Mill Woods Golf Club in Edmonton is building a new access road after flooding from a nearby creek forced the closure of its only entrance, temporarily stranding the course. The closure, which began in late June 2026, resulted from the rising waters of Mill Creek, which overflowed its banks following heavy rainfall and inundated the sole access route to the facility.
Flooding forces emergency measures
The flooding occurred after a series of intense storms hit the Edmonton region, causing Mill Creek to swell and wash out the road that connects the golf course to 23 Avenue. The club had to shut down operations immediately, leaving golfers and staff unable to reach the site. According to a spokesperson for the City of Edmonton, which owns the course, the damage was extensive and required a long-term solution rather than temporary repairs.
“We had no choice but to close the course when the road became impassable,” said the spokesperson. “The safety of our visitors and employees is our top priority, and we are working as quickly as possible to restore access.”
Construction of alternative access
To resolve the issue, the city began construction of a new access road that bypasses the flood-prone area. The road, expected to be completed by mid-July 2026, will provide a permanent alternative entrance to the golf course. The project involves grading, paving, and installing drainage systems to prevent future flooding. The cost of the new road has not been disclosed, but city officials confirmed it is being funded through emergency infrastructure budgets.
“This new road will ensure that Mill Woods Golf Club remains accessible even during extreme weather events,” the spokesperson added. “We are committed to maintaining recreational spaces for Edmontonians.”
Impact on golfers and operations
The closure has disrupted the summer golf season, with many tee times cancelled and tournaments postponed. The club, which typically sees high traffic during the warm months, has lost significant revenue. Regular golfer Tom Hanks, a local resident, expressed frustration: “It’s disappointing to see the course closed during the best time of the year. I hope the new road is built quickly so we can get back on the greens.”
The city has not yet announced a reopening date but expects the course to resume operations shortly after the road is completed. In the meantime, golfers have been directed to other municipal courses in the area.
Broader flooding concerns in Edmonton
The incident highlights ongoing flooding risks in Edmonton, where aging infrastructure and increasing extreme weather events have led to repeated closures. The city has been investing in flood mitigation projects, including upgrades to drainage systems and creek banks. However, critics argue that more needs to be done to protect public facilities.
“This is a wake-up call,” said city councillor Andrew Knack. “We need to prioritize climate resilience in our infrastructure planning to avoid similar disruptions in the future.”
