Centennial Park Golf Course (Markland-Centennial)

The Etobicoke Community Council recommends the adoption of the following report (July 7, 1999) from the Commissioner, Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

To advise Chair and Members of Etobicoke Community Council that Mr. Robert Labbett, President, Centennial Park Golf Centre plans to build an additional 9-hole course within the sub-leased area of his leased land at 550 Centennial Park Boulevard, Etobicoke, and that immediate construction of this addition will allow an opening of the new 9 holes on or about July 1, 2000.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

City funding is not required for this project. Revenue enhancements to the City through the existing lease arrangement with Centennial Park Golf Centre (20 year lease term, commenced December 1, 1995) are anticipated to be $40,000-55,000 annually based on a first full playing season in year 2001 (see Attachment No. 1). Centennial Park Golf Centre will pay the entire capital cost of this addition to their existing facility.

Recommendation:

It is recommended that:

(1)the proposal to develop an additional 9-hole golf course at Centennial Park Golf Centre (see Attachment No. 1) on existing sub-leased land be approved and;

(2)the appropriate City officials be authorized to take all steps necessary to implement any amendments to the Centennial Park Golf Centre lease as set out herein.

Background:

Centennial Park Golf Centre has been a successful operation since its opening in 1987. During this time, the citizens of Etobicoke and surrounding communities have enjoyed quality and affordable golf services and amenities. Currently operating at full capacity, Golf Centre ownership is prepared to expand into the corridor of leased land adjacent to the existing 18-hole facility in order to alleviate traffic flow and long waiting times for its clients.

When the original 18-hole course was built, the proponent chose not to build in the Transportation Corridor (see Attachment No. 2), the parcel of land running east to west across and within the top of the leased land boundary. This parcel of land is designated as a multi-use transportation and utility corridor under the Lease and may be reclaimed, without compensation, by the Landlord (Province of Ontario).

This land was part of the original lease from the Province of Ontario to the former City of Etobicoke, and was included as part of the area designated within Centennial Park for golf and golf related activities.

The proponent has learned that this area of land is no longer being considered for future transportation purposes and therefore sees the expansion onto this parcel of land as a viable solution that will benefit both the Golf Centre as well as the City of Toronto (formerly City of Etobicoke). An amendment to the current Golf Centre lease may be required within article 28.01 Transportation Corridor (pg.50) to provide Mr. Labbett with relief from the land reclamation statement within this clause (see attachment No. 3).

Conclusion:

Parks and Recreation staff view this proposal as an opportunity to continue working closely with the private sector to enhance the public's enjoyment in Centennial Park. Given that the proponent has indicated a need for 2 full growing seasons (Fall 1999 and Spring 2000) in order to commence with play on the new 9-hole course, staff are prepared to work closely with Mr. Labbett through the required stages of this proposal.

Contact Names:

Don Boyle, Director, Parks and Recreation, West District

394-5723

Derek Smith, Supervisor, Recreation and Facilities, Centennial Park

394-8755

(A copy of each of Attachments Nos. 1-3, referred to in the foregoing report, was forwarded to all Members of Council with the agenda for the Etobicoke Community Council meeting on July 15, 1999, and a copy of each is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)