In Burlington, Ontario, charges have been laid against a landowner, developer, and contractor for cutting down 425 trees on a privately-owned golf course in violation of city bylaws. The City of Burlington announced on September 23 that five parties, including the developer, landowner, and contractor, are facing charges under the private tree bylaw for causing or permitting the destruction of trees without the necessary permits between April and June.
Additional charges were also brought against the contractor under the public tree bylaw. The city refrained from commenting further as the legal proceedings are ongoing. Court documents filed with Halton provincial offences court reveal multiple charges against Argo Development Corporation, Argo (Millcroft) Limited, Millcroft Greens Corporation, Timbertek Inc., and 2079610 Ontario Ltd., with an initial court appearance scheduled for November 5.
When approached for a response to the charges, a spokesperson for developer Millcroft Greens stated that they deny the charges and anticipate resolution in court. Efforts to contact Argo and Timbertek for comments were unsuccessful.
The controversial development project involves transforming parts of a private golf course to build homes on four plots of land within the course, along with an adjacent apartment complex. Residents opposed to the development, represented by the group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD), expressed dismay over the loss of trees, which they viewed as a depletion of green space and a detriment to their community.
MAD members welcomed the charges, emphasizing their desire for accountability. The developer previously stated that all work conducted on the site had proper approvals in place and highlighted plans to plant over 2,600 new trees while acknowledging the removal of 425 trees.
Environment and Climate Change Canada investigated the tree removal for compliance with the Migratory Birds Convention Act Ontario, although no enforcement action was pursued. MAD continues to advocate against the development, arguing that the loss of trees and disruption to the neighborhood are unwarranted, and the project will not significantly address the city’s affordable housing needs.
Despite the approval of the development by the Ontario Land Tribunal in 2024, MAD hopes for provincial intervention to halt the project. The City of Burlington emphasized the importance of preserving green spaces and maintaining the character of existing neighborhoods in its response to the tribunal’s decision. Site preparation work is ongoing at the construction site, with various activities planned for the near future.
