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LETTER: Tractorgrease music venue a ‘most unique café, a treasure lost’

‘I feel like we are losing a great neighbour,’ says letter writer
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Tractorgrease owner Jeff Bonner is closing his live music venue in September due to debt incurred during the pandemic, despite it being a “highly successful” business, he said. “I feel like we are losing a great neighbour,” says letter writer David Smith. (Jenna Hauck/ Chilliwack Progress file)

Re: ‘Highly successful’ Tractorgrease music venue closing as result of pandemic, says owner (Chilliwack Progress Friday, Aug. 20 issue, page 27; online Tuesday, Aug. 17).

As a district contractor who has been the ward of the park beside this venue for the entire time of operation at the Tractorgrease Cafe, I was concerned in the beginning about a liquor licence so close to a park, but my feelings were completely unfounded from day one.

There has never, not once, been any spillover from the venue. Not a single beer can or cigarette butt, no drunks, never any trouble. And his place is spotless in the mornings after a show – just nice music wafting though the forest at sunset. It’s always shut down on time.

Tractorgrease is a most unique café, a treasure lost. It’s a very well managed situation.

I was so wrong in the beginning to fret about his endeavours. Jeff Bonner’s successful effort to run a tight ship, and the class of his clientele, was undeniably positive for the park and community. I feel like we are losing a great neighbour. He has earned this positive attention, and my utmost respect.

David Smith