This section is Presented This section was produced by the editorial department. The client was not given the opportunity to put restrictions on the content or review it prior to publication. by HAVEN HOME HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING Owner cites low turnout, calling closure ‘inevitable’ Jun 19, 2026 • Last updated Jun 19, 2026 •
Paul Fortier at the recently closed, Bottoms Up, on June 18, 2026. (Photo by Eva Sheahan/For The Kingston Whig-Standard/Postmedia Network) jpg, KI, apsmc
After just six months in business, Kingston’s first gay bar in nearly two decades closed its doors on June 18.
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Bottoms Up officially opened its doors on January 3 as Kingston’s first gay bar since Shay Foo Foo shut down in 2009. Sadly, it didn’t last long due to poor attendance. After hosting its last mixer event, Bottoms Up closed permanently this past Thursday.
The bar operated out of a lower level at Renaissance-a venue owned by Paul Fortier for two decades. Previously known as University Tavern before its promoter moved away from Kingston, Fortier recognized that space wasn’t being used effectively and decided to transform it into what many had been hoping for-a dedicated queer space in Kingston.
“We had this space that was underutilized. It’s been 20 years since there has been a dedicated gay bar in the city. Many of our friends and colleagues would say, ‘It’s too bad there isn’t one,’ and so we said, ‘We’ve got this space, let’s try it out and see if it’ll work or not,’ ” Fortier said.
In about four weeks’ time he managed to create Bottoms Up with a DJ spinning tracks along with drinks and even a go-go dancer performing.
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This has not loaded yet but your article continues below.<P When it first launched , around thirty – forty people showed up , but those numbers gradually dropped down to just half a dozen patrons each Saturday night despite operating hours stretching from ten PM until two AM.
Every night brought losses for Bottoms Up : paying DJs , dancers , staff , along with various operational costs meant expenses far exceeded revenue until shutting down became “inevitable.” The bar had no choice but make its final call.
“You know after six months ( Bottoms Up ) was a failure,” he added.
Fortier himself used frequent gay bars back when they were around , leading him to recognize how important dedicated queer spaces are for Kingston.
Together with his partner , Fortier has run bars throughout Kingston since ’94 through their business Jessup Food & Heritage. While they haven’t exclusively focused on queer bars over time they were among some of the first venues flying Pride flags while also hosting drag shows which faced significant pushback back then according To Fortier.
However through his extensive experience within hospitality industry combined with this brief stint at Bottoms Up he realized how much has changed regarding queer nightlife scene over time.
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He mentioned dating apps playing role where folks feel less compelled heading out anymore looking meet new people plus clubs bars being much more inclusive nowadays than before. He stated shifting social landscape reduced demand for dedicated venues compared past decades.<P "The community’s more generally accepted anywhere now. You’re not shunned or turned away; you're welcomed into most places these days unlike what happened here even twenty years ago," he noted.<P Also felt reaction towards Bottoms Up could prove divisive.<P "I was surprised at individuals who came left negative reviews about us. I thought that seemed unnecessary ; instead being supportive many voiced complaints saying 'I don’t like this', 'I don’t like that.' Support wasn't universal-many did show support but plenty chose negativity," reflected Fortier.<P Despite everything surrounding Bottoms Up failing expectations despite everything surrounding them ending high note hosting busiest night prior closing date during pride celebration events.
<P This hasn’t loaded yet but your article continues below.<P <P "It was Pride Night; we saw quite crowd come join us-over hundred attendees showed up dancing away ! That marked sole instance crowds gathered since early January opening," expressed fortier excitedly.<P In light bottom-up closing actions plan returning area University Tavern purpose continuing dance parties aimed students broader public local communities alike.<P As far bottom-up concerned there's currently hope achieving sustained permanent queer venue kingston fortiers mind noting :< P “We featured great DJ LGBTQ+ community-the vibes music felt right — still nobody came! I can understand!”
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