What’s with the clearcutting near the hydro corridor?

Location of land clearing near hydro corridor.

Location of land clearing near hydro corridor.

I’ve received a number of calls and emails from residents concerned about clear cutting of land adjacent the hydro corridor running south from Graham’s Lane from Stephenson behind Hammond and Hager. (See attached aerial photo). This came as much a surprise to me as to residents.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

CN owned the land. They recently sold the land to a private individual. The individual said he is doing some “clean up” of the area. As we have no private tree bylaw, the city cannot stop any resident from cutting trees on their private land. (This is something I raised last term of council; a proposed bylaw to prevent clear cutting was defeated 4-3; I hope to reintroduce something this term of council).

The land is zoned “S” for utility. As such it cannot be developed. If the purchaser of the land was hoping to add this land to any land they might own abutting the hydro corridor, a rezoning would be required. A rezoning is a public process and requires a council vote.

I will monitor what happens here and let residents know if there is any development activity here. Residents have reported  significant activity and we asked bylaw officers to look into what was happening. If the site is being altered (fill added/removed, or grading changes) a permit is required.

Our bylaw staff reported that no bylaws are being broken, but we will continue to watch what is happening.

If you have further questions, please join us at the Thorpe neighbourhood public meeting May 26, 7 p.m., Art Gallery of Burlington. More details are available here:

Thorpe neighbourhood meeting May 26

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