ERO – 026-0562 Request for a Minister’s Zoning Order to restrict sensitive land uses around Cargill Sarnia Export Grain Terminal in the City of Sarnia Response

July 10th, 2026

Hon. Rob Flack
17th Floor, 777 Bay Street
Toronto, Ontario, M7A 2J3

Re: ERO – 026-0562 – Request for a Minister’s Zoning Order to restrict sensitive land uses around Cargill Sarnia Export Grain Terminal in the City of Sarnia

Dear Minister Flack,

The National Farmers Union-Ontario (NFU-O) is an accredited farm organization representing sustainable farmers in Ontario and has advocated for farmers across Ontario since 1969. Members work together to achieve agricultural policies that ensure dignity and income security for farmers, while protecting and enhancing rural environments for current and future generations.

The NFU-O is supportive of a Minister Zoning Order (MZO) to protect the Cargill Sarnia Export Grain Terminal’s operations in the Sarnia area. This grain terminal is essential agricultural infrastructure that farmers rely on to link Ontario grain to global markets, supporting supply chain resilience and farm business viability. As an organization, NFU-O strongly opposes development on or near agricultural lands and infrastructure. Without a MZO, sensitive land uses like housing could continue to be approved close to the terminal, leading to issues with things like truck traffic, grain dust, noise, lighting, and odours, putting pressure on decision-makers that could compromise the grain terminal’s operations and regional agricultural systems viability. Without this grain terminal, Ontario farmers would face significant business challenges, like higher transportation costs, lower export capacity, and less competition among grain buyers.

We support recommendations found in Dillon Consulting’s Planning Justification Report (2025) that suggest prohibiting sensitive uses within 300 metres of the terminal, and requiring technical studies between 301 and 650 metres before sensitive uses can proceed, to reduce the risk of incremental residential encroachment.

Food security and food sovereignty continue to be sacrificed for housing and urban sprawl across the province. We reaffirm our advocacy for sustainable, affordable housing that protects Ontario’s agricultural land and critical agricultural infrastructure.

Sincerely,

Josh Suppan
President, National Farmers Union – Ontario
josh@nfuontario.ca
(705)738-3993 ext 2