Craft Distillery
Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) directors supported a staff recommendation to amend the Official Community Plan and zoning to allow for an artisan craft distillery in Roberts Creek at the Oct. 12 board meeting.
A staff report said there was support for and objection to the proposal at a public hearing held in September. About 25 residents attended the public hearing and expressed concerns about noise, traffic and the wear on the road. The proposed distillery is located on Porter Road, which is a one-lane, unpaved public road.
The staff report said the impacts could be addressed by technical design, traffic management measures and controlled operating hours. “A tasting room is not a drinking establishment. Only a very small amount of alcohol, referred to as a few ‘tastes,’ can be served on the premise in accordance with provincial liquor licensing regulations,” the report said.
A provision to prohibit third-party commercial events has been incorporated into the zoning amendment bylaw; however, staff pointed out that private events such as weddings and gatherings not associated with the commercial operation of the distillery are permitted.
“Overall this is a carefully planned and suitably scaled proposal that respects the environment and the neighbourhood and fits the rural character of the area,” the report said.
Eco Tourism
The SCRD opposed a referral from the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development for a proposed eco tourism resort. The proponent, Comfort Cove Shellfish Ltd., wants to expand on an existing oyster farm and buildings to include a resort on a lot in the Sechelt Inlet that is surrounded by Mount Richardson Provincial Park. The proposal calls for accommodation for up to 30 guests in the form of yurts and tents and the existing building would serve as a reception, lounge, kitchen and dining area.
SCRD recommended refusal of the project, citing insufficient information. A proposed exit strategy, waste management plan and detailed building plans should have been provided, the SCRD staff recommendation noted.
Invasive Plants
SCRD board members received a third quarter update at last week’s planning and development committee. One of the current projects is a regional strategy for invasive plant management for the lower Sunshine Coast. A draft management strategy will be released in early 2018.
SAR Lease
Sunshine Coast Search and Rescue Association (SAR) will be able to apply for a Community Gaming Grant, which, if received, will be used for a SAR hall addition. At last week’s SCRD board meeting, directors agreed to amend the existing lease for the Field Road property where the SAR hall is located in order to meet the gaming grant criteria.
