Vodka distillery moving to Welland’s south end
Mississauga company will move to Darte Drive before starting new home
Amississauga-based vodka distillery is moving operations to Welland.
Quick responses from Welland’s economic development department and Mayor Frank Campion sealed the deal for the company’s move to the Rose City from Mississauga, said Dan Degazio, general manager of economic development, recreation and culture.
On Tuesday city councillors supported an application for a manufacturer’s “by the glass” licence for NB Distillers/liq’d Sprits, at 36 Darte Dr.
The company was formerly known as Canadiana Organic Distillery Corp. but changed to NB Distillers with new owners. A website is in the process of being developed.
The licence, according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario website, allows
wineries, breweries and distilleries to make an application to sell and serve their wine, beer and spirits to patrons for consumption at their manufacturing site.
“The sale and service of the wine, beer and spirits must be primarily aimed at promoting the manufacturer´s product and either providing an enhanced tourist experience or fulfilling an educational purpose,” said
the website.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Degazio said the company has put an offer on a large piece of property in the city and intends on building a new facility.
In the meantime, he said the company wants to move into the Darte Drive building for at least a year to get things up and running.
“To get the licence they need the support of the city … they want to start renovations as soon as possible,” Degazio said.
Ward 2 Coun. David Mcleod, who asked the item be moved up during the council meeting as it was time-sensitive, said he was in support of the motion.
On Wednesday, Degazio said the company had been looking at different sites across the province and approached the city. “They called city hall looking for the mayor and got our attention.”
Campion was on vacation when the call came in but he called the owners back right away. “Lina (Dechellis, economic development officer), myself and our office have been working with them ever since. They were quite happy with the response from the city,” said Degazio, adding he made introductions to other city departments that would be involved and to others in the city that could help.
“It’s the way we do business.”