One of the first breweries to ferment in North Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»is bringing a new location to the expanding Norgate neighbourhood.
An application by Bridge Brewing to build a lounge at 1123 West 15th Street was passed by District of North Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»council on Monday night as part of the consent agenda, meaning no public hearing was held.
As outlined in a staff report, Bridge Brewing intends to renovate an existing industrial building to accommodate a brewery with a large tasting room. The plan includes a customer service area on the ground floor, an outdoor veranda on the second-floor mezzanine and a small patio facing West 15th Street.
There will also be trees and bicycle parking added in the area between the building’s façade and the sidewalk.
Two maximum occupancies have been proposed. On weekends (9 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and weekday evenings (5 p.m. to 11 p.m.), the brewery will be able to host 142 people. And on weekdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) the location will seat up to 100 people.
According to staff, 15 supportive responses were received, saying that the brewery would add “vibrancy and passive surveillance of the area after regular business hours” and that the reputation of Bridge Brewing would be a positive influence on the community.
There were three responses raising concerns, mostly related to availability of on-street parking.
In reply to a concern about parking during the daytime, Bridge proposed the lower capacity during regular business hours. A study also showed that many parking spots are vacant during evening hours.
The staff report concluded by supporting the proposal, as it will provide a venue in the area that will appeal to the local business community, while creating minimal expected disruptions.
More space will allow Bridge to host events like weddings and parties
Bridge Brewing co-owner Leigh Stratton says her team had been searching for the right spot to open a new brewery for several years. Bridge’s current brewery in Seylynn is “always full” with only 20 seats, and its doesn’t brew on site.
“We wanted to create another space where guests can go in, see the brewing process happen, talk with the brewers,” Stratton said.
The Norgate brewery will also serve a more diverse menu, she added, with freshly made pizzas and healthy bowls on offer.
This new address is important for Bridge, so other customers don’t have to travel across town to reach them, Stratton said, noting new developments going up on Marine Drive and Pemberton Avenue.
“There’s a lot of density going up but not many options for drinks at reasonable prices,” she said.
Bridge’s current space limitations restrict them from hosting events like weddings and other parties.
“We’re excited to host different things, and be part of milestones in people’s lives,” Stratton said.
After renovations are complete, and additional licensing is secured, the new brewery should be ready to open its doors by spring 2025, she said.
