Owner Richard Courneyea presenting plans for Signal Brewery to Belleville’s planning committee, July 4, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
The former Corby’s Distillery site in Belleville’s Thurlow Ward is expected to open again as a brewery this fall.
The plan calls for three of the historic brick buildings to be turned into a craft brewery, beer tasting site and events hall called Signal Brewery.
Owner, and former downtown businessman, Richard Courneyea told the city’s planning committee Monday night the work on the buildings is about 50% complete.
One of the brick buildings, which are between 75 and 150 years old, had no roof for 15 years and had to be repaired.
He said he would like to see it designated an historic site.
He says the setting on the Moira River will offer a great venue for community events.
Courneyea was seeking rezoning for additional parking on adjacent land he is leasing to hold nearly 300 parking spaces.
Courneyea says that with city council approval he will be ready to open this fall and he looks forward to seeing craft beer events at the site in the future.
He has hired a brew master and expects to employ between 10 and 15 people.
The planning committee will recommend that city council approve the necessary rezoning.
