St. Norbert Arts Centre Seeks Outdoor Liquor Permit Amid Traffic Concerns

The St. Norbert Arts Centre is applying for permission to create an outdoor dining and drinking area, aiming to simplify the process for serving food and alcohol during events. While the initiative promises convenience, it faces challenges related to traffic safety concerns raised by local residents.

The arts centre is proposing to establish a fenced-in outdoor space measuring approximately 11,400 square feet on its property at 100 Ruines du Monastere. This area is not currently classified as a patio by city regulations, which means the centre must apply for a temporary liquor permit each time it wishes to serve alcohol outdoors. According to Wendy Bloomfield, board secretary for the arts centre, the outdoor area would not be in use every day but would extend the existing indoor liquor permit to outdoor events such as weddings and celebrations.

The St. Norbert Arts Centre, housed in a historic building from 1912, is protected from demolition due to its municipal heritage designation. Presently, the centre organizes around 20 events annually that require individual liquor permits, incurring a total cost of approximately $700 each year. Bloomfield noted that the initiative is primarily about convenience and reducing costs associated with obtaining multiple permits. “We are a non-profit organization maintaining a heritage building. Money is tight,” she remarked.

The centre has already secured a liquor license for its heritage building and adjoining gazebos. A city report indicates that the planning department’s director approved a variance that would allow this outdoor liquor area for a duration of five years. However, four local residents have since appealed this decision, voicing concerns that permitting outdoor drinking could exacerbate issues related to high-speed driving along Ruines du Monastere.

Bloomfield responded to these concerns, stating, “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 individual liquor permits.” She emphasized that the outdoor area, which will be monitored and enclosed during events, has not generated complaints in the past.

As the St. Norbert Arts Centre awaits a decision, the city council’s appeal committee is scheduled to vote on the matter on September 10, 2023. The outcome of this vote will determine whether the arts centre can move forward with its plans to enhance its outdoor offerings while addressing the concerns of the local community.