Ontario Construction News staff writer
Several mature trees were cut down at the Millcroft Golf Course in Burlington, just days after more than 500 residents gathered for a peaceful rally opposing redevelopment of the site — prompting the City of Burlington to launch an investigation into the activity.
The April 26 rally by the community group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD), was meant to urge provincial intervention in a controversial redevelopment project that would replace portions of the golf course with new housing. Days later, videos emerged online showing large machinery clearing trees from the 16th hole, sparking concern and outrage among residents.
Prior to the rally, MAD warned the developer “is setting the stage” to get start building.
“This is devastating,” group director Kirk Robinson said in a statement. “After our rally, we heard from Premier Doug Ford and believed there were conversations happening to find alternatives. Then, all of a sudden, it’s like a scorched earth policy.”
City officials confirmed late last week that they are aware of the tree removal and are actively investigating the incident.
In a statement, the city said no further comment could be provided during the investigation, but acknowledged “many in our community have an interest in this project.”
“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 statement reads. “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.”
Developer, Millcroft Greens, has stated publicly that “some construction works may start before all the conditions are met,” including tree removal and site grading.
However, an April 11 update from the City of Burlington said that while fencing and hoarding work had been permitted, tree removal would not be allowed until specific conditions set by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) had been fulfilled.
A June 2024 OLT decision approved zoning amendments for the construction of 90 single-detached homes and a 130-unit residential building across five portions of the existing golf course. In response, Burlington council passed a resolution asking the province to issue a Minister’s Zoning Order (MZO) to preserve the open space zoning — a request that has yet to be acted upon.
While Premier Ford and Housing Minister Rob Flack were invited to last weekend’s rally, neither attended.
Images and videos shared by MAD on social media show trees being felled just metres from nearby homes. The group, which says it represents more than 7,000 residents, continues to call for the province to issue an MZO to halt further destruction.
“The developer is already jumping ahead — hoping we’ve given up,” said Robinson. “We haven’t.”