In a move designed to build economic capacity in eastern PEI, the provincial government today announced a public-private partnership to transform the popular provincial golf course at Brudenell into Atlantic Canada's first 36-hole championship facility, and to build a world-class golf academy.
The expansion will involve the completion of 18 new holes and a family golf learning centre – at a cost of approximately $6 million borne by the private sector partner Brudenell River Developments – in time for a summer 1999 grand opening.
In making the announcement, Premier Pat Binns said the project will generate as many as 70 construction jobs immediately, and regular seasonal employment for at least 30 people. More than this, the initiative is an important contribution to the provincial government's efforts to expand the economic base of rural areas on the Island.
"This will have long-lasting economic benefits," Premier Binns said. "It will help restaurants, retail outlets and accommodations in an area that can certainly benefit from such projects. Consider the fact that golfing enjoys an extended season and that golfers are among the highest per capita spenders of all visitors to the province."
Premier Binns also said that the public-private partnership agreement is an example of how the government can work with business to produce economic benefits for everyone.
Under the agreement, Brudenell River Developments – a consortium of 10 private investors from Prince Edward Island – will finance the cost of expanding the course and building the academy.
"This represents a substantial investment for us," said Everett Roche, president of the development group. "It's one that we're enthusiastic about, because we believe that the commercial potential at Brudenell mirrors the economic potential of the entire region."
Once the expansion is complete, the newly formed Golf Links PEI – a company incorporated by the province to operate all provincial courses as self-financing, business-oriented ventures – will operate the new Brudenell course as a provincial facility under a 10-year operations and management agreement with the investor group. Said Premier Binns: "Had we, as a government, attempted to develop this facility independently, we would have faced expenditures in the millions of dollars, given the requirements and standards of the project."
These standards are, indeed, high. Mr. Roche confirmed that Michael Hurdzan, one of the top five golf course architects in the world, has been contracted to design the new course. Mr. Hurdzan, who has designed championship facilities all over the world, stated that: "Having completed an extensive examination of the site, I have concluded that this expanded 36-hole course can be among the best in North America," he said. "The commitment to excellence shown by the developers and the Government of Prince Edward Island is impressive."
Brudenell River Developments is a consortium of private investors from Prince Edward Island, comprising Everett Roche, Harry Annear, Joe Corcoran, Carl Hansen, Dan MacIsaac, Shawn MacIsaac, David Matheson, Doug Ross, Eugene Rossiter and Harry Simmonds.
The Government of Prince Edward Island is committed to rural economic development and partnering with the private sector, whenever possible, for economic development purposes.
Golf Links Prince Edward Island is a subsidiary of Enterprise PEI and is accountable to the provincial minister responsible for tourism.