The Town of Aurora denied an application submitted by Lebovic Homes to build an 18-hole golf course and 75-unit condominium complex March 4 on Leslie Street just north of Bloomington Road.

The application was rejected due to the concern the development would have on the Oak Ridges Moraine and on water usage which has been limited for residents for the last few summers because of low water levels.

“I can’t mess around with people’s water,” said Aurora Mayor Phyllis Morris. “We have to say enough is enough and stop letting people slip in under the blanket of the Morraine Act.”

The act put in place to protect the Oak Ridges Morriane was enacted in 2001 and there are still developers requesting they be grandfathered in, Mrs. Morris explained.

But the transition was meant for the first couple of years, it has now been seven.  

The developer appealed the Ontario Municipal Board, an appointed provincial body that makes decisions on developments that often over-ride politicians.

Environmental lawyer Rod Northey of Birchall Northey is representing four Aurora residents and asked the board, with the support of Aurora council, to hold a joint board hearing bringing together the board and environmental review panel to ensure the environmental impact, as well as water consumption, be discussed in depth.

This request was denied by the board but Mr. Northey appealed the board’s decision to the divisional court yesterday and the board member will go no further with the Lebovic appeal until the divisional court judge has ruled on holding to a joint board meeting.

“This is a huge step in the right direction for Aurora,” she added. “A joint hearing will be very intensive and thorough.”

The original hearing to be conducted over the next three weeks has been postponed without a reconvene date while awaiting word from the divisional court ruling.

A date for Mr. Northey’s appeal to be heard has yet to be set.