Will it be Salmon Arm or Revelstoke?
Jones Distillery, originally intended to open in a section of the old Honda dealership across from McGuire Lake, is now in limbo.
Gareth Jones, owner of the new venture, says the deal for the site, which had been rezoned by city council in November, has since fallen through. He is now looking for another site in Salmon Arm, but has also expanded his vision to Revelstoke.
“I’m looking at other options for locations in both places, looking to find the right fit, but there will only be one location,” says Jones, who plans to make gin, vodka and whiskey, as well as offering tastings and workshops.
“I’m pretty gutted about the thing falling through, but I’m still moving ahead. I just need to find the right fit.”
Salmon Arm Council was very supportive of the venture and approved Jones’ requests for rezoning to allow for its operation. A new location could mean another rezoning might be necessary.
Jones was recently in Revelstoke to make application in that city for zoning amendments that would permit a distillery to operate in that community.