The City of Burlington is set to enter provincial facilitation with Millcroft Greens, marking a significant next step in the ongoing conversation surrounding development on the Millcroft Golf Club lands.

This facilitation process comes after months of strong community engagement, council deliberation, and growing concern from residents about the potential impacts of development on valued greenspace in the Millcroft neighbourhood. The Ontario Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing has now extended an offer of assistance through a provincially appointed facilitator — a move the City has agreed to pursue.

In a joint statement issued by Mayor Marianne Meed Ward and Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna, the pair acknowledged the crucial role that residents and council have played in upholding the City’s values on greenspace protection and responsible growth:

“We want to thank Council and the community for their continued support for protecting greenspace and directing housing where it should be. We appreciate the Minister's offer of assistance to resolve these matters through a facilitator. We look forward to hearing updates from staff on how the interests of the City and community can be advanced through this dialogue.”

Millcroft Greens, the developer behind the proposal, has applied to redevelop portions of the existing golf course into residential housing. The plan has sparked significant public interest, with many residents voicing concern over the loss of mature green space, impacts on stormwater management, and changes to the character of the neighbourhood.

In 2022, the City of Burlington voted to oppose the proposed development and took steps to formally object through Ontario Land Tribunal processes. The facilitation now introduces a new path to potentially resolve differences outside of a prolonged tribunal hearing.

While the facilitation process is not binding, it creates a structured dialogue between the City, the developer, and the Province — with the goal of finding common ground that balances growth priorities with community interests. For Burlington, this means ensuring any outcome aligns with long-standing commitments to smart growth, environmental protection, and neighbourhood preservation.

The facilitation will also give City staff the opportunity to reiterate Burlington’s current planning framework, which supports intensification in appropriate areas — particularly within urban growth centres, major transit station areas, and along corridors — rather than within established residential communities like Millcroft.

More details on the facilitation timeline, scope, and participants will be released as the process unfolds. Updates will be shared through official City channels and at future Council meetings. We'll follow along!