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Calgary company takes over Canoe Brewpub

Calgary-based Craft Beer ­Market is taking over operations at Canoe Brewpub on Victoria’s Upper Harbour. The company, which now has nine locations in B.C.
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Canoe Brewpub on Swift Street has a new operator: Craft Beer Market, which now has nine locations in B.C. Alberta and Ontario. DARREN STONE, TIMES COLONIST

Calgary-based Craft Beer ­Market is taking over operations at Canoe Brewpub on Victoria’s Upper Harbour.

The company, which now has nine locations in B.C., Alberta and Ontario, acquired the operation from the Truffles Group and plans “significant renovations in the near future.” Truffles Group owner Don Calveley will retain ­ownership of the land, ­buildings and ­marinas and lease the ­restaurant, patio and brewpub space to Craft Beer Market.

“This is wonderful news for our guests, team and beer lovers in Victoria,” Calveley said in a statement. “Craft Beer Market brings the same ­commitment to community ­involvement, ­excellent service and ­outstanding food and ­beverage that have been the hallmark of Canoe Brewpub for the past 18 years.”

Craft Beer Market operates a flagship location in the Salt Building in Vancouver’s Olympic Village and is opening a second Vancouver location on Beach Avenue in the West End.

It also has locations in Kelowna, Ottawa and Toronto, two in ­Calgary and another in ­Edmonton.

The brand, founded by ­president PJ L’Heureux, focuses on North American and ­international craft beers on tap, paired with local food.

“Our plan is to keep Canoe as Canoe for the time being,” said L’Heureux. That will include continuing to brew the Canoe mainstay beers at the brewery while exploring other ­progressive brands.

Matt Phillips of Phillips Brewing said he’s excited about welcoming Craft Beer Market to Victoria.

“I’ve been enthusiastic about the approach that Craft Beer Market takes to showcasing the brewers’ art since they opened nearly 10 years ago,” he said.

“It’s been an honour to be a partner as they have opened more locations in both eastern and western Canada, and I look forward to welcoming them to the neighbourhood.”

The Truffles Group owns eight Cascadia Liquor ­locations — with four new Island ­locations planned for the near future — along with Truffles ­Catering, Habitat Catering, Sequoia Coastal Coffee, Victoria ­Butterfly Gardens and Flight Cannabis.