City exploring options for management of Uplands Club in Thornhill

Yorkregion.com
Jan. 17, 2017
By Adam Martin-Robbins

The city continues to explore options for the future of its golf and ski facility in Thornhill.

A request for proposals is being issued to determine if any firms or other organizations are interested in taking over management of the Uplands Golf and Ski Club, which boasts a modest ski hill and a 9-hole course.

The move comes after an appeal in June for interested parties to come forward with alternative or improved uses for the facility, which sits on a 36-hectare property in the Hwy. 407 and Yonge Street area, resulted in a few inquiries, but no formal proposals.

The current operator’s contract expires in November and city staff hope to have a new management plan in place before then.

One potential hurdle is that the city wants Uplands to be revenue neutral, but it requires upgrades and repairs, estimated to cost between $750,000 and $1 million.

Thornhill Counc. Alan Shefman says the facility is highly valued by the community.

“Every kid in the neighbourhood has either learned to play golf or learned to ski or snowboard at Uplands,” he said. “Throughout the entire area, it’s almost like this is the first step in going forward and to me that‘s a pretty great municipal service that we provide.”