Central Ontario
Blair Breen
Regional Director
Advocacy in Ontario
NGCOA Canada represents golf course owners and operators on provincial and municipal issues that can affect their businesses. Through government engagement, collaboration with industry partners and ongoing monitoring, we work to ensure the realities of golf course operations are understood by decision-makers.
PROVINCIAL ADVOCACY MUNICIPAL ISSUES MEMBER SUPPORT
National Advocacy Initiative
View National Initiative Golf in Your Riding
Help local representatives understand golf’s contribution to employment, tourism, recreation and community life. Visit the national advocacy page for current campaign information, resources and participation details.
Current Advocacy Work
Provincial and Municipal Issues
NGCOA Canada is currently engaged in or monitoring several files with potential implications for golf facilities in Ontario and the Outaouais.
Ontario Municipal Stormwater Charges
Some Ontario municipalities are applying stormwater charges to golf course properties. Originally developed for large commercial properties with extensive paved surfaces, these charges may not reflect the land-use and stormwater-management realities of golf facilities.
NGCOA Canada has met with representatives from the Office of Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to raise the industry’s concerns and request that golf facilities be exempt. The meeting was constructive, and we are awaiting a formal response. No action is required from members at this time.
Ontario & Québec Alto High-Speed Rail Corridor
NGCOA Canada has engaged with Alto regarding the proposed high-speed rail corridor and its potential impact on golf course properties. Our focus is ensuring that route planning recognizes the unique land requirements of golf facilities and the significant operational consequences that even partial property impacts can create.
Read the latest update →Outaouais Gatineau Parking Lot Tax
NGCOA Canada is advocating on behalf of golf facilities affected by the City of Gatineau’s parking lot tax. Our efforts focus on ensuring that the size, use and unique operating realities of golf course properties are considered in the application of the tax.
Review City of Gatineau information (French only) →Ontario Advocacy Result
Improvement to Ontario’s IPM Program
Working with Ontario’s We Are Golf partners, NGCOA Canada helped secure the removal of the annual public meeting requirement from Ontario Regulation 63/09. This change reduced an administrative burden for golf facilities while maintaining applicable environmental management and notification requirements.
Review the original update →Member Support
Have an Advocacy Concern?
Government and regulatory issues often emerge first at the local level. If an issue is affecting your facility, contact your Regional Director to share the details, ask questions or help us understand its impact on golf operations in your region.
Southwestern Ontario
Shawn Hunter
Regional Director
Eastern Ontario/Outaouais
Greg Chambers
Regional Director
