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Brewery, distillery zoning going forward in Sechelt

Craft Beverages
brewery

After a brief public hearing Sept. 5, Sechelt’s proposed zoning changes to allow micro breweries, micro distilleries and tasting lounges in the Commercial 2 zone downtown will likely come back to council before the election.

The zoning would allow brewers and distillers to set up shop, with certain conditions, such as no more than 50 per cent of the floor space, or 110 sq. metres, whichever is less, used for the actual brewing or distilling.

It would also require any effluent from brewing and distilling to be pre-treated before going into the sewer system.

Only two people spoke at the hearing – Paul Meyer, a manager with Trail Bay Properties, owners of Trail Bay Centre, and council candidate Matt McLean, the former executive director of the Sechelt Downtown Business Association.

Meyer said they welcomed the district’s approach to allowing craft brewers and distillers to set up downtown, but urged council to consider adding some flexibility and expanding the allowed zones to include Public Assembly.

“Just make sure some of the doors are open for unique circumstances,” he said.

McLean told councillors that supporting a strong craft beverage community would help boost tourism and support a vibrant downtown.