McCall Lake Golf Course to remain open through 2015

The McCall Lake Golf Course will remain open until the end of the 2015 seasondespitethe city earlier announcingit wouldclose downthis year.

A business operations review last year led to the city's decision to sellto municipally-owned course. However, the city says it needs more time to analyze potential future site development and getpublic feedback.

"To accommodate the additional work required, to thoroughly understand what the site is capable of, we have adjusted the timeline so that players can continue to enjoy the course for at least one more season," said Kurt Hanson, director of recreation at the City of Calgary.

The northeast golf course runs an average annual deficit of between $200,000 and $250,000.

According to the city, municipally-owned golf courses take a hit on Calgary's budget because they aren't being used enough and some, like McCall Lake, would require millions of dollars in upgrades to remain functional.

When the course closes, there will be six city-owned courses left in Calgary, with none in the northeast.

Residents of the area say closing McCall Lake is bad for the community, which lacks green space.

Coun. Ray Jones says even thoughthe course doesn't make money, he will push for the course to remain open permanently.

"I mean it's no different than ...Village Square and Southland Leisure centres and they cost the city $3 million or $6 millionevery year because they don't make enough money," he said.

Phase 1 of the City's public engagement process starts Jan. 27 with invitation-only focus group sessions.Phase 2 will be open to all Calgarians and begins Feb. 17.