I dined before at the now-closed restaurant at Cedar Hill Golf Course and it was a gem.
It could easily become one of the most thriving restaurants and meeting places in Saanich.
Under the direction of a professional restaurateur, not only could it thrive, but great catering opportunities exist for special events such as weddings, anniversaries and what have you. The location is idyllic and there’s plenty of free parking.
The restaurant could partner with the golf course and offer packages. A breakfast and golf combination? People could have breakfast while they’re waiting to tee off.
What about a buffet-style breakfast? Later in the day, offer a round of golf and a steak dinner. Steak and prawns? In the summer, set up a barbecue. The possibilities are unlimited.
Saanich would get a new guaranteed revenue stream with little to no cost, people would have a beautiful place to go and 25 or more jobs would be created.
A restaurant and catering enterprise can’t pay any more than industry wages to thrive, thus ensuring its perpetuity. Yes, they would be lower-paying jobs, but it provides so many young people with valuable life and work skills to put on their resumes.
Unfortunately, CUPE has control over it and demands CUPE wages and benefits. If you care about this facility, if you care about local jobs, send a letter to CUPE. Demand that they give up their succession rights so that the property can become a gem again. It’s the right thing to do.
Bob Broughton
Victoria