On Tuesday, Steinbach City Council approved a parking variance for a brand-new micro-brewery and art gallery.

Stephanie Klassen is the operations manager for The Public Brewhouse and Gallery. She and three business partners are hoping to open the establishment at 301 Main Street, right next to the old S.C.U. building.

“The craft beer that we produce is going to be available for sale only on-site. We have the tasting room where people can come in for a pint and there will be rotating exhibits featuring rural contemporary artists in the taproom.”

In order to open this establishment, Klassen says they needed to get a variance from city council.

"We only have five parking stalls there but the bylaws said that we needed 11 spaces so we were just asking for permission to have a few less. Since we operate in the evening when all the businesses around us are not open, council was in total agreement, I think I even heard a 'very in favour' from one of the councillors.”

According to Klassen their landlord, Steinbach Credit Union Limited has agreed to allow The Public’s patrons to use part of their parking lot during off-hours. She notes they also consulted a traffic engineer to make sure they would not be disrupting any other businesses by only having 5 dedicated stalls.

In addition, Klassen made the case that The Public Brewhouse and Gallery will be good for the downtown core.

“We want to create a space for conversation and culture that is welcoming and inviting. Our business will revitalize one of the older buildings on the block, our patio will beautify a vacant lot, our gallery will contribute to lively street life that the city wants to see.”

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra moved to approve the variance.

“There is precedent in the downtown area because we want to be flexible and we want to see the downtown have new businesses and new activity. In this case here, I am comfortable with saying that they can get by with the five parking stalls.”

Councillor Jac Siemens and Earl Funk also both spoke in favour of the plan. Funk says this type of business should contribute to a vibrant downtown.

“When we look at Steinbach, our vision is for the downtown to be vibrant for the entire day from early morning to later in the evening and having businesses that will be open at different times will do this so when people are not working, they will be able to come and enjoy a beverage and meet. This will be a genuine draw for our downtown and I think this will be a good fit.”

Council was unanimous in approving the variance.

While exiting the council chambers, Klassen let out a small cheer and a fist pump. She notes they hope to be open by the end of summer but nothing is set in stone quite yet.