19 May 2010

Neighbours of Planned Pub Have
Mixed Feelings

Nanaimo station before the fire.

Nanaimo Vancouver Island British Columbia - Plans to construct an Irish-themed pub at Nanaimo's E&N railway station have drawn mixed feelings from residents in the area.
 
After the building was nearly burned down in 2007, the Island Corridor Foundation has been fundraising to cover the $2.4-million repair cost.
 
"We've had an offer to lease. The plans aren't concrete but they are very promising," said Darren Moss of Tectonica Management.
 
Moss indicated the owners of Nanaimo's Fox and Hounds Pub have put together "a very strong and exciting proposal" for the train station location.
 
Even with their selections of Irish beer and whiskey, Fox and Hounds owners say their plan is not focused on the bar aspect of the proposed business.
 
"We will be focusing on the restaurant, with authentic Irish food and authentic Irish music," said Jane Ivens, co-owner of Fox and Hounds. Ivens confirmed the proposed pub will have 100 to 120 seats over two floors.
 
Raymond Knight, who lives across the street from the heritage building, thinks Selby Street is "a little too quiet" for another pub.
 
"I guess it depends what [the pub] will be like but if they have live cool bands then it might be OK," he said.
 
Fellow resident Henry DeRook said opening up another pub will not be a positive thing.
 
"It will create more rowdiness and more people abusing booze and themselves," he said.
 
City social planner John Horn doesn't believe the problem is with opening up a new pub.
 
"Pubs are a normal part of our culture," he said. "The problem isn't with more availability or the distribution of alcohol, it's with the culture surrounding alcohol."
 
Ariane Seiler.