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Port Coquitlam ponders first craft brewery

A bid to build Port Coquitlam's first craft brewery under the city's new rules is expected to go before city council next week.
beer

A bid to build Port Coquitlam's first craft brewery under the city's new rules is expected to go before city council next Tuesday.

Last week, the city's smart growth committee reviewed the rezoning application by Milas Enterprises Ltd. to develop its northeast corner lot at Mary Hill bypass and Kingsway Avenue for a small industrial building that would include a brewery with a lounge and patio.

In her report, PoCo's director of development services wrote the planned redevelopment would "provide significant improvements to this highly visible location," Laura Lee Richard noted. "The proposed brewery and lounge would be well located with respect to access to pedestrians and cyclists using the PoCo Traboulay Trail, businesses in the area and commuters on their way home."

Committee chairperson Coun. Mike Forrest told The Tri-City News today (Tuesday) he looks forward to the site being cleaned up. "That corner has been such a black eye for people approaching Port Coquitlam," he said. "I think it would be a really positive entry into the city."

Still, because of the lot's triangle shape, city staff are recommending none of the building's tenants be allowed to set up a restaurant.

Under the city's new liquor policy that was adopted last November, PoCo craft breweries must be sited in general- or light-industrial zones; lounges are also capped at 25 seats.

Meanwhile, a new brewer has started in the Tri-Cities but remains homeless.

northpaw

Courtney Brown of Northpaw Brew Co. Inc told The Tri-City News last week the owners are unsure where to set up shop. "We were hoping to be in Coquitlam this summer but negotiations with our lease fell through and we are now on the hunt for a new location," he wrote in an email. "Due to this, we have opened our search to the entire Tri-City area."

Last month, Northpaw took part in the Tri-Cities Cask Festival in Coquitlam. And on Sunday, it's pouring at the PoCo Winter Blues Festival, a Rotary fundraiser for the Starfish Pack program, at Riverside secondary as well as at the Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival on March 9 at Westwood Plateau Golf and Country Club in Coquitlam.

As well, the John B. Pub in Coquitlam will also host an inaugural event with Northpaw on March 29 from 6 to 10 p.m.

jcleught@tricitynews.com