I am submitting this comment…

I am submitting this comment as a homeowner whose property directly backs onto the lands identified as Phase 2 of the proposed Millcroft development. My family moved into this neighbourhood approximately five months ago. When we purchased our home, our understanding was that development proposals were limited to the lands approved as Phase 1 and did not include the golf course lands directly behind our property.

I am very concerned about the proposal to develop the area currently occupied by Hole #2 of the Millcroft Golf Course. Residents of the area are well aware that these lands play an important role in managing stormwater and drainage within the community. This is not a theoretical concern. During significant rainfall events, these lands have been used by nature exactly as intended: to collect and hold water.

The flooding experienced in Burlington in recent years clearly demonstrated the importance of preserving this function. There are photographs from a couple of years ago showing portions of the proposed development area completely underwater. These lands already serve as part of the area’s drainage system and help protect surrounding homes from flooding during major storms.

The Millcroft community was originally planned with these open spaces in place for a reason. Replacing them with residential development raises serious concerns about where that water will go in future storm events. Any reduction in the land’s ability to absorb and store water has the potential to increase flood risk for both existing residents and future homeowners.

As a homeowner whose property directly backs onto these lands, I am also concerned about the long-term financial impacts. Increased flood risk can affect homeowners through higher insurance premiums, reduced availability of coverage, and the risk of costly property damage. Existing residents should not be expected to bear these risks and costs as a result of development on lands that are already known to perform an important drainage function.

I am also concerned that this proposal runs contrary to the wishes repeatedly expressed by many Millcroft residents and by the City of Burlington. While additional housing is important, it should be directed to locations that do not create unnecessary environmental risks or compromise existing flood management systems.

I respectfully ask the Province to carefully consider the history of flooding on these lands, their role in stormwater management, the concerns of local residents, and the potential impacts on both existing and future homeowners before approving any Minister’s Zoning Order for this site. Once these lands are developed, their ability to provide natural flood protection cannot easily be restored.