A landowner, developer, and contractor are among those being charged under Burlington, Ont. bylaws after they cut down 425 trees on a privately-owned golf course in May.
On Sept. 23, the City of Burlington announced charges under its private tree bylaw against “five parties, including the developer, landowner, and contractor,” claiming these parties caused or allowed the injury or destruction of trees without the necessary permits between April and June.
The city also added extra charges against the contractor for removing and damaging trees according to the public tree bylaw. It stated it wouldn’t comment further since the case is now before the courts.
Documents filed with Halton provincial offences court show multiple charges against Argo Development Corporation, Argo (Millcroft) Limited, Millcroft Greens Corporation, Timbertek Inc., and 2079610 Ontario Ltd., with their first appearance set for Nov. 5.
When contacted by CBC Hamilton regarding the charges, a spokesperson for developer Millcroft Greens provided an email statement saying, “We categorically deny these charges and look forward to the matter being cleared up in court.”
CBC Hamilton also reached out to Argo and Timbertek but did not get a response before publication.
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From left to right: Cynthia Shanahan and Sonia Robinson are members of Millcroft Against Bad Development. Their community group opposes the redevelopment of the golf course they’re standing in front of. (Justin Chandler/CBC)
The development at issue involves reworking parts of a private golf course to build homes across four plots of land on that course along with nearby apartment construction.
This project has faced strong opposition from neighbors organized as Millcroft Against Bad Development (abbreviated as MAD). The suburban north Burlington neighborhood is closely connected with the golf course that weaves through it like a figure eight. In May, MAD members expressed their deep emotions when they told CBC Hamilton that losing those trees meant losing green space for residents along with causing irreparable damage to their community.
On Friday, MAD member Cynthia Shanahan said her group was “absolutely thrilled” about the charges.
“We hope they have the book thrown at them,” she said. “We still cry when we look at the stumps.”
In a statement given to CBC Hamilton back in May, a spokesperson for developer Millcroft Greens claimed that “all work that has been conducted on site was undertaken only after the necessary approvals were obtained.”
They acknowledged “many in the community are disappointed to see the removal of trees,” but emphasized it’s often a “necessary step” in creating new homes.
The spokesperson confirmed that while 425 trees were cut down, Millcroft Greens protected another 425 trees and plans to plant “over 2,600 new trees in the developed blocks.”
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) was also looking into tree removal to assess any non-compliance with Ontario’s Migratory Birds Convention Act. This act prohibits disturbance or destruction of migratory birds along with their nests and eggs but does not offer protection for trees themselves.
On Monday, a ministry representative informed CBC Hamilton that ECCC does not suspect any non-compliance issues and has not pursued enforcement actions.
WATCH | Members of Millcroft Against Bad Development react to 425 trees coming down: :
Members of Millcroft Against Bad Development react to 425 trees coming downCommunity group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD) opposes developer Millcroft Greens’ plan to build 90 homes on a redeveloped golf course running through a neighborhood in north Burlington, Ont. In early May, this developer removed 425 trees as part of their preparations for work. MAD members voiced their frustrations over this situation.
Shanahan mentioned that since those trees came down, her neighborhood feels noisier than before and she hasn’t enjoyed spending as much time in her backyard which faces onto the golf course like many other neighboring yards do.
MAD argues that this development plan which includes building around 90 homes isn’t worth all this destruction or disruption since it won’t significantly increase affordable housing options available within city limits.
The City of Burlington aims to construct around 2 ,724 housing units by late twenty twenty-six according its website so as meet “the housing needs of community,” including two hundred twenty-eight affordable units.
Millcroft Greens previously indicated its builder Hallett Homes will set prices.
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Members of Millcroft Against Bad Development react to 425 trees coming downCommunity group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD) opposes developer Millcroft Greens’ plan to build 90 homes on a redeveloped golf course running through a neighborhood in north Burlington, Ont. In early May, this developer removed 425 trees as part of their preparations for work. MAD members voiced their frustrations over this situation.
Shanahan mentioned that since those trees came down, her neighborhood feels noisier than before and she hasn’t enjoyed spending as much time in her backyard which faces onto the golf course like many other neighboring yards do.
MAD argues that this development plan which includes building around 90 homes isn’t worth all this destruction or disruption since it won’t significantly increase affordable housing options available within city limits.
The City of Burlington aims to construct around 2 ,724 housing units by late twenty twenty-six according its website so as meet “the housing needs of community,” including two hundred twenty-eight affordable units.
Millcroft Greens previously indicated its builder Hallett Homes will set prices.
Work continues on site
Shanahan expressed hope that province might intervene cancelling development approved earlier by Ontario Land Tribunal back in twenty twenty-four after City denied it initially. In news release issued June , two thousand twenty-four concerning tribunal’s decision , city remarked upon project “did not align needs interests residents ” citing necessity preserve green spaces ensure sustainable environmental practices maintain character existing neighborhoods. City stated preparation work remains scheduled on golf course construction site fall season involving fencing installation entry points while site investigation tasks such drilling will take place requiring no city permits. Other near-term activities might require city approval noted Tuesday press release from city officials.Source link
