To Whom It May Concern, I am…

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing in support of the proposed Minister’s Zoning Order for Millcroft Greens Phase 2 in the City of Burlington.

As an Environmental Consultant, I view development proposals through the lens of long-term sustainability, environmental stewardship, and responsible community growth. The opinions provided below are based on my professional experience and review of the supporting documents posted on the City of Burlington’s website.

The Millcroft Greens proposal seeks to introduce new housing within a golf course in an existing urban area where infrastructure, services, and transportation networks are already present. From an environmental planning perspective, this approach can support more sustainable growth patterns by making use of existing community assets (including but not limited to existing infrastructure and municipal services) and reducing the need for expansion into new areas.

Environmental considerations remain important and should continue to be evaluated through detailed technical studies and implementation measures. However, with appropriate mitigation and planning controls, as exemplified in this proposal development and environmental protection can work together to achieve balanced outcomes.

As presented in the supporting landscape plans, natural channel design, and Environmental Evaluation Report; a significant portion of the development lands (which currently consist of an actively managed golf course) will be restored with native vegetation and wildlife habitat features. The proposed restoration will create enhanced opportunities for terrestrial and aquatic wildlife, increase water quality in the creeks, enhance ecosystem resilience, increase ecosystem services and the urban tree canopy, and mitigate the effects of climate change; all of which align with the City of Burlington’s Tree Management and Natural Areas Management actions detailed in the Climate Resilient Burlington Report (2022). In my opinion, the objectives of and preliminary concept for the restoration plan are well-considered from a technical perspective and represent climate-positive design.

In my opinion, the proposal reflects a reasonable approach to accommodating growth while continuing to address environmental planning objectives through the appropriate review processes.

For these reasons, I support approval of the proposed Minister’s Zoning Order.