Contrary to speculation in local Facebook groups and a freshly painted building, no approval has been granted for a microbrewery and farm distillery at the former Harvest Barn property in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
The planning consultant for owners Fabian Reis and his wife, Stephanie, of Ferox by Fabian Reis Winery, is preparing to resubmit the application for further review.
The couple is asking the town for a zoning bylaw amendment to transform the property at 1822 Niagara Stone Rd., which was renamed Alitura in 2021.
They proposed making the main building a microbrewery, using the grey barn for distilling, and adding hospitality areas, a commercial kitchen and an event tent. As well, they’re seeking permission to host special events on the site.
The consultant is resubmitting the application “to address comments and questions raised by staff, agencies and the public,” said the town’s communications co-ordinator, Marah Minor, in an email.
Minor declined to comment about what specific concerns were raised by staff, agencies and the public, which agencies and members of the public were involved, and when those comments were submitted.
Earlier this month, the building was painted all black. A post shared to community page NOTL 4U mistakenly confirmed the site “is being redeveloped” by the couple. Minor said the application has not received the necessary approvals to be in the redevelopment phase just yet.
“Any requested uses will not be permitted until the zoning bylaw amendment has been approved,” she said.
The town must first receive the revised application, then municipal planning staff will prepare a recommendation report for staff and council, expected to be brought forward this fall.
Minor said the report will review changes made to the application and outline how it aligns with planning policies while responding to comments and concerns.
But she did not answer questions about what happens after the report is presented this fall.
So, for now, the project can’t proceed.
Questions to the town went unanswered about what revisions needed to be made and whether any meetings to discuss the application have been held or scheduled to date.
