Turf Building Vote Results

The Board of Directors would like to thank all members who cast votes on the three resolutions today.

222 Members in good standing cast votes.

203 votes in favour
19 votes against

The resolutions are passed at 91%.

Once again, thank you and we will be keeping you updated as we bring the project through to completion.

The minutes will be posted in the Refence Material on our website in coming days. 

Golf Canada Gold Membership in 2019

The launch of Golf Canada Gold membership provides many exciting new benefits that have relevancy for all golfers, while retaining the many great benefits golfers have enjoyed previously. From a great welcome kit, to a strong Incident Protection plan, to continued delivery of world class handicapping, the new Golf Canada Gold membership is sure to be a hit. Some of the golfer benefits include:

Equipment Protection - Golf Canada Incident Protection provides up to $2,500 reimbursement for damaged, lost or stolen equipment.

Accident Protection - Golf Canada Incident Protection covers you in the event of an unfortunate, and potentially costly, golf cart accident.

For further information on all of the member benefits with the new Golf Canada Gold membership please visit www.golfcanada.ca

Congratulations Ray McCorquodale!

Whitevale's very own Ray McCorquodale has won PGA Canada's Ontario Zone Class A Professional of the year! Congratulations Ray we are very proud of you.

Turf Building Correspondence

One of the important objectives of the recent Turf Building Information Sessions was to ensure we provided clarity on the following points; (i) the origins of the projected cost increases and (ii) the impact of not seeing this project through to completion. 

We would kindly ask that you review the information below:

In 2017, the original cost estimations for a design / build was $1.6M.  It was thought that the costs of the project were excessive and could be reduced if the project was managed by ourselves and could bring the project in at $1.2M.

Complete architectural and engineered drawings were lacking which not only increased soft costs but created many delays. In addition, there was not a clear understanding of the significant development costs associated with the Region and City.  There were also a number of exclusions left out of the building scope of work that are essential such as furnishings, necessary equipment and insulation in the cold storage area to reduce condensation.

As we worked through the approvals process this summer, it was apparent that the project was trending higher although we were still awaiting construction details and pricing. It was our belief that over the following months, we could reduce costs to mitigate the over runs and bring in the project near or slightly above budget during the final tendering process.  As soon as it was no longer the belief, communication to the membership commenced. Although specific amounts were not known, in hindsight some additional communications could have been taken place.

Limitations to value engineering the project at this point in time

As you can see by the above slide, we have spent a considerable amount of the budget up until this point. If we spend only to the approved 1.2 M amount, we will be left with a shell of a building with electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough ins only. We will not receive occupancy from the city.If we decide to defer any items such as landscaping, we will not be meeting TRCA remediation requirements and our Letter of Credit will not be returned to us. If we decide not to pave, it will be very hard on our mowing equipment and subject to erosion and additional maintenance.

We continue to take a very detailed look at all other remaining works such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, earthworks, gravel, landscaping and asphalt. We can assure you that all large remaining work is receiving multiple tenders followed by a review process.We are confident that the project will be completed within the $1.6 million amount.

Voting “YES” affirms members’ support to manage this difficult process and our Turf Building to be completed.


Sincerely,

Sean DeSilva
General Manager and Chief Operating Officer

Turf Building - Member Information Session Summary

Thank you to all members who attended the turf building information session last evening. There were many very good questions asked along with valued feedback that served as a great reminder as to the importance of effective and timely communication; something we could have done better. It is also very important for members to understand the origin of the projected cost increases along with the results of not seeing this project through to completion. The meeting provided a great forum for two way communication and a broader understanding of member concerns. The presentation also provided better understanding of where the extra costs have been incurred and what step are being taken to mitigate future costs.

As a result of this feedback, we will be sending frequent correspondence over the next two weeks to help educate members which will assist them in coming to an informed decision on October 28^th. It will help give you an increased understanding of the following:

• What factors contributed to increasing costs from 1.2 million to 1.6 million.
• What limitations we have in value engineering the project at this point in time
• What the project looks like if we spend to the 1.2 million approved budget only
• Update on discussions with TD Bank and how they will influence the financing of this project
• Why the resolutions are worded the way they are
• What happens if we vote “no”

The one critically important point from the meeting is that members need to be current and fully informed, prior to formulating their decision. We encourage you to carefully read both what has been provided and the upcoming information. Please contact us with any questions you may have prior to submitting your vote, be that as a mail in ballot or attending or by proxy if you cannot attend the vote in person.  

For example: a very important question that was discussed was as follows:

What happens if we vote “no”? The answer is as follows;

• If the additional spending and financing is not approved, we will spend to the approved 1.2 million.
• We will be left with a shell of a building with electrical, mechanical and plumbing rough ins only.
• There will not be any plumbing, electricity or heat
• The parking lot and landscaping will also not be completed
• We are highly unlikely to get occupancy from the city of Pickering and we will not be permitted to use the building
• We also have a letter of credit in the amount of $250K with the City of Pickering which serves as insurance that we will build, what we said we would be build. It will not be returned to us and is applied against our line of credit value. 

Over the next few weeks and through to the completion of this project you can expect regular information and updates with the next one within a few days. In addition to that, please continue to feel free to discuss with Michael and I at any point.  

Sincerely,

Sean DeSilva

General Manager and Chief Operating Officer

Weekday Men's Match Play Recap

Our weekday men's match play came to a close yesterday with both the singles and doubles champions being crowned. Congratulations to Iain Bain and Gary Reeves who won the doubles match play over John Elia and Lorne Rogers.

We would also like to congratulate Brian Murdock who won the singles match play over Paul Cryne. Thank you to all of those who participated in this years match play and we look forward to seeing you in 2019.

Gary Mitchell Celebration of Life Service

There will be a celebration of life for Gary Mitchell on Sunday, November 4th from 2-4 PM at Whitevale.  

Gary and his wife Margaret ( Peggy ) were both long time members of the Club.  Peggy and her sons Neil and Glenn would like to invite you to join them on the 4th to share stories of Gary and revisit the memories they have of their time at Whitevale Golf Club, Gary’s home away from home.

Men's Interclub

The Whitevale team ended the season on October 3rd in second place, after enduring three rainouts and three rescheduled matches. The final scores from Meadowbrook yesterday were:

Meadowbrook won 89.5 points to place 1st overall with 302.5 points.

Whitevale scored 62 yesterday for a total of 280 points

Oshawa scored 61.5 yesterday for 3rd place with 257.5 points

Cedar Brae collected 39 yesterday to reach a total of 168 points.

Many thanks to Ryan La Rose and Kevin Goble, plus the 20 members who participated in these fun matches.