Full Breakdown
Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall to Relocate in 2027
2/28/2026, 11:10:08 AM
Relocation Announcement and Background
Ranchman’s Cookhouse & Dancehall, a prominent country music venue in Calgary, is set to relocate in early 2027 after more than 50 years at its current site located at 9615 Macleod Trail S.E. The move is part of a redevelopment plan for the existing property, which has been a cultural landmark for country music and Calgary Stampede celebrations since its opening in April 1972. The venue has hosted numerous events, including performances by notable artists such as Shania Twain and Keith Urban, and has served as a backdrop for films like *Brokeback Mountain* and *Cool Runnings*.
Development Plans
The redevelopment, named Ranchman's Village, is spearheaded by the Deveraux Group of Companies and Lansdowne Equity Ventures. Sameer Remtulla, senior vice-president of real estate and project development with Deveraux, indicated that the new location for Ranchman’s will be a larger existing building nearby. The venue will continue operations at its current location until the end of 2026, after which it will transition to the new site. The overall redevelopment aims to create a mixed-use space that includes commercial and residential areas, enhancing the pedestrian experience along Macleod Trail.
Community Impact and Sentiment
The announcement of the relocation has elicited mixed reactions from the community. Calgary musician Jaiden Riley expressed her surprise at the news, highlighting the venue's significance in her career development. "It has opened so many doors for me career-wise," she stated, reflecting on the venue's role in fostering local talent. The emotional connection many patrons have with Ranchman’s is evident, as Riley noted the generational memories tied to the venue.
Official Statements
Wendy Daniel, Ranchman’s director of marketing, expressed pride in the venue's history while looking forward to its future. “We’re excited about where Ranchman’s is going next and look forward to sharing more in the months ahead,” she stated. Remtulla emphasized the importance of maintaining the venue's legacy during the transition, stating, “Our objective at the end of the day is that we really want to make sure that we pay homage to the legacy of the area.”
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the excitement surrounding the move, some community members have raised concerns about the potential loss of the venue's unique atmosphere. There are apprehensions regarding how well the new location will replicate the "honky-tonk" vibe that has characterized Ranchman’s for decades.
What's Next
As Ranchman’s prepares for its final year at the current location, plans for the new venue are still in the early stages. The redevelopment is expected to attract additional retailers and enhance the overall appeal of the area, with the first occupancies anticipated by summer 2028.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We’re proud of where we’ve been,” — Wendy Daniel, Director of Marketing, Ranchman's Cookhouse & Dancehall
- “It has opened so many doors for me career-wise,” — Jaiden Riley, Calgary Musician
- “Our objective at the end of the day is that we really want to make sure that we pay homage to the legacy of the area,” — Sameer Remtulla, Senior Vice-President, Deveraux Group of Companies
