City councillors in Kitchener voted Monday night to keep The Boathouse in Victoria Park as a live music venue, and try to improve it.

More than 200 supporters and Boathouse operator Kevin Doyle were all at the council meeting to hear the decision.

However, the decision to keep the venue running is conditional on Doyle and the city reaching mutually agreeable leasing arrangement.

Doyle says "I'm happy because we can move forward. I've always wanted to work with the council, I've always wanted to have a long term contract. I've put seven years into building this, I'm not about to walk away. I'm very happy, I feel overwhelmed."

Musicians like Tessa Jennison who perform at The Boathouse and call it a home say the decision is a big relief.

"It's restored my faith in how these things work. I'm very happy with how tonight went. I think it was an enormous demonstration from the community of our support of the Boathouse."

The Boathouse Restaurant and Music House will close at the end of October until the spring while Victoria Park Lake is dredged.

Council has also voted to look at possible improvements to the venue to make it more efficient and profitable.

That decision has music promoter Dan Graham concerned, "A big piece of the puzzle is having Kevin Doyle as the operator and as you heard several of the councillors pointed out before the vote, they said if they can't come to an agreement with Mr. Doyle, then that will free them to look for other takers."

City council has also agreed to consult the public about any future renovation plans.

Local residents say having people coming and going at the building has actually reduced the crime rate in Victoria Park.