Local Rumor

Rumor has it that the building that houses Detour, Arena, Victoria’s Restaurant, Texas Lounge and Goliath’s is going to be demolished. The rumor, depending on the version of it, has it that the site will become a parking lot or condos. Also every time I hear the rumor, the date of when this demolition is to occur always changes too. With Detour recently celebrating 21 years in the gay community, and Goliath’s and the Texas Lounge being around just as long, it would be disappointing to see such a historical building in Calgary gone.

But are the rumors true?

Out of curiosity, I did some investigation on what is happening with the building. According to the owner of the building, this rumor is all news to him, and he was totally baffled by it. He said the building has not been sold, nor is it under consideration by anyone. So it is a relief to know that these establishments will continue serving the gay community.

Local events

Pride Week is coming up June 6 to June 12, 2004. After submitting a proposal to the Pride Board, we are proud to be the official Pride Guide for 2004. We have also submitted similar proposals to other organizations in the city and are also proud to produce a similar event guide for the ISCCA Coronation from April 15 to 18, 2004.

ISCCA Coronation, April 15 to 18, 2004. The event listing will be included in both March and April issues, with photos of the events being in the May issue. These issues are not to replace the Coronation Program, which will be available during the Coronation.

Pride Week 2004, June 6 to 12, 2004. The Pride Guide will be included in both May and June issues, with photos of the events being in the July issue.

Both of these events draw many visitors into Calgary and help bring the gay community together. If you would like to advertise with us during these events, please contact us. If you have any event during Pride Week, make sure you contact Pride Calgary before the May issue goes to print. You can contact them at co-chair@pridecalgary.ca, or you can contact us and we can pass on the information.

Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce

GayCalgary.com, Priape, Westway’s Bed and Breakfast, ARGRA as well as several other organizations have met with Bruce McDonald from Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce with regards to organizing an Alberta or Calgary chapter. An association like this would help in receiving funding for tourism and other projects for the Gay Community in the Calgary and Alberta area. The Canadian Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce focuses on the four main program areas (from their media release):

1. Procurement Opportunity: create opportunities for GLBT businesses to gain development and procurement opportunities with major corporations.

2. Financial Services Opportunities: help members start or grow their business by giving them access to needed capital.

3. Workplace Diversity and Opportunity: work to overcome the obstacles to equal opportunity and protection through Cooperation, Education, Legislation, and Representation.

4. Economic Development/Tourism initiative: assist in marketing Canada as a GLBT destination, thereby enhancing the economic and growth opportunities for tourism-based businesses.

If you would like more information, you can contact them at (866) 300-7556 or visit their website at www.cglcc.ca. You can also contact us for further information. We will post information in the non-profit group listing as soon as we have more concrete information. The Calgary and Alberta chapters are still at in their grass roots stages, but we anticipate it will be a great thing once it is set up for the community.

Rendez-Vous Montréal 2006

You’ll notice that the cover of this issue features Mark Tewksbury and Josée Généreux, Co-President and Sport Director of Rendez-Vous Montréal 2006 respectively. GayCalgary.com magazine is covering this Montreal to support the GBLT athletes here in Calgary. This event occurs during Montreal’s 2006 Pride Week and will welcome about 16,000 participants from everywhere in the world.

Team Calgary will be fundraising to help athletes from Calgary make it to the event. You can visit the Team Calgary website at www.teamcalgary.org or email them at board@teamcalgary.org. For more information about Rendez-Vous Montréal 2006, visit their website at www.montreal2006.org. We will be doing a complete cover story of Team Calgary before the event occurs and will post their events in the non-profit section of the magazine.

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