Mixed reaction to microbrewery in Regina’s Heritage neighborhood

REGINA – Regina’s Heritage neighbourhood could soon be home to a new microbrewery.

Beer lovers Adam Smith and Kelsey Beach want to turn their passion into profits by turning a commercial building near 15^th Avenue and Montreal Street into a micro-brewery.

“Our plan is to really encourage that craft beer growth in the province and especially in the city as well,” Smith said.

Malty National Brewery wouldn’t serve beer to patrons but would sell it to customers in a growler, which is essentially a refillable beer bottle.

“You’ll bring one of the glass jars right to the brewery and we’ll fill them right here and then you can take it home or to a gathering of friends.”

Before the pair’s dream can become a reality, they need the go-ahead from Regina city council.

A proposal to change the building’s zoning to include a brewery goes before the planning commission Wednesday and, if approved, will go before city council on March 23.

The majority of feedback received through public consultation was in support of the business, but there were some concerns brought forward.

Residents opposed to the business took issue with the breweries proximity to schools. Others believed it could attract a disruptive clientele, while some were worried about the odors from the brewing process.

Smith said they are operating on a small scale but would take steps to mitigate odors.

“When the unfermented beer is being boiled steam is created and that’s where you get odor,” he said. “What we do is actually run that steam into a still, the steam turns back into water and drips onto the floor so there’s nothing going into the atmosphere around the brewery or neighborhood at all.”

James LaRose lives right next door to the building and completely supports the development.

“Everybody likes beer, right?” he joked. “I support it. I don’t see anything wrong with it.

The Heritage Community Association has also submitted a letter to city administration in support of the development.

The executive director of the Heritage Community Association, Kathleen Wilson, said the business would be a nice addition to the neighborhood.

“It fits in a lot with the economic development in the community and the kind of economic development the association would like to see in the community.”

If all goes ahead as planned, Smith and Beach hope to begin filling growlers come summer.