TOGETHER, WE CAN SAVE THE FARMLAND IN KEMPTVILLE
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The Campaign to Save the Kemptville College Farmlands

UPDATE:  On December 13th, 2021, CAPP wrote to Lisa Thompson, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, asking her to save the Kemptville College farmland and prevent its transfer to the Ministry of the Solicitor General.    She failed to listen and instead, transferred the land to what is now called the Ministry of Public and Business Service Delivery.  

• Read this powerful Op-ed from Amanda Wilson, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Innovation at Saint Paul University.

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• Others have joined the campaign

       - Canadian Organic Growers
       - Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario
       - Just Food (Ottawa)
       - National Farmers Union - Ontario
       - Sustain Ontario
       - A group of food scholars from across Canada have signed on to an open letter to Minister Thompson
       - Former Academics from Kemptville College and the University of Guelph

PROVINCIAL PARTY POSITIONS ON THE PROPOSED PRISON

Prior to the 2022 Ontario Provincial election, CAPP requested from each of the provincial parties, their respective positions on the proposed Kemptville prison: all opposition parties opposed paving over farmland to build a prison in Kemptville.   The Ontario Conservative party did not reply to our request.

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
See below the highlights for a complete list of news articles, opinions editorials and letters to the editor

PODCASTS AND RADIO

• June 8, 2022:  Interview with Reeve of Montague,  Bill Dobson, Valley Heritage Radio
   

• Apri 18, 2022:  Interview with Victor Lachance, Ottawa City News (near end of article)
   

• Feb 2, 2022:  Interview with Colleen Lynas, CFRC Radio
   

• Oct 19, 2021:  Minister accused of using controversial new law to try and 'silence' grassroots group, Global News: The Bill Kelly Show
   

• Oct 20, 2021:  Interview with Colleen Lynas and Justin Piché, CFRC radio
   

• Jun 22, 2021:  Fighting a proposed provincial jail in Eastern Ontario, Talking Radical Radio
   

• Mar 9, 2021:  Conversation with Victor Lachance and Colleen Lynas from the CAPP Group, NG Times

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Special Feature:  CAPP REVIEWS
 

• A theatre critic's review (on NG Council Greenwashing), Apr 20, 2022

• Mr. Stephen goes to Queen's park, May 11, 2022 (NG Times)

• The real dirt on Farmer Lisa, June 1, 2022 (NG Times)

Ottawa and provincial media coverage

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• Aug 16, 2022: 'A bit of a David and Goliath scenario': Legal action taken to stop Kemptville jail, The Star
   

• Aug 15, 2022: Kemptville residents take legal action in bid to stop jail, CBC News
   

• Aug 15, 2022: Opponents of proposed Kemptville jail asking courts to 'quash' province's plan, The Ottawa Citizen
   

• Aug 15, 2022:  Two Kemptville, Ont. residents file judicial review of proposed jail, CTV News
   

• Aug 15, 2022:  'Proposed provincial prison in Kemptville, Ont. is illegal,' group filing for Judicial Review, iHeart Radio
   

• Aug 15, 2022:  Group files a motion in court to block construction of new provincial jail in Kemptville, City News Ottawa
   

• June 4, 2022: Rally to be held in Kemptville to protest the Ford government's plan for new prison, City News Ottawa
   

• Apr 18, 2022: Concerned residents opposing proposed jail in Kemptville, City News Ottawa 
   

• Mar 30, 2022:  Wilson: trading farmland for a prison in Kemptville is wrong, The Ottawa Citizen
   

• Mar 14, 2022:  Ontario Liberals call more more consultation, pausing Kemptville prison, Ottawa Citizen
   

• Jan 24, 2022:  LETTER: Stop proposed prison on Kemptville College farmland, Farmer's Forum
   

• Dec 6, 2021:  Benslimane, Doyle and Piché: Building a new jail in Kemptville isn't going to ease overcrowding in Ottawa's detention centre, Ottawa Citizen
   

• Nov 19, 2021:  RESIDENTS FURIOUS: Kemptville jail consultation blasted as a 'false sales job', The Ottawa Sun
   

• Nov 18, 2021:  Queen's Park Briefing: the Engagement session, Toronto Star
   

• Nov 15, 2021:  Kemptville jail opponents rally ahead of meeting, The Recorder and Times
   

• Nov 13, 2021:  Protesters rally against proposed Kemptville, Ont. prison, CTV News
   

• Oct 26, 2021:  Elections Ontario asked to divulge MPP complaints that could muzzle community groups, Toronto Star
   

• Oct 26, 2021:  Kemptville, Ont. residents concerned about provincial prison proposed for their town, Global TV
   

• Oct 20, 2021:  Are Ontario's new election laws being used to muzzle dissent?, Toronto Star
   

• Oct 20, 2021:  Interview with Colleen Lynas and Justin Piché, CFRC radio
   

• Oct 19, 2021:  Minister accused of using controversial new law to try and 'silence' grassroots group, Global News: The Bill Kelly Show
   

• Oct 17, 2021: Minister in Doug Ford's government accused of using controversial new law to try to silence 'grassroots' groups, Toronto Star
   

• Oct16, 2021:  'Doesn't make sense:' Kemptville residents question plan to build a huge jail in the middle of a small town, Ottawa Citizen
   

• Sep 19, 2021: ‘It came out of nowhere’: Residents in the small town of Kemptville don’t want a prison. Doug Ford’s government says they’re getting one anyway, Toronto Star
   

• Jun 24, 2021:  Concerns remain over Kemptville Prison Plan, Toronto Star
   

• Jun 22, 2021:  Fighting a proposed provincial jail in Eastern Ontario, Talking Radical Radio
   

• Mar 24, 2021:  North Grenville residents speak out against proposed Kemptville prison, City News
   

• Mar 3, 2021:  Why new prisons may not bring new jobs, TVO.org
   

• Dec 2, 2020:  Proposed Kemptville jail meets with resistance, The Toronto Star
   

• Nov 24, 2020:  Online engagement session for proposed Kemptville jail to be held Nov. 26, CTV News
   

• Nov 9, 2020:  Kemptville residents protest against proposed new jail, CBC News
   

• Nov 5, 2020:  'There is no doubt some division in our community' over proposed Kemptville jail site, Ottawa Citizen
   

• Aug 27, 2020:  Province to build 2 new jails, upgrade 3 others in eastern Ontario, CBC News

Local media coverage

• Sep 29, 2022: Save Don't Pave the Farmland, North Grenville Times
   

• Aug 24, 2022:  Solicitor Generals’ Office comments on Judicial Review request, North Grenville Times
   

• Aug 18, 2022:  New plan to stop the prison, North Grenville Times
   

• Aug 18, 2022:  “Proposed provincial prison in Kemptville is illegal”, North Grenville Times
   

• Aug 18, 2022:  What is special about the proposed site in Kemptville, Ontario, North Grenville Times
   

• June 1, 2022: Signs, North Grenville Times
   

• May 21, 2022:  Postelection jail opposition rally set for Saturday in Kemptville
   

• Apr 27, 2022:  Greens oppose the proposed prison for Kemptville, North Grenville Times
   

• Apr 15, 2022:  'Stop grovelling for a few acres': Prison opposition groups push to save all former Kemptville College lands, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Apr 6, 2022:  Proposed prison gets more attention, North Grenville Times
   

• Mar 16, 2022:  Ontario Liberals call for a pause on proposed prison, North Grenville Times
   

• Mar 12, 2022: Ontario Liberal Party calls for moratorium on Kemptville prison, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Jan 26, 2022: Green's oppose the proposed prison, North Grenville Times
   

• Jan 24, 2022:  Stop proposed prison on Kemptville College farmland, Letter to Ontario Agriculture Minister Lisa Thompson, Farmer's Forum
   

• Dec 22, 2021:  CAPP asks Province not to transfer land for prison re: first open letter to Minister Thompson, North Grenville Times
   

• Dec 1, 2021:  Kemptville prison opposition groups say OPSEU adding voice to province's false sales job
  
  

• Nov 17, 2021:  Anti-prison rally draws large Kemptville crowd, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 15, 2021: ‘Use the voice that was given to you’: Kemptville prison opposition growing as residents rally on provincial lands, Kemptville Advance
   

• Nov 10, 2021:  Open letter to Solicitor General and Steve Clark, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 1, 2021:  MPP Steve Clark files complaint about Kemptville prison protesters, then announces new public engagement session, Kemptville Advance
   

• Oct 27, 2021:  Condemnation of Steve Clark's action widens, North Grenville Times
   

• Oct 20, 2021: Anti-Prison protest comes to Steve Clark, North Grenville Times
   

• Oct 15, 2021: Kemptville College prison opponents to protest at MPP Clark’s Brockville office at noon today, Farmer's Forum
   

• Oct 6, 2021: Open letter to Premier Doug Ford, North Grenville Times
   

• Sep 22, 2021: Protesters see no prison in their vision for the future of North Grenville, North Grenville Times
   

• Sep 22, 2021:  Open letter to Steve Clark, M.P.P., North Grenville Times
   

• Sep 17, 2021:  ‘We remain optimistic’: Prison opposition groups protest outside North Grenville’s strategic plan meeting, Inside Ottawa Valley
   
• July 14, 2021:  Fieldwork on correctional facility site begins, North Grenville Times
   

• Jun 30, 2021:  Council faces continued opposition to the proposed correctional facility, North Grenville Times
   

• Jun 30, 2021:  Imagining anti-colonial and a food secure future for Kemptville College Farm, North Grenville Times
   

• Jun 26, 2021:  Kemptville prison opposition groups reveal findings of Solicitor General access to information request, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Jun 23, 2021:  Access to information request reveals lack of transparency about prison plan, North Grenville Times
   

• Jun 22, 2021:  Proposed Kemptville Campus jail opponents to address North Grenville Council this evening, June 22, Farmers Forum
   

• Jun 14, 2021:  Local opposition groups create lawn signs in fight against proposed Kemptville prison, MyKemptvilleNow
   

• Apr 6, 2022:  Proposed prison gets more attention, North Grenville Times
   

• May 25, 2021:  Group against provincial jail in Kemptville raising funds to send mail-outs to residents, advertise, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Mar 31, 2021:  Concerns about proposed prison voiced at public meeting, North Grenville Times
   

• Mar 26, 2021:  New concerns about provincial prison in Kemptville discussed during council meeting, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Mar 26, 2021: Still Lots Of Uncertainty On Proposed Prison Following Special Council Meeting, My Kemptville Now
   

• Mar 16, 2022:  Ontario Liberals call for a pause on proposed prison
   

• Mar 13, 2021: Kemptville prison opposition groups to have their voices heard at special council meeting March 23, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Mar 9, 2021:  Podcast interview with CAPP representatives, North Grenville Times
   

• Mar 9, 2021:  Special Council Meeting Set To Discuss Proposed Prison In Kemptville, My Kemptville Now
   

• Mar 9, 2021:  Kemptville prison opposition groups to have their voices heard at special council meeting March 23, Ottawa Valley News
   

• Mar 3, 2021:  Feisty opposition to prison on Kemptville College farmland, Farmers Forum
   

• Feb 18, 2021:  Coalition Against Proposed Prison Information Session, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb16, 2021: Kemptville residents against prison debate failed correctional system, doubt rehabilitation claims, Inside Ottawa Valley
   

• Feb 4, 2021:  CAPP Looks for Answers from Municipality and Province, My Kemptville Now
   

• Feb 3, 2021:  Opponents Against New Prison Anywhere, Not Just Kemptville:  Nation Valley News
   

• Jan 29, 2021:  Public Forum Being Held To Speak Out Against Proposed Kemptville Prison, My Kemptville Now
   

• Nov 17, 2020:  Prison planned for downtown Kemptville divides residents, Inside Ottawa Valley

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• Sep 15, 2022:  Costs coming to Kemptville taxpayers, North Grenville Times
   

• Aug 18, 2022:  I Fought the Law, North Grenville Times
   

• June 1, 2022:  The Real Dirt on Farmer Lisa, North Grenville Time
  
  

• May 11, 2022:  Mr. Stephen goes to Queen's Park, North Grenville Times
   

• Apr 27, 2022:  CAPP and JOG must hold the Municipal Council accountable, North Grenville Times
   

• Apr 27, 2022: Green's oppose the proposed prison for Kemptville
   

• Apr 20, 2022: A theatre critic's review (on the local Green commercial), North Grenville Times
   

• Apr 13, 2022:  CAPP sends a third open letter to Minister Thompson, North Grenville Times
   

• Apr 6, 2022:  What are they hiding? Why are they hiding it? Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
  
  

• Apr 6, 2022:  Skepticism is warranted regarding prison promises, Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Apr 1, 2022:  Taxpayers have a right to know, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Mar 23, 2022:  Access Denied: information not forthcoming using FOIs, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Mar 23, 2022:  Ontario government refuses to provide any supporting documentation, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb 16, 2022:  Correctional facility, response to Doreen O'Sullivan article, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb 9, 2022:  Correctional facility: connecting the dots, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb 4, 2022: Policing costs to be passed onto residents, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb 2, 2022:  CAPP sends a second open letter to Minister Thompson, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb 2, 2022:  Yet more serious questions raised about the proposed prison, Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Feb 2, 2022:  An open letter to the Premier, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Jan 26, 2022:  Greens oppose the proposed prison, North Grenville Times
   

• Dec 22, 2021: Ontario Government - A modest proposal, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Dec 8, 2021:  MPP Steve Clark, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Dec 2, 2021:  Kemptville prison opposition groups say OPSEU adding voice to province's false sales job, Kemptville Advance
   

• Nov 24, 2021: Failure of the government, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 24, 2021:  Growth in Kemptville, Letter to the Editor,  North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 10, 2021: Former Police Services Board Chair expresses concern regarding proposed correctional facility and increased tax burden, Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 10, 2021:  Correctional Facility, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 3, 2021:  Time for truth and transparency, Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Oct 20, 2021:  Nowhere man, Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Oct 14, 2021:  Response to Steve Clark's executive assistant, North Grenville Times
   

• Oct 14, 2021:  Stuck in the Middle with you, Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Sep 29, 2021:  The Steve Clark Prison, Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Aug 11, 2021:  The Proposed Prison, Group Opinion Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Jul 14, 2021:  Stand By Me, Editorial, North Grenville Times
   

• Jun 23, 2021:  Acess to information request reveals lack of transparency about prison plan, North Grenville Times
   

• May 12, 2021:  Our provincial government's gamble, North Grenville Times
   

• Jan 27, 2021:  Challenging the Economic Benefits, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Jan 27, 2021:  Asking for the Evidence, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Dec 23, 2020:  Open letter to Steve Clark, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Dec 9, 2020: A better vision for Kemptville, Guest Editorial, North Grenville Times 
   

• Dec 2, 2020:  Prison Benefits Bureaucrats, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 18, 2020:  Projects such as using farm land for non-farm uses, are symptomatic of a larger problem, Letter to the Editor, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 4, 2020:  Stakeholders Meeting Solidified Our Opposition to the Proposed Prison, North Grenville Times
   

• Nov 2, 2020:  Open Letter to Doug Ford, North Grenville Times