Brewery planned downtown

Photo: Google Street View

The proposed home of a nano-brewery downtown Summerland

A proposed nano-brewery is hoping to bring more vibrancy to downtown Summerland when it opens early next year.

The District of Summerland has received an application to allow for a brew pub at 13220 Victoria Road, where Cozy Bay Seafood currently operates.

Building owner Brad Rauer says they have a new tenant taking over this fall that plans on utilizing the existing 42-seat space for a small brewery.

“It’ll be a light bill of fare, local light food and craft beer, made with any of the local fruit we can use,” Rauer said.

He said they have heard a ton of positive feedback on the idea already.

“It’ll infuse a little bit of energy and a new look to downtown,” Rauer said, noting the brewery will close early and focus on afternoons and early evenings.

“Just like the others around the Valley here, but the first one in downtown Summerland,” he said.

If all goes to plan, Raur says he expects the brew pub will hopefully be up and running in early 2019.

“It’s the kind of thing that we think is going to help drive traffic to downtown Summerland, which is what all of us as retailers there should be in favour of,” he said.

“We intend for it to be a quiet, clean operation and something that adds something new to our downtown area.”

Raur said he’s not sure of what the operators of the Cozy Bay Seafood restaurant will be doing once they move out, but he’s hopeful they’ll find a new home.

“That’s a wonderful place, terrific people and great product… everyone around here hopes that they continue.”

The brew pub will require the approval of Summerland council, as the municipality currently doesn't have a zone that explicitly allows breweries.