Residents and farmers in Ontario's agricultural heartland are mounting a fierce opposition against a federal government plan to convert thousands of hectares of prime farmland into a military radar installation.
The Department of National Defence is seeking to acquire up to 1,620 hectares (4,000 acres) of land near Wasaga Beach, Ontario, for its new Over-the-Horizon Radar (OTHR) system. The proposed site lies within Clearview Township, an area renowned for its productive soil.
Community Outcry Over Food Security
Local agricultural producers are questioning why the military needs to take over some of the province's best farmland when substantial government-owned properties already exist in the region. Canadian Forces Base Borden, encompassing approximately 8,500 hectares, is located just 30 kilometres away. Another military training centre in Meaford offers an additional 8,000 hectares.
"Instead of locating the radar on their own properties, they want to take over some of the best farmland in Ontario," said Rachel Brooks, a farmer whose land is targeted for acquisition. "Someone should realize food security, providing food for our country, is just as important as a radar site."
Growing Resistance and Expropriation Fears
The community's concerns extend beyond agricultural impact to the potential use of expropriation powers if landowners refuse to sell. This fear has galvanized a organized resistance movement throughout the township.
Doug Measures, Mayor of Clearview Township, expressed strong opposition on social media, stating that if the DND radar project proceeds, "it will be a catastrophe for local agriculture and our community."
Visible signs of protest have emerged across the area, with "No DND Radar in Clearview" placards lining local roads. Resident Terri Jackman has initiated a petition destined for the House of Commons in early 2026, gathering signatures from concerned citizens.
Military Silence and Technical Details
Neither the Department of National Defence nor the Canadian Forces provided comment on the controversy. It remains unclear why the radar cannot be situated on existing military properties in the region.
The radar system in question is part of Canada's commitment to the Over-the-Horizon Radar program. On March 18, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced Canada would acquire Australia's Jindalee Operational Radar Network technology, with British firm BAE Systems providing technical support.
The complete system requires two locations. The transmission site for the first Over-the-Horizon Radar will be constructed north of Kawartha Lakes on 163 hectares of land already secured by DND. The receiving site is planned for the agricultural land in Clearview Township that has become the focus of the current dispute.
As the conflict continues, local residents await further details from federal officials about the future of their farmland and community.
