With my bi-weekly newsletter going out before the announcement by ClubLink that the Kanata Lakes Golf and Country Club is closing, I wasn’t able to send out information to the community via my newsletter. However, if you emailed me over the past few days, you will know that this change came as a shock to me and staff at the City of Ottawa as well, as it was a decision made by a private business.
Regardless though, there are some things that have not changed. If you have been following this file from the start, you will remember that the OLT did give draft approval for a housing development on the lands. However, that draft approval came with 192 conditions. I will remind you that those conditions have to be met before any development can proceed.
Those conditions include the following:
1. having a storm water management plan acceptable to City engineers
2. getting NCC approval as they are the owner of downstream lands
3. getting Mississippi Valley Conservation Authority approval
4. getting City of Ottawa approval for easements
It is important for residents to know that stormwater plans are a gold standard for a development, as city engineers would not sign off on any plan that puts neighbouring homeowners at risk of flooding. Given the Canadian Shield that makes up so much of Kanata Lakes and Beaverbrook, and the Beaverpond flooding we have seen, flooding is a very high risk in this area. The reason Kanata Lakes’ subdivisions went ahead originally was because the golf course/greenspace was the storm water management plan for the area.
As we get more verified information on this situation, I will keep the community updated.
I have included the recent statement by the Mayor and me, and the other by the City Solicitor, below.
“Councillor Cathy Curry and I are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court decision not to review the ClubLink case, and we understand how disappointing this is for the residents of Kanata Lakes. We want to assure residents that we will continue to use all the tools at the City’s disposal to ensure the commitment made to the community in 1981 is upheld. The City’s position is clear: we will not grant any of the easements that would be necessary for the site’s development. Furthermore, we will work with the National Capital Commission (NCC) to ensure they support the City’s decision. We are committed to saying yes to responsible development throughout Ottawa, but for many reasons this project does not meet that standard. We look forward to hearing from the community as we assess the City’s next steps and continue to work together with the community in their best interests.”
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe Councillor Cathy Curry
“September 18, 2025
Further to my Memorandum to Members of Council of February 5, 2025 , informing Council of the City’s application for leave to appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada, the purpose of this Memorandum is to advise that earlier today, the Supreme Court of Canada released its Decision on the City’s application for leave to appeal.
The Supreme Court has denied the City leave to appeal to the highest Court. As per the Court’s practice, no reasons are provided on leave applications.
Today’s decision means that the Supreme Court will not allow a hearing on the merits of the City’s requested appeal from the January 21, 2025 decision of the Court of Appeal for Ontario, in the matter of City of Ottawa v. ClubLink Corporation ULC. That decision had declared certain contractual provisions with the developer relating to the so-called “Golf Course Lands” to be void and unenforceable. As the Supreme Court is the highest court, today’s decision ends this litigation.
As for any next steps relating to the subject lands, I note that any consideration of development would be subject to applicable approvals, all of which would have regards to and respect the City’s existing infrastructure located on the lands. The City has indicated to ClubLink that it is not prepared to alter any existing easements to permit the redevelopment to take place. Further, approval from the National Capital Commission would be required in respect of the stormwater outlet.”
Stuart Huxley Interim City Solicitor
I would like to thank MP Sudds, MPP McCrimmon, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe and City staff for their continued support regarding this frustrating situation. In recent conversations with them, they have reconfirmed their support for the community.
On a personal note, I was disheartened to see the short message to Kanata Lakes Golf and Country Club members from ClubLink that left members shocked and sad, with little to no recognition of the history and heritage of the Kanata Golf Club and its amazing staff and members over its history. I would like to especially thank Brent Deighen, the Director of Operations at the golf course, for his leadership and support over these past years, positively strengthening the important relationship between the golf course, its neighbours, its members, the community, and myself.
I hope to have a Frequently Asked Questions update coming out soon as well. For regular updates, please see my bi-weekly newsletter and the Kanata North website. As always, please feel free to reach out to me at cathy.curry@ottawa.ca and 613-580-2474.
Councillor Cathy Curry