General Updates and News

[Drybrain]

Some encouraging news from the local councillor’s website today: https://laurawhite.ca/alehouse-status/

Update 22 December 2025: Sorry for the delay in posting this update.

I met with the consultant for this project on 26 November 2025. Plans are progressing well to preserve the Alehouse and add housing to the block via a Heritage Development Agreement (HDA). The owners are working in good faith towards this goal. The plans look good. The Alehouse itself will most likely be for commercial space.

Per staff today:

“The original demolition permit for the Alehouse was issued on Nov 27, 2025, as they met all the requirements for a demolition permit application.”

I’m not clear on what was issued on 27 November vs back in March (see my update above), but I am not concerned.

Also, from staff today:

“the owner and their consultant for this project (W.M. Fares) are still actively working on a (HDA) application for the site, which would retain the Alehouse building in its entirety. The owner will need to apply for and receive heritage registration for the building as a precondition for entering into such an agreement, which they intend to do once their application package is ready. Heritage staff continue to work with the owner and their consultant to see this project through.”

Kudos to staff, the owner and W.M. Fares for their work on this project. Nothing is set in stone, but the owners are investing financially in the planning for this heritage registration and HDA project. They would not do so if they did not intend to follow this path.