The Town of Qualicum Beach has approached the owners of the Eaglecrest Golf Course to explore the possibility of acquiring the property.
Several options were offered to the owners, Semiahmoo Golf Centre Ltd., but all were declined. The town was also not able to meet the proposals set forth by the owners.
The future of the golf course and its ongoing operations has been a serious concern and was raised by the Eaglecrest Residents Association at a recent town council meeting. The golf course has been reduced to nine holes from 18 in 2021.
Recent provincial legislation requiring communities to update land use bylaws and Official Community Plans has led the ERA and the broader Qualicum Beach community to advocate for the unused portion of the golf course to remain undeveloped and maintain it as green space.
The Eaglecrest Golf Course spans roughly 45 hectares (110 acres). Of this total area, approximately 42 hectares (103 acres) are privately owned, while the town holds about three hectares (seven acres). Within the privately-owned portion, roughly 10 hectares (25 acres) are protected by a covenant, beyond the town’s control, that limits their use to golf course purposes.
In a press release, the town stated it does not possess the legislative authority to require the golf course’s owners to continue running it as a private business but is committed to preserving the golf course's integrity and green space that benefits the community.
The town has informed the owners that no further offers will be made at this time.
"In the event the owners choose to cease golf course operations, that decision rests entirely with them, and the town respects that as a business decision," the town stated in the press release. "Should a closure occur, the town will enforce its existing bylaws where possible to address concerns such as unsightly conditions and the presence of noxious weeds, if required."
The town extended gratitude to the owners for exploring the option of an acquisition. The town also extended their gratitude to the ERA executive for their consideration of the town’s invitation to provide input.
"The town acknowledges the important cultural, social, and economic contributions of the Eaglecrest Golf Course to both the Eaglecrest neighbourhood and the wider Qualicum Beach community," read a town news release. "We extend our gratitude to the community for its ongoing advocacy, which reflects the community vision for these lands as outlined in the Official Community Plan (OCP). This guiding document, shaped by extensive public engagement, designates the golf course lands in Eaglecrest as part of the town’s broader network of green space that should be preserved for the long term."
