‘The city is aware': Tree removals at Burlington golf club approved for redevelopment being investigated
Tree clearing on sections of Millcroft Golf Club, apparently in preparation for upcoming construction of 90 new homes, is the subject of two ongoing investigations.
The City of Burlington's forestry department is investigating, and was on site Thursday, May 1. Environment and Climate Change Canada is also investigating for contraventions of the Migratory Birds Convention Act.
Representatives of the Millcroft Greens development did not respond by deadline to requests for comment.
'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,' city staff said in a statement issued Friday afternoon. 'The city is investigating this activity and as such, no further comment can be provided at this time.'
City staff did not answer questions by deadline Monday around whether any necessary conditions had been met, and required permits issued, for tree clearing. A spokesperson reissued the statement released Friday afternoon.
'There isn't any more that we can say on this matter at this time,' they said.
Environment and Climate Change Canada spokesperson Samuel Lafontaine confirmed enforcement officers from the federal department collected information during an inspection in the area of
2155 Country Club Dr.
in Burlington.
'This information is currently being reviewed to determine whether there has been any noncompliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act and the Migratory Birds Regulations,' Lafontaine said.
He noted the Act does not protect trees themselves, but 'prohibits the disturbance or destruction of migratory birds, their nests, and eggs.'
Lafontaine said the department will continue to follow the situation closely.
'If evidence of an alleged violation is found, enforcement officers will take appropriate action in accordance with the compliance and enforcement policy for wildlife legislation,' he said.
Following investigations, enforcement officers can take no action, issue a warning, issue a ticket, or 'recommend prosecution when evidence indicates that the nature of a violation is serious.'
Spokesperson Hannah Boonstra said, under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and Migratory Birds Regulations, migratory birds are protected at all times and their nests are protected when they contain a live bird or a viable egg.
Sonia Robinson of Millcroft Against Bad Development said at least 400 trees, all over 40 years old, were removed — including several on the seventh hole fairway behind her house.
The front nine holes at Millcroft Golf Club are closed, and not expected to reopen before 2027.
Robinson said trees were also removed on holes 1, 6 and 16.
'We are at a deficit of green space in Burlington and need this green space for future generations,' Robinson stated in an email on behalf of the organization. 'The majority of the golf course is flood plain and acts as storm water control.'
Millcroft Against Bad Development held
a rally opposing the planned development
on April 26, after preparation of the site for future development started.
Burlington city council passed a resolution last summer asking Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Rob Flack to issue an order maintaining open space zoning in the planned Millcroft Greens development, after a June 12 Ontario Land Tribunal decision approving official plan and zoning amendments for the development.
The OLT decision allowed official plan and zoning amendments permitting proposed redevelopment of open space on five parts of the golf course for 90 single-detached homes and a 130-unit building.
The city's resolution states the golf course weaves among houses and functions 'as a natural storm water conveyance on a floodplain.'
The minister's office did not respond to requests for comment by deadline.
Details and updates on the Millcroft Greens development can be found on
the city's project webpage
.
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