Trent alumnus sad to see the old Pig’s Ear go

After hearing The Pig’s Ear Tavern is closing on April 22, I made the three-hour trek this past weekend to meet with some old friends and have a few pints.

I spent several years going to Trent University and afterwards several more living and working in the Peterborough area. During that time The Pig’s Ear Tavern was my favour spot to meet friends, enjoy a cold beer and shoot some pool; the patrons and staff were always friendly and welcoming. The interior was bare bones, but that was not really important – it’s the memories of the place, not the décor that mattered.

In returning several decades later, nothing had changed – except that it was soon closing.

It was with great sadness to hear that The Pig’s Ear Tavern was closing for good, but sheer horror that there were plans to tear it down to make way for (cringe) condos.

I am curious to know why a building with such a long history, one that predates Confederation and is intertwined with the City of Peterborough itself, could be considered for demolition? Considering the 152-year legacy of this establishment why has it not been designated as a heritage property? This tavern has been a favorite watering hole longer than Canada has been a country – should that not count for something?

I would hope those in the City of Peterborough consider that to its past and present patrons The Pig’s Ear has value far greater than its sale price. It is truly a landmark, one that has real and lasting meaning to those that enjoyed what it had to offer.

It is a shame that it is closing and a travesty if it is going to be swept aside to make way for soul-less concrete, glass and steel. Scott Dunlop Carleton Place