New housing developments threaten the future of the Ship and Anchor
Abiola Famakinwa, Contributor
Many people come to the Ship and Anchor due to its location in the heart of the city, but everyone stays for the live music — the thing that the Ship is known for.
But the same thing that brings in patrons both new and old might be the reason the beloved bar shuts down.
With the city’s plans to build a multi-story high-rise and develop the area directly above the Ship and Anchor’s location, the owner worries that these changes would mean the end of the Calgary staple.
“Live music has been one of the key elements of the success of the Ship,” James Ballantyne told city council.
While suggestions have been made to add sound-dampening measures to the plans for this development, nothing has been confirmed.
While the city says the new developments will be affordable, only 29 out of the 130 are actually marked as “affordable housing” in the proposal.
With a capacity of 377 people, the Ship and Anchor has been a popular hotspot in downtown since its opening in 1990.
The Ship has been committed to supporting local artists and, with no cover fee, attracts people from all walks of life.
With the pub in danger, this epicentre of culture, community and good sound would disappear.
The Ship used to have its offices above the main part of the building, and they said it was loud when they had bands at night, which doesn’t spell good things for any future neighbours.
If the Ship disappears, what will the city lose?
As a place with affordable food and drink close to two major universities and Stampede grounds, the Ship’s location is imperative to drawing in its patrons, given its proximity to major areas of population density and a major train station. It’s easy to get to, and for university students, not too hard on the wallet.
Calgary and Alberta as a whole are a focal point for art. It’s a popular place where studios come to shoot, including the popular TV show, “The Last of Us” — part of which was shot on MRU’s campus.
However, the Ship is one of the only places where local artists are invited to get a taste of their future.
With apartments and retail coming to the area, contact with late-night patrons and loud music is bound to cause some friction.
Known for genre-themed musical showcases, Ship and Anchor helps uplift local
artists. Photo courtesy of Instagram / @shipandanchorpub
The Ship is as vital to Calgary as the tower, but if city plans push this 35-year-old business out, it is only logical to ask which one could be next.
