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 Park. Both Saanich Commonwealth Place and Elk and Beaver Lake Regional Park are highly utilized world-class recreation facilities and are the training centres for many of our country’s top athletes.
The former Royal Oak golf course land presents an opportunity to increase the footprint of the parkland for expanded use. The Royal Oak golf course land is in the ALR and is zoned P4. Per the Saanich Zoning Bylaws, the acceptable use options for land zoned P4 are: community centre; park; recreation facility; accessory residential; accessory buildings and structures; daycare, adult; daycare, child.
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 over 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 in lobbying Saanich Parks, the CRD 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