Toyota Plant To Pave Over Golf Course In Woodstock
by Jeffrey Reed
SCOREGolf July 2005

If you build it, they will come. In the case of Woodstock Meadows GC, a $600-million Toyota auto assembly plant is poised to take over the Vink family’s field of dreams.

A County of Oxford land parcel about 400 hectares on Woodstock’s northeast border is now almost ready for Toyota’s takeover. A formal announcement following a June 30 board of governors meeting was expected. A new plant, targeted for a 2008 completion, would produce more than 150,000 vehicles a year.

In late June, the only holdout was Blandford Square Mall, adjacent to Woodstock Meadows. The county and First Summit Shopping Centres of Toronto were $12 million apart on a price – $4.5 million offered, $16.5 million asked. Expropriation loomed at time of writing.

Henry and Carole Vink opened their 18-hole executive course in 1996, three years after their 40-hectare land purchase. Last year, a 3,700-square-foot clubhouse opened at the picturesque property, complete with practice facility. Carole initiated Golf Oxford, a pilot project allowing children with unique challenges to learn the game of golf and to play alongside able-bodied children.

Henry, who wouldn’t disclose his selling price, says he “didn’t want to sell, but when you’re dealing with government, there is a chance they will expropriate. We put everything into it for the past 13 years. The next 15 to 20 years, we were going to reap the benefits.”

However, he said he has “a couple of irons in the fire,” with relocation plans for the Woodstock area. “It’s a double whammy. We live on the property. But we hope to have something happening this fall.”

Briefly …

London’s Lindsey Edmunds of the Western Mustangs claimed women’s low medallist honours at the Canadian University/College Golf Championship. The Mustangs were second in the team competition … Mike Weir is slated to be inducted into the Sarnia/Lambton Sports Hall of Fame on July 30. The event is designed to honour/roast Weir while raising funds to expand the hall in Sarnia … Islington GC in Toronto was ordered to compensate a nearby couple because errant golf balls have damaged property. The total award was $14,000, but it was suspended for six weeks at the time of writing in order for Islington to review its options. The contentious issue dates back to 1999 when Charles and Pauline Sammut moved into their “dream home” 220 metres – driving distance – from Islington’s third tee.