Employees arriving for their shift on Friday at the Boathouse restaurant and music house in Kitchener’s Victoria Park were surprised to find out they were locked out.

Ariel Dernesch works at the Boathouse as a cook and says losing her job and this venue is heart breaking.

“This place supports a lot of local musicians, a lot of starving artists work here. It’s going to be a pity for Kitchener-Waterloo region.” Dernesch says.

Adam Ormandy also works at the Boathouse, but also started playing the harmonica at the music venue two and half years ago.  He says the Boathouse is a supportive environment that helped new musicians like him grow.

“I am going to be getting a chance now to be playing with MS Angel and Home Wreckers because of this place and I also met the love of my life here because of this place.” Ormandy tells CTV News.

The news of the Boathouse closure may have been a shock to many who had grown to love the music house.   In a media release, the City of Kitchener says the business “is not in compliance with the lease agreement” but owner Kevin Doyle “remains in control of the premises.”

The city says Doyle owes the city five months’ rent and utility costs, but had until the end of Friday to address the issue – after which action may be taken.

The city says it sent a letter to the operator thirty days ago.

“We have been working with the operator many months on this issue and particularly in the last 30 days and in the last few days.” Rod Regier, Executive Director of Economic Development, says.

The operator, Kevin Doyle, could not be reached for comment.  But he did post a message on Facebook saying: “I signed a contract that was based on certain conditions so that the business could be viable. The renovation funds were delayed and never made available. Thus, making it impossible to break even.”

The city says the funds were always available.

“We need a clear proposal about what the operator wanted to do and set a drawing that we could all agree to.” Regier says.  He says the city never got them.

On Facebook Doyle “thanks patrons for their support over the last nine years.”  He goes on to say “It kills me to say goodbye to our Boathouse but I am left no choice.”

Officials with the city say despite the outcome with this situation they are committed to making the Boathouse a music venue.

The facility was previously the centre of public debate in 2011, when a rent dispute between Doyle and the city nearly closed down the venue.