Farmer in St. Thomas Questions Land Compensation Offers

Richard Andrews is a straightforward, fourth-generation farmer near St. Thomas who has a simple question for the Ontario government: Why are they offering him less than market value for land needed for a highway expansion? 

“It’s causing some upset for sure, it really takes away from that peace and harmony you get with farming,” he said. “We have a lot of unanswered questions.” 

Ontario’s transportation ministry stated that the land acquisitions are necessary to upgrade parts of Highway 3, including a new interchange at Wonderland Road. The area north of St. Thomas is seeing rapid growth and more traffic. (Andrew Lupton/CBC News)

Andrews and his wife Susan run a 218-acre farm that stretches from Wellington Road in the east to where Ron Mc Neil Line bends south near the Wonderland Road intersection. He owns other parcels of land targeted for expropriation by the province, including one west of Ron Mc Neil Line where Andrews’ daughter lives with her young family.

The total amount of land Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation (MTO) wants to acquire from him adds up to 42 acres. This is a significant portion of land that Andrews claims is not only productive but has been in his family since the 1830s. Other property owners in the area also face expropriation challenges.

Andrews’s farming operation includes around 80 beef cattle and some chickens, along with various cash crops like soybeans, corn, and hay.

The province aims to use this land to build a new cloverleaf interchange linking Wonderland Road with an expanded Highway 3. Currently, these roads meet at awkward angles. Traffic is increasing due to nearby developments like the Amazon logistics plant and the Volkswagen Power Co battery plant under construction on the opposite side of St. Thomas.

In a statement to CBC News, the ministry indicated that road upgrades are essential “to improve road safety and keep people and goods moving across southwestern Ontario.”

‘Lowball’ offers from province for farmland

The farm consists of both cash crops and cattle farming; Richard Andrews mentioned that losing any part of it would impact their bottom line significantly. (Andrew Lupton/CBC News)

As the expropriation process unfolds, Andrews has been discussing matters with MTO officials since 2022. His primary concern lies in their offer which he said ranges between $16,000 and $17,500 per acre-a figure well below market value for farmland in this region-and doesn’t consider potential revenue loss from his farm due to this forced sale.

An MTO spokesperson told CBC News that they hire an accredited third-party property appraiser who provides an independent estimate regarding current market values for lands they wish to purchase.

MTO also mentioned that expanding highways “will support economic growth in this growing region.”

“We understand this process can be difficult for all involved and are working directly with the family to discuss their concerns,” stated their announcement.

Ryan Mc Lean evaluates properties for Prime Farms, a real estate brokerage focused on agricultural lands.

While numerous factors like soil chemistry or drainage can influence farmland value, Mc Lean noted that these offers seem significantly below what’s reasonable.
“There’s no way they’re going to find replacement land there for $16,000 an acre,” he remarked. “That’s a very low-ball number.”

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) produces an annual report on farm prices across Canada categorized by region. In 2023 , FCC found median prices around St. Thomas based on sales throughout year were just over $23 ,000 per acre.

Additionally , FCC reports indicate farm prices in this region have risen annually since 2021.

Local MPP advocates fair treatment for landownersMPP Rob Flack mentioned he’s maintained regular communication with Prabmeet Singh Sarkaria , transportation minister during previous government terms at Queen’s Park , ensuring fairness towards local landowners amid expropriation processes. (Andrew Lupton/CBC)

Rob Flack , Progressive Conservative MPP representing area , expressed awareness about concerns raised by several local landowners.

Flack explained he must remain distant from negotiations but keeps ongoing conversations regarding these processes open with transportation minister.

“What I expect in this process is people being treated fairly and respectfully,” noted Flack. “I’m talking regularly with transportation minister.”

The area’s swift growth will inevitably bring challenges such as expropriations according to Flack’s statements.

Meanwhile , Andrews anticipates registration related towards expropriation occurring later this month indicating province nearing legal ownership over contested lands while negotiations continue providing him access legal representation alongside appraisers without financial burden placed upon himself.

He hopes provincial officials will adjust offers towards amounts compensating adequately losses incurred through productive farmland loss incurred during acquisition attempts making them agreeable overall ; “Our plan has been not selling any properties we own.” If anything we’d prefer expanding size within operations,” said Andrew stating firmly about future visions held closely within farming lifestyle altogether added together combined consistently leads down paths lessening profitability diminishing chances sustaining familial legacy thriving onward generation after generation ” concluding strongly emphasizing significance passing down dreams cultivated generations forward successfully intact” said Andrew expressing pride bearing traditions central commitment underlying family history within agriculture so critical staying alive forever flourishing sustainably strong roots ever deep rooted everywhere possible extending outwardly reaching touching lives beyond every effort applied fully dedicated always striving ensure success remained visible long term leaving behind footprints inspiring many others follow suit along lifetime journeys shared collectively resonating deeply echoing hearts far wide connecting threads woven intricately strength presence felt embraced warmly welcoming arms fostering community bonds stronger united purpose shared among all participants working diligently alongside each other supporting one another whatever challenges arise leading toward better brighter futures awaiting each individual walking journey taking place endlessly unfolding moment’s time cherished continually treasured throughout experiences gained throughout life lived boldly openly authentically true selves ultimately shining brightly illuminating paths ahead forever lighting way through dark times guiding steps taken confidently onward never faltering pursuit aspirations dreamed fulfilled ultimately leading endless possibilities reachable just beyond horizon waiting patiently unfold inviting everyone join together creating something beautiful lasting forever etched memory hearts everywhere touched gently cared dear forevermore
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