Eaglecrest Golf Club, east of downtown Qualicum Beach, is the subject of an $8.5 million purchase proposal from the Town, with visions of mixed use including housing. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

By Alex Rawnsley

transformative project

‘Generational opportunity:’ Qualicum considers purchase & development of Eaglecrest golf course

Jul 17, 2025 | 2:39 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — A major land purchase is under heavy consideration, which could transform a key town neighbourhood.

Council and staff are opening up public consultation, as well as doing their due diligence behind the scenes, on a potential $8.5 million purchase of the 105-acre Eaglecrest Golf Club property, on the eastern side of Qualicum Beach.

Director of planning Luke Sales told NanaimoNewsNOW the property has changed hands a few times since the early 2000s, with the Town eventually finding the opportunity to swoop in when it was clear owners were more keen on development than running a golf course.

“I think Council really saw this as a…generational opportunity. These options don’t come along very often where you can acquire such a large piece of Qualicum Beach history that’s going to be valuable to current residents and future generations.”

Sales added the purchase would take the property “out of the cycle” of development applications, land use changes and other procedural steps.

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Envisioned for the property is a mixture of recreation and housing.

A nine-hole golf course, down from the current 18 holes, will remain, with the rest of the land used for forested parkland, walking trails and housing developments.

What the housing looks like will depend a lot on past public consultation, as well as what the Town hears this fall during open house sessions directly linked to this proposal.

A map of the proposed vision for the Eaglecrest lands, including a golf course, forested lands and housing opportunities. (Town of Qualicum Beach)

Juggling the need for housing and recreation options in town, with the desires of long-term residents to keep Qualicum Beach’s charm and character will be a challenge, according to Sales.

He said much of the existing housing stock in the community is large residential lots, which isn’t necessarily what people are looking for.

“Even from those people who say, ‘yes, we want to pretty much stay the same because Qualicum Beach is a wonderful community’…they know that there’s a mismatch between what our residents are asking for in housing, and what’s available in the town.”

Any housing on the property would be done carefully and with purpose, “in a few key areas”.

“It’s not going to fundamentally change the balance of housing in the town or put huge demands on infrastructure or services, but it will make a difference to the people that we’re able to provide housing for in a way that’s maybe not available currently in the town.”

Money to finance the purchase will come from the sale of lands owned by the Town, and Sales anticipates they’ll be able to complete all the steps without an impact on taxpayers or by drawing down reserves long term.

One key hurdle to clear is how the property will be subdivided once it comes under Town control, and ensuring there is a united vision between developers.

“We certainly wouldn’t hand over any lands until there’s a clear vision in place and there’s regulations to ensure that when something’s built, it aligns with what our residents are expecting. It could be to the point of subdividing with design guidelines and maybe restrictive covenants.”

Sales added there is a possibility the Town will not complete the sale, due to public feedback or something arising during due diligence.

If the situation arises, any money collected through existing property sales would be reinvested back into the Eaglecrest neighbourhood, potentially through things like long-requested traffic improvements on Country Club Dr. and Hwy. 19A.

Small group meetings are slated to begin in August, with more widespread community consultation due in September.

The Town has until Nov. 1, 2025, to complete the purchase.

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