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Plans released for new Wellview Golf Clubhouse

“I think we do want a sharp looking building... that will serve as a bit of a destination for golfers.” -Graham Freeman
wellview
A conceptual drawing of proposed new Wellview Clubhouse.

Less than nine months after fire destroyed Wellview Golf Club’s clubhouse, Club President Graham Freeman revealed a design for a bigger, better new clubhouse for the scenic Wellview Golf Club located just west of Virden.

At a public meeting of about 75 people, Monday evening Jan. 15, Freeman unveiled plans for a 3,600 square foot facility with indoor seating for 100 people, at a projected cost of $1.2 million.

Local contractor, T.L. Penner Construction has been retained to build the new facility.

Detailed plan for cost

Architectural plans, stamped and ready to use, provided the basis of what Freeman said is an all-in budget, complete to the landscaping and water hook-up, for the new facility.

“We have tried to make sure we have addressed every facet of the project,” said Freeman.

The proposed building includes a roomy kitchen and a dining area for the public to enjoy a meal in the country. With the planned outdoor deck seating, larger functions of up to 150 could use the facility. The new building location will be just 20 feet south of the original clubhouse.

In order to get the insurance money, Wellview had to provide three estimates on same-size structure replacement. These included building code requirements which are far beyond the former building’s qualities.

Based on those estimates, Freeman stated, “We were eligible to get our maximum payout on that building.” They received $400,000 which included contents insurance, plus help to get the temporary facility set up. “They... helped us survive last year, for sure,” he said of their insurance company.

By late summer the board knew the figure for the insurance and began to wrestle with whether to replace the facility at the original size of 2,250 square feet or build bigger. They considered comments about overcrowding at large tournaments, and a desire for an outside patio with a view of the course.

This new design does provide that, including wheelchair accessibility, office space and a sheltered place for golf carts to be stored.

He said running a golf course, a seasonal business, is tough in rural Manitoba. However, Wellview’s board has a vision for extended use of a new and larger clubhouse. Freeman said they saw an opportunity to maximize the clubhouse.

“With maybe a little larger area like this, while still looking after our golfers we could cater to a small social function on the side, more than we were capable of doing before.”

Historic Wellview course

“We are the oldest registered golf club in Manitoba. That’s something to be proud of. We have a beautiful golf course. Jason and his staff have done a beautiful job of making the golf course look great. I think we do want a sharp looking building that will stand the test of time.... that will serve as a bit of a destination for golfers.”

Freeman stated the board’s commitment is to fundraise for the new build and to keep golf fees “in line with costs and fees of other golf courses of similar size.”

Volunteers have stepped up to fundraise for the new building. Blair Heaman, Foster Whyte and Cory Barkley have already made contact with many businesses and individuals.

Taking the microphone, Barkley explained, “We do have a (donation) commitment right now close to $200,000.” 

Current donations, insurance money plus a Community Places Grant from the province of $50,000 has brought the accrued funds to about $650,000 leaving around $550,000 to be raised through further donations, raffle ticket sales, other possible grants and a bank loan.

“We have talked to the bank,” said Freeman. “We can comfortably borrow another $175,000.”

A spring build is the wish, but Wellview board plans to hold back the building start until the funding is secure - about 80 percent in.

The club is prepared to operate one more summer in temporary facilities, hoping for a fall opening of a new clubhouse at the earliest.

Freeman expressed a commitment to the membership and golfing public to keep golf fees “in line with costs and fees of other golf courses of similar size.”

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