The Ontario Federation of Agriculture is urging the provincial government to protect one of Ontario’s most important grain handling hubs, warning that expanding residential development near Cargill’s Sarnia export terminal could threaten the long-term viability of a facility critical to the province’s agricultural supply chain.
The push comes as Cargill seeks a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO), a planning mechanism under Ontario’s Planning Act that gives the province’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing the authority to unilaterally determine how land can be used. Cargill submitted its application in late 2025, requesting a prohibition on sensitive land uses within 300 metres of the Exmouth Street terminal to reduce future land-use conflicts.
In a letter sent May 22 to the province, OFA backed the request, arguing the move is necessary to safeguard infrastructure that handles roughly 35% of Ontario’s export grain capacity. The terminal moves millions of tonnes of wheat, soybeans, and corn annually while also serving as a key fertilizer distribution hub supporting nearly 400,000 acres of farmland across Southwestern Ontario, the letter said.
The farm organization said the terminal’s role extends well beyond Sarnia, connecting Ontario producers to domestic processors, export customers, rail systems, marine transportation networks, and livestock feed operations. Any disruption to operations could ripple through the broader agri-food sector, affecting producers, processors, exporters, and consumers across the province, it added.
Central to the debate is concern over land-use conflicts. OFA warned that residential encroachment near industrial agricultural infrastructure often leads to complaints about dust, truck traffic, noise, odours, and around-the-clock operations — pressures that can eventually limit activity at critical facilities.
The organization pointed to previous concerns involving the Ontario Food Terminal in Toronto as evidence of the risks associated with placing sensitive land uses next to essential food infrastructure.
Cargill has argued that despite investments in mitigation measures, nearby housing developments could increase complaints and regulatory scrutiny surrounding grain handling operations.
