Thank you to all 1000+ of you who took the time to sign our petition to stop the development at 1700 Strasburg Road!

Please join us in demanding better of our political leaders and representatives to protect the land surrounding Huron Natural Area. If we all send the following email script, we are sure to make a difference together:

To: berry.vrbanovic@kitchener.ca, scott.davey@kitchener.ca, dave.schnider@kitchener.ca, jason.deneault@kitchener.ca, christine.michaud@kitchener.ca, ayo.owodunni@kitchener.ca, Paul.Singh@kitchener.ca, Bill.loannidis@kitchener.ca, margaret.johnston@kitchener.ca, Debbie.chapman@kitchener.ca, Stephanie.stretch@kitchener.ca

“Email Subject: Protect the Land Surrounding Huron Natural Area from Industrial Development

Dear Mayor Vrbanovic and Members of Council,

Re: Protect the Land Surrounding Huron Natural Area from Industrial Development

I am writing to urge you to reject the proposed Industrial Business Park subdivision (Application Number: 30T-23201) at 1700 Strasburg Road, which would introduce 10 industrial blocks adjacent to Huron Natural Area and Aster Meadow Natural Regeneration Area—both of which are part of Kitchener’s Core Natural Heritage Feature.

This area is one of the last remaining protected green spaces of its kind in the region, offering critical ecosystem services and essential habitat to countless plant and animal species—including several At-Risk and Endangered and/or Threatened Species (for example, the Blanding's turtle and Tri-coloured bat), and Species of Special Concern (Grasshopper Sparrow and Snapping turtle). The proposed development would not only destroy four unevaluated anthropogenic wetlands, but also severely impact wildlife by increasing habitat fragmentation, noise pollution, and the risk of increased road mortality for the already vulnerable turtle population.

Turtles, bats, songbirds, owls, hawks, turkeys, amphibians, and mammals like coyotes and deer depend on the diverse wetland, forest, and meadow ecosystems in and around Huron Natural Area to survive. The proposed 30-metre wildlife corridor is the bare legal minimum and is insufficient to mitigate the serious risks posed by industrial encroachment.

The significance of this area extends beyond its ecological value. Huron Natural Area is an important site for recreation, environmental education, and spiritual connection. It is also an area of deep cultural and historical significance to Indigenous communities, with 9000-year old archaeological findings showing evidence of long-standing Indigenous settlement and stewardship.

This development not only contradicts the conservation principles the City of Kitchener has committed to uphold—it also disregards smarter, more sustainable development alternatives. Instead of destroying ecologically sensitive areas and encroaching on existing green spaces, the City should prioritize repurposing existing commercial properties and vacant lots by utilizing Ontario's Brownfields Redevelopment resources.

We have the opportunity to choose a path that protects biodiversity, honours Indigenous heritage, and builds a healthier, more sustainable city for future generations. I urge you to reject this proposal, and stand with the community in protecting the land surrounding Huron Natural Area.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]“