"They Don't Make More Land"

“They don't make more land.”

My father-in-law has said those words for many years. It is a simple statement, but an important one. Many of the Ward 2 residence echo those words, "It used to be peaches across the street", "I remember they used to grow fruit where those buildings are now".

Once land is gone, it’s gone.

Farming has never been easy, and with the rising costs of equipment, fuel, fertilizer, labour and taxes, selling to a developer can become an increasingly tempting option for farmers.

I understand why.

At the same time, Grimsby is facing significant growth pressure from the Province of Ontario. Provincial growth targets mean our community is being asked to accommodate more people, more housing and more infrastructure.

And growth has consequences.

Grimsby was once a major fruit-producing community, with peaches, grapes, cherries and other crops grown throughout the area. Much of that farmland has already been replaced by subdivisions and development.

We still have an abundance of farmland, particularly above the Escarpment.

How long will it remain farmland?

What about our lakefront?

We are also seeing significant intensification along our beautiful Lake Ontario waterfront.

There are benefits to this. More residents can mean a larger tax base and more customers for local restaurants, shops and businesses. But we also have to ask:

When does it stop?

How much development can our waterfront absorb before we begin changing the character of the community that makes Grimsby special?

I am also hearing concerns from Ward 2 residents about community safety and what they perceive as an increase in crime as development and population have grown, particularly around the more heavily developed areas. Those concerns deserve to be heard and examined—not dismissed.

Growth should not simply be measured by the number of new homes, condos or additional tax dollars.

We also need to consider infrastructure, traffic, community safety, recreational opportunities, our waterfront and the farmland we are losing.

Grimsby needs a strong voice

I recognize that Grimsby cannot simply ignore provincial growth requirements. But we don't have to quietly accept every decision either.

We need a strong Council that will continue to challenge the Province, advocate for Grimsby's interests and make sure our voice is heard at Queen's Park.

That means pushing for sensible growth, protecting our remaining agricultural land and asking whether there are better ways to accommodate growth before we give up more of what makes Grimsby special.

Growth is necessary. But growth at any cost is not the answer.

Our farmland, our Escarpment and our lakefront are part of who we are.

My father-in-law's words have stayed with me:

“They Don't Make More Land.”

Maybe we should remember that every time we decide what happens to the land around us.

Once it’s gone, it’s gone.