Developer and Town Seek Agreement on Perth Golf Course Project

The future of a proposed housing development in Perth, Ont., is still uncertain as the town and the developer collaborate under the oversight of the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) to reach a consensus, while some local residents express worries about the size of the project. 

Caivan, a company based in Ottawa, plans to construct around 1,000 new homes in various styles at an old golf course located on Perth’s western edge.

This initiative has raised concerns regarding road access and whether the town’s existing infrastructure can handle such a significant increase to its current population of approximately 6,500. 

Perth Mayor Judy Brown states that it will help maintain community activity after tourists leave at summer’s end, but this proposal has been stuck in deliberation by a third-party decision-maker for over a year now. 

What led us here?

In 2023, Caivan requested that the town modify a zoning bylaw; however, there was no response within the timeframe established by Ontario’s Planning Act.

This prompted Caivan to file an appeal with the tribunal, which will determine if the zoning amendment can be approved following a public hearing.

Earlier this month, Caivan asked for a delay on a hearing set for February so both parties could engage in mediation and work together to “narrow issues,” as stated by the tribunal.

A planner from the town remarked in August 2023 that while the project did not align with its official plan initially, it could potentially fit with some adjustments. “That’s not to say it can’t be. We just need to make some tweaks.”

Additions for affordable housing

Since then, Caivan has made changes to its proposal. 

The total number of units might now reach up to 1,069 – an increase that left members of a concerned community group called Perth Citizens for Sensible Development “a bit flabbergasted,” according to member Ramsey Hart, who has lived in town for more than ten years. 

This rise is partly due to including 75 affordable housing units in their plans-something missing from their original proposal.

Ramsey mentioned that he believes that number still isn’t sufficient.

Caivan distributed this outline of the project last month. (Caivan)

Additional modifications made by Caivan involve reducing the project’s footprint by nearly two hectares; ensuring at least a 15-meter setback from all provincially significant wetlands (the site is near Tay River); and planning for another bridge over the river to address traffic concerns.

“As a result of these efforts, Caivan, along with the town and [Lanark County], have agreed to use OLT’s mediation services in hopes of closing gaps on remaining issues,” said Caivan in an emailed statement.

The town also declined an interview request.

The golf club’s temporary closure

The owners of Perth Golf Course sold their land to Caivan; however, their development plan includes retaining part of it as a golf course but only as nine holes instead of eighteen. 

The club was founded back in 1890 and is currently closed during Caivan’s planning process but is expected to reopen in 2027 according to information on their website.

A “new facility” is anticipated according to an automatic reply sent when CBC reached out via email.







.<p img src="Perth Golf Course opened in1890** is Canada’s oldest permanent course. (Sam Konnert/CBC)John Thompson’s family has played there for over one hundred years. The retiree plays around seventy times each year.

“It is really hard emotionally watching this golf course vanish,” Thompson wrote via email.“I’m hoping someone comes along.. and transforms it into a year-round recreational space featuring eighteen holes, pickleball courts, a wellness center, restaurant, cross-country skiing trails, and bike paths.”

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