Rum Point aims to reopen before end of year

The popular Rum Point beach bar, which has been shut since October last year, could reopen before the end of this year, its owners say.

Rum Point Investment Company Ltd. has submitted a planning application to replace the existing bar and bathroom structures, with a plan to build a new outdoor bar and new bathrooms.

“Our decision to close last year, as a result of COVID, presented us with an opportunity to do some much needed repairs and renovations, sprucing it up a bit,” Katherine Briggs, speaking on behalf of the company, told the Compass.

“Our plan is to replace our enclosed bar, that is a bit dark, with a more open bar structure, increasing its square footage for additional bar seating and allowing an unobstructed view of the North Sound. Our guests have always preferred our outdoor seating and the interior of the bar was rarely used,” she said.

The current indoor bar building will be demolished and a new structure will be built in its place.

The restaurant is also getting a much needed interior facelift, Briggs said.

An official opening date is dependent upon the timing of the planning application hearing, which has not yet been set, as well as the issuance of building permits and subsequent construction, Briggs added.

“We understand the fact that we are still closed has been a disappointment to the tourism product and the local community and, as such, we are hoping for a November reopening,” she said.

The company has submitted a site plan to the Planning Department, outlining plans for a 2,172 square foot bar and 1,400 square foot washroom/storage building, as well as two 756 square foot pergolas, creating some additional shaded areas.