Kananaskis Country Golf Course to get $18M from province for flood repairs
Golf course expects work to begin later this summer or early fall
The Alberta government is going to spend $18 million to rebuild the Kananaskis Country Golf Course.
The golf course was destroyed during last year's flooding.
"We hope to see work begin later this summer or early fall so we can get back up and running as soon as possible," said the golf course on its website. "It's expected to take two [to] three years to rebuild the course."
Initially the province had committed $60 million to restore the nearby campgrounds and day-use areas, but the golf course was left out of those plans.
Designed by Robert Trent Jones, it is one of only two publicly accessible 36-golf courses in Alberta.
"The restoration of the Kananaskis Country Golf Course is fantastic news for the golf and tourism industry in Alberta," said Alberta Golf executive director Matt Rollins in a release.
"People come from all over the world to see what Kananaskis is all about, benefiting businesses and other courses in the region. With a reduced rate for Albertans, the value has always been there and I couldn't be happier on behalf of the industry to hear the news today."
'A major destination'
The province says has been consistently ranked as a top 100 course in Canada by Score Golf Magazine.
“As well as being much loved by Albertans, Kananaskis Country is a major destination for conference business, sports tourism and leisure travellers from across Canada and the world," said Dan DeSantis with the Kananaskis Improvement District in a statement.
"These visitors don't just play golf or hike trails; they stay in hotels, eat in restaurants, shop in retail outlets and support our recreational tour operators, helping to ensure a strong local economy."
As well, a $200,000 grant will help support the Kananaskis Mountain Festival for 2014.
“Kananaskis Country is part of our Alberta lifestyle, legacy and identity, and it is a vital part of our tourism industry," said Richard Starke, minister of Tourism, Parks and Recreation, in a release.
"We get away to Kananaskis to have fun and connect with nature, and so do people from around the world. Restoring parks infrastructure benefits the people in our communities, and helps support the local economy.”