'Going to be one of the best summers': A first look at The Boathouse redevelopment in Kitchener

Following construction delays, redevelopment work is underway on The Boathouse in Kitchener.

The waterside restaurant and live music venue has been closed since 2019.

Construction was planned to start in spring 2023 ahead of a summer reopening, but was pushed back.

“These things take time,” said Kurtis McBride, a member of the partnership team responsible for revamping the popular space. “We're in a heritage-designated area, we’re in a park, we're close to a floodplain. There's a whole process that it takes to get from an idea, a RFP and a vision to something where we can build what will be a 8,500 sq. ft. restaurant on the water."

Despite the snowy backdrop in Victoria Park, construction crews are now at the site to bring the summertime hotspot back to life.

“This will be the fourth major renovation on this building in 120 years, so it's kind of cool to be part of something that's got such a storied history,” said McBride.

The inside of The Boathouse in Kitchener's Victoria Park on Jan. 16, 2023. (Spencer Turcotte/CTV Kitchener)

Staff on-site told CTV News about a takeout window which visitors will be able to get food or drinks from. They also highlighted the patio as a key feature.

“We’re going to have the largest patio in Kitchener,” said McBride. “The inside is going to be a mix of a restaurant and music venue. So it’s going to be continuing with a music theme. In the fall, we’re going to take it all the way from Oktoberfest to the Christmas market.”

A rendering shows the proposed cantilevered patio over the water. (City of Kitchener)

McBride talked about plans to keep the space relevant year-round. One of the options they’re looking into are heated domes so people can still enjoy the large patio space in the winter.

Kitchener’s mayor emphasized the role this venue can play in boosting the local arts and culture scene.

“This facility will play a role, together with our investments in festivals and special events," said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. "I think this is going to be one of the best summers in a long time in terms of live music in Kitchener.”

A rendering showing the proposed Boathouse development. (City of Kitchener)

HISTORY OF THE BOATHOUSE

The Boathouse has had a complicated history since 2011.

In September of that year, the then-operator got into a contract dispute with the city.

“Nobody would sign a contract where they’re trying to double your rent and lessen your operating hours, which is essentially what they are doing,” Kevin Doyle told CTV News at the time.

Carl Zehr, who was the mayor at the time, disputed Doyle’s claim saying the temporary closure was due to park upgrades and dismissed the rent issue.

“It is absolutely false,” he said. “We have not increased since he’s there, which is in 2009.”

On Oct. 4, 2011, council voted to keep The Boathouse as a live music venue, as long as Doyle and the city could reach a mutually agreeable leasing arrangement.

There was also discussion about improving the venue, a project that was estimated to cost between $250,000 and $500,000.

One big hurdle was Doyle, who had first right of refusal on the new site – considering he would have to cover the more than $150,000 cost of upgrading the kitchen.

Council eventually agreed on a $610,000 renovation plan that included an expanded patio, temporary parking, new lights and new sound equipment.

The Boathouse was closed for eight months while the work was completed. It reopened in July 2012.

By that time Doyle had signed a 10-year lease with the city.

Then, in Sept. 2013, the venue suddenly closed. The City of Kitchener said it “was not in compliance with the lease agreement” but that Doyle “remains in control of the premises.”

In a statement posted on The Boathouse’s Facebook page, Doyle said he was “forced out.”

The city explained that Doyle owed five months of rent and utility costs.

Doyle said he never received renovation funds, while the city argued that the money had always been available.

Doyle then announced he wouldn’t return to The Boathouse.

The city took possession of the venue that same month and started its search for a new operator.

On Feb. 3, 2014, they announced Bill MacTavish, the owner of Imbibe restaurant in downtown Kitchener, would be taking over The Boathouse. The city also said renovations would be done before its reopening, specifically increasing the seating capacity, washrooms upgrades, new lighting and sound systems.

Then, another snag. The reopening was delayed due to construction issues and concerns about the building’s heritage elements.

The Boathouse finally reopened on Jan. 9, 2015.

More than four years later, on Oct. 31, 2019, it closed again. No details were released about why the previous tenants were leaving.

In Nov. 2021, the city appealed to the public for input on the future of The Boathouse.

The venue was one step closer to opening in 2022, when Walkinshaw Holdings presented its plan for the space. Approval from the city came in December of that year.

The developer had hoped to open The Boathouse in spring, but in May 2023, the project was once again delayed. No reason was given at the time. Reopening was then pushed to 2024.