Mill River Resort secures a contract to construct and manage a new golf course in Summerside that will be city-owned. The Summerside city council voted in favor of awarding the request for proposal to Mill River for the golf course project after a detailed presentation in July. Geoffrey Irving, president of Mill River Resort, expressed confidence in their capability to enhance the city’s sports event hosting expertise with the addition of the new golf course, named Links at Malpeque Bay.
The planned course will be an 18-hole, 72-par, links-style layout covering 6,781 yards. Irving highlighted the strong golf management team at Mill River, emphasizing how the new course will complement their existing courses in Woodstock, P.E.I., and Cavendish. He mentioned that the new facility aims to address the high demand for tee times, catering to both locals and tourists.
Situated near North St. Eleanors on Compton Road and Lyle Road, the proposed site spans about 100 hectares, with half owned by the city and the rest privately owned. Irving praised the location for its stunning views of Malpeque Bay and its potential to offer a competitive playing experience while driving economic growth in Summerside.
JP Desrosiers, Summerside’s chief administrative officer, commended the strength of Mill River’s proposal, which stood out among six submissions. He highlighted the emphasis on maximizing water views of Malpeque Bay throughout the course design, underscoring the appeal of a links course by the bay.
The estimated project cost is around $12 million, with half of the funding expected from Mill River, and the rest potentially sourced from federal and provincial governments. Irving expressed eagerness to commence work promptly, aiming for groundbreaking later in the year and full construction activities in 2027, with a target opening in 2028.
Desrosiers mentioned ongoing discussions regarding the city’s financial contribution to the project, emphasizing the importance of ensuring feasibility and proper design considerations. While the resolution signifies Mill River Resort as the selected developer, the city is focused on exploring the project’s viability before proceeding further.
The collaborative efforts between Summerside and Mill River reflect a shared commitment to expanding golf offerings in the region, aligning with the broader tourism appeal of Prince Edward Island’s diverse golf landscape.