Thompson city council held a conditional use public hearing April 27 for a proposal to allow the basement of the Strand Theatre building to be used as a nightclub/bar for special events.
The basement of 111 Churchill Drive, which measures about 7,000 square feet and could provide occupancy to 146 or more people, depending on renovations, has previously housed an appliance repair shop and a billiards hall.
Owner Georgina Tsitsos told council by telephone that she has been serving Thompson through her existing food and entertainment businesses for almost 30 years.
“I have the experience and I hope you give me the opportunity to go on,” Tsitsos said.
Two people spoke out in opposition to the proposed conditional use.
Paullette Simkins, executive director of the Canadian Mental Health Association in Thompson and the Thompson Homeless Shelter, which is adjacent to the building that the conditional use application concerns, said having a licensed establishment next to the shelter, many of whose users have addictions, isn’t a good idea.
“I don’t think at this point in time, given the current climate, that this would be an advantage to our downtown issues,” said Simkins. “I don’t think that it is really moving the vision collectively amongst the stakeholders forward if this was to pass.”
Also opposed to the conditional use being approved is Manfred Boehm, owner of the Thompson Inn and Burntwood Hotel, both of which have licensed establishments of their own.
“Economically my two businesses are struggling as they pertain to the bar business and expanding on that use would only create further economic hardships,” said Mayor Collen Smook, reading a letter from Boehm. “Another licensed establishment doesn’t make sense from an existing business owner’s perspective in trying to maintain a beverage operation. Quite frankly, I don’t know how any licensed establishment currently can compete, let alone adding another to the equation. Safety and security should be another serious consideration as the drug and gang element in Thompson continues to thrive even though my management and staff make them feel as unwelcome as possible. In closing, add the current COVID-19 situation and I truly believe granting this approval will send the wrong message to citizens and current businesses in Thompson which would be supporting those that have invested and operated in the community of Thompson for years. More nightclub/bars is not what Thompson needs in my opinion during these challenging times. The social decline that has shifted since the location change of the liquor store will in no way be improved by the increase of another licensed premises as I’m sure the business people in the area can and have confirmed.”
