According to Wikipedia, the Ontario Landowners Association was founded in December 2005. Also from the same source, it is reported that the Lanark Landowners grew from an initial meeting in April 2003 at Merle Bowes kitchen table, with MP Scott Ried and Carleton Place farmer Randy Hillier present.
Predating the formation of the OLA and the Lanark Landowners, the Renfrew Landowners Association, which still exists today as the Renfrew Privates, was initiated in 2000 with the slogan “This Land is our Land – Back Off Government”.
In the early 2000s, the Landowners were the only voice speaking out against government overreach. We raised the alarm with protests, meetings, rallies, and Back off Government signs. We led the way!
Many other groups have taken up the challenge since the early 2000s. Action for Canada, KICKEI, garage groups to name but a few.
And then there are the pop-up groups that spring up overnight to protest and fight a particular issue. For example, the Alliance to Protect West Carleton (https://alliancetoprotectwestcarleton.ca) was formed to oppose a battery energy storage system (BESS) near the small villages of Fitzroy and Galetta in rural Ottawa. The proponent, Evolugen, was refused a Municipal Support Resolution by City Council BUT the Province, in their wisdom, decided to still issue them a contract and allow them until February 2026 to seek approval from Ottawa.
Well, it appears that following community opposition to the project near Fitzroy Harbour, Evolugen decided to site the project at another location in rural Ottawa. Enter the West Carleton BESS group. In less than a week they have a Facebook page (West Carleton BESS) with over 500 members, they have started a petition opposing the new location, and they have significantly raised awareness of the issue through presentations at the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee and though media interviews.
Maggie Hope Braun is travelling the country supporting local communities and helping them to make presentations opposing UN interference in municipalities. This includes our own local Renfrew County.
Keep up the great work. The tide is turning.