St. Norbert Arts Centre applies for outdoor liquor area

St. Norbert Arts Centre is seeking permission to more easily allow food and alcohol outdoors but traffic concerns threaten to get in the way.

The arts centre is asking the city to let it establish an “outdoor dining/drinking area” at a fenced-in, 11,400-square-foot space on its property. Presently, the centre must apply to the province for an occasional liquor permit each time it holds events where alcohol is offered in the space, which is not technically considered a patio by city definitions.

“(The outside space is) not something that would be open every day. It’s only to extend the indoor liquor permit to the outdoors at an event, whether it’s a wedding or a music event or celebration of life,” said Wendy Bloomfield, board secretary for the arts centre.

A city report notes the organization already holds a liquor licence for its heritage building and attached gazebos.

Bloomfield said the centre hosts about 20 events that it obtains an individual liquor permit for each year, which costs around $700 annually.

“(This change is) really just (about) the convenience and not having to spend the money (on licences) all the time. (We’re a) non-profit organization maintaining a heritage building. Money is tight,” said Bloomfield.

The St. Norbert Arts Centre is located at 100 Ruines du Monastere in the carriage building of a former Trappist Monastery. Its structure was built in 1912 and is protected from demolition due to a municipal heritage designation.

While the city’s director of planning, property and development approved a variance to allow the change for five years, four residents are appealing the decision.

Those who appealed could not be reached for comment by deadline Thursday.

In letters to city council’s appeal committee, they expressed concern that high-speed driving along Ruines du Monastere could be exacerbated by allowing drinking outdoors.

Bloomfield noted the centre is located near the Trappist Monastery Provincial Heritage Park and Southwood Golf Course, so it’s difficult to pinpoint the origin of traffic. She doesn’t expect the number of events, or related traffic, would change if the city variance is granted.

“The traffic would be the same whether we have this or not. If we don’t have it, we’re still going to apply for (liquor permits) individually,” said Bloomfield.

The outdoor area where drinks are allowed through temporary permits is also monitored and enclosed during events, she said.

“Nobody has complained to us. I know that there is an appeal now, which we were kind of surprised (by),” said Bloomfield.

City council’s appeal committee is scheduled to cast a final vote on the matter on Sept. 10.

joyanne.pursaga@freepress.mb.ca

X: @joyanne_pursaga