It’s official!
After 19 years in business, Canoe Brewpub will pour its last pint and officially close its doors on October 18th.
This news comes as no surprise after it was announced in January that Canoe was purchased by popular chain, CRAFT Beer Market.
See more: CRAFT Beer Market acquires popular downtown Victoria brewpub
After joining CRAFT Beer Market in March, the location remained in operation as Canoe while extensive architectural and design changes were reviewed.
Now, CRAFT Beer Market will officially take over the harbor-fronted taphouse with plans for some major renovations, including an open beer-hall and a yard-games area.
“We are excited to reinvigorate the space to be a landmark destination within the community,” says PJ L’Heureux, founder and President of CRAFT Beer Market.
“There is a lot of history in the building, and we’re thankful for the support that the community has given Canoe over the years.”
Don Calveley, founder and owner of Vancouver Island company the Truffles Group will continue to own the building and land that the brewpub is on.
CRAFT Beer Market, known for its wide selection of over 100 beers, is being welcomed wholly by the community already.
Matt Phillips of Phillips Brewing said he’s been impressed with CRAFT’s dedication to brewers, breweries, and the art of brewing for a while now.
“I’ve been enthusiastic about the approach that CRAFT Beer Market takes to showcasing the brewers’ art since they opened over 10 years ago,”said Phillips.
“It’s been an honour to be a partner of theirs as they have opened more locations in both eastern and western Canada, and I look forward to welcoming them to the neighbourhood,” added Phillips.
While we may be losing a local mainstay, CRAFT Beer Market ensures its Victoria clientele that they will commit to the local community.
“Although CRAFT Beer Market has grown to include locations across the country, they remain committed to the local communities that support their brand,” CRAFT Beer Market said in a media release.
“They [CRAFT] are actively involved in the communities they call home, including partnerships with several organizations, noting that they have volunteered tens of thousands of hours and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local community initiatives and charities.”
The closure and renovation of the location is expected to take four to six months, with a planned re-opening in late winter or early spring of 2022.
Renderings of the proposed architectural changes are below!
Check it out, and make sure you say ‘sayonara’ to Canoe one last time.
