Kitchener-Waterloo

The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park to remain empty until after pandemic

The City of Kitchener owns The Boathouse in Victoria Park. It has sat empty since October 2019 and city staff say there are no plans to seek a tenant until after the pandemic.

Venue has sat empty since October 2019

The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park has been closed since October 2019. City officials say there are no plans to seek out a new tenant for the building until after the COVID-19 pandemic. (Kate Bueckert/CBC)

The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park will remain empty for the foreseeable future as the city has no plans to find a tenant during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The venue has sat empty since October 2019.

"The city has delayed issuing the request for proposal (RFP) to secure a new tenant due to the pandemic and challenges faced by our restaurant, hospitality, and entertainment communities," Shawn Falcao, a spokesperson for the city, said in an email.

"The city continues to monitor the impact of the pandemic on local restaurants and the RFP for a new tenant will be issued post-pandemic."

The Boathouse has been home to cafés, restaurants and has served as a music venue.

It's closure in October 2019 was abrupt and there was no risen given for it beyond that the tenant no longer wanted to keep it open.

At the time, city officials thought they would put out request for proposals by the end of the year.