Windsorite Cathy Archer is hoping for a big turnout at the next City Council meeting, as a decision looms on whether Roseland Golf and Curling Club will keep its heritage designation.
“We need to show up for this,” Archer said, as she hopes to see a full gallery at council on Monday.
Councillor Fred Francis said council would like to divide the land, building on different parts.
The idea of selling the golf course, or a part of it, is not something new according to former councillors, including Fulvio Valentinis.
“There were some rumblings at the time (in 2003) that, perhaps, it might be something the city might consider selling for residential development and whatever,” Valentinis pointed out.
He was a member of city council in 2003, when that council gave Roseland heritage designation. He told CTV News the designation was for the whole property, including the building and the east side of the parking lot, and it was done for a reason.
“It was clear that we did not want to see development occurring and I think that was the driving force at the time,” he said.
If council votes to lift the heritage designation for part of the property, many fear a proposed condo could be built, along with the new clubhouse.
“We just passed a multi-million-dollar festival plaza plan, and I didn’t see any luxury condo towers to go along to accompany it or to pay for it,” Francis said.
Fellow councillor Gary Kaschak has his thoughts on the Roseland file.
“I know there’s a cry against, but there’s a lot of people that are for that,” Kaschak said.
“Or do we put some other type of amenities in here for the residents of Windsor and south Windsor? That’s to be determined by council moving forward.”
In the end, Archer is hoping the community will be kept in mind.
“If they do anything, it should be something with the community in mind, not something just for 38 individuals who can afford to be here,” Archer said.
“It should be something for the community. It’s always been a community hub and should continue to be a community hub.”
Francis and others feel a vote to lift the designation sets a bad precedent.
“If City Council today in 2025 can undo a council bylaw of 2003 to protect the entire property, a city council 10 years from now, 20 years from now, can do the exact same thing and put housing on the golf course itself,” said Francis.
