Tiny Township Residents Protest "Costly, Unnecessary, and Harmful" Municipal Project

Tiny Township, ON – Last Friday, March 14, concerned residents, taxpayers, and community leaders gathered at Concession 9 to protest the ongoing clearing of trees and destruction of local ecology in preparation for Tiny Township’s proposed new Municipal Administration Centre. Organized by the grassroots Stop the Build movement, the protest brought renewed attention to mounting concerns about what critics are calling an unnecessary, environmentally harmful, and financially irresponsible project.

The rally saw participants from across Tiny and beyond, with organizers demanding accountability, transparency, and a halt to the project until meaningful community consultation takes place.

Residents Demand Responsible Spending

At the heart of the opposition is the project's hefty price tag, which critics argue is unjustifiable. Protesters point out that the Township has failed to demonstrate a clear need for a new administration building on a new site, yet they are moving forward with a project that will cost millions of taxpayer dollars.

"The Township is preparing to waste millions on a building nobody asked for and nobody needs," a Stop the Build spokesperson told attendees. "This is money that should be going toward essential services—roads, emergency response, environmental protection—not vanity projects."

Environmental Destruction in Focus

Beyond financial concerns, the environmental toll of the construction is alarming residents. The site, once a thriving natural area, is now being cleared, threatening mature forests, groundwater systems, and wildlife habitats. Importantly, the area is also home to federally and provincially endangered ice age grasses, which face potential eradication.

Paul Bell, a local forest entomologist and one of the protest organizers, underscored the ecological significance of the site.
"This is an owl habitat. We now actively have owls nesting here," Bell explained. "Destroying this area not only harms the environment but also diminishes the natural heritage we’re supposed to protect."

Legal Oversights Raise Red Flags

Protesters also raised serious questions about the Township’s legal adherence. It was revealed that no archaeological test pits have been conducted on the site—a mandatory requirement before such a development can proceed. This oversight has left many residents questioning the Township’s commitment to ethical and lawful governance.

Economic Warnings Ignored

Adding to the criticism is concern over the broader economic climate. At February’s Committee of the Whole meeting, Mayor David Evans inquired about potential economic impacts stemming from rising inflation and U.S. tariffs. However, Director of Public Works Tim Leitch downplayed the issue, stating that none of the construction materials are currently subject to tariffs. Many view this response as alarmingly short-sighted, failing to acknowledge the wider financial pressures facing local taxpayers.

Calls for Democratic Reform

Among those who attended the protest was John Waylett, president of the Ontario Property Taxpayers Alliance (Ontario PTA), who traveled from Cambridge to lend his support. Waylett called on Ontario’s Municipal Affairs Minister Paul Calandra to consider reforms requiring municipalities to hold referendums on major long-term financial decisions.

"Minister Calandra should take a serious look at requiring municipalities to have a referendum vote on any decision that can affect generation after generation after generation of tax dollars," Waylett urged, echoing growing calls across the province for more democratic oversight of municipal spending.

A Province-Wide Issue

While Tiny Township's situation has become a local flashpoint, the underlying concerns are far from unique. Across Ontario, property tax rates are climbing, and questions are being raised about whether municipalities are living up to their fiduciary responsibility to manage public coffers wisely.

For those looking to stay informed on issues of municipal accountability and responsible taxation, the Ontario Property Taxpayers Alliance offers resources and advocacy updates. Visit https://propertytaxpayer.ca to learn more and subscribe to their newsletter.