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“They are on track to open for June 2016,” Sawyer said.

“They have started (construction) and they will be moving ahead with more of the work in 2015.”

Sawyer said the provincial government expects $16 million of the $18 million restoration could later be reimbursed through federal government funds designated for disasters.

“The golf course project was assessed in light of DRP (Disaster Recovery Programs) funding before it was approved. We are expecting DRP to cover the majority of the $18 million cost,” Sawyer said.

“Part of the project is a little above and beyond what DRP would cover … that part of it won’t be covered by DRP. That looks like it’s around $2 million.”

Sawyer said the provincial government will pay for the project in the short term and then apply for federal funding, and the rebuild will be paid for out of three budget years that began with the 2013/2014 budget.

Continued construction on the course, which saw about 60,000 rounds of golf played annually when it was open, comes as the province faces a major revenue shortfall because of low oil prices.

The Progressive Conservatives have put a new cancer centre in Calgary on hold indefinitely amid a potential $7-billion revenue shortfall and Premier Jim Prentice has stated all future capital projects, including the southwest ring road, are being reviewed.

Cabinet ministers have agreed to take a five-per-cent pay cut and Prentice has warned of possible tax hikes and spending cuts, and he’s cautioned of challenging times ahead.