Downtown’s Ellis Street could see new life with relocating business

PENTICTON – A Penticton business’s relocation to a downtown side street could provide the impetus for a new look – and new uses for a street that presently sits underdeveloped and underutilized.

As Cannery Brewing’s new facility on Ellis Street nears completion, Manager Pat Dyck is excited about the prospect of relocation to the downtown side street.

“We’re delighted with the new location, and we’re delighted to be close to the downtown core,” Dyck said.

Cannery Brewing’s business in the Cannery Trade Centre simply got too big for the facility.

“We’ve been asking for more than what this building can do,” Dyck said of the business’s present facility.

Dyck said with Cannery Brewing relocating downtown, its new proximity to the farmer’s market, the Penticton Challenge Triathlon and other downtown events will improve connections to customers, in addition to bringing pedestrian traffic to Ellis Street.

“It was tough to choose a new location. Our core business is considered to be an industrial application, but the industrial park isn’t really a suitable location for us, because that’s not where our customers are,” said Dyck.

The new microbrewery is being designed to be more appealing than simply four grey concrete walls,  as city officials expressed an interest in seeing something more visual, said Dyck.

“We’ve been absolutely blown away by how positive people have been about our move to Ellis Street. I’m hoping it will be an anchor for the street, making it more attractive. It’s within easy walking distance of downtown, and we are close to cycling and pedestrian paths,” Dyck pointed out.

Dyck said many nearby residents have expressed a desire to see the business on Ellis Street.

“The character of the street is changing,” Dyck said, noting the recent opening of a fit kids facility in the former Greyhound bus garage, across the street from Cannery’s new digs.

City council advanced Cannery’s relocation process further at the Monday, Feb.16 council meeting by moving the business’s liquor license application forward to the public consultation process.

Businesses and residents within a 90 metre radius will be notified of the proposed application and public comments will be presented in a report for council’s consideration during the March 2 council meeting.

Dyck said Cannery Brewing hopes to transfer its existing license – lounge endorsement – to the new location.

Referring to it as a “tap room license” Dyck said it allows a glass or a flight of beer along with some food offerings of limited preparation.

She said locally sourced food products will be served, as presently done at the Cannery Trade Centre location.

Dyck said the new building is nearing completion as roof trusses are being set in place this week. She said they hope to be in the facility by the end of March.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Steve Arstad at sarstad@infonews.ca or call 250-488-3065. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.