Do Housing Incentives
Have Bite? By Robert Thompson with Stephen Hicks
Matt Eastman faced a number of challenges. A new job at a new private club, one in a new city following a move from Vancouver. But one of his biggest struggles was determining where to live. Toronto, as most recognize, isn’t inexpensive and finding decent rental housing is difficult, especially as one is getting themselves established. Eastman came to Mississaugua Golf and Country Club when former superintendent Adam Zubek joined in 2011. When the club offered accommodations in its classic clubhouse, Eastman took them up on the option. He had interned at Capilano, and joined the venerable private club outside of Toronto as an assistant superintendent in training. Needless to say, it wasn’t a position that offered huge compensation, but the opportunity to learn under Zubek was beneficial. “It was sort of like having a dorm room in university,” says Eastman, of living in the clubhouse. “I really enjoyed it. And yes there are some challenges living in the clubhouse, but it worked out.” As finding qualified maintenance staff becomes increasingly difficult, clubs are
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looking to options like providing housing in an effort to entice new employees. Mississaugua is far from alone. While many clubs offer housing for their superintendents, it is becoming more common for clubs to follow Mississaugua’s lead. Clubs like Beacon Hall, Osprey Valley, and others have offered housing, claiming it is helpful in attracting and retaining new employees. Beacon Hall in Aurora has housed many staffers who later moved to become superintendents. Lebovic’s super, Colin Young, former Coppinwood super Sean DeSilva, and Essex’s past superintendent Greg Brown, all spent time in the club’s housing, nicknamed “The Treehouse.” Paul Scenna, the club’s superintendent, says the housing is a big benefit given the costs of living in the area surrounding the club. Housing has been offered since the club opened in 1988. “It’s a great asset to attract both assistants, spray techs and interns who otherwise could