Edmonton to have 2 LGBTQ bars this summer as Evolution Wonderlounge begins move

For the first time in nearly a decade, Edmonton will have two gay bars this summer.

Evolution Wonderlounge will open a new location on Jasper Avenue and 115 Street, as its downtown location on 103 Street near 102 Avenue winds down operations.

Ron Byers, director of Rainbow Story Hub, says opening a queer bar on street level is a significant milestone.

“Most of them have been down in the basement or up on the second floor. Very few have been main floor. Part of that is because of the fear of being found out,” Byers said.