Boathouse redevelopment moves forward with heritage application

Kitchener’s Heritage Committee will consider a proposal to renovate the Boathouse as part of the redevelopment of this key venue in the heart of Victoria Park.

The building alterations are being proposed by Walkinshaw Holdings Inc., the preferred proponent for this project. If approved, the following changes will be made:

• An addition to the west façade of the building to accommodate a new washroom.
• A cantilevered patio extending over a portion of Victoria Park Lake.
• Adjustments to windows and doors, including a new building entrance.

A heritage assessment concluded that these building alterations will not adversely impact Victoria Park or the Victoria Park Neighborhood Heritage Conservation District. Building work will also include mitigation measures such as installing planter beds, ensuring compatible design for the addition, and installing a commemorative plaque.

The proposal from Walkinshaw Holdings Inc. places a focus on social responsibility, with paid local live music a minimum of two days a week, and locally sourced food and drink. Walkinshaw Holdings would also manage neighbourhood noise impacts and establish a local arts fund and form a Community Advisory Committee to ensure programming is inclusive and diverse.

Walkinshaw Holdings is made up of a team of local entrepreneurs with decades of collective experience in the restaurant industry, entertainment, marketing, fundraising, business, and technology. The team includes Amber French, Kurtis McBride, Shawn Flanagan, Sean Goodchild, Taylor Jones, James Barr, and Corey Watterson.

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For more information, contact:
Shawn Falcao,
Manager, Corporate Communications and Marketing
shawn.falcao@kitchener.ca