Golf too costly for city, councillor says

The city should get out of the golf game or at the very least only have one course, says a city councillor.

Coun. Rebecca Johnson said she wants administration to look into the feasibility of selling two of the city’s three courses and decide which one to keep. The request follows a report showing that city courses are $405,000 in the red for 2010, an eight year high.

Johnson said looking over those eight years, the courses have cost the city more than $1.25 million.

"The tax payers are paying for that," she said. "Golf is supposed to be on an entrepreneurial basis, meaning that the golf pays for itself. But it’s not and that’s a real concern."

The annual report also states that major capital infrastructure will be required for the courses.

Johnson said she doesn’t believe the city should be in the golf business at all, but doesn’t think council will go so far as to get out of the business altogether.

Mayor Keith Hobbs agreed saying even though he’s a golfer, the city should not be subsidizing entertainment. Hobbs and Johnson both point to London as an example where that city recently sold it courses. Hobbs said Thunder Bay needs to follow London’s lead.

"I think we seriously need to look at selling off at least one course and then go from there," said Hobbs.

Hobbs said golf is not a priority for the city.

"I don’t think we should be paying for entertainment for people," Hobbs said. "I don’t think golf should be a priority. People are struggling to keep their homes."

City council will hear the report on the city’s golf courses Monday night.