"I wanted a facility that would provide affordable living, fun and challenging golf, and plenty of land for all sorts of outdoor activities that would bring people close to nature twelve months of the year. I think we have accomplished this at Oak Bay."
by Norm Woods
Back in 2005, Bryan Coleman, a developer from Mississauga discovered a pristine parcel of land just off the 400 highway near the town of Port Severn. The land, which borders Georgian Bay, was just what Coleman had in mind for his vision of a unique, master planed lifestyle community that was not too far from the GTA.
Between 2005 and 2007 Coleman assembled 330 acres and began to develop, alongside partner Romas Kartavicius of Eden Oak Homes, also of Mississauga, the lifestyle community that today is known as The Residences of Oak Bay Golf and Country Club. A collection of rustic bungalows, two-storey homes, townhomes and villas can be found alongside a state-of-the-art 6,600 yard golf course which will open to the public on the May 24th weekend.
Coleman says, "I wanted a facility that would provide affordable living, fun and challenging golf, and plenty of land for all sorts of outdoor activities that would bring people close to nature twelve months of the year. I think we have accomplished this at Oak Bay."
The golf course, designed by renowned Elora-based architect, Shawn Watters, winds its way through unspoiled woodland areas, features rock outcroppings at strategic places and takes in the tranquil sounds of Georgian Bay.
Watters, along with associate Roger Stacey, has attempted to keep the golf course as close to nature as possible with a visual 18-hole journey highlighted by splashes of the craggy Canadian Shield. There are flatlands, forested hills with five finishing holes that have views of Georgian Bay.
Watters says, "we made every effort to route the course without having to dynamite any of the land. This has created some very interesting holes which golfers will very much enjoy as they play their shots along the journey."
As part of Coleman's dream, the land allows for year-round activities for people of all-ages.
"Residents, guests and members can take advantage of the Marina with a waterway that has access to Georgian Bay and the Trent-Severn waterway. In addition there is hiking, biking, tennis, swimming, water skiing, cross country skiing and snow-shoeing, plus an indoor fitness facility. There is something for everyone twelve months of the year, regardless of age," adds Coleman.
Coleman also notes, "I wanted a community that was not a great distance from the Toronto area and the short 90 minute drive from the GTA is just ideal for families and golfers alike. I am very excited about our progress to date and am looking forward to seeing golfers experience our great course.
Coleman, along with everyone involved with the project, is anxiously awaiting the golf course opening and is very encouraged that the course 'wintered' very well and is ready to 'welcome' golfers in mid-May.
"We will continue construction of the clubhouse over the summer months and will have temporary facilities in place to welcome golfers and host tournaments this season. I am also very encouraged with the interest in our housing project and we will continue to provide servicing to accommodate the new home sales. We are attracting couples and families who have plans to live year round at Oak Bay and take advantage of our many amenities," Coleman adds.
ABOUT THE ARCHITECT: Shawn P. Watters & Associates is an Elora, Ontario based golf course architecture firm providing full-service design consultation for the golf development industry. Founded in 1996, Watters' vision is to embrace golf course architecture traditions, while building modern designs that fit today's landscapes.
This article was featured in the Spring 2011 issue of GolfScene magazine. To view the piece online, click here and scroll to page 26.
