Grand Valley is growing, and decisions about where and how our community develops needs to recognize the value of the agricultural land around us.
During my time on Council, I have consistently advocated for planning decisions that respect and protect farmland. That included supporting tighter rules around surplus farm dwelling severances to help limit the unnecessary fragmentation of agricultural land.
Throughout discussions as the Town updated our official plan, one of my priorities has been considering the long-term impact our decisions can have on agriculture.
Agriculture isn't simply part of Grand Valley's character. It is an important part of our local economy and a major economic driver throughout rural Ontario. My entire professional career has been spent farming or selling farm equipment, it's my identity and one that my family has played a part in for over 5 generations.
My involvement with the ROMA board also gave me the opportunity to broaden my understanding of the challenges facing rural municipalities across the province. Growth, infrastructure, agriculture and land-use planning are interconnected issues, and communities across Ontario are trying to find the right balance. With this experience, I will take it to County council seat and advocate for the same there.
Protecting farmland doesn't mean opposing growth.
It means planning growth responsibly, and making use of the currently designated lands to their full potential.
We should make efficient use of land already designated for development, carefully consider when additional land is needed, and understand the long-term consequences before productive agricultural land is converted to development, to be lost forever.
Grand Valley will continue to change. Good planning means accommodating the homes, businesses and services we need while respecting the agricultural land that grows our food.
Our Home. Your Future.
Paul Latam
Candidate for Mayor of Grand Valley 2026