This Calgary pub is supposedly haunted by a monkey

Nestled in Calgary’s oldest neighbourhood, The Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub isn’t your average pub; it’s said to be haunted by a monkey.

The building was constructed in 1906 as Fire Station No. 3, at a cost of $3,000, which was a considerable amount of money at the time. 

It was the third station to be built in the city and served the community of Inglewood, as well as surrounding communities. It was the first station to be built outside of the city centre. 

It housed 10 firefighters, one hose wagon, and one hook-and-ladder wagon. Calgary’s first fire chief, James “Cappy” Smart, was fond of animals and kept a mischievous monkey named Barney as a pet. Barney was the mascot of the fire hall. Unfortunately, Barney was put down after attacking a boy in the community.

After 46 years of service, the fire hall was decommissioned in 1952. Between 1952 and 1982, the old fire station was used for various purposes. First, as a community centre for a few years, then a furniture store, and later a flophouse.

Finally, in 1982, the idea of turning the old fire station into a fine dining restaurant was put into action. They completely gutted the building, leaving only the original brick exterior. During the renovations, workers reported smelling smoke, despite no sign of fire. 

Due to the building’s history as a flophouse, it did not do well in the fine dining industry. It went through seven different owners in the span of 10 years until the concept was abandoned entirely. Eventually, it found a new life in 1996 as a neighbourhood pub. 

To this day, the old fire station still operates as The Hose and Hound Neighbourhood Pub in Inglewood, but some say the pub isn’t just home to staff and regulars.

Legend has it that the ghost of Barney haunts the pub, stirring up mischief from beyond the grave. Staff have even reported items moving around and kitchen appliances turning on randomly. 

The Calgary Paranormal Society even spent a night at the pub years ago and reported a strange reflection in a photo that looked like the silhouette of a monkey.