With cries of "yippee", Cranbrook city council authorized a liquor license application for a new brewery downtown.
Temporarily known as the Black Dog Brewpub, the new business venture by Heidi Romich of Heidi's Restaurant was given an enthusiastic reception by council at the regular December meeting.
Already, the liquor application has been forwarded to the city from the B.C. Liquor Control and Licensing Branch.
On January 7, city council gave a thumbs up to staff processing that application.
The new development will convert Heidi's Restaurant into a brewhouse and restaurant.
The restaurant will be renovated to provide a family friendly dining area on one side, and a restaurant and pub on the other side with indoor and outdoor dining.
Romich told council on December 10 that the brewhouse was "not intended to be a nightclub, but a comfortable place for people to go after work and enjoy."
City council was very excited by the proposal.
"We're excited to see something happening downtown," Councillor Bob Whetham said. "It fits in well with downtown revitalization.
"And bringing culture to the consumption of beer is something that hasn't been part of our traditions."
A development application is expected to come back to council, at which point public input will be sought.
The community will also be asked to contribute suggestions for the brewpub's name. Stay tuned to The Townsman for details.