This property in East Osoyoos is being proposed as the location for a craft distillery. (Richard McGuire photo)

The Town of Osoyoos has decided not to lead a public consultation process for a new craft distillery planned for the Osoyoos east side.

Peter Racz from Grizzly Distillery has expressed an interest in establishing the distillery at 7502 Main Street on a lot east of the Richter Pass Motor Inn.

Gina MacKay, director of planning and development, noted that the town previously approved a rezoning proposal in 2016 that allows craft distilleries in several commercial zones.

Local governments don’t have to provide comments on these applications, in which case the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB) will gather public input, contacting the local government if necessary.

The LCRB was formerly known as the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.

MacKay said the applicant has used an architect and provided preliminary drawings.

“I’ve already had our building inspector look at the drawings and he indicated to me that it looks like they know what they’re doing and they’ve taken into consideration the adjacent uses,” MacKay told council.

A building closer to the water would be the location of a tasting room and the distilling, while a small home at the front would be used for the offices.

Mayor Sue McKortoff asked about parking issues, and Councillor C.J. Rhodes noted that water upgrades were required when Tumbleweed Distillery located on Lakeshore Drive.

But MacKay said the applicant has been told that if they receive a provincial license, they will still need to comply with the town zoning bylaw and building requirements.

“The size of this particular operation is considerably smaller than that one that’s operating on Lakeshore, but they would still be required to address any concerns that might be brought up by the building or operational services,” she said.

Councillor Carol Youngberg asked about possible smell problems, but MacKay said that would be addressed through the good neighbour bylaw, and with the requirement that all municipal bylaws be followed.

“It is certainly something that we’ll look at during the building permit stage,” MacKay said.

RICHARD McGUIRE

Osoyoos Times