Millcroft development sparks health and safety concerns

People living in the Millcroft neighbourhood of Burlington now say they’re worried for their health and safety after smoke appeared to be coming from a woodchip pile, forcing firefighters to make two separate visits.

CHCH News reached out to Burlington fire this afternoon and learned that the two suspected fires turned out to be steam from decomposing organic material. But residents remain concerned about the development moving forward.

Burlington fire has been to the site twice in the last two days.

On Monday morning, Millcroft residents reported crews on scene to investigate what looked like smoke coming from the woodchip pile.

The Burlington Fire Department released a statement to try and lessen the concern about the smoke in the area.

“What was observed was steam – a natural by-product of moisture being released from decomposing organic material. While it may appear similar to smoke, it poses no fire risk or life safety concern,” said Burlington fire.

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Members of ‘Millcroft Against Bad Development’ remain steadfast in their opposition to the development.

“We bought it to be exposed to greenspace for our enjoyment, our health — and now that greenspace is being destroyed,” said Millcroft resident Cynthia Shanahan.

Shanahan has lived beside the Millcroft Golf Course for 30 years. The view of trees and greenspace sold her on the property. Now she says they’re fearful.

“My greatest fear right now is flooding. We all experienced the flood of August 2014 and just about every single home had wet basements,” said Shanahan.

Shanahan also notes the flooding from last year. She says potential flooding will only get worse when the greenspace gets paved over.

“We were anxious every time it rained, but now we are fearful,” said Shanahan.

CHCH News reached out to the developer, both by email and by phone, with no response.

Millcroft resident Sonia Robertson also has property that backs onto the development site. She says she’s asthmatic and may be forced to move if the development continues.

“There’s no way I can be in a construction site, so we will have to sell this house if they do follow through because I can’t sit in dust and dirt for two years,” said Robertson.

On Tuesday, Burlington city council will be bringing forth a motion to request the provincial government to issue a zoning order to protect the greenspace in the Millcroft community.

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