The Backlot Evolution

Hi my name is Mark and I’m raising funds to help me reopen one of Calgary, Alberta’s oldest owned and operated gay bars and community safe space in this city, called The Backlot!

As everyone is well aware, COVID had a huge negative impact on many small businesses and especially the food and beverage industry. It was economically better for bars to be closed and receive government funding than to be partially opened until 10pm curfew … but thanks to an amazingly supportive community, we made it through! When it was getting close to being able to reopen, I utilized the government loans to do much needed renovations, equipment upgrades and payed off bills accrued during the pandemic.

I was assured by my landlords that, being a long term tenant (28 years), that I didn’t need to sign a new lease, that they would keep me there as long as I wanted to stay … and after spending over 200k was sent a letter and email November 1st, 2023, informing me that I had a year to vacate as they were using the demolition clause in the lease to terminate my lease and tear down the building to build condos. Due to issues with them getting building permits, we were allowed to stay until July 2024.

Five and a half months later I have a potential new home for the “Cheers of the Gay Community in Calgary”, and greatly need funding to help pay for the government loan I still owe for, as well as start up costs for The Backlot Evolution Bar.

Please help reestablish Calgary’s safe space for the 2SLGBTQQAI+ community continue to raise funds for many charities, support each other and create new friendships and memories for all walks of life!

GoFundMe has an automated system that breaks your goal down into smaller increments to make it appear easier to reach the smaller goals. My thoughts are that I want to be transparent about the amount, which is why I turned off the automated goal setting.

The landlord is looking for a $30k+ deposit to cover first and last month rent and other leasing costs. There is currently no equipment in the kitchen or behind the bar, as the previous tenants midnight moved and took everything out, so I will also have to buy all of that as well as purchase liquor and food.