Before the Covid pandemic, The Boathouse (BH) was a vibrant incubator for 'LIVE' music in the Waterloo Region for many years, and its importance to local music culture was recognized by its owner - The City of Kitchener (COK). It is part of Victoria Park, and as such, supported by COK taxpayers. Currently the COK is putting out request for proposals (RFP) to lease the BH. There is a danger that the City Council will not honor its mandate to keep the BH a music centred venue, forgetting the importance of the BH, in developing opportunities for regional musicians to hone their craft. The Kitchener Blues Fest was started because of the strong music scene that was KW in the 80's, 90's & early 21st century. This scene has crumbled due in part, to increased property values, combined with downtown infrastructure construction (incl ION) which put tremendous pressure on restaurants and clubs providing 'LIVE'music. Covid was the final kicker. Venues like Rhapsody Barrel Bar, Starlight Lounge, & Chainsaw are just a few that failed because of these factors. Its time for the COK to step up. What is the Economic value to the COK in terms of Dollars & image of the COK. These events (Waterloo Jazz, Octoberfest, Multicultural Day, Ribfest) help make the Waterloo region attractive to business, especially high tech, who want to live in a culturely diverse place. Remember the BH was the anchor club in the Kitchener Bluesfest 12 bar blues. The COK should subsidize the rent of the BH and keep it a music venue. The tax payers of COK have subsidized the Symphony Orchestra, Centre on The Square, and the Museum. Its time to do the same for the BH. It would be a great investment for KW culture. PLS SIGN THIS PETITION