Farming and severances
A farmer told me he wants to sell a piece of land he cannot farm as a building lot. I support that. Here is what the rules actually allow, and what I will do about it.
The rules are provincial
Most of Wainfleet is designated prime agricultural land. Lot creation there is governed by the Provincial Planning Statement 2024, which allows severances only for agricultural uses, agriculture-related uses, infrastructure, and a residence surplus to a farming operation following farm consolidation. A lot that was severed years ago and later merged back on title usually cannot simply be re-created. The Region's Official Plan and Wainfleet's Official Plan implement those provincial rules; the Township cannot override them.
The Province proposed loosening this in 2023, allowing up to three residential lots on a farm parcel, and withdrew the idea after Ontario's farm organizations objected to fragmentation and land price effects. The debate is not over.
What I will do
- Never be the obstacle when the Province allows it. Where a severance is permitted, the Township's process should be fast, predictable and respectful, with a published timeline.
- Advocate formally. A Council resolution to the Region and the Province asking for the severance flexibility farm families have been requesting, with Wainfleet-specific data on unfarmable parcels.
- Keep drainage working. Municipal drains are the farm infrastructure that matters most here. The drainage model should be reviewed for cost, never for service.
The caveat
I will not promise anyone that their severance will be approved. A councillor who promises that is either uninformed or not being straight with you. I will promise that the Township will be on your side of the table.