The Milton council has officially approved the Britannia Secondary Plan, which aims to develop a 900-acre community featuring 17,500 new homes, 9,300 jobs, and over 57,000 residents. However, council members raised concerns over the lack of provincial infrastructure to support this significant growth.

The new community will stretch along Britannia Road, situated between Thompson Road and Sixth Line. The plan divides the area into five neighbourhoods, each centered around activity hubs, featuring a mix of housing types, urban village centers, and transit-oriented development, with some areas allowing buildings up to 24 stories. The development will roll out in phases, starting around 2028, pending the operational status of the Lower Baseline pump station.

Coun. Colin Best voiced concerns over Milton’s existing infrastructure, particularly in healthcare, schools, and transportation. He pointed out that the Milton District Hospital is already operating at full capacity, with wait times reaching up to three hours.

“We’re behind in schools, transportation, and healthcare,” Best said, stressing the challenge of supporting the projected population growth.

To address these concerns, Best proposed an amendment to forward the plan to provincial officials, including Metrolinx, urging the expansion of Milton’s hospital, schools, and transportation infrastructure. The amendment passed, and Best noted the timing of the request due to an upcoming provincial election.

“Considering the election, it’s a good opportunity to remind them that we need support here,” Best said. “If we’re moving forward with this development, we need more provincial infrastructure.”

The council also approved the Omagh official plan amendment during the meeting.