The Future is Bright at Bear Mountain

Posted on January 21, 2014

FUTURE PLAN FOR BEAR MOUNTAIN INCLUDES 36 HOLES OF GOLF AND NEW RESORT AND COMMUNITY AMENITIES

January 21st, 2014 (VICTORIA, BC) – Ecoasis Developments LLP, (Ecoasis) who purchased the Bear Mountain lands and assets last October, announced today that the future build out of the community would include The Mountain Course and The Valley Course – 36 holes of Nicklaus Design golf. “Our goal at Bear Mountain is to become the finest resort/residential community in Canada,” said Dan Matthews, managing partner and founder of Ecoasis. “Lifestyle amenities and quality development are an integral part of achieving this important goal. We will be working with the community on the broader vision for the community throughout this year, but today we wish to renew optimism and build excitement for the future by sharing a few key decisions that will help shape our build out over the coming years, and shed light on what people can expect. Bear Mountain will continue to be Canada’s only 36-hole Nicklaus Design golf experience, we are moving forward with our contract agreement with the Westin, and we are introducing more amenities to enhance the lifestyle advantages of coming to Bear Mountain year round — whether you are coming to stay at the Westin or to live in the community.”

Golf:
Ecoasis will maintain 36 holes, and take the golf experience at Bear Mountain to the next level broadening its appeal and reputation. Golf members and the Bear Mountain golf team will provide input into alterations to The Mountain Course that will enhance play and strengthen the real estate portfolio bringing to market highly desirable, high-value residential opportunities. Golf and real estate — two primary lines of business – must align in order to move forward.

Hole 10 will come out, effective Jan 27th and hole 19 will come into play enabling Ecoasis to move ahead with the build-out of Upper Hedgestone. The long-awaited continuation of development will commence immediately with the expansion of the Hedgestone neighbourhood bringing new golf course lots to market this summer; pricing and builders’ packages will be available in the coming months. To appeal to a wider group of golfers, two returning 9’s will be offered on The Valley Course in 2014. “This will be great for the course, and the community,” said Jordan Ray, Director of Golf at Bear Mountain. “People are busy and we get asked all the time if it’s possible to play 9 holes. Two returning 9’s will open up our facility to more golfers including young golfers who are the sport’s future. Even ‘the Golden Bear’, our golf course architect, the legendary Jack Nicklaus, is looking at ways to grow the game. His 12 hole, two and a half hour golf tournaments at Muirfield Village Golf Club are a huge success.”

Two new comfort stations are planned to be phased in throughout the year, followed by two additional comfort stations in the next phase. The two slated for 2014 will replace the portapotties on The Valley Course and the Snack Shack on the Mountain Course. Comfort stations will include washroom facilities, and food and beverage services complete with indoor and outdoor seating areas — these will also cater to the hikers and cyclists that will be using a new trail system being introduced for the summer of 2014. Darren Burns, Golf Superintendent at Bear Mountain, welcomes the changes along with an increased budget to improve the courses. “We are thrilled to receive the recognition and support for new equipment that will improve the quality of the courses and the play experience for everyone. Ecoasis is making a genuine commitment to the greens department and the maintenance program here at Bear Mountain.”

Bear Mountain Trails:
The first of a network of hiking and cycling trails will be introduced around The Valley Course with provision for the trail area commencing in late spring. Originating at the Westin Bear Mountain, this Valley trail loops approximately 4.5 km and marks the beginning of a longer term vision for the Bear Mountain 3 loop trail system that will connect the two courses with the village and adjacent neighbourhoods, and link into the network of hiking trails in the adjoining 300,000 acres of beautiful parklands.

The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa
In order to fulfill the contractual agreement with the Westin, Ecoasis will add a new outdoor swimming pool and fitness centre to the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa as part of a property improvement plan valued in excess of $4-million.

The pool will be heated year round, will overlook The Valley Course and will feature a grotto-style hot tub with an area of almost 250 square feet. Enhanced pool-area food and beverage service, and a series of fire pits and gathering places will encourage family outdoor enjoyment. Construction will begin immediately on these upscale amenities. Future plans call for the addition of a second adult-only hot tub offering a more private setting off the back of the hotel. An indoor family games area will round out the resort experience.

Bear Mountain is a community asset:
Matthews and his team are currently working on a Home Owner’s Card to enable Bear Mountain residents the opportunity to enjoy amenities and privileges at the Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, the details of which are forthcoming.

Ecoasis is all about amenities, healthy living and quality lifestyle opportunities and experiences: Ecoasis is pleased to announce that Bear Mountain is joining the Pacific Institute for Sport Excellence, the City of Langford, and Tourism Victoria in supporting SportHost Victoria. As a top-level member of the Sport Tourism Partnership, Ecoasis Bear Mountain is proud to support the promotion and growth of sport, and sport-related events in the Capital Region, and in the Bear Mountain community.

Though in the early stages of due diligence, Ecoasis and SportHost are exploring the potential for adding a tennis facility at Bear Mountain that will satisfy an international standard of excellence. With a focus on sport development, the tennis facilities will create year round opportunities to enjoy the game at all levels of play further enhancing the community’s recreational lifestyle.

“Bear Mountain’s spectacular mountain setting, strategic location, village amenities, and sheer liveability make this an exceptional opportunity for Ecoasis to add value for the benefit of all stakeholders of this vibrant community. We want all residents living in and visiting the South Island to consider Bear Mountain among their favourite places to visit, relax, play, dine and enjoy.” says Matthews.

Bear Mountain, 836 acres of land that straddles the District of the Highlands and the City of Langford on Vancouver Island, was purchased last October by Ecoasis Developments LLP. Ecoasis specializes in land acquisition and development of residential and resort real estate; signature properties that we enhance for the benefit of stakeholders and the surrounding communities. Our current geographical focus includes Hawaii, Whistler, and Victoria, BC. By partnering our talented team with the most experienced architects, engineering firms, construction companies, and consultants, we create high quality, sustainable communities that provide lasting value. www.ecoasis.com

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Kathi Springer – kspringer@pacegroup.com
Cell: 250.888.8767