2023-09-09 11:02:29
GOLF. The mega-project to renovate the Drummondville Golf Club is progressing, but Soprema, owner of the premises, is still waiting to receive certain permits from the Ministry of the Environment before moving forward.
According to the executive vice-president and CEO of Soprema North America, Richard Voyer, work permits have been issued for approximately half of the land.
“The ministry authorized us to redo the land in non-flood areas. If we begin work in non-flood areas and other permits are not granted, we would end up with a route that no longer stands. A golf course must be a set of 18 holes that fit into an existing environment,” said Mr. Voyer.
Furthermore, the executive vice president added that the costs related to the construction of the hotel have increased considerably. As of October 2022, the project was estimated to cost $60 million. “The budget is now double the initial forecast,” informed the CEO.
Richard Voyer, Executive Vice President and CEO of Soprema North America. (Photo: Ghyslain Bergeron)
At present, Soprema can only wait for answers from the Ministry of the Environment. “Members often ask us for news and want to know what’s going on. For us, it is difficult to announce things. It doesn’t just depend on us. We ask them to remain patient and to trust us in these circumstances,” expressed Richard Voyer.
Despite everything, the latter is hopeful that the missing authorizations from the ministry will be obtained. “Environmental rules are respected. The analyzes are carried out. Everything is done according to requirements. I understand the constraints and associated deadlines. For our part, we do things well and we surround ourselves with professionals. The permits will arrive, but when will they arrive? I have no idea,” he shared.
Remember that the services of two firms specializing in the environment had been retained in order to draft a 3,500-page file which was submitted to the ministry in 2022. In September of the same year, additional information was provided at the request of the ministry.
Project signature
For Soprema and Richard Voyer, the redevelopment of the Drummondville Golf Club represents a project of great importance. Due to its location on the banks of the Saint-François River and near the Jean-Lesage highway, it represents a sort of gateway to the city.
“This is a major investment in Drummondville. We think it will change the face of the city. We are going to do something beautiful. It is a special architecture and design. Sometimes I almost don’t believe it because it’s so beautiful; it’s a new signature,” argued Richard Voyer.
The latter suggests that the facilities will make Drummondville even more attractive to customers from outside the region. In addition to the golf course, a hotel with around sixty rooms, a restaurant and a spa are in the plans.
Maintained closure
Soprema intends to make the Drummondville Golf Club a signature project for the city. (Photo: archives, Ghyslain Bergeron)
It is still planned to close the club for two years at the end of the season this fall. However, if the work cannot begin as planned, changing the schedule cannot be ruled out. “It won’t do anything to close if we can’t do anything. We will notify the population if this were to be the case,” said the CEO.
Furthermore, the current golf season has brought its share of challenges. The numerous episodes of rain affected the quality of the pitch and the club had problems recruiting staff.
“By planning to close the club at the end of the summer, it becomes more complicated to recruit staff for a year compared to long-term positions. For the quality of the land, we did not want to redo the greens considering the upcoming redevelopment. In the event of changes, it is certain that we will have to reinvest so that people are happy at the club,” underlined Mr. Voyer.
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