The closing of Royal Oak golf course and the intention of the Cordero family to sell or develop the property presents a unique opportunity to connect Saanich Commonwealth Place to Beaver and Elk Lake Regional Parks, both highly utilized world-class recreation facilities and training centres for many of our country’s top athletes.
The former golf course land presents an opportunity to increase the footprint of the park land. The land is in the Agricultural Land Reserve and is zoned P4. According to Saanich zoning bylaws, the acceptable use options for land zoned P4 are: community centre, park, recreation facility, accessory residential, accessory buildings and structures, adult daycare and child daycare.
Consider the potential for additional recreational facilities such as racquet courts, ice surfaces or sport courts, walking trails and shared use green space.
On Nov. 19, at the open house held by the Corderos at the golf course and attended by more than 100 neighbours, a plan was presented to develop most of the golf course into 25 residential homes and a seniors facility.
I would ask Saanich residents to come together to lobby Saanich Parks, the Capital Regional District and the Cordero family to develop a plan for this land within the zoned use while leaving a Cordero family legacy of commitment to recreation in Saanich.
Kim Murray
Saanich
