Joint Update from Mayor & Councillor Bentivegna regarding the Millcroft Golf Course

We are aware of questions and concerns from the community about the trees that remain on the site. We have connected with City staff, and can offer the following update. You should expect to see some activity on the site today and in the coming days. We will do our best to keep you informed as information becomes available. 

Update from Mayor & Councillor Bentivegna

A Municipal Consent permit for the landowner to enter onto the property over the municipal boulevard was issued by the City on Friday, June 6th. The permit allows the landowner to use the City’s boulevard in the landowner’s removal of the fallen trees and branches from the site, however prohibits any further destruction or removal of living trees or the stumps of fallen trees. The City’s investigation is ongoing, and the stop work order, save for the removal of fallen trees and branches, remains in place.

The landowner had crews out on-site this morning (June 11th), to commence this work. City Forestry staff were also in attendance. Staff understand that there have been questions regarding the requirements of the Migratory Birds Convention Act. The jurisdiction for this Act rests with Environment and Climate Change Canada and is outside the scope of City jurisdiction or control. It is the onus of the landowner to ensure all requirements related to the Migratory Bird Convention Act are addressed. The landowner has indicated that its consultant has been on-site recently to conduct further work in relation to addressing any MBCA requirements. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Has the Municipal Consent Permit been issued to Millcroft Greens?

Yes. Millcroft Greens has been issued the Municipal Consent Permit, and tree debris removal has started this morning.

Will more trees be removed during debris cleanup? 

No. The Municipal Consent permit issued to the developer is only for equipment access to remove previously cut trees. No additional trees will be removed during this process. Cleanup activities will be supervised by City staff. 

Is the City investigating the tree removals? 

Yes. The City is investigating the matter under the Private Tree By-law. This by-law governs removal of trees not otherwise approved through the subdivision process. 

What’s next? 

Until the cease work order is lifted by the City’s Director of Engineering Services no other site work will proceed. We understand that many in our community have an interest in this project, including construction start times. We will keep the community informed, when and where possible, as the project proceeds. 

What is a Pre-Servicing Agreement? 

A Pre-Servicing Agreement is a standard tool municipalities use to allow developers to complete certain preparatory activities—such as detailed design work, sediment and erosion controls, stormwater management facilities, and tree removals—while final documents are being finalized. 

How long could this investigation take? 

At this time, the City cannot provide a specific timeline. The City continues to work diligently to bring the investigation to a close. 

Will the City share the findings of the investigation? 

The City will know more once the investigation is complete about what may be shared publicly.

Is Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) conducting an investigation as well?

Yes. Environment and Climate Change Canada is investigating with respect to the Migratory Birds Convention Act. This is separate and independent from the City’s investigation, and we are not aware of the findings of ECCC’s investigation at this time. The ECCC can be contacted at enviroinfo@ec.gc.ca with any questions.

When will construction begin? 

As per the project webpage, home construction could start as early as spring of 2026. The City cannot speculate on if/how the cease work order will impact this timeline.  

Thank you for your advocacy and engagement on this matter.