Campaign launched to save queer-run Calgary bar

A popular queer-run establishment in Calgary has been handed eviction papers, but a campaign has been launched to try and save the space.

The Backlot Bar has a storied 47-year history as one of three spaces in the city considered queer-friendly, and has been at the Beltline location on 10 Avenue since 1996.

A number of non-profit organizations have also used the bar to raise thousands of dollars over the years for community projects.

Meanwhile, a building permit has been proposed for The Backlot location, and its lease is set to expire in November of this year.

Politician and lawyer David Khan started a social media campaign asking people to comment on their opposition to the proposed building permit.

“I understand The Backlot Bar recently received notice of termination of its lease due to a project to redevelop the land into condos by its landlord and Truman Homes,” said Khan in a statement.

“I am very concerned about this proposed development and the damage it will do to Calgary’s 2SLGBTQ+ community, and I oppose this development.”

The area has seen a number of business closures over the years. Hi-Fi Club, which was next door to The Backlot, closed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while on the same block, Koi, closed in 2022.

Khan says The Backlot is “a safe space to gather and avoid the discrimination our community continues to face in mainstream society,” and acknowledged the city has not always been welcoming of the queer community.

“Calgary has historically struggled to be inclusive and queer-friendly, as exemplified recently by the demonstrations and threats of violence against drag events in our city,” Khan’s statement reads.

The proposed building is an 18-storey, 120-unit, mixed-use “multi-residential” building, which is a residential property with four or more units under Alberta Land Titles.

Khan says mixed-use spaces are great, however, “residential use must be compatible with commercial use.”

“I am concerned this proposed development will not fit with the current businesses in this area (bars, restaurants, office space). If the development is approved, it must be designed so that a restaurant/bar with a patio space can operate in the same manner as it can in the current space,” Khan said.

Calgary Pride and The Calgary Gay History Project have put out the word and joined Khan with calls to reject the proposal.