January 23, 1998

To: Chairman and Members of the Scarborough Community Council

From: Gary H. Welsh, P.Eng., Director, Road & Traffic Services, Works & Environment Department

Subject: Golf Balls Being Hit Over Scarborough Golf Club Road, Ward 16

Purpose:

To maintain the levels of safety for motorists and pedestrians on Scarborough Golf Club Road.

Funding Sources:

Not Applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) Scarboro Golf Club re-install and repair the existing canopy netting on the east side of Scarborough Golf Club Road before the beginning of the 1998 golf season.

Background:

At the Scarborough Works & Environment Committee meeting of September 22, 1997, Committee considered a letter from Mr. R.J. Stuart with respect to a request that the 18th Tee of Scarboro Golf Club be re-located. Mr. Stuart was concerned for the safety of pedestrians and motorists with golfers hitting balls over Scarborough Golf Club Road. Committee directed that staff consult with the Scarboro Golf Club to determine if the (previously implemented) measures are adequate and report to the appropriate Committee.

In 1995, as a result of a petition presented to Works and Environment Committee, staff of the Works & Environment Department, Law Department and former Scarborough Councillor Soknacki's office met with members of Scarboro Golf Club. As a result of this meeting the Golf Club implemented a number of measures in an attempt to eliminate residents' concerns. These measures were as follows:

1. The Golf Club raised the height of the fence on the west side of Scarborough Golf Club Road by approximately 61 centimetres (2 feet), along it's entire length, at their cost.

2. The Golf Club installed a seasonally removable pedestrian canopy netting on the east side of the road over the sidewalk on Scarborough Golf Club Road, at the Golf Club's cost.

3. The Golf Club added the former City of Scarborough as an additional insured to their current insurance policy in the face amount of ten million dollars liability from damage caused by golf balls.

Works and Environment Department staff met again with management of the Scarboro Golf Club on October 21, 1997 to discuss continuing concerns of a resident of Dunelm Street regarding golf balls being hit over Scarborough Golf Club Road.

Discussion:

Our records reveal that no (0) collisions have been reported to the police in the past 7 years, January 1, 1990 to December 31, 1996 at this location, involving golf balls. While all incidents may not be reported to the police, the damage in any unreported incident would be very minor, ie. less than $1,000 with no personal injuries.

Staff had observed that a section of the canopy netting was missing prior to our October 1997 meeting. We have brought this to the attention of the Golf Club=s management and they have indicated that they will ensure that the canopy is in good state of repair beginning in the 1998 golf season. Staff will monitor this area to ensure that this canopy is maintained.

Conclusions:

As a result of our meetings with Scarboro Golf Club and our review of the location, we continue to feel that the risk of a car or pedestrian being struck by a golf ball is remote and the Golf Club has made a number of efforts to ensure that the possibility of this occurring is even further mitigated. Our statistics also continue to support the fact that such an occurrence is remote. Therefore, provided that Scarboro Golf Club continue to maintain the safety features that were installed in previous years, we do not feel that relocating the 18th hole is required.

Contact Name:

Gary H. Welsh, P.Eng.,

Director, Road and Traffic Services, Works & Environment Department,

Tel: 396-5061,

Fax: 396-5681,

E-mail: Welsh@city.scarborough.on.ca

Gary H. Welsh, P. Eng.,

Director, Road & Traffic Services, Works & Environment

Michael A. Price, P.Eng., FICE,

Commissioner, Works & Environment

BDC:ca