A North Vancouver pub will soon be shuttering its doors due to financial challenges, according to its general manager. The Pemberton Station Pub opened in 1986. For more than half of that time, Cameron Isenor has managed the bar, located on Pemberton Avenue and West 1st Street. Isenor said for the last three-and-a-half years—due to rising costs, including the bar’s lease—it’s become unsustainable to operate. “I’ve put my whole life savings into this place, and I have nothing left,” he said.“It’s definitely been crippling.” CTV News contacted Avison Young, the commercial real estate agency listing the space, to inquire about the current lease rate but did not receive a response before deadline. ‘Entrepreneurial drought’ The closure is part of a larger economic trend, according to a recent report by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. In April, the CFIB found the Canadian economy is losing businesses faster than it can create new ones, calling it an “entrepreneurial drought.” The organization says the drought has been ongoing since 2024, making it the worst period for entrepreneurs outside of the pandemic. ‘We’re going to miss them’ Adorned with jerseys and TVs throughout the bar, The Pemberton Station Pub was built to appeal to any sports fan. Isenor said he wanted people to be able to watch their favourite team play—even if it meant having “10 games on at once.” “Our slogan forever has been, ‘Your team plays at The Pemby,’” he said. Ken Laird has been a regular for 40 years. He said he’ll miss the wonderful staff and amazing food. “I just fell in love with the place,” he said. “Really nice staff, nice waitresses. I can’t say enough about the space.” Isenor said his favourite memories include time spent with staff and the pub’s clientele, who have become good friends. “We’re going to miss them an awful lot,” he said. “We hope we’ll see them on the other side.” The pub is closing June 28.
