A craft distillery will soon find its home in Okotoks’ downtown core.
The business – called Firehall Distillers – is to be located on the Town’s vacant Landmark site at 34 McRae Street.
Two Pine Ventures, owned by John Hromyk of Bragg Creek, submitted its development permit to the town for the two-storey 1,068 square-metre building that will house a distillery and eating and drinking establishment with possible retail sales. The permit was approved during a public hearing Dec. 9.
“We’ve been able, I believe, to bring something very special to this community,” said Hromyk at the hearing. “We’re in the same process in Bragg Creek as well, in the process of trying to create as many kinds of unique and distinctive opportunities to revitalize beautiful downtown cores that unfortunately, at times, tend to be neglected.”
He said the Town of Okotoks is unique in its understanding of the value of downtown, which is evident in its revitalization and economic development plans.
The distillery won’t only bring an entertainment value to Okotoks’ core, he said. There are economic spin-offs for the community.
“We anticipate right now just the restaurant alone would employ 30 to 35 people,” said Hromyk.
There is also the opportunity for world-wide recognition of Okotoks for the products Hromyk and partner Brett Schönekess, who is a master distiller, will be bringing to town, he said.
“We are winning gold medals for the best products in Alberta and we soon will have opportunities to export our products all over the world, and Okotoks will be part of that brand as we take this into the market,” said Hromyk.
He said he’s also in the process of setting up a similar business in Bragg Creek, where he has lived for the past 25 years.
Hromyk is no stranger to the industry. He opened Hillside Estate Winery in Penticton, B.C. 22 years ago as well.
“I’ve done this in the past,” he said. “I know the beauty and the attraction. It’s the old cliché – if you build it, they will come. You guys have already figured out the ‘they will come’ part. That’s why I love this community so much.”
He said the distillery has already tried to embed itself in the community. Many sports teams have already approached Hromyk for sponsorship and he’s been spending time at special events around town as well.
In addition, they’ve been working with other local entrepreneurs, he said.
“The Hub Town folks have already done a great job and we’re actually in collaboration with them already, making spirit-infused beer cocktails,” said Hromyk. “We feel welcome. We’re all ready to go.
“We plan to do a special job here.”
Coun. Tanya Thorn said she’s excited about adding Firehall Distillers to the downtown core.
“This will be another anchor in the downtown along with the arts and learning campus,” said Thorn. “We’ve been talking about it, pushing for this type of facility and for more of this in our downtown.”
She said it’s good to see more revenue-generating businesses coming into Okotoks as the Town works to increase its commercial base and take some of the burden off its residential ratepayers.
“We’re going to have this great development, hopefully that will be jam-packed full to get started and off the ground,” said Thorn. “I look forward to seeing this come to Okotoks.”
