'A really big loss': Sadness greets the closure of The Local Bar in Whitehorse
CBC
Running a bar can be a thankless task, but a lot of people in Whitehorse say they are grateful for what Darla Hansen has done with The Local Bar.
The news Hansen has decided not to renew her lease and step away from The Local has been greeted with a mixture of sadness and dismay. The bar will officially close on April 21.
After she took over the lease for the bar about six years ago, she transformed it into a popular venue for live music, providing a home for local and touring musicians and open mic nights for beginners.
"I've played there so many times over the years in many different bands," said Selina Heyligers-Hare. "It's a really special place. They support live music, they support artists, they pay well, they take care of you and it's a really big loss."
The Local Bar is part of the 202 Hotel in Whitehorse, a building that also houses a restaurant, daycare and off-sales.
"We don't really know exactly what's going to happen, but I know Darla is finished at that location and has given us all notice," said Peggy Hanifan, who hosts the Whitewater Wednesday open mic night.
"We're not sure exactly what's happening there but she won't be there any longer."
There have been many rumours over the years that the hotel was going to be closed for refurbishment, or even demolition. And while the building's owners haven't confirmed what the building's future will be, Hansen has decided it's time to move on.
"It's a really large venue," said Hansen. "It's a great deal of work, I'm the sole proprietor, I do it all myself, other than the staff I have. But I do all the bookings myself, and trying to make all those things come together, especially in a big venue like that, it takes a lot of work."
The Local Bar boasts a large stage, and at a capacity of 300 people, it's by far the largest live music venue in Whitehorse.
Over the years, the venue has hosted a number of touring musicians and given local performers the chance to hone their craft in front of a big audience.
"It means a lot to us," said Adrian Burrill of the band Major Funk. "We've had a lot of great nights there, a lot of parties."
Some of those best nights were Halloween shows, said Heyligers-Hare.
"One year, we all went as different versions of Han Solo. We've also been Sesame Street characters."
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