Burlington, Ontario — The City of Burlington has laid multiple charges against a developer, landowners, and contractors after 425 trees were cut down at a privately owned golf course earlier this year.
In a statement released on Sept. 23, the city confirmed charges under its private tree bylaw against five parties — including Argo Development Corporation, Argo (Millcroft) Limited, Millcroft Greens Corporation, Timbertek Inc., and 2079610 Ontario Ltd. The city also filed additional charges against the contractor under the public tree bylaw.
The city alleges that the defendants removed or damaged trees without required permits between April and June 2025. The first court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 5 at Halton provincial offences court.
Developer Millcroft Greens, through an emailed statement, denied all charges, saying it “categorically denies these allegations and looks forward to the matter being cleared up in court.”
The redevelopment project, located within the Millcroft Golf Club community in north Burlington, plans to replace sections of the existing course with 90 new homes and an apartment complex.
The plan has faced strong local opposition from the community group Millcroft Against Bad Development (MAD), which has been fighting to preserve the neighbourhood’s green spaces.
“We’re absolutely thrilled about the charges,” said Cynthia Shanahan, a MAD member. “We still cry when we look at the stumps.”
MAD argues the development will destroy the character of the community without significantly improving housing affordability. The Ontario Land Tribunal had previously approved the project in 2024, overruling the city’s earlier denial.
According to the city, the tree removal occurred before the installation of site fencing and other preparation work. Environment and Climate Change Canada investigated whether the removal violated the Migratory Birds Convention Act, but found no reason to suspect non-compliance.
Millcroft Greens maintains that it followed all required approvals and that 425 trees were protected while 2,600 new trees will be planted as part of the redevelopment.
The City of Burlington says it remains committed to enforcing its bylaws and protecting community green spaces as it pursues its broader goal of adding 2,724 new housing units by 2026, including 228 affordable homes.
