Sign posted on door confirms controversial Mingle Room shut down

The controversial Rideau Street bar that saw a homicide and stabbing outside its doors last month will shut down, Rideau-Vanier Coun. Mathieu Fleury says.

Fleury tweeted out the news about Mingle Room on Monday after holding several talks with community groups, the bar’s owner, the property owner and the police.

In June, popular local athlete Ashton Dickson, 25, was gunned down around 1 a.m. after an argument that began inside Mingle Room spilled outside. He died outside the establishment a short time later.

Earlier that month, a 25-yearold man was stabbed in front of the Mingle Room after nearby residents heard gunfire.

The two incidents triggered an investigation by the province’s Alcohol and Gaming Commission.

A sign found on the bar’s doors Monday announced the closure, and thanked patrons for their support.

“It is regret that we are announcing that due to some changes, Mingle Room is now closed,” reads the sign.

“We wish the future occupants of this space nothing but success. It has been a pleasure to serve and to build a home for many of you.”

Residents of the community have been lobbying the city to have the four-year-old bar shut down.

It’s not the first time city councillors and staff have pushed for the closure of a controversial private business.

In October, River Coun. Riley Brockington met with the landlord of 1319 Shillington Ave. near Merivale Road over complaints he had received about the Suya Spot, which had become a location police were repeatedly being called to.

That business closed its doors later that month.