Message From Semiahmoo Golf Centre Ltd.

The Save Eaglecrest Task Force has been asked to forward the attached letter from Mr. Paul Kim to our email distribution list and also to post it on our blog site.

It is our expectation that the information meeting will be of critical importance to all members of the community and strongly encourage everyone to attend.

Marlys Diamond/Jim Collie
Co-Chairs Save Eaglecrest Committee

Dear Members of Eaglecrest Golf Club,

Semiahmoo Golf Centre is a family operated business based out of South Surrey since 1990. We are looking for golf investment opportunities and were introduced to Eaglecrest Golf Club by Doug Bose, a local realtor whom we have had previous deals with.

After analyzing the golf club and its financial statements, we realized that Eaglecrest Golf Club is not "turn-key" business. There needs to be change. On January 4th, we will outline the current problems and present our proposed changes that will solve those issues.

Our information meeting will be on Thursday, January 4th, 2007 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. The schedules for the evening’s events are:

4:00 – 6:00 pm - View presentation boards and ask questions one-on-one
7:00 - 7:30 pm - Introductions and presentation
7:30 – 8:30 pm - Questions and answer period
8:30 – 9:00 pm – Fill out surveys


We ask that everyone attend so that we can solve these issues together. Your feedback and continued support is essential. Our goal is to have a financially feasible golf course that will be enjoyed by the community and its visitors for many, many years to come. Let’s save Eaglecrest!

Sincerely,
Paul Kim
Semiahmoo Golf Centre

News Update – December 22, 2006

The following announcement was made today by Mr. Peter Dutton, Director of Operations, Eaglestar Golf Inc.

Today was the date for the expected completion of the due diligence phase of the sale of both Morningstar Golf Course and Eaglecrest Golf Club; the following is the status of the sale for each course.

Eaglecrest Golf Club.

The date for the completion of the due diligence on the sale of Eaglecrest has been extended to January 10, 2007; there are still some issues outstanding that have to be resolved.

The golf course will be closing, as previously planned, on December 31, 2006, and a caretaker will be on site each day to ensure the safety and security of the site.

Assuming that the sale of the golf course completes as we expect, it is our understanding at this time, that the new owners will operate the golf course and that it should be reopening in the latter part of February or early March.

Effective December 28, 2006, Eaglestar’s Administration Offices will be relocated to:

Morningstar Golf Course
525 Lowry’s Road,
Parksville, B.C.
V9P 2R8

Phone - (250) 248 – 2244
Fax - (250) 248 – 8188





Morningstar Golf Club.

Morningstar Golf Course will not be sold and it will continue to be owned by the Operating Engineers Pension Plan and operated by Eaglestar Golf Inc.


The members lounge in the clubhouse will become the new site of the Eaglestar Accounting Offices.

BREAKING NEWS

In a meeting held yesterday between Mr. Paul Kim ( the prospective purchaser), Mr. Lionel Railton, CEO of Morningstar, and the “Save Eaglecrest Committee” it was announced that if the Kim deal proceeds, the closing date would be moved up to Dec 31, 2006 and the Kim’s would operate the property as a golf course. Mr. Kim cautioned that he still has until Dec 22nd to make his final decision and that his decision will be based on the viability of the property as a golf course and not based on development of property. They did not eliminate, however, the possibility of a possible development proposal at some future date.

Mr. Railton stated that the sale, if completed, will consist of the assets of the golf course only and not the business. Therefore, the outstanding issue of golf memberships will remain the responsibility of the Operating Engineers Pension Fund (i.e., Eaglestar Golf Inc.). Mr. Railton further stated that Morningstar Golf Course would no longer be part of the purchase agreement and Eaglestar Inc would continue to operate that course. He also reiterated that if the sale does not proceed it is still the intention of Eaglestar Inc to shut down the course on Dec 31, 2006

“Save Eaglecrest Task Force” Launches Blog Site

The following article was written by Jim Collie, Co-chair of the Save Eaglecrest Task Force, and was first published in the December, 2006, issue of The Eagle Eye, a newsletter of the Eaglecrest Residents' Association.

Since the November 2006 distribution of the Special Edition of the Eagle Eye, the "Save Eaglecrest Task Force", co-chaired by Marlys Diamond and myself, has been very busy.

We have had further meetings with Mayor Westbroek to ensure Town Council maintains the continued strong support that was committed at the Civic Centre meeting, and subsequently in various press releases. We also discussed the E.R.A.’s recommendation for a new bylaw. Its intent is to ensure that any vacant (unused) golf course land would be maintained to a significantly higher standard than is required by current bylaws. We have been extremely pleased with the support provided by the Town and it is hoped the new bylaw will soon be in place.

The Task Force continues to pursue all opportunities to purchase the golf course as a community member-owned course. We have been actively collecting golf course data from many sources and are well down the road in the development of a full business plan. This option will require the financial support of the community as well as golfers, but will really only be available to us if the selling price reflects the true market value of the property as a golf course. We have had many discussions with the Sales Agent and lately with the prospective purchaser, the Kim family, on this issue. To date both parties are only prepared to entertain a selling price that reflects increased "value" resulting from residential development. We now know that the motivation for the potential purchase of the property is the profit derived from development. We cannot support any development options that would jeopardize the long-term commitment to a sustainable 18-hole golf course.

The "due diligence" period for the purchase by the Kim family ends on Dec 22nd, 2006 and they have a decision to make: purchase the property and operate it as a golf course (which is unlikely); sit on the investment and hope Eaglecrest residents will eventually cave in; or pull out of the deal and find some other less-determined community to send their bulldozers. If the latter happens we would then have an opportunity to approach the manager of the Operating Engineers Pension Plan with ways to keep the golf course open.

It looks like the work of the "Save Eaglecrest Task Force" will continue well into the New Year. We have set up a "blog" at http://saveeaglecrestgolf.blogspot.com to post updates. You can also use this blog to submit your comments.

We continue to look for financial support to ensure we are able to fund the expected legal and/or pre-purchase costs. Further donations are welcome. Cheques should be made payable to "Save Eaglecrest Fund" and sent to Mr. Jim Gillies, 1305 Leeward Way, Qualicum Beach. V9K 2M1 (‘Phone 250-752-1178)

Can It Become Worse?

The following article was written by Lance Nater and Peter Abley and first appeared in the December, 2006, issue of The Eagle Eye, the newsletter of the Eaglecrest Residents' Association.

This past summer the Eaglecrest community made its views abundantly clear when asked to comment on the concept of walking trails throughout Eaglecrest. The predominant concerns raised were that trails would reduce property values, make our homes less safe from vandalism and theft, increase traffic, reduce privacy, and increase the risk of fire. We can only begin to imagine how these residents, and many other homeowners, must feel following the announced closing of the Eaglecrest Golf Club!

There are still many more questions than answers with respect to the Club and the course property. The current owners say Eaglecrest cannot operate as a viable golf course. There are many, including some in the golf club business, who question this conclusion, and the competency of the current owners to run a successful golf club. The bottom line is the course will close December 31. We have been told there are potential buyers who have until Dec 22, 2006 to finalize their decision to purchase. The course will close whether or not the purchase goes ahead. The current owner’s representative, who unexpectedly spoke on behalf of the potential buyer, stated that if the sale goes forward, the new owner would not operate the property as a golf course. Meanwhile, our elected officials have strongly stated their support for the current Official Community Plan, zoning, covenants, and land use regulations that govern the property. These regulations restrict the use of Eaglecrest Golf Course property to green space/open space/golf course use and do not permit residential or commercial development of the land. Unfortunately, as comforting as the comments from our Mayor and Councillors are, we all know of circumstances where zoning has been changed and developers ended up developing land that was previously considered unavailable for development.

The Eaglecrest golf course will become an abandoned property on January 1, 2007. What will this mean to residents of Eaglecrest? To some it will mean no wayward golf balls, no vocal golfers, and maybe the golf nets can come down. For many others, those who play golf, it will be a major lifestyle change for players who are forced to mothball or sell their golf carts, and for others to abandon their golfing buddies as they attempt to book playing time on other local courses. Membership at other local courses is not an option as they are now all full. Residents can expect other negative affects. The property will not be manicured to the level of a golf course. Safety and security will be reduced without golfers and a grounds crew operating every day. When the word gets out that this open space is no longer a golf course, will the “off road” mavericks move in? We’re talking about more incidents than we’ve experienced in the past with the possibility that unimpeded access to the property throughout the day could result in private property vandalism and break-ins becoming a problem. Without golf course irrigation, it is logical that the risk of fire escalates.

Let’s go back to the quality of life implications. Nothing is forever (except death and taxes). Ultimately the property may be developed, signaling the end of the only green space area in our community (except for Yambury Park) and resulting in the destruction of our treasured environment, including its open vistas, wildlife and ecosystems. There is another group who in their way are just as unique to our community and to whom the closing of the golf course is nothing short of traumatic. I refer to the many senior members whose life revolves around the social and physical opportunities provided by the club. The clubhouse would be sorely missed as the traditional meeting place of many community groups including your Residents’ Association. There is no doubt the golf course closure will directly or indirectly negatively effect the physical and emotional health of many of our residents.

To sum up, very few of us have anything positive to gain from the course closing – but we do have much to lose. We should all be concerned, angry, and a little scared about the future of Eaglecrest. We should also be determined to stop unwanted development from taking place in our community. That means we stand together and demand of the current owner and any prospective buyers, that the course continue to operate as an 18-hole facility, and further that we continue to support the Town’s Administration who share our vision.

We would like to hear your thoughts via Eaglecrest_Res_Assoc@shaw.ca or P.O. Box 582, Qualicum Beach, BC V9K 1T1

Eaglecrest Residents' Association - President's Report

The following article was written by Marlys Diamond, President of the Eaglecrest Residents' Association (ERA), and appeared in the December, 2006, edition of the Eaglecrest Residents' Association Newsletter.

ERA directors assumed their new term in the midst of what might be described as the Perfect Storm—the startling announcement of the potential sale and closure of the Eaglecrest Golf Course, followed by two wild rainstorms plus two traffic-stopping snowstorms.

Despite weather challenges, the newly formed Save Eaglecrest Task Force continued to meet frequently. Each meeting furthered the strategy to see our community continue to enjoy the ambiance provided by having the golf course in the heart of our community. With around 100 new homes being built in Oceanwood and The Bluffs, the addition of 200 more in Eaglecrest would have huge ramifications for our community. The traffic generated by all the building equipment and trades people would be followed by increased vehicle traffic as new residents moved in. The tranquility of the open green spaces and soft, quiet treed neighbourhood atmosphere we enjoy would disappear forever. Instead of living in our beautiful place of choice, we might as well be living in almost any other community—built-up and cemented in to the nth degree. What a disturbing thought!

The Oct. 10 announcement of the proposed closure of the golf course ensured a huge attendance at the Oct. 23 A.G.M. We are grateful for the decision made by our mayor and council to allow the meeting to be held in the Civic Centre. It has been said that close to 800 people attended. There was standing room only, with many town residents coming in support of our community. A Task Force update by Co-chair Jim Collie appears on page five. The creation of a "blog" site will be helpful in sharing new developments as they occur.

On Oct. 23 the business of an annual general meeting was handled quickly, without adequate acknowledgment and appreciation for the work and planning of the original format for the A.G.M. Past President Trevor Wood led the organizing committee in arranging for an enjoyable business and social evening. Twenty-four community members were willing to display and share their artistic talents, and ten door prizes were to be drawn. These plans, along with the refreshments, would have ensured a great social evening, with neighbours gathering to enjoy each other’s company. All this had to be cancelled. Perhaps next year!

Our community is indebted to Trevor Wood for his commitment to the E.R.A. He served an extra year as president, worked with the newly formed Neighbourhood Emergency Watch (N.E.W.), was diligent in attending council and O.C.P. review meetings, and represented our community on behalf of E.R.A. in so many ways. Luckily, he is still here as past president. Indeed, we are fortunate that almost all 2006 directors chose to continue in 2007. They are a congenial, hard-working and committed group of community-minded people and I salute them all on your behalf.

For the holiday season, try to put the thoughts of our community being in jeopardy aside and enjoy a Merry Christmas and happy holiday celebrations with family and friends. The New Year must be brighter!!

The Eagle Eye - Special Edition (November 2006)

Three weeks have passed since the devastating announcement that the Eaglecrest Golf Course is to close on December 31, 2006. Since then, many people have been working hard in order to keep Eaglecrest open as an 18-hole golf course. This special edition is intended to bring you, the “Save Eaglecrest Fund” friends, donors, and residents, up-to-date on events and activities that have occurred so far. The information has been provided by the “Save Eaglecrest Task Force” as indicated below.

Immediately following the Eaglecrest Residents’ Association meeting at the Civic Centre, the “Save Eaglecrest Task Force” was formed with Marlys Diamond and Jim Collie acting as co-chairs. Members of the Task Force include Jacque Bater, Chris Berndt, Dave Bryan, Jim Gillies, Barry Ingborg, Bruce Mantell, David Sheppard and Trevor Wood. Committees were established to work on Finance, Publicity, Legal and Course Acquisition.

The publicity committee was made aware that ATV was planning a newscast on Oct 23rd from Qualicum Beach and made contact with them in an attempt to further publicize the issue. The story became a lead item on the broadcast and served to broaden public awareness. Subsequently there has been strong coverage by local newspaper and radio, with articles even appearing in national media such as the Globe & Mail.

On October 30th, we met with Mayor Westbroek to confirm the strong support that was committed by him on behalf of the Town Council at the Civic Centre meeting. He stated unequivocally that Council would not consider any future subdivision of Eaglecrest Golf Course and further went on to say that they would provide any support they could in our efforts to acquire the course.

A sub-committee of the Task Force has been established to explore the feasibility of proceeding with an offer to purchase the course. The intent is to purchase Eaglecrest at a fair market value price that reflects valuation based on the property being used a golf course, and then operate it as an 18-hole, non-profit, member-owned course. The seller so far has rejected this approach, but discussions are ongoing and we will continue on this path.

We have had preliminary discussions with a legal firm that has expressed a view that, given there are so many legal obstacles, they are surprised that the unknown purchaser is seriously considering acquiring the property and not operating it as a golf course. We are in the process of considering our legal strategy and how we should proceed further to enforce legal documents such as the restrictive covenant and land-use contracts currently in place. We will also seek legal opinion regarding the rights of current golf members and home-owners bordering on the golf course.

We have been delighted with the community response to our fund raising efforts and have now established a sizeable amount of “seed money”. We know however that there will be many significant expenditures in the near future and we are therefore continuing our effort to maintain the financial resources necessary to follow up on all our activities. Further donations are welcome. Make your cheque payable to the “Save Eaglecrest Fund”, and send it to Mr. Jim Gillies, 1305 Leeward Way, Qualicum Beach, V9K 2M1 (‘phone: 752-1178).

A Brief History of Eaglecrest

This original history was compiled by former Eaglecrest resident and Eaglecrest Residents Association (ERA) director Caroline Ion. It was published in detail in the association's newsletter, The Eagle Eye, in six installments from September, 1996 to December 1997. It has been condensed and updated, but the essence of Eaglecrest history has been maintained. This updated version was published in the Sept. 2006 edition of the Eagle Eye.
Marlys Diamond, President
Eaglecrest Residents Association

General and Mrs. A.D. McRae (Alex and Blanche) of Vancouver were enamoured by the natural beauty of this area. They wished to build a summer residence here if suitable property could be found. As house guests of George and Ruth Martin, one weekend in the early ‘30s they scouted out property that might be for sale further down the beach from the Martin’s Judges’ Row summer home.

The parcel put together in 1931 was 260 acres. Later, the General purchased additional land, which became known as Turner Meadows, Arrowsmith Farm, and the Hamilton Bog. The Glengarry Golf Course, now known as Pheasant Glen Golf Course, was later developed on part of this land.

During a later visit by the McRaes to the Martin summer home, son Hugh Martin persuaded Mrs. McRae to interview Charlie Van Norman, a young 23-year-old architect. An appointment was set up at Hycroft, the Shaughnessy Heights mansion home of the McRaes. (Hycroft is now owned by the University Women’s Club of Vancouver.)

Mrs. McRae was the daughter of a Northern Railway tycoon from Minnesota and familiar with large log structures built in the Glacier and Waterton Lake National Parks and at Jasper, Alberta. She wanted a home similar to the character of these buildings. After a visit to Jasper, young Van Norman designed a house with a 25’ x 20’ living room and a 18’ x 12’ dining room. He was told that what was wanted was a large rustic log house with a living room at least 50’ x 36’; a dining room 40’ x 25’ and the rest in proportion. Van Norman designed “Eaglecrest Lodge”, familiar to many through photographs. It was 200 feet long and 60 feet wide. Mrs. McRae was pleased.

The contractor for this project was Alex Fraser who had built the Qualicum Beach Hotel, the Sunset Inn (now the Qualicum Beach Resort Hotel) and many notable homes in the area, including what was to become the Milner home at Milner Gardens & Woodland.

The building of farm workers’ houses was concurrent with the building of the main lodge, guest houses, staff quarters and farm buildings. The building currently used for the maintenance of the golf course was one of the major poultry houses. The Eaglecrest Clubhouse was built as a barn and housed 50 head of cattle. An orchard was established and a sprinkler system installed. There were bridle paths, croquet lawns, tennis courts and putting greens included in this jewel of an estate that had Eaglecrest Lodge as its centerpiece.


During shopping trips to England and the Continent furnishings were acquired such as custom-made rugs from Donegal, Ireland, and upholstery woven in the McRae tartan to cover the furniture. A special niche in one of the massive native stone fireplaces housed a suit of armour. The Eaglecrest Estate represented an investment of over $900,000.

Eaglecrest Lodge was ready for occupancy in 1936. In the middle of the Great Depression, the work project was a boon for the area. Many of the future leading citizens of Qualicum Beach served apprenticeships under Alex Fraser. Don Beaton served as Mayor of the village from 1959 to 1966, and Chester Good later served as a councillor for 12 years. Workmen were paid 20 to 25 cents an hour in those days.

As one of the most elegant residences of the area, many distinguished guests were entertained there.

Mrs. McRae died in 1942 and the General died in 1946. Following his death, his holdings were offered for sale, completely furnished and equipped for $225,000. Eaglecrest Estates was purchased “as is” at the reserve bid of $75,000 by Leonard Boultbee and Fred Sweet, lifelong friends and partners of Boultbee Sweet & Co. Ltd. Vancouver, who already owned hotels in both Qualicum Beach and Vancouver. The farms were purchased by H.R. McMillan.

The Boultbee years at Eaglecrest covered almost three decades and were filled with change. The elegant summer home of General and Mrs. A.D. McRae became an exclusive hotel that welcomed many famous guests. The most famous guests were Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh, during their 1951 visit to Canada when she was Princess.

The senior Boultbee’s son, John said “Eaglecrest never operated as a regular hotel, open to the general public . . . if prospective guests did not meet certain criteria they were simply informed that there were no vacancies.”

A golf course was built. The original Lodge was destroyed by fire on March 17, 1970. Unable to duplicate the original log construction it was rebuilt using Fab-a-log, which was made by a Vancouver firm. On July 10, 1981 that building also burned down.

Gradually, in phased development beginning in 1965 the residential development of Eaglecrest began to take shape. Phase I involved the water side of Eaglecrest Drive and Seacrest Place, where the upper lots sold for around $12,000 and the beach lots went for $9,000. Phase II included the south side of Eaglecrest Drive to Highway 19 and three cul-de-sacs, Mallard, Widgeon and Pekin.

By the time Phase III, Harlequin/Wood Duck was planned, water problems in Eaglecrest were becoming serious and some residents were experiencing difficulties with their septic tanks. This resulted in larger lots being required before subdivision approval was given. The 28 lots in the third phase were enlarged to approximately one-half acre in size. The water problem was alleviated by the location of a well on the property at the intersection of Clubhouse Drive and Yambury, now known as Yambury Park.

In 1975 Boultbee sold his Eaglecrest holdings to Cumberland Realty Co. with the exception of the Lodge and surrounding acreage. In the mid-60s Boultbee had purchased an additional 75 acres lying between Pintail and Highway 19 (now Highway 19A) and Eaglecrest Drive and Yambury. This was also included in the sale, and further plans of a three-phase subdivision were embarked upon including the redesign of the golf course—a 9-hole executive course with two sets of tees, to provide 18-holes of play if desired.

Eaglecrest land lay within the jurisdiction of the Regional District of Nanaimo. Restrictive Covenants instigated by Leonard Boultbee were applied and included design approval, no tree cutting without written consent, parking of RVs only at the side of the property, no occupancy of an RV unit as guest accommodation and many more. This caveat lapsed on Dec. 31, 1988, and while its renewal was not pursued, the expired covenant is the reason Eaglecrest is the attractive well-serviced, well-treed area it is today.

The continuing need for a dependable, good quality supply of water was instrumental in Eaglecrest being incorporated into the Town of Qualicum Beach on March 1, 1991.

Development continued with the Highlands (Phase III), Oceanside, and an 18-hole golf course. Oceanside was developed by First National Properties, a Jim Pattison Group, and consisted of 140 properties. The first show home opened on Oceanside Drive late in 1991.

In February, 1987, the 9-hole golf course was purchased by the Riva Family. The land east of Yambury, which provided for the extension of the course was leased, and later purchased, from First National Properties in 1990. The 18-hole course was opened for play in June, 1991.

Adding to the sense of community for Eaglecrest residents was the formation of the Eaglecrest Garden Club in January, 1983. (Originally a community garden club, membership was eventually expanded to include people from outside the area.)



September, 1993 saw the Eaglecrest Clubhouse packed by residents for an information meeting in response to rumblings that the former lodge property might become a destination resort. It was resolved that representation in opposition to such a proposal would be made at the next meeting of town council. The meeting was effective and the proposal dropped, however the event resulted in the formation of the Eaglecrest Residents’ Association.

“The Bluffs”, on the former site of Eaglecrest Lodge and orchard, is currently underway on Eaglecrest Drive and is the last major development for the area.

Eaglecrest Golf Course - Now and Forever!

The Eaglecrest golf course community is too beautiful to let it become "just another subdivision with no character".

The east coast of Vancouver Island has plenty of room for development; but it needs to be well thought out development that is both in harmony with the environment and suited to the needs of the people who wish to live there. The Eaglecrest golf course community in its present configuration is a good example of past planning practices that, while not "perfect in all respects", considered the environment and met the wishes of the people who, ultimately, purchased the properties.

And now we have a developer, who doesn't even live in our community, disregarding the past good planning that went into Eaglecrest and wanting to fill in our dedicated open spaces with potentially several hundred new homes. And why make such a drastic change? Well, we all know the answer to that, don't we. It's called: M.O.N.E.Y.

A significant increase in the density of housing in Eaglecrest should not be allowed to happen. The style of life in Eaglecrest, Qualicum Beach and the central east coast of Vancouver Island is why many of us chose to move here to enjoy our retirement years, raise a family, work, or open a business. Many of us are here because we want to live in a small community. Many of us chose Eaglecrest because we like peace and quiet, trees, sandy beaches, open spaces (low density), eagles flying overhead, deer wandering through our yards, friendly neighbours and, yes, even the golf course! (And when you think about it, the golf course compliments those things that led us to want to live in Eaglecrest, whether we are golfers or not.)

Let's continue to work hard over the coming months to ensure that what we value so much about Eaglecrest will remain for us to enjoy for many more years to come. Let's keep Eaglecrest Golf Course a part of our community!

A Common Sight Over Eaglecrest

Eaglecrest: A Way of Life

It would be a travesty should Eaglecrest be sold and turned into a housing project. The community of Qualicum Beach looks on this facility as an integral part of the community.