Rutland's empty waterworks building could soon be a hip, new watering hole.
Kelowna city council last week gave preliminary approval to plans for a craft distillery at 160 Highway 33. The redevelopment will offer cocktails and beer, non-alcoholic beverages, take home craft spirits and wood-fire pizza, said Dan Allen, owner of Endless Summer Distillery.
"The project has many benefits for the Rutland area, including that it cleans up an otherwise dormant building and parking lot," said Allen.
It will also bring life into Rutland by offering a business to area residents that has yet to be seen and, said Allen, it may also become a tourism draw.
The project earned support from council, with Mayor Colin Basran noting it would make "a great addition to Rutland's downtown."
The project has been in the works in some form since Feb. 13, 2016 and now that council gave first reading to the required rezoning of the property— from a utilities designation to urban centre commercial— it will be presented at a public hearing set for Jan. 24.