Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/130253
iG1304--proof 5/9/13 8:44 AM Page 1 2013 VANCOUVER ISLAND REPORT COMPILED BY iG EDITORS Bear Mountain's NEW PLAN IMAGE CREDIT/COURTESY: BEAR MOUNTAIN In a move to "right-size" the development located near Victoria, BC, Bear Mountain Land Holdings Ltd submitted a rezoning applicationto the City of Langford last November. In a nut shell, what they want to do is take nine holes that don't currently have houses on them and turn that land into homesites and park. The plan specifically calls for approximately 36 hectares to become available as a result of the downsizing of the golf courses. Half of the land would be residential neighbourhoods, and the other half will become park areas. An 8.2 kilometre looped trail system for walkers, hikers and cyclists will be introduced to link the community with the adjacent hiking trails in Goldstream Park and in the Highlands. Explained Gary Cowan CEO of Bear Mountain Land Holdings Ltd, "Golf at Bear Mountain is over-built for the market and not a viable operation at 36 holes. We sought out industry expertise and have worked closely with Nicklaus Design to come up with a sustainable plan for golf while taking into consideration existing and future home owners." Helping guide the planning is well-known golf management company, Troon Golf whose Sr. V-P is BC native Jim McLaughlin. "The Bear Mountain golf operation is functioning at less than 50% of capacity and this is not sustainable. It places the entire golf operation at risk," said McLaughlin whose firm manages several Continued On Next Page 88