Opening a craft brewery could soon be a lot easier in Edmonton.
A motion will be made at the next city council meeting to amend the city’s zoning bylaw, which currently makes it quite difficult for small-scale brewers to get a development permit in the city’s entertainment districts.
Wayne Sheridan opened Situation Brewing in Old Strathcona last month. He hit some hurdles as soon as he applied for a development permit from the city, he said.
The brewery’s name reflects its location — just south of Whyte Avenue, where Edmontonians flock for craft beer from local restaurants and pubs. But current zoning bylaws have tight restrictions on where breweries can operate in commercial and industrial zones.
“We received general support from the city, although it seemed unnecessarily complicated,” he said. “Brewing as a use category seemed to only be possible in industrial zoned buildings, which definitely did not fit the business model of the brew pub.
“Eventually they seemed to buy into it … and eventually did find a way to make it possible for us in the building we’re operating out of right now.”
Sheridan said it took about four months to secure his development permit.
‘Cool new brew pubs’ on the horizon, councillor says
Coun. Scott McKeen said changing the current zoning bylaws would make it easier for other small-scale breweries to open, including brew pubs.
“There’s the potential to create interesting, little niche dining and drinking spots, raise the quality and caliber of hospitality in Edmonton and create a level of vibrancy on streets… with cool new brew pubs,” he said.
“We have to go through these bylaw changes to allow it.”
‘There’s the potential to create interesting, little niche dining and drinking spots, raise the quality and caliber of hospitality in Edmonton.’ – Coun. Scott McKeen
McKeen said a public hearing will happen before any changes are made to the zoning bylaws. He expects the report from the motion to come back in the fall.
Sheridan said he wants others considering opening their own micro breweries to have an easier time — in fact, he welcomes competition with open arms.
“Lots of people are going to benefit from a change, if there is one, to the bylaws, and we welcome it too,” he said.
“Edmonton already loves craft beer. It will, however, speed up the rate at which Edmonton has more craft beer made here in Edmonton.”