New book chronicles how Stratford residents defeated a proposal to build a factory on their farmland [Video]

Four years ago, Stratford, Ont., prepared to welcome Xinyi Canada’s $400 million glass plant, which was set to create 380 new jobs for that area.

Concerned citizens there raised the alarm, citing that Xinyi’s environmental impact was unknown and their questions about what it would mean for their community weren’t being answered. 

Get Concerned Stratford was born, an advocacy group that would eventually cause the company to abandon its factory proposal. 

Now, a book has come out highlighting their success — and the work it took to get there. Co-authors Mike Balkwill and Sam Demby saw the campaign as it was happening.

Mike Balkwill joined CBC Kitchener-Waterloo’s The Morning Edition and host Craig Norris to talk about the book called A Winning Campaign.

The following has been edited for length and clarity. Audio can be found at the bottom of the page.

Craig Norris: What is this book about?

Mike Balkwill:It’s a story of how a community defeated …