Distillery and electricity rates on agenda

Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer - Penticton

Craft distillery proposed for downtown bar

The Penticton City Councill will consider an application for a craft distillery and tasting room within the Best Damn Sports Bar on Martin Street at Monday night's council meeting.

The proposal is entirely contained within the existing building and will be located in a portion of the existing property formerly used as a lounge with pool tables and a smoking area.

Staff believes this intended use ties in with the city's plans for increased vibrancy in the downtown area. The project will also be similar in nature to Okanagan Spirits on Bernard Avenue in Kelowna.

Also under discussion is 2014 electrical rates, with the staff recommendation that the rates be revised to reflect a 3.3 per cent FortisBC increase, and a 1.2 per cent BC Hydro increase.

Three alternatives will also be considered in the rate setting process and a schedule to deal with the process includes a public input session, Monday, first three readings of an amending bylaw to the fees and charges bylaw on Dec. 16, adoption of the amending bylaw on Jan. 6 and new electrical rates taking affect on Feb. 1.

In other highlights, the Fire Department Strategic Team  is recommending to the council that the fire department budget be increased by $135,841 to include a supplemental amount to be deposited annually to the Fire Department Apparatus Depreciation Account and perform a calculation on an annual basis to determine how the supplemental account might change year to year.

More information on the city council agenda is available on the city's website.