Former Glenway Golf Course lands donated to Newmarket for green space
'This is a significant contribution,' says mayor

YorkRegion.com
June 9, 2017
Teresa Latchford

Newmarket residents have gained more green space in the north-west quadrant.

The town has announced Marianneville Developments Ltd. is donating a portion of the previous Glenway Golf Course to be used as public park and open space, trails and to support the existing stormwater management facilities.

“One of council’s strategic priorities is to enhance recreational opportunities and this is a significant contribution toward that goal,” Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.

“We are grateful for this land donation to add public, open and green space for the expansion of our trails, which will benefit local residents and the community as a whole.”

Ward 7 Counc. Christina Bisanz, who also lives in the Glenway community, has had a flurry of positive feedback from local residents who welcome the green space.

“I have no doubt it will be well used,” she added. “It was always our goal to have as much green space preserved as possible in the area.”

Crossland Gate resident Steve Mortensen doesn’t feel the same way, calling the property a waste of taxpayer dollars since the town will not only assume the land but also the costs associated with maintaining it.

However, Bisanz said it only makes sense for the town to take ownership so as not to be subject to uses out of the town’s control.

Even with the province dismantling the Ontario Municipal Board, the zoning of the property isn’t protected forever. But this ensures the town has full say over the property and any proposed changes will be put to public consultation.

As part of the town’s recreation master plan, council directed chief administrative officer Bob Shelton to discuss land acquisition with the owner for public ownership.

The result of those discussions: 6.5 hectares of land on the west side of the property are being donated to bring the total public land ownership of the property to 27 per cent. That doesn’t include Kirby Crescent Park, which the town also owns.

On top of the donation, the owner has agreed to pick up the cost to design and construct trails that will connect to the Bathurst Street sidewalk, existing trail in Kirby Crescent Park and Alex Doner Drive.

“This goes above and beyond what is needed to meet park and green space requirements under our development policies,” Shelton added.

While there is no completion date set for the new trails, the designs and details will be finalized following a public consultation process, according to Shelton.

The recreation master plan didn’t identify these specific lands as being needed, it will come in handy should the town require extra facilities in the future.

Marianneville has also donated the former golf course maintenance building and land to the town, which will be used to store equipment and vehicles used to maintain town parks, facilities and infrastructure.

These types of discussions have proven successful in the past for the town including the acquisition of property at 514 Davis Dr. for a trail and at 212 Davis Dr. to create a green breathing space.