Vote on Stonebridge golf course takeover could start next week

Some residents of south Ottawa's Stonebridge community are expressing skepticism about the plan to stop the development of thegolf course surrounding their homes by getting the city to buy it with a proposed community-wide levy.

While the proposal was generally well-received at an initial presentation in July, there was more criticism and a call for greater transparency and details Monday evening.

Peter Nikic, whose home doesn't backonto the golf course, started a group called Stonebridge Facts to share his concerns with fellow residents.

"You guys are writing this stuff on the back of paper napkins and you're making it up as you go along," Nikic said at the meeting, to a mix of jeers and applause.

Stonebridge residents calling for 'solid answers' on golf course plan

5 years ago

Duration 1:45

Resident Peter Nikic is calling for greater transparency around a proposal to stop the development of Stonebridge golf course that would see the city buy the property with money from a community-wide levy.

Going into the meeting, Nikic said he's concerned that he hadn't seen a contract with details about out clauses and the long-term management of the golf course.

"What are we going to be obligated to do on top of just paying a golf course tax?"

Developer Mattamy Homes said as a private business, it can't disclose all the information about the course.

Dawn Wilson said she could see a $400 increase in her property tax bill because of the levy, even though she doesn't back onto the golf course either.

She said she felt consultation had been rushed to push the plan through.

"We don't want to be golf course managers or owners," she said.

"There has to be another way to make this work that's better for everybody, not just the people who own property backing onto the golf course."

'The heart of our community'

Jay McLean, president of the Stonebridge Community Association and a member of the working group, said the vote on the levy will be the best way to decide the issue, which has hung over the community for more than a year.

"This is a very divisive issue in the Stonebridge community," he said.

As the plan currently stands, voting could begin next week if approved by city council and the results could be known next month.

He said even those who don't live next to the golf course are implicated in protecting the area.

"The greenspace, whether it's a golf course or not, is the heart of our community. We've talked to many specialists who have reiterated the fact that this is an instrumental component of our property value."

The community association posted an online version of its letter of intent with Mattamyduring Monday's meeting, outlining in more detail the terms of the agreement.

Proposal tweaked

The plan has residents paying a dedicated levy tied to their property tax assessment until the community raises $7 million.

That money would cover the$6 million price of the golf course and money for any transition either to a community-run facility or for the city to turn it into a greenspace.

• Stonebridge homeowners pan developer's plan for golf course
• Mattamy Homes withdraws plan for Stonebridge golf course

Golf course owner and developer Mattamy Homes would build 158 homes on part of the golf course as it proposed in June 2018,but the developer would commit to no further development on the property and redesign the golf course so it maintains its current standard.

It would also pledge to keep operating the course for at least another 10 years.

The catchment area for the levy was adjusted in early September to exclude about 300 properties that the working group determined were actually in the neighbouring community ofHalf Moon Bay.