The City of Burlington has laid charges against multiple parties involved in the controversial Millcroft Golf Club housing project after more than 400 trees were cut down without approval.
Citing violations of its private and public tree bylaws, the city has charged the developer, landowner, contractor, and others linked to the site. If successful in court, fines could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The tree removal began on May 1 to make way for the construction of 100 homes, part of a project that will ultimately reduce the long-standing golf course to nine holes. Residents, who have battled the plan for years, argue the development will harm the environment and disrupt their neighbourhood.
Despite years of opposition from local residents, city officials, and Halton Region, Argo Development Corporation fought successfully to move ahead. Last summer, the Ontario Land Tribunal ruled the site was suitable for new housing, clearing the way for construction.
Even appeals to Premier Doug Ford failed to stop the project. Since then, work has continued, with tree removal sparking fresh anger among residents and environmental advocates.
“The city understands how deeply people care about this neighbourhood, and we are committed to ongoing monitoring and transparency throughout the construction process,” Burlington said in a statement, while noting it would not provide further comment as the case is now before the courts.
The clash over Millcroft highlights the growing tension between housing development pressures in southern Ontario and communities determined to preserve green space.