Ottawa golf enthusiasts are hurrying to enjoy their last games at a cherished Kanata golf course before it permanently closes. The Kanata Golf and Country Club is set to cease operations by the end of the season following a legal battle, culminating in the Supreme Court’s decision not to hear the City of Ottawa’s appeal against property owner ClubLink’s intention to construct 1,480 housing units on the premises.
ClubLink informed its members of this development via email recently, leading to a surge in players taking advantage of the opportunity to play a final round at the course. Despite the chilly 6°C weather, the club’s parking lot was nearly full on Sunday, with golfers describing the course as both “polarizing” and “challenging.”
Daren Penteluke, a long-time player of 25 years, expressed his sadness about the closure, acknowledging the Kanata course’s toughness as a significant test for golfers. He noted that while some players find the small greens somewhat punishing, he appreciates the unique challenge they offer.
The Kanata Golf and Country Club, established in 1968, has been embroiled in legal disputes in recent years as its owners pursued redevelopment plans. ClubLink, the property owner since 1997 and operator of multiple golf clubs in Ontario and Quebec, initially proposed a mixed development including homes, townhouses, and open spaces.
However, due to earlier agreements mandating the retention of a significant portion of the property as open space, the legal proceedings have been protracted. With the recent court ruling relieving ClubLink of the perpetual obligation to operate a golf course, the company has announced the impending closure of the Kanata Golf and Country Club after the current season.
Sarah Durkin, a club supervisor, anticipates the course will remain open until winter sets in, urging members to make the most of every available day for golf. As the end approaches, golfers like Jim Messel and Jenny Yan are making the most of their remaining opportunities to play, expressing concerns about the loss of green space and the potential disruptions from the forthcoming redevelopment.
As the community faces the imminent closure, players are making the most of the limited time left to enjoy the challenging course. CBC has sought a statement from ClubLink regarding the closure.