Premier Pat Binns announced today that provincially-owned golf courses are being placed on a self-financing basis. Responsibility for the operation and management of the courses has been transferred to a new entity, known as Golf Links Prince Edward Island. The Premier explained that the mandate of this company will be to manage the provincial courses as a business enterprise. The company will operate solely on the basis of the revenue that it generates from its operations.
"Golf is an important component of PEI's tourism industry. The three provincial courses, Brudenell, Crowbush and Mill River, generate significant visitation to the province annually. They are important assets that must be operated in a highly professional manner," said Binns.
The Premier stated that under the new structure all golf operations will be financed by golf sales generated at the courses. "Government's involvement in golf has always been a sensitive issue given the many priorities for public spending. This new approach means that golfers will fund course operations and development, not taxpayers," added Binns.
Premier Binns said that any profit generated by Golf Links Prince Edward Island will either be reinvested in further golf development or given over to the province to help pay for the cost of government services.
"Our experiences is that with good management these courses can be a valuable source of economic activity in rural PEI. They create jobs and have a proven track record of recuperating their operational costs. Golf Links Prince Edward Island will provide a means for the Province to further develop this important element of our tourism industry," said Binns.
"All decisions by Golf Links Prince Edward Island regarding development will depend upon its business skills and understanding of the market. In this respect it will function on the same basis as any private sector enterprise," Binns said.
Golf Links Prince Edward Island will operate as a subsidiary of Enterprise PEI and will be accountable to the Minister responsible for tourism, Wes MacAleer.