Kingsville abandons proposed forensic ‘body farm’ after public opposition

Shari Forbes, second from the right, is the director of the first "body farm" in Canada. (Source: Shari Forbes)

A proposed forensic research facility known as the Southwestern Institute for Forensic Taphonomy, or SWIFT, will not move forward in Kingsville.

The proposal, developed in partnership with the University of Windsor, involved a forensic taphonomy facility — sometimes referred to as a “body farm” — where researchers study human decomposition to assist criminal investigations and search-and-rescue efforts.

Following a month of public feedback, the town postponed a final decision on the project last week.

Mayor Dennis Rogers told council Monday night that overwhelming public opposition led him to recommend council walk away from the proposal.

He said many residents were uncomfortable with Kingsville becoming only the second community in Canada to host such a facility.

Rogers said the project offered potential economic benefits, including jobs and increased research activity, but added public opposition outweighed those advantages.

He also rejected claims the decision was driven by town administration, saying administration brings recommendations forward, while final decisions rest with council.

Rogers said he informed the project’s lead researcher and the University of Windsor’s president ahead of the council meeting and noted the town remains open to future partnerships better aligned with community interests.

With files from CTV News Windsor’s Chris Campbell