Permit

Due to this weeks rain, the Region will not lift the road weight restriction until May 6th. Construction on hold until we can float the equipment in.


WE GOT IT!

Now if Mother Nature would be so kind as to work with us a little. We are schedule to start on May 1st when the road restrictions are lifted.

Spring

On April 11th I was going to post a comment declaring Spring has officially arrived at Whitevale Golf Club but then I looked at the long range forecast. It seems like Old Man Winter still has some fight in him as we are expecting the temperature to plunge tonight.

If you have taken the time to read this blog and the newsletter you would be well aware of the damage the ice storm left on the property. Clean up has been slow, as the ice melts and frost starts to come out of the ground. Some of the damage will alter your views when playing the course this year.

The willow on #4 sustained some damage but should recover over time.

 Almost every tree between hole #6 and #7 have sustained damage. Once the tree blooms this will not be as noticeable but the area will be thinner than previous years.

 The Turf crew continues to work on clean up, it is a slow process with the wet grounds and the amount of debris is substantial.

 Crossing the bridge on #13 we now have some "leaning" trees.

This leaning tree shouldn't impact tee shots on #13 - if it does we will need to prune it back.

Not all the tree removal was done by Mother Nature, last fall we did an extensive survey of our trees. We determined that the trees with substantial decayed posed a safety concern and had to be removed. No one likes to voluntarily remove trees but we couldn't take the risk of these trees causing injury or damage to the course. The above picture shows the extent of decay on two of these trees. We are committed to our tree replanting program and have spoken with Tom McBroom about developing a full tree replacement plan for the property. Once we have this plan, we can continue with the process of replacing damage or non-desirable trees with the proper species and most importantly in the proper locations.

 More damage behind #13 Green.

But we will fix all this damage and be better than ever soon enough!

Norm Erickson

It is with deep sadness that we announce that longtime Whitevale Golf Club member, Norman Edward Erickson passed away peacefully at his home on March 29, 2014 in his 79th year.

Norm joined Whitevale back in 1967 and volunteered numerous hours to the development of the club. A former Board member and key player in Whitevale attaining Audubon Society designation, Norm will be greatly missed.

We had a picture hanging in the old clubhouse with Norm crossing the bridge on hole #13. I spoke with Norm about this picture, how a few times each year it would wash away and the members would track it down stream to bring it back.

Crossing the bridge on #13

We will ensure that this picture once again hangs on the walls of Whitevale Golf Club.

Please click the link for full obituary:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestar/obituary.aspx?n=norman-edward-erickson&pid=170435477&fhid=12317

Ice Storm Clean Up Continues

This past week the weather finally cooperated enough that I was finally able to bring in some staff to continue clean up of damage caused by the December ice storm. Although we still have approximately 90% of the golf course still under snow and ice, this layer actually helped us get around the property without causing any damage to the softening turf. In order to keep our limited equipment working I set up split shifts where one crew worked the morning and early afternoon and the second worked afternoon until dark. This allowed 13 hour days on the tractors and chain saws. Due to the remaining snow and ice, using trailers to haul the brush away was very dangerous and had to be discontinued.

This is how our clean up is proceeding. First we used the forks on our loader to lift the large branches out of the snow and ice. Then we used a chain saw to cut the branches into lengths that we could fit onto the front of the loader. When we had a good size load, we drove to one of about half a dozen spots we have deemed brush pile locations.

These carbide tipped additions to our shoes help prevent us from slipping and falling on the ice as we continue the clean up.
As of yesterday, we finished the clean up in the valley, at least all the large branches we could get at that were sticking out of the snow. Until we get a substantial melt, we really don't know how many smaller branches await underneath.

I also rented a Genie boom lift last week in order to get up into the canopy of the trees to cut away branches that were broken but still hung up. This would be a safety hazard if not removed. This was only partially successful as we were only able to maneuver it on relatively flat areas. The significant ice layer made it impossible to climb any grade. Getting into the valley with it was not possible. We will have to bring in a trained and insured tree climbing company to finish this type of work before we open the course to play.

This pile of branches is only from the 7th and part of the 6th holes. We have done our best to pile branches where they will be out of all play, minimally visible, in a location we will not have to handle them a second time and possible burnt at a later date so we don't have to wait for them to decay on their own over the next 100 years. Over the next few weeks as the melt continues and frost begins to come out of the ground, all areas on the golf course will become incredibly soft. I find this to be the most frustrating time of year. We have so much work to accomplish, yet there will be a window where we can't do anything out on the turf because of the damage we would cause. Every year this length of time we must wait is different. If we have regular rain events the course does not dry and firm up enough to get our crew back outside to continue preparations for opening day. Hopefully we will have a dry and warm April which will allow us to be as productive as possible.

This picture might just help all of us find our happy place for just a little while.

For Once in my life...........even I'm sick of winter

The winter of 2014 will not soon be forgotten. After the destructive ice storm that damaged so many trees across the property, Kyle and I made a plan to begin clean up only to find that it was very dangerous for the two of us trying to move around because of the slippery ice layer and for the tractors we were using to help with the chore. On the first day of our clean up Kyle and I fell numerous times and we found even the 4 wheel drive tractors were sliding around because of the ice. Knowing we couldn’t wait until we had a melt to continue I found some ice traction pull ons that we installed over top of our work boots which have carbide lugs on the bottom allowing us to walk on the ice with excellent traction.

We also had to investigate and purchase new industrial tires for the tractors as the turf tires they have allowed no room to add chains for added traction we needed.

It was slow going compared to trying to clean up a tree with no snow or ice to deal with, but we did make pretty good progress. Because of extreme cold temperatures there were days on end which we did not get out on the course. When we could get outside progress was steady, but only for branches on top of the snow and Ice. Many more are currently encased in ice and snow and until we get a melt we don’t even know how much material is buried.  Additional snow falls only hampered our efforts. As of today we have the back 9 complete once through, and have not yet started the front 9 clean up.  However we now have another issue on our minds. After the ice storm we received a warm spell with rain. This event lead to a layer of ice on our greens surfaces. It has been something we were monitoring, but today marks day 30 of ice coverage on the putting surfaces. It’s time for us to change gears. Our high Poa population on these putting surfaces can survive 45 days under such an ice cover before the Poa succumbs to gas build up and dies. Upon making numerous test digs we found we actually had two separate layers of ice buried under approximately 30 cm of snow.

 

This is an excellent photo of the three distinct layers. Snow on top, a crisp ice layer in the middle, and the black layer at the bottom is the ice that is right on the turf surface.

This photo shows the middle ice layer which has snow on either side of it. If it were just this ice under our snow, we would not be concerned at all as there is significant room for oxygen and gas exchange in the snow layer below the ice.

 

Even with the new industrial tread tires we have gotten the 4 wheel drive tractors stuck numerous times. once the frame is dragging through the snow drift, a rescue is required.

 

The thick layer of snow is, by itself a good thing that insulates the turf from the extreme cold temperatures we have experienced this winter. The upper layer of ice is in between two layers of snow and is in no way causing harm to the turf. But a second ice layer right on the turf surface is an issue. And in order to get to this layer, we need to get all the other layers off the surface. This past Monday we began removing snow from the greens in order to apply an organic fertilizer directly to this ice layer which will speed to melting of this ice. You may remember the winter of 2010 also had a significant layer of ice which was much thicker than we currently have. Back in 2010 the ice came much earlier and was far thicker requiring us to proceed with mechanical removal of the ice. This time around we are removing the layers above the ice, and will let the organic fert melt the ice for us. A warming trend over the next 10 day is perfect weather for all the pieces to fall into place.  In an ideal world we would prefer to have the snow cover on the greens surface until a normal melt occurs in mid March, but this year we cannot afford to wait any longer.                    

Step one is getting the equipment to the green site. Then the snow blower clears the top layer of snow off to expose the mid ice layer.

 

This mid ice layer is so tough, the only way we could get through it is by scraping the bucket of the loader across the ice surface. We will come back early next week to apply our organic granular fertilizer.

Whitevale Golf Club Announces New Head Professional

Ryan LaRose Becomes 6th Head Pro in Club’s 56-Year History

TORONTO (February 3, 2014) — Whitevale Golf Club, a member-owned equity club north of Pickering, today announced the appointment of Ryan LaRose as Head Golf Professional. As only the 6th Head Pro in the Club’s 56-year history, LaRose will assume responsibility for all golf operations including the pro shop, back shop, events, and a new Thomas McBroom designed world-class practice facility set to open in 2014. LaRose will report to Alex Maggiacomo, General Manager of Whitevale Golf Club.

“We are delighted to welcome Ryan to Whitevale as our new Head Pro. His experience will be a great asset to us as we move forward with our new practice facility and clubhouse,” said Maggiacomo. “From many excellent candidates, Ryan stood out as the best fit for us due to his energy, passion and creativity – and his track record of service excellence.”

LaRose joins Whitevale after 6 years at the Oakdale Golf & Country Club as Head Associate Professional. Prior to that he was first Associate Pro at Weston Golf & Country Club, and he began his golf career in the mid-90s at The Glen Eagle Golf Club. A Graduate of the Professional Golf Management Program at Georgian College in 2001, LaRose attained his CPGA Class “A” Certificate in 2006.

“I’m thrilled for this opportunity,” said LaRose. “Whitevale is a great club with a thriving membership, a fantastic history, and many exciting changes on the horizon. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Founded in 1958, Whitevale Golf Club provides a unique combination of high-quality golf, lasting friendships and the flexibility and value of a member-owned equity club – all nestled in the picturesque Hamlet of Whitevale, only 30 minutes from downtown Toronto. In 2006, renowned Canadian golf architect Thomas McBroom completed an extensive redesign of the golf course that now offers a contemporary golfing challenge and aesthetic underpinned by over 50 years of history and tradition. Having paid off the course renovation in 6 short years, the club is now investing over $8 million to build a new clubhouse and world-class practice facility, the latter set to open in 2014. Equity membership applications are always welcome.

For additional information:

Alex Maggiacomo, General Manager
(905) 294-9600
alex@whitevalegolfclub.com
www.whitevalegolfclub.com

Pickering Closes Whitevale Bridge Over Safety Concerns

Pickering, ON, January 16, 2014 – Effective immediately, the City of Pickering has closed the Whitevale Bridge to vehicular traffic due to safety concerns.


The replacement of the Whitevale Bridge is a budgeted capital project with a planned closure date in June to facilitate construction. However, the most recent safety inspection revealed that an abutment has shifted outward, due to the recently experienced extreme weather.

The City’s engineering consultants believe that the bridge’s structural integrity is compromised and they have recommended that the bridge be closed to vehicles, but can remain open and accessible to pedestrian traffic until the replacement project commences. The City will consult with the Toronto Region Conservation Authority and other stakeholders about possibly starting the project earlier than scheduled.

City staff will be implementing a traffic management plan and detour routes to help facilitate vehicular movement around the closed bridge. Staff is in consultation with Canada Post to install temporary postal boxes for the convenience of residents/businesses located west of the bridge.

The City of Pickering will be employing several methods to notify Whitevale residents of the bridge closure and detour routes including door-to-door notification. Additional signage will be installed to enhance visual notification in and around the hamlet.

Although earlier than anticipated closure of the Whitevale Bridge will cause an inconvenience to the area, the City’s primary and overriding concern remains residents’ safety. Council and staff will work diligently to ensure that the bridge closure and replacement project will result in a positive outcome for the community.

Margaret "Margo" ASHE

Margaret Ashe, mother of Whitevale member, past president and current city councillor Kevan Ashe, passed away suddenly on Tuesday January 14, 2014.


On behalf of the Board of Directors, Management and entire Whitevale membership our deepest condolences are extended to the entire Ashe family.

Friends will be received at the McEachnie Funeral Home, 28 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village (Ajax), 905-428-8488, on Friday, January 17, 2014 from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in the Chapel on Saturday, January 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. Donations in Margo's memory may be made to Parkinson Society Canada

Online condolences may be placed at www.mceachniefuneral.ca

Ice Storm Update

I'm sure all members are anxiously waiting for a report on how the course fared the ice storm. With apologies to all,  my family and I were out of town until Sunday night.

Monday morning I arrived to the ice which had trapped the chain and lock on the front gate.

I spent the day trying to get sand and ice melter onto the driveway, parking areas and walk ways to the trailers/office.

By the time three or four hours had passed I realized I needed help from some "Big Guns".

After another hour the phone I finally found a snow plow contractor who agreed to bring down his truck and sander/salt spreader. He insisted on cash up front. While I waited for him to arrive I toured the course to assess damage.

Most everything had between 1/2 and 3/4 of an inch of ice.

Weak trees, especially Silver Maples which we have far too many of, received the most damage. This large Silver by the 7th tee is typical of the damage sustained to all weak species, mainly Silver Maple and Willows.

Not a lot of Chines Elm's left on the property, but they also are weak and many upper branches were lost.

Silver Maples on right sd of 5. 

Looking into the valley from 4 tee

Not all bad news. 6 newly spaded trees at 8 were unharmed

I would have bet the spruce beside 15 green would have lost the top half....but no damage at all

Strong species such as this Sugar Maple......

....and the Oak behind 4 stood up to the ice with very little problem. There's no question we have a big clean up ahead of us, but at least we were not trying to open the course the next day.

I will be submitting a special request to the Board of Directors to purchase a wood chipper as renting one for the length of time it will take to complete this clean up task  will cost so much we may as well invest in one for the future. I still have significant ice layer on the driveway and parking area to deal with once Christmas is over. Whitevale, the last time I checked is still without power.

Now.............I need to get back to the family.

Merry Christmas all!

Pre Christmas Update

 

I have high hopes that the start to this winter is proving a return to consistent winter weather for us. The last few winters fluctuations in high and low temperatures along with rain events rather than snow falls gave us some challenges to keep the turf healthy as we went through this part of the season.

 Early cold weather put frost in the ground and a recent blanket of snow is absolutely perfect for the golf course. The early frost also allowed us to get the large tree spade on the property to plant 6 new maples on the left side of the 8^th hole last week.  As you know these trees replace Ash and Austrian pines that were removed as they were dying off from disease and insects.

Dropping the first of 6 significant sized new maples on the left side of 8

 

 

All 6 were successfully installed before the latest snow fall

Not completely spectacular without leaves, but I am confident they will be fully appreciated next season when the leaf breaks from the bud on all these new additions.

 

As mentioned in an earlier Blog we stripped the back of the 7^th green to stop water from pooling which will also cause significant ice buildup making the grass prone to winter kill.

 

Poor surface drainage leads to pooling of water as seen here on the Putting Green after a summer rain. This leads to saturated soils and if left long enough, death of the turf during the growing season.

 

 

The same pooling of water in the winter over frozen soil is a much bigger job to remove before it freezes. In this file photo we are using a shop vac to suck water up from the greens surface.

 

This photo shows how we remove the sod with the sod cuter and meticulously reshape the surface by hand with a shovel. This project was about 75-80% complete when the snow shut us down completely. There is no concern for us getting it finished and sod back in place for opening day 2014.

With Christmas around the corner I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our members a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.   I look forward to spending time with my family over the holidays and hope to see all of you at our AGM in January.