Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Supreme Court of Canada has dismissed the City of Ottawa’s application to appeal a lower court ruling, ending a multi-year legal battle and paving the way for the potential redevelopment of the Kanata Golf and Country Club. The decision was met with disappointment by community advocates who have vowed the fight is not over.
The country’s highest court, as is its custom, did not give reasons for its decision released last Thursday (Sept. 18). The ruling effectively upholds the Ontario Court of Appeal’s January 2025 decision, which found key parts of a 1981 agreement meant to preserve the area as a golf course were unenforceable. This concludes the litigation between the city and ClubLink Corporation ULC, the course owner that plans to build a 1,500-home community with partners Minto Communities and Richcraft Homes.
In a memo to city council, Interim City Solicitor Stuart Huxley confirmed the decision ends the legal challenge. However, he noted any future development would still be subject to approvals and must respect the city’s existing infrastructure on the lands. Huxley added that the city “is not prepared to alter any existing easements to permit the redevelopment to take place.”.
Community “Deeply disappointed”
The Kanata Greenspace Protection Coalition (KGPC), a local advocacy group, called the Supreme Court’s decision a disappointment.
“How can a municipality enter into a contract with any party to build, manage, or secure long-term assets or property if it can be violated at any time?” said KGPC Chair Barbara Ramsay in a media release. “It’s truly mind-boggling that the court won’t hear this case.”
Ramsay said that while the six-year legal fight to defend the original agreement has ended, “it is not the end of the road.”. The coalition will “continue to pursue every avenue” to stop the development.
The group argues the golf course is cherished greenspace that plays a crucial role in local stormwater management. Its development, the KGPC warns, could put the community at risk of “severe flooding” and pose a “serious public safety risk due to potential mercury contamination on the site.” The coalition thanked the City of Ottawa, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, and Kanata North Councillor Cathy Curry for their support.
