Hopeful brew pub owners pledging local connections

SUMMERLAND — Summerland Council gave first and second readings to a rezoning amendment application Monday to allow the use of “brewing and distilling” as a sitespecific use for 13220-13224 Victoria Rd. N.

The site-specific amendment was necessary because the definition of “brew pubs” is part of a large package of proposed changes to the zoning bylaw which has yet to be considered by council.

In the proposed changes, craft brewery/distillery is a permitted use in the central business and tourist commercial zones.

The site, the current location of the Cozy Bay Seafood Café, is designated as downtown commercial in the OCP and zoned central business.

The proposed definition of craft brewery/distillery is a building used to produce alcoholic beverages with a maximum production gross floor area of 1,000 sq. m.

The use must also include a retail or lounge component of a minimum of 25 per cent of the total building gross floor area.

“The pub will operate along the business model of one of our many fantastic wineries or the familiar Bad Tattoo and Cannery in Penticton,” the building owners wrote in a memorandum to council in May.

The memorandum was submitted by Owen Rauer, Evan and Carley Rauer and Brad and Tami Rauer.

“The pub will utilize local hops, fruits, and offerings from local food vendors. The goal is to be locally integrated wherever possible.”

The brewery is anticipated to be in operation in early 2019.

A public consultation is to be held Oct. 9 to receive feedback.