Hamburg

Monday, September 28th from 7pm to 9pm - Wilmot All Ward Councillor Meeting/Debate - New Hamburg Community Centre

Wednesday, September 30th from 7pm to 9pm - Wilmot Mayoral Meeting/Debate - New Hamburg Community Centre

B) 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

C) Nith Valley Ecoboosters Repair Cafe - Saturday, September 26th at 9:30am

D) Recent Articles - The Hamilton Spectator - Opinion: Send Doug Ford a message when you vote in the upcoming by-election:

https://www.thespec.com/opinion/columnists/send-doug-ford-a-message-on-sept-3/article_457d2a08-8885-5da7-a58e-5267b53a0f40.html

@MARGARETSHKIMBA.BSKY.SOCIAL ON BLUESKY.
18 Aug 2026

In the more than 25 years I've had this gig, I've never seen reader engagement like the kind I've seen regarding my columns about the abject failures of the Doug Ford government.

The people are angry. If Ford, his MPPs and his deeppocketed donors paid any attention to the mood of the people they would see that. Or maybe they do see it and just scoff: suckers. After all, they've got the power and the money; all the people have are protests and a single, solitary vote they get to exercise at election time.

Monthly protests continue to bring attention to the many ways the Ford government has failed the people of Ontario. People who care are moved to stand with others in whatever weather, giving vent to their anger in the only way they can.

Column after column has been written, not just by me, but by those who see the damage he is doing to Ontario; to our province, to our communities, and to our more vulnerable and marginalized neighbours.

Because of the nature of our politics, we have basically no way to correct course our governments once they assume power.

They can, as in the case of Ford, make promise after promise to win votes and then change direction once they win, as they did with the universal basic income pilot, in which some Hamiltonians were enrolled, and by many accounts, thriving, before Ford cancelled the program he promised he wouldn't.

It took a very vocal and sustained expression of outrage to get Ford to reverse his decisions regarding the Greenbelt. We are all still waiting impatiently for the RCMP to wrap up its neverending investigation into government wrongdoing. Same with the gravy plane debacle and the MPP expenses scandal, where there is evidence of Ford saying one thing to his MPPs and another to the people of Ontario.

The list of Ford incompetencies would take this entire column, and more, to enumerate.

And now there's accusations of spying being levelled against the Progressive Conservatives where they sent someone to follow former Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie on a private vacation to Jamaica. Ford passes off such a staggeringly egregious violation of privacy as “just politics” amid claims he had no knowledge of the affair.

If that's “just politics” it's no wonder that many good people want nothing to do with elected office. Is this the kind of politics we want to encourage and reward?

But the people are not completely powerless. There are three provincial byelections coming up, one in Hamilton East—Stoney Creek. And there are Ontariowide municipal elections in October. Now is the time to send a message to the Ford government that Ontarians are done with being lied to, our social services underfunded, our hospitals bankrupted, our education system gutted and in turmoil, and our tax dollars squandered.

Nothing would ring Ford's bell more like losses across the board. Nothing would rattle his donors more than to see their influence checked by the people. And nothing would signal his MPPs that their support of Ford is a slippery slope toward irrelevance and the dustbin of history.

The Conservative MPPs who resigned triggering the byelections, Neil Lumsden and Caroline Mulroney, have seen the light and are getting out while the getting is good.

It's tough to get people out to vote in a general election; it's even tougher for a byelection. The results aren't going to overthrow the government. But losing at the polls will send a message that the Ford government is on thin ice, that people are motivated to seek alternative representation, and that opposition is growing not just among the people, but in the composition of the legislature.

Attachment to Ford, his Progressive Conservative Party and his wealthy donors should be the political kiss of death for any candidate, whether in the provincial byelections or the municipal general elections.

We don't have midterms to check our politicians, but we can still demonstrate our discontent through the ballot box whenever we can. Please vote.

E) Province-wide Ford Protests

Make a sign and join in one of the many rallies taking place across Ontario!

Learn more:

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/

F) Contact Info: