Kitchener’s new and improved Boathouse will reopen this month

One of Kitchener’s beloved community gathering places is reopening this month just in time for the holidays! The Boathouse, located in the heart of Kitchener’s Victoria Park, is set to open its doors again after extensive renovations with a grand opening on Nov. 22. 

The Boathouse has been a key feature of Victoria Park and Kitchener’s history for decades, supporting arts and culture and community connectivity. In 2022, the City of Kitchener-owned building was leased to Walkinshaw Holdings following a public RFP process. This group of local entrepreneurs has been redeveloping the building since, transforming the space into an iconic venue for live music, food, and indoor and outdoor entertainment.  

“I’m beyond thrilled to see The Boathouse open its doors to our community once again,” said Mayor Berry Vrbanovic. “For decades, The Boathouse has been a social hub for our city, an important part of our local music scene, and a beloved gathering spot for residents and visitors alike. This amazing new and improved space, in the heart of Victoria Park, will make it an even better place where our whole community can gather and spend time together year-round.” 

A key feature of the updated space is the enlarged, cantilevered outdoor patio, which creates even more space to sit and enjoy Victoria Park Lake or watch iconic swans, Otis and Ophelia, glide past while enjoying local food and refreshments. The Boathouse’s interior also received an upgrade, with modern finishes, an all-new kitchen, a stage area to host local musicians, improved views out to Victoria Park Lake and a brand-new takeout window. 

“We cannot be more excited to re-open our doors to Kitchener and the surrounding community,” said James Barr, Owner, Walkinshaw Holdings. “We’ve got an incredible team of people developing menus, cocktails, and programming, and we’re absolutely pumped to start showing off what we’ve got in store.”  

In addition to the improvements to the building, the new Boathouse will place a focus on social responsibility, with paid local live music and locally sourced food and drinks. Walkinshaw Holdings will also establish a local arts fund and form a Community Advisory Committee to ensure that Boathouse programming is inclusive and diverse. 

“The new Boathouse will be a gem in Victoria Park and a place everyone can come together,” said Ward 9 Councillor Debbie Chapman. “I can’t wait to sit out on the patio, enjoy live music and welcome residents and visitors to experience our beautiful downtown!” 

The new and improved Boathouse will be unveiled at their grand opening celebration on Friday, Nov. 22 at 11 a.m. To stay up to date on everything happening at The Boathouse, visit them on Instagram at instagram.com/boathouse.dtk.  

For more information, contact: 

Shawn Falcao 
Manager, Corporate Communications 
City of Kitchener 
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca 

James Barr 
Owner 
Walkinshaw Holdings 
dockside@boathousedtk.com