Council grants storage firm 2 more years to store wine

SUMMERLAND — A temporary use permit for wine storage on lakefront property awaiting redevelopment has been extended for a final two-year period.

On Monday, council approved the request from Direct Tap to allow operations on the site at 13415 Lakeshore Dr., known as the former cannery building property, for a second two-year period.

Direct Tap provides logistical services needed by local wineries, breweries and distilleries to ship their products throughout the province.

“We are keen to continue our operations in this location, as we have been well supported by the community of Summerland and many of its local businesses with whom we work closely,” company president Mike Macquisten told council.

Direct Tap employs roughly 20 people, most from Summerland.

A rapidly expanding business, Direct Tap is actively looking for another location within Summerland of upwards of 3,700 square metres to occupy when or before the temporary use permit expires.

The renewed permit not only allows the business to continue operating, but also provides the property owner with an income stream while pursing redevelopment of the site.

Should the temporary use become an issue or discourage redevelopment of the site, council could terminate the permit, director of development Dean Strachan said.