By Pepper Parr
May 5th, 2025
BURLINGTON, ON
What’s to investigate?
The Gazette reached out to the city asking if anything was being done about the trees on the golf course property being cut down.
We received the following:
“The City is aware of the cutting down of trees on those portions of the Millcroft Golf Course that have been approved for redevelopment by the Ontario Land Tribunal.
“The City is investigating this activity and as such, no further comment can be provided at this time.
The City recognizes that many in our community have an interest in this project. The City will keep the community informed as much as possible as the project proceeds.”
What does all this mean? City is trying to figure out if there is anything they can do – meanwhile, the trees are being cut down
The city sent along a link to a news release that was issued on Friday, May 2nd.
A copy of the statement is available here: https://www.burlington.ca/en/news/city-investigating-tree-removal-activity-at-millcroft-redevelopment-site.aspx
“There isn’t any more that we can say on this matter at this time.”
The city has known for some time that the developer planned to cut down many of the trees to make room for the approved development. Why would they wait until the trees had been cut down before investigating? Proactive is not a word used all that much at city hall.
Almost always, the OLT rules, and by the record of Burlington, the last time I looked, it was in favour of the developer. To be a complete application, the City planners require completion of a list of requirements in the planning amendments and other adjunct actions and conditions needed for the amendment approvals that the developer is requesting, including such things as tree-cutting locations, amounts and timing allowed or stated in the appeal, as approved by OLT.
Especially, as an legally binding OLT appeal decision, this all must be clearly stated in the documents describing all the details at appeal and OLT approval. Violations of these conditions can occur easily if the developer jumps the gun on the stated conditions.
Whether the City tree cutting bylaw trumps OLT decisions, I don’t know. I only think it could, if something small is needed to facilitate the OLT development
To object to this is in the hands of Hurley and Benson.
The city has dropped the ball on this issue and obviously won’t comment due to their lack of holding the builder accountable and when then finally do, it will be a small fine for clear cutting out community. These are not affordable housing but 96 high value residents at the cost of a wonderful well planned community in the heart of Burlington. Where is our local MPP on this issue and how do we protect our green space, habitats and community if everyone understands the issue, demonstrates levels of support while closing their eyes to the final outcomes that caught local residents off guard while they witnessed the clear cutting of 20-30 year old trees. What every happened to our tree bylaws that we are subject to?
“The City has dropped the ball”, you say. What evidence do you have to support that statement?
The Gazette does not know the full facts of the story yet. I don’t know them either. No one else seems to know them. Hence the investigation. But you’re saying you do?
Where is our MPP on all of this? Good question. She is MIIA. Missing In InAction as always.