The Boathouse permit application receives unanimous approval from heritage committee

The Boathouse in Victoria Park has been vacant for three years, but efforts are underway to bring it back to life. 

The previous tenant stepped away from the venue in 2019 and the City of Kitchener initially wanted to have a new operator in place by early 2020. However, COVID-19 put those plans on ice temporarily. 

This past summer, city council approved a proposal from Walkinshaw Holdings, aiming to transform the site into an upgraded live music, food, and entertainment establishment. 

Among the proposed changes are window and door alterations and additions, a new rear addition, and a cantilevered patio that would extend over the lake. 

The building on Jubilee Drive is located within the Victoria Park Neighbourhood Conservation District and designated under the Ontario Heritage Act. 

“A scoped heritage impact assessment was required for the proposed development and concluded that the building, the park, and the heritage conservation district will not be adversely impacted due to the proposed development,” said Deeksha Choudhry, city heritage planner. “It also suggested certain mitigation measures which have been integrated into the design of the overall development.”

Choudhry said to undertake the proposed work, a site plan application is also required. That's expected to happen in the next few months. 

The existing 'Boathouse' building was built in 1929 and has received extensive modifications over the years. Many features, including doors and windows, aren't original as a result. 

Matt Bolen with Edge Architects said two of the biggest drivers in project planning have been bringing back vibrancy to the location, as well as improving accessibility. 

“How can we maintain a lot of the existing character of the building and around the building, maintain existing sight lines and some of those romantic-stylized elements,” said Bolen. “But also give it accessibility in a number of different ways.”

The plans outline a new accessible entrance door and ramp, as well as enlargements of existing openings. 

The heritage permit application received unanimous consent and was processed under delegated approval authority following the committee meeting.