Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens at 9172 Kalamalka Road has applied to the District of Coldstream for rezoning from the current rural zoning, to agricultural comprehensive development.

“The facility has operated for several decades out of compliance with Coldstream zoning bylaws,” a staff report to Coldstream council stated. “The use may pre-date current zoning restrictions and Coldstream has opted not to enforce on existing non-compliances. A new ownership group has taken over the facility and wishes to first bring the operation into bylaw compliance, then to explore opportunities for expansion.”

New co-owner, Aaron Luprypa, grew up in Coldstream, and he and his partner, Alisha, bought the house across the street from Friesen’s in 2020, and then they purchased the business in April 2022.

“We love everything about this property,” Luprypa said in a letter to council. “In April, Alisha and I moved into the house right away and took on the farming jobs that the previous owners had left us with. We have a 400 tree orchard of apple, pear, plums, cherries and peach trees. The strawberry patch is about 1.5 acres and grows the best strawberries we all know and love.”

Luprypa, who is a realtor, said their long-term plans are to “really use this land for its full potential.”

He would like to add a dinner menu, pizza and get a liquor license for the restaurant in the future. He also has plans to add a new building to sell farm products grown at the 5.1 acre site along with a small craft cidery or brewery. Parking would also be expanded.

“As we have heard from plenty of our customers, Coldstream could use an establishment like this and they would love it,” Luprypa stated.

Coldstream planner Howie Choy said in his report to council, bringing the property into compliance will first require that council change the zoning bylaw to allow the use, but any future expansion will require council and Agricultural Land Commission approval.

“After that, the applicant will work with district building officials to ensure that the works undertaken to the building and operations comply with the BC Building Code. This will not be a political process, and is undertaken at the staff level,” Choy explained.

Staff is recommending council give the rezoning application first reading which would show general support for the concept but request further information to hold further discussions.

The application is on Coldstream council’s meeting agenda for Monday, March 27.

by Pete McIntyre

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