Fez Batik Finds A New Crowd

Signs had been up for awhile, announcing the sale of the building on the corner of Peter and Richmond, formerly known as nightclub Fez Batik. I passed often on my way up to Queen wondering what the next incarnation would bring. Maybe it would be another stuffy joint catering to lines of men in black leather, or a techno club for kids jacked up on Red Bull. If we were lucky, I'd thought, it would once again find the laid-back vibe of those who loved Fez, and the summer scene would once again jump to life on its patio. Seems though, that future plans may bring an entirely different kind of crowd.

The City is in the works to purchase the site in the hopes of facilitating the needs of homeless and displaced people in the downtown core. The centre would be open around the clock and provide beds and counseling to get people back on their feet. In theory it sounds like a beautiful thing. However, in reality, I can't imagine a worse place for these kinds of social services. I can just imagine, with music pumping and littering drunkards spilling out of clubs looking for confrontation, that comfort and stability would be the last thing one would find in the middle of our Entertainment District.

A community meeting to discuss the plans will be held tonight, 6:30PM, at Metro Hall - Room 308.