A brewery two years in the making is expected to open its doors in downtown Orillia this fall.
A group of friends with a passion for beer began working on the project in November 2016. Now they expect to have the Couchiching Craft Brewing Co. up and running in September at the site of the former Askett Printing Services building at the corner of Mississaga and Matchedash streets.
“We are all craft beer enthusiasts and would like to be part of a business where we can share our passion for beer as well as our love for the City of Orillia,” said John Olieux, company president. “We believe that the brewery located in downtown Orillia will help with the revitalization of the area currently underway.”
Part of that revitalization is Matchedash Lofts, which is under construction across the street from the Askett building. While that development will see more people moving downtown, that isn’t the only reason the brewing company eyed a spot in the core.
“We settled on the location downtown because it’s a major hub of activity and is within walking distance for the boating community. You can pretty much find an event going on every weekend downtown during the summer months,” Olieux said.
It’s an exciting time to do business in Orillia, regardless of the location, he said, referring to the recent opening of Costco, the recreation centre being built on West Street and the increasing popularity of Orillia as a college and university town.
Then there’s the charm factor.
“I know technically it’s a city, but it’s managed to keep its small-town charm,” Olieux said. “My family’s had a cottage on Lake Couchiching since I was a child and we’ve lived here for over 25 years. So, I’ve seen first-hand the changes and growth Orillia has gone through, which has been especially strong in recent years.”
He and partners Bob Robinson (vice-president), Jack Steenhof, Bob Chorny, Dennis Lee and Matt Miller have realized starting a business like this is no quick and easy process.
“There’s so many moving parts to opening a brewery. It’s not a simple business and many parts of it need to be well co-ordinated,” Olieux said. “We have an excellent team of people including our engineers, architects, designers, brewery consultants, etc.”
Interior demolition has begun, and construction is expected to start next week.
“Because the building is so old and we want to honour its heritage, we’re working closely on restoring and saving as much character as possible,” Olieux said, adding fencing will be erected in the parking area so only authorized vehicles will be allowed. “Much of the interior and exterior design has been finalized.”
The continued growth of the craft-beer market, and the fact there isn’t a brewery in Orillia, are encouraging for the company. However, Olieux knows it won’t be as easy as “if you build it, they will come.”
“Standing out in any industry isn’t something you just decide to do and it happens — you have to get out there and earn it. You can create some hype or interest because you’re new or through an event, but to me, standing out is something that develops over time and is given back to a company.”
Priority No. 1: quality product.
“You need to understand your market and respond with products people are enjoying, but you also have to have the ability to anticipate and lead the market with creative styles and flavourings,” he said.
When the brewery is open, people will be able to see how craft beer is made and choose from a variety of the company’s “core beers” as well as seasonal and barrel-aged varieties. Food will also be on the menu.
Watch for updates on the company’s website and Facebook page.
