A golf course which received tentative approval almost 20 years ago passed a major hurdle on March 14 when council gave third reading to a rezoning bylaw.
Emerald Springs Farm Corp. has applied to rezone a 112 acre site at 673 272 St., from rural zone (which has a minimum lot size of 19.76 acres) to rural golf course zone.
Council also approved a development permit application and a liquor licence for the 60-seat club house.The 18-hole course will be built at 673 – 272 St.
Don Smith was one of only two speakers at the hearing. A resident of Pioneer Park to the south of the course, Smith told council that Pioneer Park, an estate of 244 mobile homes, has organized a club for golfers. While they will have a course closer to home, they and other residents are concerned about safety on 272 Street.
Between 8 Avenue and 0 Avenues, 272 Street is a very narrow road with an ‘S’ bend, he pointed out. It is a route that many Pioneer Park residents like to take as they walk to Aldergrove Regional Lake Park, situated at the southeast corner of 272 Street and 8 Avenue.
He urged council to widen the road so that it is safer for pedestrians and their dogs.
As the property is in the Agricultural Land Reserve, the golf course will require the approval of the Agricultural Land Commission.
The golf course owner, Dean Hall, told council that he is looking forward to “something positive” for south Aldergrove.