Statement from the Residents of Pratt Siding – May 21 Southwest Middlesex Council Meeting
On the evening of May 21, 2025, residents of the Hamlet of Pratt Siding gathered at the Southwest Middlesex Council meeting to voice unified opposition to an application for the severance of a commercial property at 22760 Pratt Siding Road. The application proposes to create a 0.55-acre residential lot from the existing commercial parcel, with plans to construct a home and install a septic system.
This development would require the complete removal of a mature tree line—a natural feature that holds deep significance for our community and has long been a defining element of our local landscape. Every resident of Pratt Siding signed a formal letter of opposition, which was submitted to Council. In addition, a brief statement and individual comments were delivered at the meeting to reinforce our collective stance.
We wish to express our sincere gratitude to Deputy Mayor Sholdice, Councillor Vink, and Councillor Emery for voting against the application and standing with the residents of our hamlet. However, we are disheartened that the remaining four councillors and the Mayor voted in favour of the severance.
During the discussion, the Mayor made comments reminding councillors to consider what is “best for Southwest Middlesex as a whole.” Yet, it is difficult to reconcile that statement with the reality that this decision affects only two parties directly: the applicant and the residents of Pratt Siding. The outcome appears to favour the interests of a single developer over an entire neighbourhood that has contributed to this municipality for generations.
We were further discouraged by the tone of some remarks made during the proceedings—comments that felt dismissive, even mocking, of our concerns. As a tight-knit, tax-paying community, we find it troubling that a united voice from an entire hamlet could be so easily disregarded.
An alternative proposal was suggested—one that would locate the severed lot on the Concession Road side of the property, thereby preserving the tree line along Pratt Siding Road. This option was dismissed almost immediately, solely on the grounds that a survey had not been completed for that area. We believe this lack of willingness to explore compromises reflects a disregard for thoughtful planning and respectful dialogue with constituents.
We are disappointed, disheartened, and frankly shocked by the outcome of this vote. Our community stood together in good faith, and we now feel unheard and unseen.
We urge Council to reflect on this decision—not just for our sake, but for the integrity of public representation across all of Southwest Middlesex.
Naomi Clark
Resident of Pratt Siding
