By TERRY PUGH
The clubhouse at the Legends Golf Club, built in 2011, will be getting a major facelift beginning this fall.
At its meeting on Monday, July 21, Warman City Council approved a proposal by the Legends Golf Club to expand the clubhouse on both levels, and also to repair the deck.
The plan would expand the upper level main area used for tournaments, and add space in the lower level pro shop and include a new board room.
In addition, the project includes stabilizing and repairing the deck foundations to ensure safety for patrons. Currently, the deck is heaving and consequently, it is not able to be used.
The total cost of the project is expected to be about $300,000 for the exterior shell and deck repairs, and approximately $150,000 to $200,000 for interior renovations. While the building is technically owned by the city, the cost of the overall project is being borne by the Legends Golf Club, and not directly by the city.
The endorsement of the proposal by city council was needed in order for the club to proceed with the project. The club wants to have foundations completed by this fall so construction can proceed over the winter months.
At the July 21 meeting, Councillor Marshall Seed expressed concern that the proposal was not first submitted for discussion to the council committee of the whole meeting.
Other councillors shared that concern. Nonetheless, they agreed to the project in order for it to proceed this fall.
Councillor Richard Beck pointed out the city’s current lease agreement with the club expires at the end of this year.
“If for some reason, that lease is not renewed, then the city will be on the hook for the expansion project,” said Beck. “I understand the need to upgrade the capacity of the building for tournaments, and I don’t want to hold up construction, but it’s a point that I think needs to be made.”
Warman Planning and Development Manager Brad Toth said because the city owns the building, the deteriorating condition of the deck has been an issue for the municipality for some time.
Warman Mayor Gary Philipchuk said the bottom line is the clubhouse has to be a safe structure.
“We want a long-term solution,” said Philipchuk. “Timing of the proposal is an issue, but safety is the most important factor. We want an engineered design that keeps everyone safe.”
The final building design plans will still have to be approved by the city’s planning department before a building permit can be issued. If the submitted design differs substantially from the initial drawings, then it will once again come back to council,