Itching to start your own craft brewery? The former South River Brewing company building is on the block.
“The village recognizes that it is a unique property and may take some time to sell.”
That’s how Don McArthur, the clerk-administrator for the Village of South River, describes the municipality’s effort to sell the former South River Brewing Co. building.
The microbrewery ceased operations on Feb. 2, 2024 in the municipally owned building.
See: South River Brewing closing
It moved into the building in 2016 shortly after it was built by the village.
After trying and failing to find a tenant for the site on its own in 2024, the municipality turned to Royal LePage’s commercial division in Sudbury to list the property.
The listing said: "Its strategic location just off the main highway connecting Toronto and North Bay, coupled with its proximity to two national parks, positions the property as a prime opportunity for tourism-oriented businesses, food and beverage operations, or other innovative uses. This facility is a rare find, offering a turnkey opportunity for an established brewery looking to expand or a new entrant to the craft brewing industry."
The sale comes on the heels that Wildwoods Brewing, (formerly New Ontario) located on Seymour Street in North Bay, has ceased its taproom and brewery operations, effective Dec. 21, citing financial pressures.
See: Past last call for local craft brewery
The South River listing is actually two properties.
The former brewery is listed at $1.295 million and at the back of the building is about one acre of land the municipality also owns and has listed at $200,000.
Additionally, the former brewery still contains all the brewing equipment and South River is selling the huge holding tanks and accessories for $150,000.
“We think all the prices are a bargain,” said McArthur.
“The building is very modern and meets all the accessibility standards. It is energy-efficient and has fibre optics internet.”
McArthur said the building was custom built with a brewery in mind and, in that way, it’s unique because many microbreweries are located in retrofitted buildings.
At 8,112 square feet, the Highway 124 building can be used for several purposes.
“So, if someone has something else in mind other than a brewery, that’s why we listed the equipment separately,” McArthur said.
The site is zoned commercial industrial meaning it can support a manufacturing, retail or even tourism-type business.
McArthur doubts it could be converted into housing given that it’s on Highway 124 and that may not be an ideal location for residential living.
Royal LePage listed the properties on Dec. 16.
Prior to that, McArthur said there was some interest in the former brewery site.
The municipality put out a request for proposals in early spring and it received several proposals.
McArthur said most of the proposals would not be suitable for South River but two were of interest and talks between the parties ensued.
The deals fell apart because the proponents weren’t able to come up with the financing to complete the deal. One of the proposals was another microbrewery.
As the one-year anniversary approaches since South River Brewing Co. closed, council decided it was time to use another tool to get its message out.
“We figure by casting a wider net we can craft a deal across the finish line,” he said.
“We’re confident there is interest out there and maybe there’s someone in the brewery industry who wants to get ready and going by spring.”
McArthur said, from a financial standpoint, the village did well when it collected taxes and rent from the former brewery.
The taxes amounted to $26,000 annually to the municipality and McArthur said losing that money impacted the overall budget by one quarter of a per cent.
He added losing the jobs associated with the brewery was also “a significant blow.”
The Royal LePage listing will remain up for one year.
McArthur said because of the unique nature of the building council realizes it could take one or two years to sell, and it’s prepared for that wait.
“Obviously, we’d love for it to happen sooner."
McArthur said the listings represent good value and he’s confident someone out there will be interested.
“Quite often when it comes to things, it’s just a matter of the price,” he said.
“Hopefully, we’ll find that right buyer that’s a good fit for South River and we can get some good economic activity happening back here.”
Rocco Frangione is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter with Almaguin News.
