Golf Canada hosts info session at Osprey Valley ahead of RBC Canadian Open

May 1, 2025 · 0 Comments

By Riley Murphy

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the RBC Canadian Open fast approaching, Golf Canada held an information session for community members at the venue site, TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley on Monday, April 28.

The event covered expected road closures, reduced speed limits, and parking restrictions that will be in place during the tournament week in June.

Representatives from Golf Canada and TPC Osprey Valley were present, including Chris Humenick, President of TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley, and Laura Humenick, Interior Design Coordinator.

Chris and Laura Humenick shared that although there will be disruptions, they feel confident in Golf Canada.

“They’re the professionals. They’ve got traffic management teams, parking teams, and a security team. It’s going to be a disruption to the community, but they’re doing their best to make sure that the disruption is mitigated as best as it can be,” said Chris Humenick.

“It’s our first time, but it’s not their first time,” shared Laura Humenick.

Golf Canada estimates the RBC Canadian Open will bring significant economic benefits to the Caledon area.

Chris Humenick emphasized the broader community impact.

“I smile when I think about the Caledon Agricultural Society getting a big cheque for renting out their grounds for volunteer parking for the week,” he said. “There’s so many stories and instances like that. We’re proud of the impact it’s going to have.”

Brian Newton, Director of Operations for Golf Canada, touched on how they are working to ensure that the impact on the community beyond that is positive as well.

“We recognize as an organization coming to Alton and coming to Caledon for the event that the residents know the community better than we do. We’ve met with the Alton Village Association and Caledon Village Association and kept open lines of communication with them and taken their feedback. All these plans that we’re presenting tonight, we presented to them months ago to get their feedback,” said Newton.

Newton also shared that it was reassuring to hear the excitement from the community.

“People seem genuinely really interested, which is exciting to us. A lot of the time we’re going to pretty big cities with the event and you’re a blip on the radar there. To have a community that’s so interested and wants to be involved is really exciting.”

Ryan Paul, Tournament Director for the RBC Canadian Open, addressed parking concerns raised by residents at the session. He wants to reassure the community that extra passes would be available.

“We’re not trying to restrict their life by any means. We’re just trying to keep our spectators out of those parking restrictions,” said Paul. “It’s an exciting week, and we look forward to seeing everyone there.”

Paul stated that they’re looking forward to showcasing what a great community this is for the RBC Canadian Open.

The volunteer program run by Golf Canada is another opportunity for those in the community to get involved, and some residents already have.

Cathy and Brian Wilson attended the information session and have already signed up to participate.

“There’s incentive for volunteer groups to come out and join in. We’re thrilled to be doing it because it’s a great moneymaker for the club, and [for us] being golfers,” said Cathy, who is part of the Island Lake Rowing Club, which will be volunteering at the RBC Canadian Open as well.

Councilor Dave Sheen also attended the session; in a statement to the Caledon Citizen, he provided his thoughts regarding the event.

“I’m really excited about the RBC Canadian Open coming to TPC Toronto at Osprey Valley and what it means for Caledon. Tonight’s info session had a great turnout, and it was clear that most people are looking forward to the event. Golf Canada has been a fantastic partner, working closely with the town and other local stakeholders to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Hosting the Canadian Open is a huge opportunity for Caledon. Last year’s event in Hamilton brought an estimated $66 million in economic impact to Ontario, and we expect local businesses-restaurants, hotels, shops-to benefit from the 125,000 visitors expected here. It’s a chance to showcase our beautiful town to a global audience and support our community’s growth.

“I also want to give a big thank you to the approximately 2,000 local volunteers who are stepping up to help make this event a success. Their hard work and community spirit are what will really make the RBC Canadian Open special for everyone involved.

“I’m proud to support this event and can’t wait to see Caledon shine in June.”

Humenick shares that he hopes everyone in the community feels that there’s an open door regarding the event.

“We have tried our best to make sure that the people of Caledon feel welcome, that they don’t feel like it’s an event in their own backyard that they’re not welcome at. So that’s partly what this night is about: to make sure that everyone knows they’re welcome.”