Calgary’s Ship & Anchor Pub, a popular establishment on 17th Avenue S.W. for over 35 years, has been a favorite spot for enjoying drinks and live music. During a recent council meeting, Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt light-heartedly mentioned the political risks of interfering with the pub’s operations, suggesting that it could impact re-election prospects.
Despite concerns raised by the pub’s owner, James Ballantyne, regarding the potential impact of a land-use application to redevelop the adjacent locations, council approved the proposal with a 12-3 vote. The development plans include adding two floors to the Ship’s building and replacing the neighboring office space with a new six-story mixed-use building.
Ballantyne expressed worries about potential noise issues from the pub affecting residents in the connected residential units. He emphasized the importance of implementing robust acoustic shielding measures to mitigate sound transmission. He also highlighted concerns about potential conflicts between pub patrons and residents sharing the space.
While the developer assured council that the pub’s operations would continue during construction, Ballantyne stressed the importance of preserving the Ship & Anchor’s cultural significance and ensuring that the business remains unaffected. Council members, including Schmidt, emphasized the need for ongoing communication between the parties involved in the development process.
City officials confirmed that there would be opportunities to adjust the development permit based on feedback from the pub, its patrons, and the community. The developer’s spokesperson reiterated confidence in the Ship & Anchor’s longevity, noting the establishment’s enduring lease agreement.
