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Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION

Lo Pub, hostel see final patrons out

By: Katherine Dow

Posted: 08/27/2012 1:00 AM | Comments: 0

Lo Pub and Bistro manager Jack Jonasson at the bar of the popular downtown pub Saturday. The pub was a launching pad for numerous young Winnipeg musical performers. (MELISSA TAIT / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS) Photo Store

Lo Pub manager Jack Jonasson yelled 'last call' Saturday evening after a bittersweet goodbye celebration that would serve as the beloved Winnipeg watering hole's last hurrah -- Sunday morning, the last of the hostellers reluctantly moved out.

"It was a really positive atmosphere. Obviously there were a lot of tears, but it was the best goodbye I could ask for, surrounded by people who have loved and supported the place. I don't think I'll ever have closure, but this is the closest thing I can get," Jonasson said.

Although the building was put up for sale last month by its owner, The Forks-North Portage Partnership, a decision made by the Hostelling International Manitoba board is what prompted the sudden shutdown of the hostel and pub, said Clare MacKay, vice-president of marketing and communications with The Forks-North Portage Partnership.

The pub, located inside the Kennedy Street hostel, is owned and operated by Hostelling International's HI-Winnipeg Downtowner.

After the Lo Pub had its swan song Saturday night, the Downtowner had its last checkout 11 a.m. Sunday morning.

Shane Kelly from Toronto had been staying at the hostel for more than a week while he looked for a permanent home in the city.

He said he overheard some of the Downtowner's employees talking about the closure on Friday and started to make plans to stay elsewhere.

"I was hoping to stay here in September. It's too bad. It was a nice place with clean, cheap rooms and everyone was nice. It's good to have a hostel here in town. It's needed," Kelly said.

Hasan Dhruba said he found out about the Downtowner's closing last Thursday. He had been staying at the hostel for four months and is upset at having to stay somewhere costlier.

"I'm staying nearby from now on, but it's more expensive. I'm a student from Singapore and I'm going to school here, so I have to watch my money. I'm sad I have to leave," Dhruba said.

Although a member of the board could not be reached for comment, Jonasson said he was told the decision was made because the hostel was no longer financially viable.

While it is unknown whether another Hostelling International facility will open in Winnipeg, Jonasson said he is looking to find a new home for the Lo Pub. "I need some time to process this ending first. But this isn't the last you'll hear of us."

-- with files from Carol Sanders

katherine.dow@freepress.mb.ca

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition August 27, 2012 A6

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