By Pepper Parr
August 19th, 2024
BURLINGTON, ON
They are not going to quit.
The Millcroft Greenspace Alliance said in a statement today that they will continue their advocacy to all three levels of government to preserve the Millcroft Golf Course Greenspace.” It has been our view since the outset that a political solution would stop the development and we still believe this!”
The City of Burlington is continuing the fight to prevent building homes on this important stormwater green infrastructure and MGA is proceeding with its advocacy to support the City and Region’s position.
What MGA does not mention is that the Ontario Land Tribunal has found in favour of the developer, albeit with a significant number of conditions that have yet to be met.
MGA points to the two very important documents produced in 2022 regarding flood mitigation and climate change. One was federal and the second was authored by the Ontario Auditor General. In both reports, greenspace is a recommended flood mitigation measure.
The impacts of climate change can not be more obvious with the numerous incidences of flooding in recent weeks.
MGA argues that “Premier Ford is well aware that land use decisions, overdevelopment, and antiquated infrastructure are contributing to urban flooding (97% of flooding is urban vs 3% from riverine sources). The health and economic impacts of repetitive flood events are significant.
“Restoration expenses from flooding and/or the increased cost of insurance, if available, are impacting our home values and ability to save for retirement.”
MGA is asking people to “Please make time to express your views to our government officials, provincially and federally.
Premier Ford did respond to Minister Guilbeault’s issue with building on floodplains – let’s see if he means what he says.
In December of 2022 Premier Ford did say “Ontario has no plans to allow homes to be built on floodplains” The federal Environmental Minister Guilbeaultwarned Ottawa would not provide disaster compensation where development is greenlit in areas prone to flooding.
Ford said it’s the responsibility of any builder to ensure they protect against development on floodplains.
Related news story:
OLT decision on Millcroft golf lands
What flooding in Millcroft looks like.
David – there are many pictures of flooding on the golf course and the river like drainage that the grading of the fairways channels. These have all been forwarded to the Province however they continue to pretend that it isn’t an issue. Perhaps they need to hear from a few more residents of Burlington that experienced the downstream effects of flooding – Wards 4 and 5 – that is you. Millcroft Greenspace Alliance has drafted a user friendly – click and sign email – that can be used to send your concerns. If you would like a copy, please email us at millcroftgreenspace@gmail.com
Just wondering if there are any photos of the effect the recent storms had on the golf course and its function as as a flood mitigation & management tool?
Was their any flooding in that immediate area?