Renovations at The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park expected to start this summer

Renovations at The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park is set to get underway this summer, the group of investors behind its redevelopment say.

James Barr, who is one of the investors that make up Walkinshaw Holdings, said in an email to CBC News that the group has successfully moved through the city's heritage and site planning process.

He says he knows people have been "patiently waiting for something to happen" at the site and they plan to release more details on their progress soon.

The Boathouse is a city-owned property located on Jubilee Drive beside Victoria Park Lake. It has historically served as a music venue, but has seen closures over the last 10 years.

In 2013, the venue closed after the tenants fell behind on rent and utility payments. It reopened in 2015 but closed abruptly in October 2019 and has sat empty ever since.

In 2021, the city said it had delayed issuing requests for proposals to secure a new tenant due to the pandemic and challenges faced by the restaurant and hospitality industry.

It was announced in August 2022 that Walkinshaw Holdings planned to revitalize the space and at the time, Barr said they wanted to make it "the number one venue to go to." 

Kitchener city council approved plans to redevelop The Boathouse, including a new washroom, a patio that extends over the lake and a new entrance.

Last month, city spokesperson Shawn Falcao told CBC News city staff were still negotiating a lease agreement with Walkinshaw Holdings and a more detailed update would be provided once the agreement was signed.