Glen Abbey, one of Canada’s most famous golf courses, received some protection from potential redevelopment into a residential and commercial complex on Monday night.
Town council voted unanimously in favour of designating the golf course – which has hosted the Canadian Open more times than any other – under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Glen Abbey, one of Canada’s most famous golf courses, received some protection from potential redevelopment into a residential and commercial complex on Monday night.
Town council voted unanimously in favour of designating the golf course – which has hosted the Canadian Open more times than any other – under the Ontario Heritage Act.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton said before the vote that a heritage designation means there are rules to be followed when it comes to preserving heritage attributes of a property, but added there was still “flexibility” and an appeals process.
Fraser Damoff, a spokesman for the Save Glen Abbey Coalition, a group fighting to stop the development, earlier described the golf course as a “gem” for Canadian golf and part of the town’s identity.
Golf legend Jack Nicklaus designed the course, which opened 40 years ago. The Canadian Golf Museum and Hall of Fame and Golf Canada offices are housed on the site, which has hosted the Canadian Open 29 times and is slated to host it again next year.
“As other areas of Oakville were swallowed up by single detached homes, it became more and more important for Glen Abbey to stay as it is.’”
ClubLink, the company that owns Glen Abbey and other golf courses in Ontario, Quebec and Florida, did not respond to a request comment.
