Millcroft Golf Club, a longtime staple in Burlington’s golf community, has announced a significant reduction in its operations as it prepares for residential development. Starting this season, the course will be limited to nine holes, with all golf leagues suspended.
The decision follows a ruling by the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), which has cleared the way for developers to proceed with plans to build approximately 90 homes and a small apartment complex on a portion of the golf course. Despite strong opposition from local residents and Burlington City Hall, the ruling allows the development to move forward, marking a major transformation for the former 18-hole semi-private course that has operated since 1989.
According to a statement on the Millcroft Golf Club website, golfers can expect the following adjustments for the upcoming season:
- 9-Hole Format: Play will be limited to the back nine (holes 10 to 18).
- Limited Amenities: The clubhouse dining room will remain closed, with only an outdoor snack hut and barbecue available for food and beverages.
- No Leagues: All golf leagues are suspended for the season.
The club has stated that it “eagerly looks forward to the start of the 2025 golf season” but has not yet commented on the long-term plans for the property.
The Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD) group has voiced strong concerns about the project, arguing that the loss of greenspace will:
- Reduce public control over environmentally sensitive land.
- Impact flood management and wildlife habitats.
- Worsen traffic congestion in surrounding neighborhoods.
Burlington City Hall had previously appealed to the provincial government to overturn the OLT decision, but the request was not granted.
Argo Development Corporation, the company behind the project, maintains that the changes reflect a growing demand for housing and evolving trends in golf. They argue that shorter, faster courses appeal to modern golfers and that additional housing is crucial for the local market.
The decision has sparked backlash on social media, with some residents calling for a boycott of the golf course, while others warn that low turnout could lead to the complete redevelopment of the 650-acre property.
As the transformation of Millcroft Golf Club progresses, the debate over development versus greenspace preservation remains a pressing issue for Burlington residents.