Townsite Brewing has applied for a development variance permit that if accepted, would provide for an outdoor seating area in front on the business facing Ash Avenue.
At the City of Powell River Council meeting on June 11, senior planner Daniella Fergusson provided a report on the initiative. She said the purpose of her report was for council to consider the permit for Townsite Brewing.
Fergusson said the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) has allowed for temporary expansion of the service area footprint until October 31, 2020. Townsite Brewing would like to apply for that licence but it would require varying the setback to allow for placement of seating in front of the brewery, said Fergusson.
“In addition, Townsite is planning ahead for the future in the recovery from COVID-19 and that includes making that front patio permanent and also adding a picnic area to the back of the brewery,” said Fergusson. “In order to make that possible, the brewery would need a reduction in parking on the site.”
Fergusson said the plan calls for five seating benches, which are proposed to be enclosed with a fence and leaving enough space on the sidewalk for people to pass.
What Townsite Brewing is proposing during COVID-19 restrictions is that three of those five outdoor seating benches be made available through the temporary LCRB program. Fergusson said there would be a build-out of the five seats, subject to LCRB approval.
“We want to do what we can to support our businesses,” she added.
While the LCRB program ends in October, Townsite Brewing would be applying to make the expansion permanent, according to Fergusson.
Councillor George Doubt said he likes the idea of patios. He said he was curious about the connection between using private property as an outside patio and the reduction of the required parking space.
Ferguson said that currently on the site there is space for three cars to park along the side and there is provision to get another one or two cars around the back. She said if Townsite Brewing increases the number of seats, there is no way more parking spaces can fit on the site.
Councillor Rob Southcott said Townsite was architecturally designed so part of that heritage is one where people connect together.
“What happened when our post Second World War car era took over, all of a sudden the car became essential for us to get anywhere,” said Southcott. “What we have here is an opportunity to turn that around.”
Southcott said facilities were being expanded for bicycles in the brewery area. He said what is needed is the ability for people to walk and cycle.
He said people who get into trouble after visiting a liquor establishment are not walkers and cyclists. It’s the drivers, he added.
“We need to celebrate this opportunity we have here to orient our village to people and to people enjoying each other,” said Southcott. “These guys are doing an amazing job so I completely support the resolution. We need to make a change here and this is an excellent step in that direction.”
Councillor Jim Palm said everyone loves the local brewery. He said Townsite revitalization has come a long way in a short time. Palm said he thinks this is the right step forward in unusual times.
“Hopefully, one day, this will go away and we’ll be able to add the additional seating to make it even more inviting,” he added.
Councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said she was absolutely in favour of the brewery’s proposition. She wanted to thank the owners of Townsite Brewing, who are “really leading the way.” She said bicycle kiosks are being put in the neighbourhood and provide opportunities for bicycle parking in Townsite and getting people out of their cars.
“We have to start thinking in a new direction,” said Leishman. “We should not be encouraging people to drive to the pubs and restaurants. We should be encouraging people to get on their bikes. I’m totally in favour of this direction.”
Council voted that staff be directed to give notice of council’s intention to consider issuance of a development variance permit to vary the city zoning bylaw by relaxing the required front setback from 1.8 metres to zero metres and reducing the required number of off-street parking spaces to three at 5824 Ash Avenue.
