Windsor seeks developers for Roseland Golf Course clubhouse, condo project; city council approves demolition contract to explore new options.

Windsor Moves Forward on Roseland Redevelopment

The City of Windsor will soon unveil its process for soliciting expressions of interest from developers for the Roseland Golf Course clubhouse and part of its parking lot, a spokesperson confirmed. The initiative aims to explore potential construction of a new clubhouse alongside a condominium complex.

Council Approves Demolition Contract

On Monday, Windsor City Council awarded a $2.5-million contract to demolish the existing, shuttered Roseland clubhouse and reroute utilities to maintain operations of other on-site facilities. The motion passed 9-1, with Councillor Fred Francis dissenting.

Francis expressed concern that the city should integrate demolition with the construction of a replacement clubhouse rather than tying it to a potential condo development. “If it was only a tender for a demo of a clubhouse and the building of a clubhouse, we could probably do it within the $5.3 million we have,” he said, referencing the capital budget allocation.

Mayor Emphasizes Market Opportunity

Mayor Drew Dilkens defended the approach, stating that demolition and an expression of interest process would not preclude rebuilding the clubhouse later. “This is the one opportunity that we have to look at putting something out to see what the market will bear,” Dilkens said, noting council could still decide on a standalone clubhouse if no acceptable development proposals arise.

The mayor also emphasized budget limitations, noting that funding does not allow for simultaneous demolition and reconstruction without further council approval.

Past Controversy Shapes Present Decisions

The future of Roseland has been debated since March 2024, when the city listed the clubhouse and part of the parking lot as potential sites for housing development under the Housing Solutions Made for Windsor program. Earlier, council had removed the heritage designation from this portion of the property while preserving the historic golf course itself, designed in 1926 by renowned architect Donald J. Ross.

Community Voices Concerns

Some local residents remain skeptical. Catherine Archer, a community activist living near Roseland, criticized council for prioritizing development over community interests. “These aren’t affordable condos. This is not what we’re needing in this city… This is parkland, so it belongs to the taxpayer,” Archer said. She suggested alternative uses such as green space, lawn bowling, or tennis courts for public enjoyment.

Next Steps

The city has indicated that details of the expression of interest process will be released in the coming weeks. Developers will have the opportunity to propose new facilities, with council retaining final decision-making authority over any redevelopment or condo project.