MP Cheryl Gallant is now throwing her hat into the ring to try and save the Petawawa Golf Club. As myFM told you first, Garrison Petawawa has informed the operators of the club that funding is not available to complete the upgrades need to keep the building and club house operating safely, and therefore would be closing the building in April next year. Gallant says that Trudeau’s cuts to the military don’t just hurt our national security and the serving women and men, but also their families, neighbours and the wider Petawawa community.
Gallant goes onto say that “The decision by the NDP-Liberal government to close the golf course is a blow to morale, hurting recruitment and retention, and putting a fitness asset out of reach for many.” The course is a favourite for charity tournaments. Over $60K has been raised for ‘Soldier On’, an organization helping ill and injured veterans.
Questions have been raised over the reasons given for the closure. Reportedly, federal government health and safety regulations require an additional $7 million in renovations to the Club building. Gallant feels this is confusing given fitness classes and children’s gymnastics are held in the same building. Furthermore, the Moe Norman Lounge was just remodelled, $2 million was recently spent installing an elevator, two new $50K industrial dishwashers were just added, and three new air conditioners are now in place. The club house is the only venue where military personnel of all ranks can socialize together in wishing colleagues well in their retirements, and celebrate special occasions.
(Written by: Kyle Robinson)