CENTRE WELLINGTON – A large new mural along Highway 6 near Fergus is drawing attention to the issue of farmland protection in Ontario.
The Foodbelt Barn Mural was unveiled Sunday at a community celebration at a farm on Highway 6, between Fergus and Guelph. The project is an initiative of Ag Care Connect and features a large-scale mural designed by Anishinaabe artist August Swinson.
The mural covers much of the face of the barn, measuring about 11 feet high and 49 feet wide. Organizers say the goal is to use the highly visible location to start conversations about farmland, food sovereignty and the future of Ontario’s agricultural land.
Shawna Percy with Ag Care Connect says “Ontario is losing more than 300 acres of farmland every day to development.”
She says once that farmland is gone, it’s gone for good — adding that it’s land that future generations will never get back.
Sunday’s event included speakers, live music, family activities, and opportunities for residents to learn more about farmland protection and the proposed Protect Our Food Act, also known as Bill 21.
According to the Ag Care Connect website, “If passed, the bill would create a Foodbelt Protection Plan Advisory Committee, bringing farmers, agricultural experts, soil scientists, planners, and agricultural organizations together to recommend how Ontario can better protect a connected agricultural land base.”
It says it would also require an Agricultural Impact Assessment before certain agricultural land could be rezoned or its permitted use changed.
Sunday’s event also included a community art component, with ideas gathered from residents to be used to create a permanent barn quilt that will eventually be installed on the property. The organization says its goal is to raise awareness about Ontario farmland protection and encourage people to learn more about the issue and participate in the public discussion.
The mural will remain along Highway 6, providing a highly visible reminder of the ongoing conversation around the protection and future of Ontario’s farmland.
Learn more at https://agcareconnect.ca/foodbelt/
