Neighbour wants to save bar from condo development
Paul Parfett has lived and worked around the corner from the Pioneer bar in the Pointe-Claire Village for some three decades.
His one-man auto service shop, a converted old horse stable on SteAnne Avenue, is a stone’s throw from the Pioneer.
Parfett is opposed to a proposed project that will see the Pioneer demolished to make way for condos on Lakeshore Road.
He started a petition to save the iconic Pioneer, and is part of a group of concerned citizens who fear the condo project, if built, will eventually lead to more such projects in the quaint village.
“Once they put condos there, it’s a matter of time before they start going up everywhere around here,” he said.
Parfett is willing to put his money where his mouth is.
He says he is willing to sell his own garage, which he estimates sits on nearly 10,000 square feet of property, to fund an effort to buy the Pioneer, originally built as a hotel around 1900, and save it from demolition.
The present Pioneer owner recently sold the building to developer Gregory Koegl, president of Koebra Development Corp., who is proposing a mixed use project with 15 condo units, three town homes, four commercial spaces and underground parking.
The Pioneer bar is slated to close for good on July 21.
Pointe-Claire Mayor John Belvedere told the Montreal Gazette there has been plenty of opportunity for others to buy the Pioneer, but no one stepped forward until its sale to developers was announced this spring.
“Talk is cheap,” Belvedere said. “It’s been up for sale for 10 years and nobody bought it.”
Parfett is not giving up hope the demolition permit will be denied by the city if there is enough public opposition.
He would like to see the bar refurbished and turned into an entertainment venue for live music shows.
He also envisions building a banquet hall in the rear of building to accommodate weddings and other gatherings.
“I honestly believe the Pioneer can be turned into a popular (show) bar,” said Parfett, who estimates it would cost close to $500,000 to renovate the building.
Parfett had a sketch done of his plans to restore the Pioneer to its glory days, originally as the Hôtel Charlebois and later the PointeClaire Hotel. Although the building needs some interior renovations. Parfett said its unique wooden interior would remain largely unchanged.
He said he is willing to bear the brunt of the renovation costs, but is interested in having partners to help defray the costs.
Parfett said he has spoken with Pioneer owner Diane Marois about his plan to purchase and refurbish the Pioneer into a modern bar and entertainment venue. The Gazette was not able to reach Marois for comment.
“It all depends on what happens with the demolition permit,” Parfett said.
Parfett, an amateur musician, said the Pioneer could become a destination spot for live shows in the West Island.
“There is nothing like it on the West Island,” he said. “Condos don’t belong on the main corner of the village.”