Mill River Resort has secured a contract to construct and manage a new golf course in Summerside that will be city-owned. The decision was made by the Summerside city council following a presentation in July, awarding the request for proposal to Mill River. President Geoffrey Irving expressed confidence in the project, highlighting the potential for the course to enhance the city’s sporting events capabilities and serve as an appealing destination for both locals and visitors.
Named the Links at Malpeque Bay, the upcoming golf course will feature 18 holes, a 72-par, and a links-style layout spanning 6,781 yards. Irving emphasized the expertise of Mill River’s golf management team in course development, positioning the new course as a connection between their existing facilities in Woodstock, P.E.I., and Cavendish. Anticipating high demand, Irving sees the course as a solution to the current challenges in securing tee times, catering to the needs of residents and tourists alike.
Situated on approximately 100 hectares near North St. Eleanors, along Compton Road and Lyle Road, the proposed site offers stunning views of Malpeque Bay. Irving believes the course’s size will accommodate competitive play and contribute significantly to the economic growth of Summerside. With plans for the course to offer picturesque water views on most holes, the project is expected to be a valuable addition to the area.
Summerside’s chief administrative officer, JP Desrosiers, praised Mill River’s proposal, noting their intention to maximize views of Malpeque Bay throughout the course layout. Desrosiers commended the design experts involved in creating a strong proposal, positioning the new course as a promising addition to the city’s recreational offerings. The project is estimated to cost around $12 million, with Mill River seeking funding from federal and provincial sources to cover half of the expenses.
Looking ahead, Irving expressed eagerness to commence construction promptly, aiming for groundwork to begin later in the year and full construction to start in 2027 with an anticipated opening in 2028. Emphasizing the importance of creating a golf destination cluster, Irving sees the new course as a complementary attraction to existing golf facilities in Cavendish and West Prince. While the city’s financial contribution remains uncertain, discussions are ongoing to assess the project’s feasibility and design requirements.
Desrosiers clarified that while the resolution confirms Mill River Resort as the chosen proponent, the city is still evaluating the financial aspects and logistics of the project. Recognizing the significance of golf tourism in P.E.I., Desrosiers stressed the importance of offering diverse golf experiences to attract visitors. Both the city and Mill River aim to proceed thoughtfully to ensure the success of the project and its alignment with the community’s needs and aspirations.