Eaglecrest Golf Course Revisioning

A conditional agreement to purchase the Eaglecrest Golf Course lands has been reached, giving the Town of Qualicum Beach an opportunity to guide land use and preserve natural areas.

The proposed $8.5 million land purchase would bring approximately 42.5 hectares (105 acres) of land into public ownership, allowing the Town to shape the site’s long-term use. The agreement remains subject to extensive public consultation, technical assessments and due diligence.

If finalized, approximately 40% would be converted to forested parkland with walking trails and habitat restoration. The remaining lands will be home to a nine-hole golf course and carefully planned housing developments to help meet community needs.

A public engagement period will take place August to September 2025. The Town has until November 1, 2025 to finalize the purchase agreement.

The Town is committed to creating a plan that will meet community needs, environmental sustainability and housing goals. This acquisition offers a once-in-a-generation opportunity to guide the future of a major land parcel in a way that benefits residents today and for years to come.

Proposed Land Use Map

Project Timeline

August – October 2025: Consultation will include:
- Meetings with residents’ associations, golf course members and community groups
- OCP Review Steering Committee sessions
- Public open houses during the week of September 8 -12, 2025
- Official Public Hearing
November 1, 2025: Town must complete due diligence.

Public Engagement

Consultation will be led by MODUS Planning. The Town wants to hear from the public on:

Any specific concerns or conditions that would affect their support for the acquisition.
Their view of the short-term and long-term benefits and risks of the proposed acquisition.
What types of housing are most appropriate in which areas.
If the funding raised through land sales exceeds the purchase price, which community improvements should be prioritized.

August – October 2025:

Meetings with residents’ associations, golf course members and community groups.
OCP Review Steering Committee sessions.
Public open houses during with week of September 8-12, 2025.
Official Public Hearing.

If you’re unable to attend the consultation opportunities, you can email [email protected] to provide input.

Funding

The purchase price is $8.5 million. The acquisition will be funded through the sale of up to 10% of the land for housing, with the Town acting as the initial developer by subdividing the lands and establishing development guidelines in consultation with the community.

Short-term costs will be covered by reallocating existing funds in the Town’s budget, which would subsequently be replenished through land sales. Sale of existing Town-owned land in the Eaglecrest neighbourhood will be considered as part of the financing strategy. If the purchase of the Eaglecrest Golf Course lands does not go ahead, the funds from the potential sale of these properties will be invested in community improvements.

Additional Resources

Jul 2025 – Media Release Announcing Acquisition
Jul 2025 – Map of Proposed Land Use

Questions

To contact the Town with questions or inquiries related to this project, please use the Public Inquiry Form.

FAQ

Why is the Town interested in buying the Eaglecrest Lands?

Purchasing the lands will end the uncertainty and speculation over the course’s future. It will allow the Town to control land use, placing the future of the lands into public hands.

The acquisition will secure long-term community control, improve a 9-hole golf course, support needed housing opportunities and advance environmental and climate goals.

What are the benefits for Qualicum Beach?

If approved, this purchase will:

Preserve approximately 40% of the land as permanent parkland with trails and reforested areas.
Maintain and improve a nine-hole golf course
Create space for future housing builds that meet provincial requirements
Offer opportunities to fund infrastructure upgrades
Keep the future of the lands in public hands

Has the Town made a final decision to buy the land?

No. The conditional agreement allows the Town to cancel the purchase if public feedback or technical assessments suggest the agreement is not in the community’s best interest.

The Town has until November 1, 2025, to complete its due diligence.

The purchase and sale agreement includes a clause that allows the Town to cancel the transaction if it determines that the acquisition is not in the public interest.

Could the Town fund the purchase without selling any land?

Possibly. If the community supports the purchase but prefers less development, the Town could explore other funding models such as taxation or a Local Area Service. This is not the current proposed approach, but could be explored if there is community interest.

What improvements could be funded through land sales?

Depending on public input, proceeds could be used to help fund improvement such as:

Traffic upgrades at Island Highway West and Village Way
Drainage improvements
Safer pedestrian connections
Improved beach access roads

Will there be a traffic study?

Yes. A traffic impact study will be completed, focusing on current and future needs especially around the Highway 19A/Village Way intersection.

Will the golf course stay open?

The course may close (or partially close) for repair and reconfiguration, however, the Town will retain a 9-hole golf course as part of the acquisition plan.

The Town will seek a third-party leaseholder or partner to operate a 9-hole course and associated facilities. The Town will not run the golf course.

What type of housing is proposed?

No final decisions have been made. Any proposed housing will be designed to fit the surrounding neighbourhood and help meet the community’s needs.

Question or Concern?