Table of Contents
Introduction to the housing proposal
The Hills at Portal Golf Club, a century-old golf course in South Surrey, is at the center of a heated debate as its owners propose to transform parts of the land into housing. This plan has sparked significant backlash from local residents who cherish the green space and fear the loss of agricultural land.
The proposal requires the removal of the golf course from British Columbia’s Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), a move that many residents find troubling.
Community concerns about development
Local resident Troy Hogan articulated the sentiments of many when he stated, “I would like this place to stay as is.” His concerns extend beyond personal preference; he worries about the implications for future generations.
Hogan’s perspective reflects a broader anxiety among residents about unchecked development and the erosion of natural spaces. As urban areas expand, the preservation of ALR land becomes increasingly critical, and many feel that profit motives are overshadowing community needs.
Proposed benefits versus community needs
In exchange for developing two parcels of land for housing, the owners have proposed to donate over half of the golf course area to the city for a public park. While this gesture is seen as a positive step, critics like Hogan argue that it is merely a public relations tactic rather than a genuine act of philanthropy.
He expressed skepticism about the motivations behind the proposal, suggesting that the decision to develop the land has already been made, leaving residents feeling powerless. The city of Surrey has indicated that the initial application for ALR exclusion is under consideration, but the process could take over a year, leaving the community in limbo.
The future of the golf course and community engagement
As discussions continue, the fate of the Hills at Portal Golf Club remains uncertain. If the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) approves the removal of the property from the ALR, the matter will return to Surrey council for zoning and community planning.
This process will involve further public engagement, and residents are encouraged to voice their opinions. The outcome will not only determine the future of the golf course but also set a precedent for how similar developments are handled in the region. The community’s response to this proposal highlights the ongoing struggle between development and preservation, a theme that resonates deeply with younger generations who prioritize sustainability and green spaces.
