The borough of Verdun could be going to court over a golf course on Nuns’ Island.
The nine-hole course at Golf Exécutif Montréal was supposed to remain public, but instead, the tees are now for members only.
Built on municipally owned land, angry residents lined up at a meeting Monday night to say that public land should be open to the public.
“We have a golf course in our backyard and we can’t play there,” said resident Michel Jacques.
The course – vaunting stunning views of downtown, a modern clubhouse and amenities – has changed hands a number of times over the years.
The last deal, when Claude Trudel was mayor of Verdun, stipulated the club be open to borough residents.
Trudel now says the course is being treated as private property.
“He’s a renter. He cannot privatize this property and tell us ‘I’m the big boss,'” said Trudel.
The golf course re-opened last year with a new clubhouse – and new fees. The basic membership is $5,000, and corporate packages can go up to $25,000.
“It became an exclusive private playground, for one man and his friends,” said Nuns’ Island resident George Athans.
