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Construction Madness: The End Is Near!

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We’re well into November, which means we’ve hit one year of solid construction. We’re the first to say that it wasn’t without any hiccups, but the first stage of completion is creeping closer and closer. Next week (hopefully) marks a milestone for restaurant KALOS in terms of its development as we await approvals on our occupancy permit, as well as health department approval to officially open the kitchen. Fingers crossed!

Here are a few things to note with regard to what this means in practice, as well as where things are at construction-wise:

Opening Our Doors

Pending approvals, we’ll officially open our restaurant and main venue at the end of November. At that time, KALOS will open at limited capacity and on a reservation-only basis. We request that guests make reservations through our website (our future reservation widget will be up and running closer to the end of November). To start, KALOS will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 4PM until 9PM. More information will follow soon. Please stay tuned!

Our first two official events at KALOS will be our Christmas Market (December 5, 2021) and our New Years Eve celebration, Champagne & Pearls (December 31, 2021). So, if you want to be a part of these first public gatherings and experience KALOS and our brand-new venue, be sure to get your tickets now! Please click here to purchase your Christmas Market tickets, and click here for Champagne & Pearls tickets.

Progress

In the meantime, the entire team is working overtime to push the project along! Right now, 80% of the tiling on the main floor is done, and we expect tiling (on both the main floor and downstairs) to be completed by the end of November with some extra hours and elbow grease. The same is true for our elevator– with its delivery delayed due to material shortages – ultimately limiting us to upstairs occupancy only for now. 

Let’s move onto the happier news! The washrooms are complete, and with all kitchen equipment, silverware and plates delivered last week, the kitchen is fully operational (pending health department approvals). Despite the fact that our purchased ice-cream machine is currently MIA (please do let us know if you know its whereabouts), the open kitchen with bar seating offers a level of entertainment on its own. It provides an opportunity for guests to follow the steps taken to turn fresh, high-quality ingredients into each mouth-watering meal. Once KALOS is open, customers can follow along with chef Eric and his team as they fire up the grill, plate dishes and more! In line with this, the separate bar is essentially complete as well (apart from some tiling). The bar’s feature wall is done and a nice touch is the addition of lights which can change colours as we see fit!

Speaking of feature walls, in order to split the venue space and separate the open kitchen and bar area from a quieter dining or event space (including gorgeous view), a sliding wall has been installed around the double-sided fireplace. When closed, each individual space will have its own purpose, including cozy atmosphere.

Now, let’s skip to the outside portion of venue, because what would a venue be without its façade? From a design standpoint, the exterior face of the building has been an important talking point as it has set the tone for the rest of the building. The exterior is bound to grab one’s attention, as the stark contrast between the wood ceiling and dark-coloured stone can be seen from the road. As if the golf course didn’t provide a gorgeous enough backdrop for wedding pictures, now the venue does too. Even so, we’re still working on some final touches such as the installation of outdoor lighting fixtures, and the golf course’s garbage bins will likely be recycled and turned into flower pots and used on the patio to create more intimate seating areas. Also, for those who have asked and are wondering what those mysterious stairs outside lead to… it’s the best roof-top view in Oxford County! For safety reasons, the staircase will not be accessible to the public, so instead you’ll have to enjoy the view from the lower level and the pictures below!

In close proximity of the staircase, the first stage of the sewage tile bed has been installed. We’re currently waiting on approval from the ministry of environment to move onto the next stage, which is expected late winter or early spring. This will allow us to bring the future routing of green #9 into play.

Finally, the rest of the paving is scheduled for the last week of November. For the golfers among us it’s worth mentioning that we’re also working on cart paths and we’re hoping to get them paved yet this year! Additionally, owner Steve and general manager Mike are working on a potential warming up area for golfers. Please stay tuned as we iron out the details!

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All of us at The Oxford Hills can’t wait until we open our doors and are able to showcase our interior, as well as the spectacular view from our brand-new venue!

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Almost Here: Your New Favourite Place

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In our preceding construction update, we alluded to the fact that, due to challenges posed by the pandemic, our main venue is still under construction. Since then, lots of progress has been made. All windows and retractable glass doors have been installed, our feature fireplace and staircase are starting to take shape, fridges and freezers are operational, and the new practice green has been freshly sodded.

As the leaves start to fall and we transition to the cooler season, the team continues to push hard to be able to open this fall. Read on to learn more about our progress!

Sneak Peek

Construction activities continue to be countless, and every decision is carefully made under the watchful eye of owner, Steve Bohner. Check out the video below to receive a sneak peek of the space, and hear Steve explain the progress and vision from inside the new venue:

Name Our Restaurant

With our venue opening creeping closer, we’re in need of a name for our restaurant. Join our Name Your Restaurant Contest for a chance to win a $1,000 dining certificate! (Some conditions apply.) Please complete the online form to submit your name suggestion and to enter the contest. Hurry – the contest closes on September 30th, 2021.

DISCOVER OUR VENUE

Visit our construction page for the latest pictures & news!

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Current Construction Status

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In our previous construction update, we mentioned that Theo’s – our future halfway point – will have a full kitchen, small bar, bathroom, and inside and outside seating, and will function as our temporary clubhouse until the actual, much larger, clubhouse opens.

Here’s a quick update on where things are at with Theo’s…

Theo’s

Despite the challenges posed by the current crisis and restrictions, we continue to make progress and have dotted a few more i’s and crossed a few more t’s along the way!

Most of our kitchen equipment and shelving has been installed. Our custom 17-foot live edge cherrywood bar top is in its place (a big thanks to Salford Woodworks), and so is our (beer) tap system! On top of that, painting is in full swing and nearing completion. We’re in the process of getting our water supply connected, and once this is done, we’ll be able to move onto the next steps, including service installations and the like. Our coffee, pop/soda lines, alpine, and a range of other services are all scheduled to be installed this week.

Once we’ve passed our final health inspection, we’ll be able to bring food onto the property. While we “patiently” wait for the OK, we have our ducks in a row and are ready to start training kitchen staff. Theo’s menu has already been designed… Think of morning options in the form of delicious pastries, yoghurt and breakfast sandwiches, and day time options including hamburgers, fried chicken sandwiches, and other high-end warm and cold treats (including vegetation options).

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Asphalt Paving

Meanwhile, as can be seen in the pictures above, we’re literally “paving the way” for your entrance. Thanks to Lloyd Boyce Paving Inc., the first asphalt is poured and our new laneway and parking lots are in the process of getting paved as we speak.

We look forward to welcoming you to The Oxford Hills soon!

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Opening Dates for The Oxford Hills

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As excitement grows and the 2021 golf season quickly approaches, the time is now to answer your most burning question: “when will The Oxford Hills open?” Those who are part of our mailing list were among the first to receive this long-awaited answer. Missed our email? Read on to get up to date on our specific timeline for our opening:

Opening Day Members and Multi-Round Package Holders

We’re pleased to announce that The Oxford Hills will open for play to Members, and anyone who has purchased a multi-round golf package this May. The specific opening date will vary depending on both weather and any COVID-related policies outlined by the government and appropriate health bodies. During this initial opening phase, pre-booked tee time reservations will be required at all times (no walk-ins will be allowed), and our qualified golfers will be allowed to bring up to 3 guests. Please note that, at our discretion, the number of tee times will be limited to reduce traffic and allow for social distancing. Tee times will be booked through our website, or by calling the clubhouse. (An email will be sent out once our booking software is live, so if you haven’t yet, please make sure you join our email list.)     

Course Superintendent, Steve Phillips, and his team are working diligently to get the golf course into excellent condition for opening day.

Opening Day for Public Golfers

Following the member opening, The Oxford Hills will welcome public play (once the weather, construction and greens conditions allow for it). Keeping a close eye on the still-ongoing pandemic, and health and safety measures, a limited amount of people will be allowed on our property. For this reason, tee times will continue to have to be booked in advance and no walk-ins will be allowed.

Staggered Opening

This staggered opening allows for crowd management, which is important for a few reasons. Between COVID-19 and the fact that the golf course is brand-new (having undergone extensive physical change starting last fall and continuing to this day), we want to make sure foot traffic is limited to allow for social distancing, as well as to ensure the course is able to flourish into its most optimal green and playing conditions. Those who have already made a commitment to play our course (i.e. purchased a membership or package) are hence among the firsts to play it. We will continue to carefully monitor the turf progress to ensure the greens are mature enough to withstand increased foot traffic and are looking forward to welcoming all visitors as soon as possible.

Theo’s

As we open our doors for play, clubhouse construction remains in full swing – the clubhouse is taking shape as the ceiling beams, roof structure and walls are erected. Due to ongoing clubhouse construction (which has an estimated finish date of July), we’ll be working out of our future halfway point “Theo’s” to start this golf season. Theo’s has a full kitchen, bar, outside and inside seating, as well as full bathroom facilities. Chef Eric Boyar, and his wife Jennifer, are working with their culinary team to develop menus for a variety of unique food experiences that will be available from Theo’s. Once our dream clubhouse opens its doors, Theo’s will function as a proper halfway point, allowing you to grab a quick bite on your way to the 10th tee.

Check out the picture below for an idea of what Theo’s will look like — stay tuned for more updates!

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Temporary Course Layout

As some of you know, when we open our doors on May 10th, golfers will be playing a modified 18-hole golf course. The three holes that were designed and constructed last fall (holes 16 — displayed below — through 18) will be put into play as soon as possible. 

The countdown is on! We can’t wait until we can welcome you to the course. Our temporary scorecards are getting printed at this very moment!

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Construction In Focus

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While the pandemic has definitely thrown a wrench in our plans, we continue to work hard to be able to open this Spring. Here’s a quick update on the latest and greatest construction activities:

Clubhouse vs. Halfway Point

In our previous construction update, we mentioned that we went from an outdated clubhouse to virtually no clubhouse at all. Since then, lots of process has been made. Considerable efforts have been devoted to making our state-of-the-art clubhouse (with restaurant) become a reality. The new foundations (complete with main floor) are constructed and our day-to-day tasks consist of reviewing and making decisions on lay-out, as well as exterior and interior design details.

Now it’s time to provide a more detailed sneak peek at our clubhouse: the goal is to create a comfortable atmosphere (including fireplace feature wall centered in the dining areas). We’re aiming for a somewhat minimalist style, which is the result of a unique Nordic/Scandinavian and European inspired design. The clubhouse will include a vast amount of glass, different types of woods (all the way from BC) and natural stones. Not only do we aspire to become a destination location, we strive to become a point of pride for Oxford County and Southwestern Ontario that everyone in our community can enjoy. As you can imagine, creating such a space takes a lot of dedication, decision-making, time and energy, and consequently, the estimated finish date of our clubhouse is early Summer.

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But don’t fret! Keeping an eye on our projected Spring opening (weather dependent), we’re working on a great alternative. Our construction crew will add to their already full plate and extend their work to Theo’s, our future halfway point. Theo’s will have a full kitchen, small bar, outside and inside seating and a full bathroom. This permanent fixture will function as our temporary Spring clubhouse until our dream clubhouse opens its doors. Thereafter, Theo’s will function as a true halfway point, or comfort station, allowing our guests to grab a quick bite on their way to the 10th tee.

A Big Thank You to Our Local Support and Partners

A special thank you to the South-West Oxford Building Department who worked really hard to get us the permit for our halfway point! In addition, we’d like to take a moment to thank the (local) companies that are working hard to realize our Spring 2021 opening:

  • Reid & DeLeye Contractors 
  • Stubbe’s Precast
  • Otter Valley Concrete
  • POW Engineering
  • RC Golfworks
  • Oxford Energy
  • Turner Plumbing & Heating Ltd.
  • JVB Excavating
  • 3E Power Services Limited
  • Salford Woodworks
  • Weidmark Integrated Technologies
  • Total Equipment Rentals
  • Objective Engineering Inc.
  • Rick’s Heating and Cooling Service 
  • Stratford Metal Products Ltd.
  • Henry’s Excavating Inc.
  • Marklevitz Architects Inc.
  • Podolinsky Equipment Ltd.
  • Vanden Bussche Irrigation
  • Ontario Seed Company
  • Davis and McCauley Fuels
  • Burns Interior Design
  • Advantage Restaurant Supply and Service

Stay In The Loop

Want to stay informed on construction news?
Visit our construction page where we post our latest construction activities, including pictures.

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Everything Is Under Construction

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Construction is in full swing! We’ve gone from an overgrown course to a brand-new field of green as we bring our new vision to life. Here’s a quick update on how things are coming along:

Getting to this point is the result of a thorough clean up — with lots of pruning, tree chopping and spading. Ponds have been drained and are in the process of getting relocated. The (somewhat muddy) entrance path was partly moved and is in the midst of being turned into a newly paved driveway. On top of that, we went from a fairly outdated clubhouse to no clubhouse at all. Let’s just say… sometimes things have to get worse before they get better. But don’t worry — this was all planned! The building foundations for the new clubhouse will be constructed in the next two to three weeks.

Owner Steve Bohner is directly guiding the developments to make sure the project continues to run smoothly. (Not to forget, our Club Pro, Nick Ens, and Superintendent, Steve Phillips, are on-site every day ensuring things are moving along!)

Out with the Old, In with the New

Check out the video below to see Steve explain the progress in his own words, with the picturesque backdrop of the new #16 and the whistling wind (sorry in advance for the poor audio) sliding up the… Oxford Hills.

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We know, we know — it’s a little hard to hear over the wind! Again, our apologies, but what can you do… we are, after all, the second highest point in Oxford County!

Check out the transcript below for a breakdown of Steve’s update.

Video Transcript

“We are at The Oxford Hills, standing on new green 16, overlooking the new pond that was created a few months ago now. And as you can see below us, it’s starting to fill up slightly. We’re expecting to fill that up by spring, with spring run-off mostly, and we’ve tiled from the next-door farm into the pond as well to capture as much water as we can from the surrounding area. Overlooking, you can kind of see behind me, that’s the 16th green showing and 18th green will be behind these pine trees just off to the left, to the left of the tractor. It’s kind of hard to see but that large pine… spruce tree, in the far distance, there’s a fence around it, that’s where the old clubhouse was and the clubhouse has been demolished. We’re ready for foundations within the next 2 to 3 weeks… we hope to get foundation started inside, before winter comes hard and the snow comes. Let’s hope that happens. As you can see in general, things are starting to finish. They are doing the last final grading and this week, by the end of the week, we hope to have most of those dark areas, black areas, in grass…most of it will be sod coming, so the greens are all freshly sodded and the surrounding areas, fairways will be all in sod and the rest will be seeded around the outside of the fairways. In general, we’ve opened up this hole 16 to get a great view over the course in both directions, and recently, we’ve opened up towards the east so we can see from up here far distance into the east of Oxford County. My favourite time I’m here… this is one of my favourite spots. Before, this was all overgrown and this turned into one of my best look-out points that I’ve seen so far.”

A Special Thank You to Our Local Support

While our work isn’t finished, we’d like to take a moment to thank all of the local companies keeping us on schedule to open our doors in 2021:

  • JVB Excavating and Henry’s Excavating Inc. for all their help with excavation, demolition, tree spading, and more. The progress we’re seeing wouldn’t be possible without your help!
  • Special thanks to Rachael from POW Engineering and Megan and Mark from Marklevitz Architects Inc. for all their hard work and efforts affiliated with turning our clubhouse vision into reality.
  • Lastly, the course is looking better and greener every day thanks to Rob from RC Golfworks. We appreciate your involvement in our golf course renovations, ranging from green and bunker construction to irrigation upgrades, and more!

Construction Gallery

Interested in everything construction? Visit our construction gallery where we’ll regularly post our latest construction activities.

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