Mylora Golf Course - Sidaway Operation Richmond, BC

Property Overview

History

Consistent with Richmond's history, the Mylora Golf Courses occupy land that was once utilized for agricultural purposes. The current owners have a long history with this property, with their ownership dating back to 1938 when farming commenced on the property. The family employed organic farming practices on this property throughout its history and sold the organic produce locally at their roadside stand and more broadly through Woodward's Specialty Food Stores throughout BC and Alberta. In 1958, Highway 99 was constructed. The highway dissected the property into two smaller parcels, which made farming less economically viable. The property's eventual use as a golf course started in 1976.

Lot Information

The Sidaway property consists of a single legal title of 37.48 acres. Rectangular in shape, the course provides for 1,271 feet of frontage on Sidaway Road and 1,892 feet of depth. The rear of the property borders Highway 99, and offers excellent visual exposure. The course has been contoured somewhat to provide added difficulty to the golfing experience, however, it has an otherwise level topography.

Land Use

Land Use and Zoning

Zoning

The property is currently zoned Golf Course (GC), under the City of Richmond Zoning Bylaw. This zoning designation provides for the following uses:

• Golf course and Driving range
• Housing, single detached
• Farm business

Secondary uses:

• Boarding and lodging
• Community care facility (8 people max if in ALR)
• Home business

A copy of the relevant portion of the GC Zoning Bylaw is attached in Appendix B. The property is also located within the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR)

Created in 1973, the Provincial Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) is an independent Provincial agency responsible for administering the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), which is a land use designation, intended to encourage agricultural use. The purpose of the ALC is to preserve agricultural land and encourage farm uses in collaboration with local landowners, local governments and the First Nations. ALR boundaries were set in the early 1970's and determined based upon the capability and suitability of land for agricultural use, uses at the time, local zoning and public input. Approximately 5% of BC's land base, the most agriculturally important, is located within the ALR. The ALR covers approximately 4.7 million hectares of land within BC, including both private and public lands and takes precedence over other land uses; as such, local and regional government bylaws are planned in accordance with this provincial policy.

Improvements, Access, and Services

Location and Access

The property is located in the south central portion of the City of Richmond. This predominant land use in this area is agricultural. Highway 99, which connects Richmond with Vancouver to the north and Delta, Surrey and the United States to the south, is easily accessible from the property. More specifically, the property is located on the west side of Sidaway Road, directly north of Steveston Highway.

Services

The property is currently serviced with community water and power. Sanitary services are currently provided via a septic system, which meets all of the property's existing needs.

Improvements

The property is improved with an 18-hole executive style Golf Course and various outbuildings, which include a clubhouse, a small maintenance building, and additional equipment storage.

Clubhouse - The Sidaway Clubhouse can accommodate a significant number of guests either inside or on the licensed patio. The Clubhouse has a full commercial kitchen, dining facilities, licensed bar, pro shop, offices and washrooms.

Outbuildings - Various outbuildings complement the operation that include a workshop and covered storage facilities.

Golf Course - The course is approximately 3,000 yards in length and has a par of 57. The holes vary in length from 106 to 320 yards. The course is improved with several water hazards and sand bunkers.