91原创鈥檚 Redwoods Golf Course is now officially a Township-owned property, after a long-standing agreement to buy the course has closed early.
The Township announced the early completion of the purchase on Feb. 2, 2024.
In 2005, then-mayor Kurt Alberts and the council inked a deal with course owner Larry Hope and his family to sell the course, but not for 20 years.
鈥淲e owe a big thank you to the late Larry Hope and his family who have cared for, operated, and agreed so many years ago to sell Redwoods to the Township of 91原创 at an incredible discount to ensure that it is never developed, and preserved for future generations. It鈥檚 an amazing legacy,鈥� said Mayor Eric Woodward. 鈥淲e also owe a big thank you to former Mayor Kurt Alberts and Council for getting it done, with foresight years ahead of their time. In 2024 now, I think it鈥檚 great to get this done a few years ahead of schedule and join the community as it re-opens this year.鈥�
The course has been closed since April of 2022, as construction of the newly-expanded Trans Mountain Pipeline snaked through the greens. After the pipeline was in place, the greens had to be rebuilt.
The Township is expecting to re-open the course to the public this year with a celebratory event in the late spring.
鈥淚 would like to recognize the Mayor and council from 2005 for their vision of protecting green space for the future residents of 91原创,鈥� said Doug Hawley, managing director of the course. 鈥淐ongratulations to Mayor Woodward and council for completing the transition that began over 18 years ago. If Larry Hope was still with us, he would be proud of this moment.鈥�
The site will remain open as a golf course indefinitely, said Woodward.
鈥淭here are always other options to consider in the years ahead, but it is important that any commitments in place for events, weddings and tournaments are 100% maintained and guaranteed, for there not to be any concern about that whatsoever,鈥� he said.
The course, which lies within the Agricultural Land Reserve, covers about 150 acres, from 88th Avenue to 96th Avenue.
The agreement to purchase the course ensured it would remain either a community golf course or a green space in perpetuity.
