Friesen's Countrytyme Gardens on Kalamalka Road in Coldstream. (Vernon Matters photo)

By Pete McIntyre

Friesen's

Neighbours have concerns about business expansion

May 9, 2023 | 12:00 PM

A proposal to expand a Coldstream business is facing opposition from nearby residents.

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

District staff said earlier the restaurant has operated for several decades out of compliance of the district’s bylaws which the district has not enforced.

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Aaron Luprypa, a Coldstream resident who bought the business in 2022 with his partner, is attempting to bring the operation into bylaw compliance and then look at opportunities to expand. That could include adding a dinner menu, getting a liquor licence, and adding a new building to sell local farm products along with a small craft cidery or brewery.

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Coldstream council previously gave the application two readings which allowed for a public hearing to be held on May 8.

Friesen’s Countrytyme Gardens on Kalamalka Road in Coldstream. (District of Coldstream photo)

A written submission to the district from 21 neighbours and landowners in the area of Frieisen’s, provided basic support to the idea, but not to any expansion.

“We write to express that as a group, we are supportive of the District of Coldstream authorizing Friesen’s to continue to operate under its existing use, as a family oriented breakfast and lunch cafe and farm market, with hours of operation from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. (the “existing use”). We are not supportive of any expansion of Friesen’s beyond its existing use,” an email from Glenn Allan stated.

The neighbours outline several concerns about expanding uses at the site including that it could allow temporary farm worker housing, and the need to define the parameters around the restaurant use.

“It is unclear to us what “restaurant” really means. Does it mean the current breakfast and lunch cafe, with current operating hours, or does it mean a fully licensed restaurant that operates from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. and serves alcohol during some or all of those hours?,” the neighbours stated.

“Many of us have small children who walk or bike home from school, and the potential serving of alcohol in very close proximity to our homes, in what has always been a peaceful rural residential area in our community, causes us great worry.”

The residents conclude by saying that an expansion of Friesen’s beyond its existing use does not enhance rural living at its best, which is the district’s slogan.

“We have all chosen to live and invest in this particular area of Coldstream because of the peace, safety and privacy its location provides to us and our families. Those attributes are at great risk of being eroded, or even disappearing, if council and staff authorize expansion of Friesen’s beyond the existing use.”

However, another email to the district from a couple on Mackie Drive, stated support for the expansion.

“Friesen’s is a great asset for Coldstream and it just makes sense to expand its options to allow for a diversity of income,” Alex and Debbie Born wrote. “Friesen’s is located on one of our main roads where there is already high traffic flow and a perfect opportunity to capitalize on growth.”

The Born’s added it makes sense to be flexible with the zoning, and allowing more commercial activity on properties that are in the Agricultural Land Reserve.

“To have a neighborhood restaurant would be a big plus for Coldstream. Locals can walk to the location for dinner and enjoy a drink. Bikers from Kal Park or the rail trail can stop in after a long ride for a bite to eat and/or a cool drink. A brewpub in the future could also be a plus bringing in tourism and locals,” the Born’s added.

In response to the comments, at its meeting May 8, Coldstream council rescinded second reading of the bylaw amendment to the Friesen’s property and requested that additional information be brought forward surrounding restaurant regulations in the ALR; and also to ensure that only the current uses on the property are authorized.

“These changes will be brought forward to a future council meeting and a public hearing will be scheduled following a second reading,” Trevor Seibel, the district’s chief administrative officer, stated.