Skip to content

Council approves microbrewery taproom expansion

Henner’s Pond Outfall Design/Tender services contract also awarded to Al-Terra Engineering Ltd.
11192172_web1_10231768_web1_ShowImage

City council approved a site-specific exception to the Land Use Bylaw to allow for a proposed microbrewery taproom expansion at Blindman Brewery located at 3413 - 53rd Ave.

“Council listened to and carefully considered viewpoints on all sides of this issue, and we are confident that we have struck the right balance between development standards and promoting a positive business climate,” said Mayor Grant Creasey.

“With this expansion, we wish the applicants continued success in their business operations.”

The proposed expansion consists of the use of the existing mezzanine above the taproom, and an exterior patio balcony.

To accommodate these additions, two stairwells are required. One is proposed inside of the building, while the other connects the upper patio to the south parking lot in the event of an emergency.

Those parked at the front of the property have direct access to their vehicles; however, anyone parked at the rear of the property will be required to walk around the glycol chiller and CO2 tank using the public road right-of-way as the equipment abuts the west side property boundary.

Council has granted a 100 per cent side yard variance, which requires the applicants to enter into a License to Occupy to provide a sidewalk for pedestrian access from the rear parking lot to the front of the building.

“Normally, City administration would require the rear yard to be hard-surfaced with parking barriers and identified parking spaces,” said Chief Administrative Officer Goudy.

“Given the current locations zoning, we are waiving these requirements. We believe that future industrial tenants would be unlikely to benefit from a large paved lot.”

A microbrewery and a distillery will now exclusively occupy this building.

In other council news, council directed City administration to enter into a design and tendering service agreement for the Henner’s Pond Stormwater Outfall project with Al-Terra Engineering Ltd. at a cost of $129,809 plus GST.

“Council is pleased to see this project move forward, as the construction of a stormwater outlet will remove a significant barrier to land development in northwest Lacombe,” said Creasey.

Currently, Henner’s Pond has no outlet, and is not an adequate receiving body for stormwater from any lands within the Henner’s Pond Outline Plan.

Until the pond has an approved stormwater outlet system to minimize potential impacts to the wetland and surrounding lands, Alberta Environment and Parks will not accept applications for development.

“The City has identified $310,000 in the 2018 Capital Budget to complete the Henner’s Pond Outlet design and secure the land required along the preferred pipeline alignment,” said Chief Administrative Officer Matthew Goudy.

“We anticipate construction to occur in 2019 or sooner, pending the outcome of the approvals, processes and land acquisitions.”

The City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) earlier this year to procure an engineering consulting firm to obtain regulatory approval to discharge stormwater from Charis Village into Henner’s Pond as soon as possible, and to bring the construction of the Henner’s Pond Stormwater Outlet to fruition.

An internal proposal review Committee ranked proposals from Stantec and Al-Terra against the discretionary criteria listed in the RFP. Subsequently, the Henner’s Pond Outfall Design/Tender services contract was awarded to Al-Terra Engineering Ltd.

-submitted by the City of Lacombe