The City of Winnipeg has hit a redevelopment hole-in-one.

Looking to get out of the golf course business, the city has signed an agreement with Quebec-based Nordik Spa-Nature to open up its Finnish spa concept at the Crescent Drive Golf Course in south Winnipeg.

The $7 million year-round facility will feature dry saunas, cold waterfalls and temperate pools, steam baths, outdoor hot baths, outdoor fireplaces and relaxation areas.

Scheduled to open in late 2012, the spa won't target the high-end client that tends to frequent such locations. Instead, with a $45-per-day fee, its goal is to make the spa experience available to just about everyone, said Martin Paquette, Nordik's CEO.

Golfers need not worry that the nine-hole course will shut down. Instead, Nordik will build a new clubhouse for them - the old one has already been demolished - and will service hungry golfers with the same kitchen that takes care of spa-goers.

Earlier this fall, the city put out an expression of interest to see if anybody was interested in buying seven of its golf courses for commercial or residential development or to assume their long-term lease. That move came after auditors discovered the city-owned courses were deep in debt.

from Western Investor December 2011