Letter to City of Burlington.

Dear Burlington Mayor Meed Ward, Councillors, City officials, Premier, Ministers & MPPs

Reference: Millcroft Greens’ proposal to redesign the existing Millcroft Golf Course and introduce select parcels of residential development.

I write in connection with the subject proposal. This development has the potential to disrupt ecosystems and wildlife, reduce green space, overburden infrastructure, lead to the rezoning of existing school districts, significantly decrease existing property values, increase traffic, and alter the character of one of Burlington’s most iconic neighbourhoods. I wholeheartedly and vehemently object to the proposed development.

The Millcroft neighbourhood is unique in that, rather than including a golf course as a feature, it was built around the golf course as THE feature - the epicenter; the heart of the community. Millcroft is synonymous with the golf course. The street names feature famous golfers and allusions to green space - several including the words “field” or “park.” Moreover, the golf course is home to many species of wildlife. It is not unusual to find turtles emerging from the pond located on the 6th hole, families of ducks waddling along the footpaths, swans swimming in the ponds, and fox darting through the trees. Millcroft’s signature feature - the golf course - provides green space and a wildlife haven in the predominantly concrete-laden north Burlington.

I have reviewed the City’s Official Plan, in conjunction with the golf course’s current zoning of O1 (Open Space), with most sections designated as part of the Natural Heritage System. Section 2.3.5 of the Official Plan states that: “Lands identified as Natural Heritage System, Major Parks, and Open Space, include the City’s Natural Heritage System and lands designated for Major Parks and Open Space.

Together they are essential components of a healthy and sustainable urban area and are intended to be protected in accordance with the policies of this Plan.” This is in line with the City’s January Private Tree By-law, which has an objective “to protect, prohibit and regulate the injury or destruction of trees and encourage the preservation and planting of trees within the Urban Planning Area Boundary of the municipality.”

The first phase of the proposed development eliminates a staggering 411 mature trees from an area designated as part of the Natural Heritage System. In an era where citizens are begging governments to take decisive, urgent, and exhaustive action in the global climate crisis, the thought of destroying an established, mature ecosystem and displacing or destroying precious wildlife is unfathomable. I trust that you are of the same mindset, given that the City Council unanimously passed a motion to declare a climate emergency. This proposed development exacerbates an already dire circumstance.

I urge you to be mindful of all the numerous detrimental effects that accompany the proposed development, most notably, building homes on a flood plain, disrupting ecosystems and wildlife, reducing green space, and defiling the character of the neighbourhood I chose to call home.

Burlington was recently voted Canada’s best place to live. I believe the Millcroft neighbourhood epitomizes this honourable accolade. I zealously oppose any change to the golf course’s current zoning and implore you to protect the green space that defines our beloved community.

Sincerely,

<Your Email.