Milton Heights Rezoning Plan Raises Concerns Over Community Exclusion and Transparency

A long-awaited zoning update for Milton Heights has triggered concern among residents who say they were not adequately included in the planning discussions.

During a public meeting held on Monday, Town of Milton officials unveiled a proposal to rezone sections of the Milton Heights neighbourhood into a site-specific low-density residential area. Senior Planner Mollie Kuchma explained that the area has been designated for “future development” for years, awaiting proper infrastructure and planning clarity.

"With surrounding developments now moving forward and a clearer understanding of the neighbourhood’s direction, staff felt it was the right moment to initiate this rezoning," Kuchma said.

Currently, the zoning rules prevent homeowners from upgrading or expanding their properties. New builds are prohibited, and additions are restricted to just 10% of the existing floor space. The proposed RLD2 zoning would change that — allowing for detached homes, duplexes, semi-detached units, short-term rentals, home daycares, and other residential uses.

A special clause would allow 199 Tremaine Road to continue its operation as a convenience store.

However, for some residents, the proposal came as an unwelcome surprise."I only received the notice a few days ago," said local resident Robert Mestnik. "I'm not necessarily against the zoning change, but consultation matters." He added that nearby properties like the Milton Meadows Hunt lands weren’t even included in the proposal. "That property is just two metres from mine and isn’t part of this document, while I’m being rezoned."

Wendy Roberts, another resident, also voiced frustration.“Many of us in Milton Heights want to engage with council and Town staff. We need a voice in what’s happening to our small village,” she said, noting that the recent removal of over 50 mature trees for a stormwater pond has already altered the area’s character.

Kuchma emphasized that this meeting was the start of the public engagement process.“We welcome written submissions for the record,” she stated. “If a property owner doesn’t wish to be included in the rezoning, they can opt out in writing — but they may need to undergo a separate zoning amendment later at their own cost.”

As for the Hunt property, Kuchma clarified it’s already under a separate active development application and therefore not included in this zoning change.

She also explained that while sewer work began recently on Peru Road, the responsibility for servicing lands falls on developers within their specific subdivisions.

No final decision was made at this meeting. The completed Milton Heights Village rezoning plan will return to council for review in the coming months.

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