I strongly oppose the…

I strongly oppose the proposed MZO for 2155 Country Club Drive and support preserving the existing green space within the Millcroft community.

These lands are currently designated as Major Parks and Open Space, with portions forming part of Burlington's Natural Heritage System. Converting approximately 11.6 hectares of protected open space into residential development would result in the permanent loss of valuable environmental, recreational, and community assets.

I am also concerned that the MZO would bypass the normal municipal planning process and override policies established through extensive public consultation. Such significant changes should proceed through the standard planning framework rather than through an expedited process.
While additional housing is important, growth should be directed to areas already designated and planned for development, not at the expense of existing green space. These lands provide important benefits, including habitat protection, stormwater management, improved air quality, recreational opportunities, and preservation of the character of the Millcroft neighborhood.

The proposal would also place additional demands on local schools, healthcare services, emergency services, transportation networks, parks, and other critical infrastructure. Residents are already experiencing growing pressures on many of these services, and there has been no clear demonstration that sufficient capacity exists to support this development without affecting service levels.

Protecting existing green space is not anti-growth; it is responsible planning. I respectfully urge the Province to reject the requested MZO, preserve these open spaces and natural heritage features, and require any future development proposals to proceed through the normal planning process with full public consultation and environmental review.