CALGARY – Although it was originally set to close at the end of the year, officials now say the McCall Lake Golf Course will remain open for one more season.
The City of Calgary announced in 2012 that the northeast course would be closing, citing a decline in use and expensive maintenance costs which could no longer be covered – the course runs an average annual deficit of between $200,000 and $250,000.
Instead, they plan to keep part of the course as recreational space, and sell the rest of the land for redevelopment.
On Tuesday, however, the City of Calgary announced they had prolonged the closure to allow more time for research and public engagement.
“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,” says Kurt Hanson, Director of Recreation.
Instead of closing at the end of the 2014 golf season, it will remain open throughout 2015.
The city will also be hosting a seeking public feedback through focus group sessions, telephone and online surveys, as well as open house sessions.
Phase 1 begins on Jan. 27, 2014, with targeted focus groups. Attendance to the focus group sessions is by invitation.
Phase 2 is open to all Calgarians and will kick off Feb. 17, 2014. This phase includes a general population survey by telephone and an online survey posted on The City’s website that will mirror the questions used in the telephone survey. Open House information sessions will also be held during the last week of February 2014.
“We have heard over and over again from Calgarians, both golfers and non-golfers, that they want to give input on the McCall Lake redevelopment plan,” says Manager of Golf Operations Kyle Ripley. “And we want to provide Council with all the information they need to make decisions about McCall Lake moving forward.”
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