Construction originally intended to provide a residential and care facility for seniors could become a distillery, bistro and commercial centre, town council learned at the Oct. 21 committee of the whole meeting.
Often referred to as “the bunker”, the property on Northwest Boulevard and Vancouver Street has been the site of a large concrete foundation since 2000. The original owner’s plans fell through and the site was purchased in 2008 by Chaplin West Venture Ltd. Principal owner Michael Chaplin proposed a project consisting of 84 apartment units in a three-storey wood framed building.
In January of this year, Chaplin submitted a new commercial development permit application for senior housing and a motel. It was approved, but he was unable to secure financing for the project.
On Tuesday, the committee of the whole (absent were Couns. Judy Gadicke and Wesly Graham) gave staff the go-ahead to work with the developer as he pursues the new venture.
“Are we ready to do this or are we just rezoning so the property can be sold as a commercial venture?” Coun. Jerry Schmalz asked.
Chaplain said of his $8 million project, “I think it is very viable. I’ve done a great deal of due diligence and I think it can do very well.”
Earlier in the day, Chaplain told the Advance that he does not have funding secured for the project, but that he is optimistic it can be found. So optimistic that he produced photos of the copper stills he plans to import from Germany and provided the names of a master distiller and chef who are committed to coming to work at the facility, he said.
The pitch to the committee of the whole includes a two-storey glass-front distillery room, tasting room, two food and beverage areas with retail sales and a commercial kitchen that could house a culinary training school. Chaplain said his vision for the remainder of the building is for “dairy product manufacturing or creamery.”
Early plans for the distiller include production of vodka, gin and a Chinese product, baijiu, a ceremonial drink for which he plans special collectible packaging that will include art by local wildlife painter Guy Hobbs.
“I believe I can get the financing once the necessary permits are in place,” he told the Advance, adding that construction could start by next spring.
“Staff hasn’t made a recommendation,” town manager Lou Varela said. “It’s up to council to decide what level of questions can be asked.”
“This meeting is to put this on council’s radar and to authorize staff time and resources for this application,” she said later.
A motion was passed to recommend that staff be directed to work through the development approval process with the developer. Council will debate the issue next week.