Celebration on course

Wildwood

On July 1, Canada celebrated the anniversary of Canadian federation. That same day, the Wildewood Golf Course, established in 1951, celebrated its 75th anniversary with the opening of a new clubhouse and restaurant.

The much-beloved Wildewood Club, which once housed badminton, curling, aquatics, tennis and golf, was replaced with condos in 2016. That’s when the golf course lost its clubhouse.

A few years ago, the previous lessor of the course gave it up. A group of five lifelong Wildwood residents — Ross McGowan, Doug Harvey, David Quinton, Blake Fitzpatrick and Rob Coghlan — quickly intervened on behalf of the community to preserve the green space and golf course. They created a non-profit entity with all profits reinvested into the community. A 25-year lease was negotiated stipulating the establishment of a new clubhouse.

Calling themselves “custodians” of the club, they got to business immediately. In record time the building rose, as did community anticipation.

Ross McGowan says, “It has been a true community collaboration and absolutely no opposition was shown at public hearings.” Every step of the way was met with excitement and the desire to bring the clubhouse to fruition.

With $1.8 million raised by the community, $1 million dollars borrowed from Cambrian Credit Union, and the City of Winnipeg providing $1 million, McGowan credits the support of Coun. Sherri Rollins (Fort Rouge-East Fort Garry) for helping secure the funding.

On July 1, the community saw the culmination of the hard work at a Wildewood Golf Course celebration. Speaking prior to the event, course management said they were hoping for a huge turnout. How many people, they couldn’t predict. But the party is guaranteed big enough to accommodate all who want to attend. It’ll be one befitting of the 75th anniversary of the club, and the grand opening of the clubhouse and restaurant. Their promise: “It will be the biggest party since the Wrecking Ball Social of 2015 held just prior to the demolition of the Wildewood Club.”

That party marked an end. This one, a beginning. Where members enjoy a new clubhouse, and friends of the club share company in the new seasonal restaurant. As one of the few places to eat in the area, McGowan admits it’s a big deal. But he says, “The sheer joy of the collaboration amongst all involved, and the efforts taken to keep the Wildewood Golf Club a community treasure, is the custodians’ real reward.”