Ledgeview Golf course is in danger of closing if it doesn't get financial support from the City of Abbotsford, council was told Monday night.

Ledgeview Golf Society president Pat Differ asked city council to consider entering into a fee for service agreement with the non-profit society that manages the course in order to guarantee the links' survival.

The economic recession, miserable weather last spring and a decline in the industry has badly impacted the public golf course at 35977 McKee Rd. in east Abbotsford.

"We have a burning desire to continue to care for the golf club that we've cared for 34 years, 365 days a year," said Differ. "Every year the course gets better and better, but it's come to a point that as a non-profit society we are having difficulty in operating the way things are today."

The society is asking the city to provide a fee for service to supplement operations by $150,000 and capital expenditures of $100,000 for a total of $250,000.

Without help, the society feels it won't be able to finish the last four years of its 25-year lease with the city.

The society has operated for 34 years without having to ask the city for financial support and any money the golf course made in the past went back into course improvements, said Differ.

The society has put more than $1.9 million in capital into improving the course during its partnership with the municipality. However, the society is overextended at the bank after suffering losses of $112,000 in 2010 and $240,000 in 2011.

Ledgeview is anticipating further losses of $150,000 in 2012 if it doesn't get assistance.

Members who prepaid for their green fees generated revenue in the past.

It is difficult to maintain or grow the membership as people are questioning whether to make investments given the future uncertainty of the club, said Differ.

Ledgeview, which is basically run on behalf of the city's parks, recreation and culture department, is a valuable resource for the community, he added.

Abbotsford residents play the course for discounted rates and young people have access to the course through junior golf programs, the Bateman Secondary golf academy, the University of the Fraser Valley and intermediate golf programs.

Additionally, Ledgeview hosts numerous corporate and charity events annually. Volunteers man the society board and several other members contribute many hours and services in benefit of the club.

Ledgeview is the only 18-hole full size golf course in Abbotsford.

The society was one of nine non-profit groups that came to the council on Monday seeking continued or increased financial support for the community services they provide.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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