Halton city councilors will no longer vote on potential expansion of urban boundary this week

Halton regional councilors will no longer vote on a potential expansion of the region’s urban boundary. 

A meeting was originally scheduled for this Wednesday. Now, council members will now take part in a workshop where updated information will be shared. 

The meeting was rescheduled because of pressure from opponents and the advocacy group Stop the Sprawl Halton.

The urban boundary expansion plan proposes to add 5,200 acres of farmland near Halton Hills and Milton in order to develop homes and businesses. 

“Our proposal is for gentle growth,” said Kim Bradshaw of ‘Stop the Sprawl Halton. “We believe that there is already approximately 7,000 acres that is designated for development, but not yet built on.”

A land use assessment by Halton Region suggests Milton and Halton Hills do not have enough room to accommodate projected growth. It found both towns need more land to be developed for homes businesses as the entire region’s population is expected to almost double by 2051.

The mayor of Milton told CHCH News that he believes expansion is needed for future growth. Some mayors in surrounding areas disagree.

“I actually hear more concern from Burlington residents about loss of farmland than I do about high-rises,” said Burlington mayor Marianne Meed Ward. “I think they are aware that it’s not a choice between tall and sprawl, that’s a false choice. We have a lot of options throughout Halton Region to expand our density and accommodate the population without expanding into farmland anywhere in Halton.”