Burlington Today Article

Burlington Today Article

Recently placed fences, heavy construction equipment and surveillance cameras are visible on the Millcroft Golf Club area in north Burlington.
It’s just a matter of time, some say, before Argo Development will begin converting Millcroft green space that includes four holes of the course to 92 single family homes and 130 multi-dwelling units.
But not so fast, say members of MAD — Millcroft Against Development — who have for five years been attempting to convince Ontario Premier Doug Ford the Millcroft Greens project is a mistake.
“I just think it’s somebody trying to push an agenda,” said Rob DiFrancesco, former club pro at the Millcroft course, while outlining the benefits that the course has brought to the community.
He was one of a number of speakers who addressed an enthusiastic crowd of 400-500 at an information rally early Saturday afternoon at the Millcroft Mill at Upper Middle Road and Country Club Drive.
The development at Millcroft was approved by the Ontario Land Tribunal last June following the City of Burlington’s rejection of an application to build the housing units and remove four holes of the golf course.
Ford and the provincial Minister of Housing, Rob Flack, were invited to Saturday’s event but didn’t attend.
Gary Carr, the Halton regional chair for almost two decades, said the famous Glen Abbey Golf Course in Oakville was slated for the same fate as Millcroft, but it survived.
“So there is hope going forward,” he said. “We have made a pledge (to the province) that we can meet the goal of 92,500 (new homes in Halton) without this development.”
Ward 6 councillor Angelo Bentivegna said the City of Burlington council is unanimous in not wanting this development, suggesting that Burlington is correct in building houses near transit stations and other higher density areas.
“There is no more land in Burlington,” he said. “Our official plan specifically says we are not going to develop in existing communities. (The province) approved our official plan. We expect the premier to follow through.”
Burlington Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Oakville North Burlington MPP Effie Triantafilopoulos, both supporters of MAD, had scheduling conflicts and were unable to attend. They had prepared statements read.
Meed Ward said that Burlington is short 104 hectares of green space, so it’s imperative not to lose the park space already there, both public and private, especially large parcels like Millcroft golf course.
Triantafilopoulos said she is in complete agreement with MAD, including protecting the abundant wildlife and maintaining the area as a flood management system.
A Rosemead Crt. resident, Doreen Sebben, reminded everyone that an MZO, a Ministry Zoning Order, to stop development on the Millcroft green space has gone unanswered since last summer.
“The MZO is supported by everyone — our mayor, our regional government, our community and over 16,000 signatures. Only the premier — only Doug Ford — can say yes or no to the MZO.”
Supporters have been urged to keep sending letters of support of the MZO to the premier and Flack to visit Millcroft before making any decisions.