District of Squamish staff is recommending the council approve the application for a new brewery at 37781 Cleveland Ave at its regular meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The Boltage Brewing Co. development will feature a two-story brewery and lounge, along with three accessory buildings, a tasting lounge in a restored train car, an accessory kitchen, and a waste enclosure. The brewery will have three tandem parking spaces, each holding up to six cars, and additional bicycle parking.
According to the application, the development hopes to create “a welcoming gathering place that celebrates craft beer, local culture, and eccentric architecture.”
The 557.9 square meter property has sat in limbo since it was rezoned in 2018, to allow for a mixed use commercial/residential building. That project never went through, and the property was sold to the new owners who hope to build the brewery.
According to a report from District of Squamish staff, the new development application for the brewery aligns with the municipality’s strategic and community planning goals by adding employment space and supporting the craft food and beverage sector in Squamish.
The brewery plans to fully utilize the small parcel and is requesting two zoning variances to maximize its use of the site. One, to allow two more accessory buildings, and another to reduce the setback of the accessory buildings from 1.2 metres to zero.
District staff support both variances and view the application as “consistent with Strategic Plan Objectives” of revitalizing Downtown South. One comment staff received about the application from Hang Eleven Properties Inc, owners of the adjacent property, was in full support of the application.
“We believe Boltage Brewing will add meaningful economic and social value to Squamish — creating local jobs, supporting tourism, and enriching the downtown experience for residents and visitors alike,” Hang Eleven Properties Inc. wrote.
Another comment, from Usman Valiante, was critical of the proposed variance to allow a zero-meter interior setback for the accessory buildings. Citing the variance’s effect on neighbouring property development potential, Valiante asked the district not grant the variance.
We had enough of breweries in Squamish. I think the perfect business for that is kids friendly business like martial arts gym or art studios.
You 100 correct some of the local breweries have put their times in and struggles adding one more during this uncertain times may just throw them under financially after struggling fir years.
And i don’t even drink so this is just my opinion.
The zero variance is not acceptable and may set for the future application a precedent that they will regret.
If allowed it for many look like favoritism.
Counselor should be very careful has election are upon them.
Yes and enough brewery !
Please brew an English bitter