Owner of Calgary’s Ship & Anchor worries building redevelopment could mean end for iconic pub

For more than 35 years, Calgary’s Ship & Anchor Pub on 17th Avenue S.W. has been a cherished spot to grab a pint and catch live music.

The pub's reputation is such that Coun. Nathaniel Schmidt joked to council about the consequences of touching it.

“If we voted on something that disrupted the Ship & Anchor, none of us would ever get re-elected,” Schmidt said in a meeting Tuesday.

Ultimately, council approved a land-use application by a vote of 12-3 to redevelop 532 and 534 17th Ave. S.W., side-by-side locations that include the building that houses the Ship & Anchor.

The pub's owner is concerned the development could mean last call.

“Live music has been one of the key elements of the success of the Ship,” James Ballantyne told council.

“If, however, this project is approved as currently presented, then putting on live shows as we have for 35 years, free to our customers as they've always been, at the same volume as they've always been presented, could in fact contribute to our demise.”

Last year, the developer behind the proposal said the plans would not affect the pub. They told council this week that remains the case.

"We are intending on maintaining full operations of the Ship & Anchor while we undergo construction," said Julie Brache, who is with the developer Strategic Group.

The proposed plan would see two floors added to the Ship’s building, and the apartment building beside it knocked down to be replaced with a new, six-storey mixed-use building. The two buildings would be connected, with retail space on the ground level and 125 residential units above.

Ballantyne worries noise from the pub will carry to balconies of the units that would be attached to the venue, and complaints will become commonplace. 

He told council that for years, the Ship's offices were located above the pub and found it to be loud when bands played.

He wants the development plans to have rigorous requirements around acoustic shielding to mitigate the sound that carries. 

Ballantyne also expressed concerns that patrons on the patio could feel uncomfortable in the space if they are now sitting close to residents trying to enjoy their balconies. Likewise, he said if residents are unhappy with the music or crowds, an awkward situation could turn hostile.