'Very serious threat': Calgary pub calls on community for help over development plans
One of Calgary’s most legendary pubs is calling on the community for help as it finds its future under threat due to potential development plans.
The Ship & Anchor has been a pillar in Calgary’s bar scene for 35 years, from its location at 534 17th Ave. SW, which is famous for live music and its patio.
However, in a Facebook post, the team behind the pub has detailed development plans that it says pose a “very serious threat” to the Ship’s future.
Currently, a development permit is under review by the City of Calgary for both the building that currently houses the pub and the space next door at 532 17th Ave. SW. The application, which was submitted by real estate developers, the Strategic Group, outlines plans to build 125 apartments, including some on top of the pub.
“In our view, there is no way to do this without seriously compromising the operations of the Ship & Anchor, and the Ship’s patio, in particular,” the Ship’s team said.
According to the team, the configuration of Strategic’s plan for the building is of particular concern as its patio and live music venue will be directly under the first level of apartments, which is likely to lead to noise complaints and could result in the pub being forced to close down.
“The same sounds that we have been making for thirty-five years will become a threat to our continued operation. We’re good neighbours and our sound is manageable, but no bar, particularly with live music, can expect to share a building with apartments and not eventually be shut down.”
The pub is calling for the apartments proposed for the building above the Ship to be scrapped, while allowing those being built separately beside the pub to continue.
In order to protect the Ship & Anchor’s future, it is calling on the community to comment on the development on the City of Calgary website to express concern over the current plans.
“We have spoken to people at City Hall. There is support for our position, but they make it very clear that a convincing development position will always be more powerful if it is backed by the community.”
While there is no time frame on when the Ship & Anchor will close, the pub has urged Calgarians to comment as soon as possible.
In a statement to Dished, Riaz Mamdani, CEO of Strategic Group, said that of the over 100 new residential units, only two would be directly adjacent to the Ship & Anchor.