Council seeks more info on golf course decision

Some city councillors in Thunder Bay say reducing city services may not be the best way to save money.

Study shows closing a municipal golf course could save $100,000 per year

CBC News Posted: Jan 31, 2012 9:55 AM EST | Last Updated: February 1, 2012

Too many golf courses?

As part of a review, the city hired a consultant to study municipally-operated golf courses. The report didn't make any recommendations, but listed the drawbacks and benefits of maintaining or getting rid of the links.

The city paid about $400,000 to operate its three courses in 2010, not including capital costs.

The consultants said closing a golf course would save about $100,000 a year.

Right now, green fees recover between 70 and 85 per cent of the cost.

The report noted that Thunder Bay has too many courses overall, and the market for the sport isn't growing.

But the report pointed out that Chapples had the best cost recovery of the three courses and Strathcona has a debenture for its new irrigation system until 2028. Both are 18-hole courses. The third course, Municipal, is a 9-hole course.

Some city councillors in Thunder Bay say reducing city services may not be the best way to save money.

City staff is considering cutting $1.5 million from the 2012 budget by reducing city services such as golf courses or the conservatory.

At Monday night's city council meeting, councillors said a report on the cost of operating golf courses wasn't complete. Mayor Keith Hobbs pressed for more information.

"You talked about clubhouses they're going to have to be replaced soon," Hobbs said. "When's soon? What is the timeline on that?"

Councillor Larry Hebert said he didn't buy the idea that private courses would close, if the city were to maintain the three it has.

"Certainly they're having trouble, as are municipal golf courses," Hebert said.

City manager Tim Commisso said he needs to findsignificant savings in the citys budget, which is why he's looking at closing down the Municipal Golf Course.

"Should we be in this business and, if we are, to what extent should we be in it," he asked.

Council voted to accept the concept of changing city services. But that doesn't mean the Municipal Golf Course will close after the 2012 season. Council will vote on its specific plans for the golf courses in March.

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