Amid the proliferation of craft brewers popping up around Central Alberta, a distillery approved by Red Deer County could add diversity to liquor shelves.
At their Tuesday municipal planning commission meeting, a distillery was approved unanimously to be built in the Piper Creek Business Park, which is east of the Petrolia Business Park across Hwy 2 from Gasoline Alley.
”Well of course I’m going to approve,” said Coun. Jean Bota with a chuckle. “I think this is an excellent opportunity.”
County mayor Jim Wood asked what kind of spirits would be produced at the distiller.
”Is it Vodka?” He asked.
Tara March, county development officer, said the applicant had been in contact with Red Deer County grain producers and some area malting operations. “They are trying to keep it local.”
”This is really important to our farming community,” said Wood. “It’s part of the 100-mile diet.”
Coun. Philip Massier, MPC Chair, asked if the 1,500 square foot business could evolve into a retail outlet. According to March, the current location doesn’t support that type of expansion, but the applicant does want to expand and has found potentially suitable locations within the same business park. While the business they have doesn’t support that type of use, there are county approved locations nearby.
Distillery would be located within a 1,500 square foot spot on Larch Close.
mcrawford@reddeeradvocate.com
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