Henderson heading into golf hazard

Island taxpayers have right to examine Crowbush sale details before it’s too late

There have been a number of false starts in recent years by the provincial government over plans to sell its four golf courses. It seems that at least once a year, the province trots out an anonymous offer as an acknowledgment to election promises to sell the courses.

This week Tourism Minister Robert Henderson said the province is close to signing a deal with a potential buyer for the Links at Crowbush Cove. This time there seems to be some substance to the deal as the potential buyer has been sent an agreement in principle.

There was wide speculation last fall that a deal was close on the Mill River provincial course. That fell through. A year ago last spring, there was an apparent deal to sell Crowbush but because it was so close to the season opening, plans were put on hold. So there is a degree of skepticism if this or any deal will actually be signed.

The course the government should concentrate on selling or closing is Dundarave since it loses the most money while the other three courses ( Brudenell is the third course) at least come close to breaking even.

One would think that Crowbush, the premier golf course on the Island, would be the last course the province would look at selling. It is the course which attracts golfers to P. E. I. It’s the anchor and without it, other Island courses will be hurt.

If this offer is indeed a serious one, government should ensure it doesn’t lose money on the deal and that it doesn’t divest these top courses at fire sale prices just to tell voters they followed through on election promises.

The approximately 40 jobs at Crowbush are important for that rural area. It would be unfortunate if a private buyer comes in with deep pockets to turn it into an exclusive resort for the benefit of big spenders from out of province to the exclusion of Islanders. That would be a mistake.

Henderson says details won’t be released until all sides reach an agreement. By that time it will be too late to halt a deal deemed insufficient for taxpayers or P. E. I. golfers. It would make more sense for some public consultations before the sale goes through.