Residents of Hamilton have until Friday to participate in a survey by the City of Hamilton regarding the future of the Chedoke Civic Golf Course. Local golfers praise the facility for its affordability and accessibility compared to private clubs. The golf course, located between Dundurn Street and Highway 403, features two 18-hole courses, Martin and Beddoe, with the former operating for over a century.
Green fees at Chedoke Golf Club range from $45 to $68, offering discounted rates for seniors and youth. The city is considering alternative uses for the land beyond golf due to changing community needs, climate goals, and demand for green spaces. The survey aims to gather input before investing in aging infrastructure upgrades to support the site’s long-term future.
Initiated by the council in a 2024 meeting, the review seeks to enhance equitable access to greenspace, biodiversity, and stormwater management while exploring community agriculture possibilities. Public ownership of the land is to be maintained indefinitely. The survey results will guide future decisions, with ongoing community engagement.
A petition started by golfer Dan Medakovic to preserve the golf course has garnered over 1,800 signatures. The petition emphasizes the course’s role in fostering friendships, preserving local heritage, and offering recreational opportunities for all ages. Medakovic aims to protect both courses and criticizes the survey for potentially steering responses towards a new land use.
A city report from 2024 highlights a favorable outlook for golf demand in Hamilton based on population and income trends. While the need for more parkland is acknowledged, the report notes that Chedoke and King’s Forest golf courses are not situated in targeted park acquisition areas. Financial data shows Chedoke was profitable from 2020 to 2023, with King’s Forest experiencing losses in two of those years.
The future of Chedoke Golf Course has been a topic in the Ward 1 council election discussions. Candidates Mark Powell, Maureen Wilson, and Nathan Savelli have varying views on the course’s future, with suggestions ranging from maintaining it as a golf course to exploring other potential uses while addressing infrastructure needs and environmental considerations.