A zoning bylaw amendment that would allow micro-breweries and distilleries in Sechelt’s downtown commercial zones, C2, has passed second and third reading, but not without some questions from council about water use and sewage output.
The bylaw would limit the size of any establishment to “a combined maximum of 110 sq. metres in conjunction with a tasting lounge or restaurant.”
Planner Tracy Corbett suggested an amendment to change wording that would make approvals subject to “effluent being pre-treated and confirmation there is sewage treatment capacity.”
The new wording calls for the output to be reviewed against he provisions of the district’s existing sewage bylaw and that pre-treatment be required only if the engineering department finds it’s needed.
Coun. Noel Muller, who said he supports the idea of an expanded craft beverage sector as an economic stimulant and tourist draw, said he would support the change because making the approval process too complex and costly could frighten off an otherwise desirable business.
“This is a very low-margin business so any barrier that is there, whether it be just in the mind or in reality in terms of fee, we’ve got to think about that and the message it sends to proponents,” he said.
Coun. Darnelda Siegers questioned whether an amendment might be necessary that would add impact on water supply as one of the criteria for approving applications, given that “if you’re brewing beer, for one litre of beer it takes eight to 10 litres of water.”
But, Mayor Bruce Milne pointed out that, as a commercial enterprise, brewers and distillers would be metered and subject to pay per use.
Only two people spoke at the Sept. 5 public hearing for the amendment, both in favour, and the bylaw could now come back for adoption at council’s first meeting in October.
