Chatham-Kent council gave the unanimous green light for a brewery to move into the former Cinema 6 location in Chatham.
Council rubber stamped an official plan and zoning bylaw amendment at their March 21 meeting, to pave the way for the Sons of Kent Brewing Company to set up shop.
“One step closer to our dream, zoning change passed by council 16-0,” Sons of Kent posted on their Facebook page.
“Thanks council. Still plenty more rows to hoe… Onward and upward!”
A staff report states that once fully operational, the business is planning on producing an estimated 20,000 hectolitres of beer annually, and will employ 20 to 30 people.
The facility would include retail sales of its products, an interior tasting lounge and an exterior tasting patio.
“The Sons of Kent Brewery will produce all natural craft beers of the highest quality with local ingredients which reflect the character and bounty of the region and province,” the business says in their proposal.
“The community of Chatham is an ideal location with its current population demographic, ideal geographical location, tourism potential and agricultural excellence. The proposed brewery will provide a diverse portfolio of beers including a blonde ale, India pal ale, wheat beers and many other seasonal beers that will include ingredients sourced from the local region.”
The founding members of the brewery are Alf Hunter, Doug Hunter, Tim Copeland and Colin Chrysler.
– Photo from Facebook
