A Perth County farming family is renewing its push to have more than 170 acres of farmland returned to Perth South, six years after the property was annexed into Stratford for industrial development.
The Van Nes family says it agreed to the 2020 boundary change to accommodate the proposed Xinyi glass plant along Highway 7, but the project was ultimately abandoned.
The family's request resurfaced during a Stratford council meeting in September, where members heard a report identifying a need for approximately 91 hectares of additional industrial land to accommodate future growth.
The family maintains the original understanding was that its 172 acres would be returned to Perth South if the glass plant did not proceed, although that condition was never put in writing.
The annexation has also created a significant financial burden.
The family estimates it has paid approximately $40,000 more in property taxes over the past five years because the land is now within Stratford's municipal boundaries.
Figures provided by the family indicate its two properties face a combined tax bill of more than $23,000 this year, compared with approximately $14,100 if they were still in Perth South.
The original annexation involved approximately 320 acres.
At the time, Perth South described the arrangement as "a partnership between Perth South and Stratford to develop serviced industrial lands for future development."
The township also acknowledged concerns about removing agricultural land from its jurisdiction.
In its original public notice, the municipality stated, "We don’t take this decision lightly," while emphasizing its intention to preserve as much farmland as possible.
Stratford's Director of Building and Planning, Adam Betteridge, says the city has not formally considered returning the properties to Perth South.
In comments provided to StratfordToday, Betteridge noted that the original boundary adjustment had the support of Stratford, Perth South and Perth County.
He added, "The City's report will outline the process in this case."
That report is expected to come before Stratford council later this year or in early 2027.
The family previously requested tax relief in 2021, but that request was denied.
For now, the land remains within Stratford's boundaries, with no formal decision made on whether the annexation could be reversed.
