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New design for Church St. Taphouse gets council approval

With a new design in hand, Chris Morrison is hoping customers will be coming to the new Church St. Taphouse in Comox in about one year’s time.
11129715_web1_180322-CVR-M-EXTERIOR---CHURCH-ST-AT-POST-OFFICE---NIGHT-TIME
The proposed Church St. Taphouse at night.

With a new design in hand, Chris Morrison is hoping customers will be coming to the new Church St. Taphouse in Comox in about one year’s time.

Morrison is one of the owners behind the “walkable, bike-friendly, family-based taphouse,” at 215 Church Street proposed to Comox council last year.

Initially, the building was designed as a two-story, nearly 5,000 square foot facility with a maximum capacity of 175 people.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Morrison explained construction costs have risen, “and we really want to have a project that is really sustainable for the long term.”

Owners returned to local architect Tom Dishlevoy for a re-design that cut the square footage in half, and asked council for a new development permit.

“We will still be able to do a lot of the things that we want to do. It’s a completely new design with more of a pub feel. The outdoor patio is the gem of the building,” noted Morrison.

The building will also feature a “really unique bar on the side that you can roll up a window to serve outside patrons as well,” he added.

The new design will not change the agreement-in-principal with the provincial liquor laws or hours of operation. Capacity will also remain the same.

Council unanimously approved the new permit with Coun. Marg Grant declaring a conflict of interest due to a family relationship and removed herself from the vote.

Morrison said construction can start in early June, with a proposed nine-month build.

“Hopefully by March 2019, you’re all invited to opening day.”



Erin Haluschak

About the Author: Erin Haluschak

Erin Haluschak is a journalist with the Comox Valley Record since 2008. She is also the editor of Trio Magazine...
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