BAYVIEW BUILDING COMMITTEE UPDATE:

Dear Bayview Members,

I hope you are making the most of our club’s wonderful amenities this summer.

As previously announced, I am delighted to share the first update in a series from our Club Committee Chairs, beginning with the progress of the Bayview Building Committee.

The Building Committee works closely with the Board and club management to oversee and manage both Strategic and Operating Capital initiatives. Drawing from my experience as the club’s Treasurer during the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) and as President during its execution, I understand the importance of well-defined, managed, and reviewed projects.

We are fortunate to have a committee with extensive expertise in construction, project management, legal, and municipal affairs. The members include Mitchell Cohen, Jamie Schacter, Kevin O’Donnell, Tracy Yang, Russell Showman, Meg West, and Marc Sherkin. Our team is supported by external partners such as Hossack and Associates and the GGA. I would like to thank our member volunteers and partners who help bring our club visions to reality. 

Recently, I had the pleasure of golfing with a new member. He shared his approach to selecting Bayview and his experience since joining. His family joined Bayview because of our outstanding facilities and programs, and diverse membership. This conversation echoed sentiments from our   Strategic Plan and the study by the Global Golf Advisors (GGA), confirming that member preferences are continually evolving. Since completing the CIP, we have welcomed numerous new members, making Bayview one of the most diverse memberships in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and across Canada.

Our recent accomplishments include:

Barn Upgrades: 

Our Barn project launched in 2020 with the installation of two TrackMan units and three hitting nets. Building on this success, we added another two TrackMan units and created a new practice range area. The project budget was $303K, and the project was delivered for just under budget ($298K). We also conducted a successful post-audit review of the project and are looking forward to great 2024/25 season.

Back Patio Upgrade and Cart Path Expansion and Ramp Relocation: 

Our club back patio was clearly in need of improvements. We stripped the patio down to its foundation, reviewed the structure, laid a new concrete base, added new stairs and railings, and upgraded the lower patio retaining wall. This new retaining wall allowed for planting, an expansion of the cart path and a new ramp down to the 10th tee. We also upgraded the existing lounge area that now flows nicely onto the new patio. The original project budget was $950K, and we are on track to deliver this project on budget with costs to date at $826K. Thanks goes to our Clubhouse Manager Darryl Brown for his vision in creating a welcoming lounge and upgraded patio area and to our Director of Agronomy Mike MacGillivray and Director of Golf Mark Paterson, who’s expertise and vision created a safer and more efficient use of space to create a new path to the 10th tee.

Projects Underway:

New Practice Range: 

A long-awaited enhancement, the new practice range provides a revamped putting green, a bunker practice area, and an extensive chipping area allowing up to 90-yard shots. With the expertise of Doug Carrick, our Head Golf Professional (Mark Paterson) and Director of Agronomy, (Mike McGillvray) and our partners at Flightline, we are implementing an exciting design. This design incorporates technology already adopted by other clubs (Summit Golf & Country Club, Cedar Brae Golf Club, Donalda Golf Club, and Markland Wood Golf Club), with a 10- bay hitting net range with Rapsodo launch monitors, allowing members to hit every club in the bag. The redesign of the 1st hole has increased our course rating to 70.8. This project is in progress and on schedule.

Maintenance Facility: 

For those who have ventured into the area behind the 15th hole, you will notice that our maintenance area is in dire need of improvement. While we did originally invest in a new facility, we only partially completed the original design from 2010. The existing facility is operationally inefficient, and our storage area for materials and wash area require an upgrade. This facility is required to protect our investment in machinery to keep our club in top condition. We are currently working with Hossack Associates and Deman, who have designed a prefabricated facility for us, expected to start this fall with a total cost of $1.9 million.

Future Plans:

We have a variety of projects under consideration, developing as part of our strategic plan. Details and timing will be shared as plans progress. 

* Projects listed as "Estimated Cost Considerations" will remain in the analysis phase until we can prioritize and develop a reasonable budgetary and scoping process

Financial Health: Our financial position remains strong, allowing us to fund these projects without compromising our operational stability. We have carefully planned and budgeted for these initiatives, ensuring that we continue to invest in our facilities while maintaining fiscal responsibility.

Member Engagement: We understand the importance of keeping our members informed and involved. Regular updates will be provided, and we encourage you to share your feedback and suggestions. Your input is crucial as we continue to evolve and improve our club.

Bayview is more than just a club; it is our community. Our commitment to continuous improvement ensures that we remain a premier destination for our members, and their families. We are excited about the future at Bayview and confident that the ongoing projects will enhance your experience.

Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement. Special thanks to our Bayview Building Committee for their guidance and expertise. Together, we are building a brighter future for Bayview.

Warm regards,


Stuart Auld
Chair, Building Committee
Bayview Golf and Country Club