Iconic Davie Village bar set to expand
Fans of the iconic Fountainhead Pub on Davie Street can rejoice as the business is expanding its location.
Vancouver city council unanimously approved the proposal on Tuesday’s council meeting.
This decision comes after city staff initially rejected the plan, saying the application violated a policy about the distance required between establishments with liquor licences. This would have meant the Fountainhead could only expand if it operated two separate businesses.
But on Tuesday, the proposal to double the size of the pub was approved.
"We were waiting for a long time. Our staff were wondering, people in the street were wondering, the community was wondering the whole time. It's just nice to finally have it done,” said bar manager Torey Hale,
The bar is now allowed to take over its neighbouring space (1027 Davie St.)
Once the expansion is complete, it can serve 65 more people indoors and an additional 19 people in its outdoor patio.
The bar will have to follow certain conditions to ensure things like noise levels are managed.
“The requirement for a Time-Limited Development Permit, a Good Neighbour Agreement and submission of an acoustical report will provide the necessary controls to ensure the premise operates in a manner that will mitigate impacts to the neighbourhood and surrounding area,” read council’s report.
Hale said expanding such spaces is significant for the LGBTQ community.
“We lost a lot over COVID. We lost a couple bars. We cut a lot of the community presence, so it’s just kind of nice to have something to look forward to,” he said.
“Putting something here to have more gay spaces is super important,” he added.
Correction
An earlier version of this article stated that staff recommended against allowing an increased capacity due to noise level and potential for public nuisance. That was not the basis of the objection.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet accused of sexual assault in class-action lawsuit
Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet, once considered a front-runner to become pope, has been accused of sexual assault and is among a list of clergy members and diocesan staff named in a class-action lawsuit against the archdiocese of Quebec. A woman identified as 'F.' in court documents tabled on Tuesday accused Ouellet of several incidents of unwanted touching.

Trump's angry words spur warnings of real violence
A growing number of ardent Donald Trump supporters seem ready to strike back against the FBI or others who they believe go too far in investigating the former U.S. president.
Why is ArriveCan still mandatory, and what is Ottawa's plan for the app?
The glitch-prone app touted as an efficient border tool early in the pandemic has become a punching bag for critics who question its utility -- but ArriveCan may be here to stay.
Parents will need a prescription for some children's liquid medication, SickKids warns
Parents of young children may need a prescription for over-the-counter fever and pain medication due to a shortage at some pharmacies, Toronto's Hospital for Sick Children is warning.
Elon Musk says he is buying Manchester United
Tesla Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said on Tuesday he was buying football club Manchester United.
B.C. man among first approved for Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program still waiting for compensation
A B.C. man, who was among the first Canadians approved for Canada's Vaccine Injury Support Program, says he is frustrated with the length of time it is taking to receive compensation.
BREAKING | Wolves apparently freed on purpose, Vancouver zoo says amid ongoing recapture efforts
The wolves that were found outside their enclosure at the Greater Vancouver Zoo Tuesday appear to have been freed on purpose, according to officials.
Lead investigator in N.S. mass shooting says he stands by political interference accusations
The senior Mountie who made allegations of political meddling in the investigation into the 2020 Nova Scotia mass shooting defended his position to members of parliament Tuesday.
OPINION | Economists are forecasting a recession in Canada, how should you prepare?
The next time the Bank of Canada raises interest rates on the scheduled date of September 7, 2022, it could potentially trigger a recession. Although there may be a chance that we don’t enter into a recession and the BoC is still hoping for a soft landing, it’s best to be prepared. Contributor Christopher Liew explains how.