The KEE to Bala

[2] Gerry Patrick Dunn purchased the property in 1929 when there was only a small ice cream parlour and drugstore on the lot.

Dunn started renovating the buildings in the second year of ownership in order to be able to host orchestras as an attraction in the small town.

At the end of the 1930s, Dunn decided to tear down the old building in order to be able to host the bigger bands he desired, and provide more room for people to dance.

Ray had owned a similar venue in Orillia called 'The Pavalon' and wanted to expand his ownership in the bar business.

In order to take advantage of the new rock and roll style of music, Ray renamed the venue and called it The KEE to Bala.

"Says Ray, 'A short name, easily remembered, was what I wanted, and when someone suggested that the pavilion was the `key' to Bala and the surrounding Muskoka area, I jumped at the idea and changed the spelling to KEE.'"

He installed a new kitchen in order to serve food in addition to the alcohol at the bars, while updating the colour scheme to give the venue a "Cape Cod" feel.

Sanober brought in a weekly comedy night in order to try to obtain more business from a larger variety of people as well as a big band event to attract the old clientele that used to attend.