Nicky Marwaha was taken aback last Thursday when she returned home to see changes in her neighborhood.
Several tall trees that used to stand on the lush golf course behind her house were gone – they had been removed for a housing project that plans to add 90 single-family homes and a six-storey apartment building in the area.
On May 1, a total of 425 trees were cut down across the privately owned Millcroft Golf Club course, sparking anger among local residents, some of whom have expressed their discontent with the development for several years.
A side-by-side comparison shows Nicky Marwaha’s backyard before, left, and after the trees on the golf course were cut down. (Submitted by Nicky Marwaha)
“It’s a massacre,” Marwaha stated.
The doctor and mother of three moved into the area 13 years ago, drawn primarily by its beautiful green surroundings.
“It’s like you have a paradise that’s been ruined,” she said, adding that her young children have been upset and she’s felt “devastated.”
Members of Millcroft Against Bad Development react to 425 trees coming down
Community group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD) is opposing Millcroft Greens’ plan to construct 90 homes on what is now being redeveloped as part of the golf course running through north Burlington. In early May, developers cut down those 425 trees in preparation for construction. MAD members express their frustration.
Critics, including members from community group Millcroft Against Bad Development (often shortened to MAD), are questioning if it was appropriate for developers to remove the trees at this time.
Kirk Robinson, who founded the group, told CBC Hamilton that birds are nesting there and many will now be without homes.
“We’ve already noticed since they chopped the trees down, we’re not getting the birds in our backyard like we usually do.”
Developer Claims Tree Removal Is Essential for Construction
The proposed development involves altering sections of a private golf course to build homes across four lots as well as an apartment nearby. In a statement to CBC Hamilton, a representative from developer Millcroft Greens acknowledged that “many in the community are disappointed to see the removal of trees,” but emphasized it’s often a “necessary step” in creating new housing. The representative confirmed that while 425 trees were taken down, Millcroft Greens preserved another 425 trees and plans to plant “over 2,600 new trees in the developed blocks.” WATCH | Drone footage shows trees downed across golf course:
Members of Millcroft Against Bad Development react to 425 trees coming down
Community group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD) is opposing Millcroft Greens’ plan to construct 90 homes on what is now being redeveloped as part of the golf course running through north Burlington. In early May, developers cut down those 425 trees in preparation for construction. MAD members express their frustration.
Critics, including members from community group Millcroft Against Bad Development (often shortened to MAD), are questioning if it was appropriate for developers to remove the trees at this time.
Kirk Robinson, who founded the group, told CBC Hamilton that birds are nesting there and many will now be without homes.
“We’ve already noticed since they chopped the trees down, we’re not getting the birds in our backyard like we usually do.”
