The Town of Qualicum Beach is continuing to chip away at the all-encompassing challenge of redeveloping Eaglecrest Golf Course lands, which were acquired in late 2025. (Image Credit: Eaglecrest Golf Coast/Town of Qualicum Beach)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

at capacity

‘We cannot take on anymore:’ Qualicum council pushing back on projects amid Eaglecrest redevelopment

Jan 23, 2026 | 12:14 PM

QUALICUM BEACH — Following purchase of the property in late 2025, planning is consuming considerable time for staff navigating a major redevelopment of the Eaglecrest Golf Course lands.

The Town of Qualicum Beach is preparing to launch a neighbourhood planning project which will focus on how the area will change over the coming years, including subdividing boundaries, park and green space connections, as well as the neighbourhood’s form and character.

“Parcel-specific planning will also be completed for Town land west of Country Club Drive, which is planned for sale later in 2026,” a statement from the Town read. “This process will help refine the conditions and parameters for future development before this land is offered for sale.”

Directed meetings with local residents in the area will continue in the first quarter of this year, while more widespread public open houses and other meetings are planned for early spring.

Acquired for $8.5 million, the 42.5-hectare property southeast of the community will be split up and sold off to developers, aligning with the overarching plan for the neighbourhood.

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A nine-hole golf course will remain, albeit with an updated layout.

The Town said some areas of the Eaglecrest development will require more time to chart a course forward, with additional public engagement expected into next year.

Major Teunis Westbroek said the project is a major task for Town staff.

Commenting on proposed initiatives during a Wednesday, Jan. 21 Council meeting, Westbroek said they’re at capacity.

“It’s not just that we’re doing [Eaglecrest-related work]…Staff are also completing] the regular work to keep this town going, whether it’s infrastructure, all kinds of other aspects of it, safety issues. It’s not fair to say, ‘well, can we squeeze that in?’ It’s just not going to work.”

He added long hours are happening behind the scenes daily ensuring the process happens in a timely manner.

“Staff is doing a super job trying to make sure we’re doing all the legalistics, all the planning, trying to get the lands, that we said we’re going to sell, for sale. Working with a new contractor, trying to get the course in shape, so we need to respect that. I will be a gatekeeper saying, ‘we cannot take on anymore.'”

Full details on the project, along with information on upcoming public information sessions, is available on the Town’s website.

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