Cedar Hill Golf Course closed after stolen vehicle set ablaze on fairway

Cedar Hill Golf Course has closed after a vehicle was allegedly stolen and set on fire on its fairway.

District of Saanich crews are currently working to assess the damage caused by the incident, and Saanich Police have launched an investigation.

In a statement released on Thursday, May 28th, the District confirmed the golf course will remain closed until staff have determined it is safe to reopen. .

“Assessment of the damage is still underway, so there are no details to provide just yet on the extent of the damage, nor the timeline and cost to repair it,” the District said.

Cleanup efforts were ongoing Thursday and the public was asked to stay off the course while crews work in the area.

According to Saanich Police, the incident began around 9 p.m. on May 27th after officers received a report of a stolen vehicle from a residence in the 600 block of Jolly Place.

A short time later, officers located the vehicle in the parking lot of Cedar Hill Recreation Centre and attempted to stop it. Police say the driver fled onto Cedar Hill Golf Course, striking two police vehicles in the process.

Officers did not pursue the vehicle and instead established containment around the golf course.

While maintaining the perimeter, an officer spotted a fire burning on the course. Upon investigating, police discovered the stolen vehicle engulfed in flames in the middle of a fairway.

Saanich Fire Department crews responded and extinguished the blaze.

Police called in the Integrated Canine Service, located the suspect hiding in a nearby bush and took them into custody.

The driver remains in custody pending a court appearance.

Investigators say they expect to recommend charges related to the theft of the vehicle, setting it on fire, causing damage to the golf course and fleeing from police.

The District of Saanich has not yet released an estimate of the damage or indicated when the popular municipal golf course may reopen.