Golf Course Economy

4.9 LABOUR AND ECONOMY 4.9.1 Definition of Labour and Economy

In this section, labour and economy will refer to the labour market, local economy, and employment income generated by the golf course.

4.9.2 Positive Impacts

The Links at Dover Coast will provide a number of employment and income benefits, both direct and indirect. To begin, construction of the golf course will bring money to the local economy through expenditures for materials, supplies, excavation, landscaping, etc. Once construction of the course is complete, ongoing maintenance costs associated with the operation of a golf course will have a positive, long-term economic impact. Costs associated with fertilizers, herbicides, fuel, equipment repair, seed, sod, trees, shrubs,

4.10.2 Positive Impacts

A well maintained golf course is visually appealing to local communities living on or near the golf course, and can improve the quality of life for these residents. Golf courses provide people, usually retired people, with opportunities for social interaction through physical activity. For those people living in the Dover Coast community of homes, a golf membership is free, and thus, they are able to engage in recreational activities without having to drive any significant distance.

Moreover, a Wind Turbine Project has been approved for development on the land directly adjacent to the proposed site. The Wind Project features 58 turbines, and received its Renewable Energy Approval from the Ontario Ministry of the Environment in July 2012. Thus, while the lands could have remained agricultural, this land would not have been used for additional residential projects because of the proximity to the turbines. Construction of this Wind Project began in 2013.

4.10.3 Negative

During the construction phase of the project, road traffic will largely consist of large trucks delivering fill and materials. However, once construction has finished, automotive traffic will increase, specifically in the late spring to early fall months when the golf course is open for regular business.

4.11 LAND AND RESOURCE USE

Land and resource use encompasses the how the land is arranged and used for human activity. What is considered in this section is the current zoning of the current site, as well as the recreational, residential, and commercial activities that surround the project. How the project might impact the visual aesthetics and the adjacent property values will also be considered. 4.11.1 Positive