A development that could help stabilize Condos: the future of Crimson Ridge

A development that could help stabilize the financial future of a local golf course which has faced its share of hazards will be teeing-off soon.

At Monday night's meeting, city council approved an official plan amendment and rezoning that will allow the new owners of Crimson Ridge to build 50 condominiums on their recently purchased 335-acre property.

"This property is an asset to Sault Ste. Marie," said Paul Christian, Ward 1 Councillor. "Investment in dwellings like the one proposed will only help make the property economically feasible for the long term."

Peter Tarvudd officially took over as new owner at Crimson Ridge in July and the condominium development will not be his first.

Tarvudd built Harbor Watch in Petoskey, Michigan; a 40 condo complex overlooking Little Traverse Bay on Lake Michigan.

He also owns Maple Leaf Millworks, an Echo Bay-based supply company of windows, wood doors and exterior wood siding all designed and mostly manufactured on-site.

"The future Crimson Ridge community will be a great place to live, eat and play,” said Tarvudd.

"The most important feature we will have in our homes will be the spectacular view from your living space onto the greens at Crimson Ridge."

D.S. Leask, senior project manager, said construction of the condominiums will start quickly, but wouldn't give an exact date.

When Crimson Ridge opened in 2000, a 30-lot subdivision was developed as part of the original golf course and is situated on the perimeter of the property and fronting on Forth Line West and Brule Road.

Currently, Leask said these lots are almost completely developed.

Municipal sewer and water services were built when the lot was created to provide for the 30 lots and clubhouse and these same services will be enhanced to provide for the new 50 residential units.

"This is a very unusual piece of property," said Don McConnell, planning director for the city.

"Normally, we try to develop a tight urban area because that's the most efficient way for the city to conduct its business. In this case we have service in that area that can be easily developed."

Crimson Ridge was originally zoned as Parks and Recreation to and will be changed to R3 (Low Density Residential).

McConnell confirmed the new residents will receive full municipal services and given what's already in place at Crimson Ridge, the impact on the city's finances and operations should be minimal.

The condominiums will consist of single, semi-detached and multiple attached dwelling units.

In his report to council, McConnell hailed the development for accomplishing two key tasks; improving the long-term financial viability of the golf course which has been indenified as one of the best public golf courses in Ontario and providing a form of housing lifestyle which is not currently available and may attract newcomers to our community.

"The course is an important community asset which should be maintained and promoted as such," he said.

Prior to purchasing Crimson Ridge, the formerly 13th best public course in the province - according to Ontario Golf Magazine in 2009 - had been under bank-supervised receivership since 2008.

The price paid for the course by Tarvudd was not released; the property had been listed for $2.85 million as recently as last spring.

In addition to the planned condominium development, Tarvudd has made one other significant change since purchasing Crimson Ridge.

Tarvudd replaced former director of golf operations Jamie Henderson with Brent Pusch.

Pusch was the original head golf pro when Crimson Ridge first opened and has worked has worked at golf courses in Arizona, Colorado and southern Ontario.

“Crimson Ridge is a passion of mine,” said Pusch, a Sault native. “I first saw the potential 10 years ago and I plan to help finally bring it to life.”