Okotoks Town Council is considering a change to the areas that micro breweries, distillers, and wineries can be located.

The change would see them included in commercial districts as right now they're only allowed in industrial areas.

Okotoks Development Services Director, Michael MacIntyre, says the change to the land use bylaw would help bring the Town up to speed on current needs.

"In general, micro breweries are a relatively new land use category from a real estate development and land use business standpoint. To date, we haven't amended the land use bylaw comprehensively or reviewed it comprehensively for a number of years and this is something we're going to be doing as a major project."

Instead of waiting for the comprehensive review, MacIntyre says they're looking at it as a gap in their commercial land use framework so they don't miss out on opportunities for business investment.

He adds this would align with council's economic development strategic plan and community sustainability plan.

"In terms of diversifying business opportunities in the downtown that lead towards animation, so getting more activity, in terms of social dynamics in the downtown, going from predominantly a nine to five weekday kind of a businesses district to weekday evenings and weekends so it's a much more social part of the community."

Those looking for more information can check out the open house Tuesday, June 19 in Council Chambers at 6:30 p.m.

 

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