Concerns have been raised around noise levels and activities taking place at Persephone Brewing Company.
Directors at a May 21 community services committee meeting accepted a late report from staff that noted there “have been several concerns raised by the public regarding the use and activities of the property operated by the Persephone Brewing Company at 1053 Stewart Rd.”
Complaints listed events such as the Osprey BC Enduro Race Series on May 3, a music workshop on May 16 and the Tough Kegger 2 event scheduled for August 29.
“In addition to the events listed above, problems are arising from live entertainment, traffic and noise issues on an ongoing basis,” the staff report read.
The property lies in Area F (West Howe Sound) in the Agricultural Land Reserve. The Agricultural Land Commission has been in contact with the owner about the complaints but is “waiting for further information in order to review the matter as it relates to the Agricultural Land Reserve,” the staff report stated.
Area F director Ian Winn suggested there could be “some middle ground” found between the operation and the concerned members of the public. He put forward a motion to convene a special meeting for the “interested parties” to discuss the issue.
All were in favour of the motion and staff were tasked with finding a date that would work.
Youth outreach
Directors are looking at penning a new agreement with the youth outreach program that would start in 2016, following some positive results reported recently.
Ron Depner, of the Sunshine Coast Community Services Society Youth Outreach program, was at the May 21 community services committee meeting to provide statistics for directors who would later consider direction for a new agreement.
While youth outreach workers meet youths (aged 13 to 23) where they’re at in the community or at school, the majority of youths reach out to the program when they need a safe ride home, Depner said.
He showed that the program served 1,033 youths in 2012, 1,249 in 2013, and 1,632 in 2014. So far in 2015, a total of 366 youths have been helped by workers who typically connect and refer to other programs and supports in the community.
Depner noted the program has resulted in lower risk behaviour being reported amongst youths across the Coast.
Directors were pleased with the program’s results to date and directed staff to proceed with drawing up a new contract that could commence in 2016.
RCMP priorities
Directors want the Sunshine Coast RCMP to stick to the same kind of priorities identified last year, but with one addition, they decided at their May 21 community services committee meeting.
The 2014/2015 priorities from the Sunshine Coast Regional District included police visibility, working with youth outreach and tackling stunt driving.
For the 2015/2016 year, directors want the same focus with the addition of road safety in the hope RCMP can tackle issues such as speeding.
