Town to hold public consultations starting Aug. 2
The Town of Qualicum Beach has reached a conditional agreement to purchase the Eaglecrest Golf Course lands.
The proposed $8.5-million land purchase would bring approximately 42.5 hectares (105 acres) of land into public ownership, ending years of uncertainty and allowing the town to shape the site’s long-term use, according to a press release.
The agreement, which would give the town an opportunity to guide land use and preserve natural areas, remains subject to public consultation, technical assessments and due diligence.
If finalized, the acquisition would see approximately 40 per cent of the property 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.
The town has until Nov. 1, 2025 to finalize the purchase agreement if council chooses to proceed.
“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to regain control of lands that matter to our town and its residents,” said Mayor Teunis Westbroek. “We’re committed to ensuring the purchase reflects the values of our community and delivers significant public benefit to current and future generations.”
The acquisition will be funded through the sale of up to 10 per cent 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, stated the release. 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.
Public consultation will begin in August 2025 and continue into October, ensuring that residents, business owners and community groups can provide feedback through open houses, meetings and engagement sessions. A professional traffic study and preliminary site planning will also be undertaken. After consultations are completed, council will make a final purchase decision before the Nov. 1, 2025 deadline.
“The land purchase will allow us to protect and expand the town’s parkland, preserve a valued historical community hub and create housing options for residents, in line with our community’s priorities,” said Luke Sales, Director of Planning and Community Development.
No development decisions have been made and no land will be transferred until public input is gathered and due diligence is complete, stated the release.
More information, including consultation details, maps and background details, is available on the project page. Residents are encouraged to attend open houses and learn more about the project’s benefits and next steps.