Council is in support of putting Milton forward for the Canadian Open bid.
At its Monday night meeting, Milton council unanimously endorsed a redesigned Rattlesnake Point Golf Club that will become the permanent home for the Canadian Open within the next five years.
It requires that the lands be included in a preferred growth area for consideration through the Regional Official Plan Review, currently underway.
It requires an urban boundary expansion to include lands extending north of Britannia Road.
In a recorded vote, council had nothing but good things to say about the proposal, following a brief presentation by Glen Schnarr, Rattlesnake Point owner ClubLink’s planning consultant.
“I’m in absolute full support of the staff report,” he told council. “Ever since Golf Canada made the decision that Glen Abbey was no longer capable of holding the Canadian Open, ClubLink has worked closely with the Town of Milton in our efforts that we might relocate to Rattlesnake Point. This is a very significant and important first step in that.”
Coun. Robert Duvall, who represents Ward 1, where the course is located, said he is “super excited about this.
“How fast can we get this upgraded so they can get their job done? And $25 million to the local economy … I just can’t think of anything better.”
Echoed local and regional Coun. Mike Cluett: “It would be an understatement to say that the Corporation of the Town of Milton is not excited about this opportunity of hosting the permanent home of the Canadian Open,” he said. “It’s not only just a boon for the town of Milton but it keeps it here in Halton Region where there are hundreds of thousands of people — not only Milton but the people of the surrounding municipalities — who will benefit as well. A definite plus for the town of Milton and the region of Halton.”
Having the Canadian Open come to Milton is tremendous, added Ward 2 Coun. Mike Boughton.
I want it here, but I hope that it would still remain in Halton,” he said. “But I want it here and if we have to pull an ace out of our sleeve, then we gotta do it.”
The Canadian Open, conducted by Golf Canada, is the premiere professional men’s annual golf tournament in Canada and the third oldest (113 years) continuously running tournament on the PGA Tour.
