The Boathouse renovations would include new washroom, patio extending over lake
Idea would be to let people enjoy the 'romantic landscape of the park,' report says
The group of investors behind a plan to renovate and reopen The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park are moving forward with a heritage application that would make big changes to the building.
The city said in a news release on Tuesday that Walkinshaw Holdings Inc. wants to make three significant changes:
- An addition to the west facade of the building for a new washroom.
- A cantilevered patio that extends over part of the lake.
- Adjustments to windows and doors, including a new entrance.
"A heritage assessment concluded that these building alterations will not adversely impact Victoria Park or the Victoria Park Neighborhood Heritage Conservation District," the city wrote.
The application will first be discussed at the city's heritage committee, which is scheduled to meet on Nov. 1.
Closures over last decade
The Boathouse is a city-owned property located on Jubilee Drive beside Victoria Park Lake. It has historically served as a music venue, but it's 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 proposal to secure a new tenant due to the pandemic and challenges faced by the restaurant and hospitality industry.
It announced the proposal from Walkinshaw Holdings in August.
Renos would help people enjoy the lake: Report
In a report to the heritage committee, staff noted the building was originally constructed in 1929 and stored canoes. Part of the building was destroyed by fire in 1967 and it was reconstructed to how it looks today.
"The proposed development aims to restore the building to its original use — as a public amenity space, as well as a place for residents and visitors to enjoy the lake and surrounding romantic landscape of the park," the staff report said.
James Barr, one of the partners making up Walkinshaw Holdings, told CBC Kitchener-Waterloo in August that they want to see the space used by the community.
"It should be the number one venue to go and have a drink after work or to go see live music or you know all of the above and it just, I mean, it hasn't been that for three years, so it just seemed like a no-brainer that somebody has to try and so why not us?" Barr said.