The community of Bragg Creek is finally set to get a new local tourism hub in the coming years, after Rocky View County (RVC) council approved a development permit for a new micro-brewery, coffee roastery, boutique hotel, pub, and eating establishment at the Feb. 7 meeting.
Originally referred to as the “Bragg Creek Brewery,” the future establishment will henceforth be known as “The Laskin-Bragg Creek,” named after co-developer Baruch Laskin. His partners in the venture include Britta Kokemor, Connie DeSousa, John Jackson, Kirk and Nicolette Bodnar, and Hailey and Adam McLane.
The approved development permit has been a long time coming for the group, according to Laskin.
“We initiated the idea of The Laskin almost four years ago, and have been working diligently since then to make our dream a reality,” he told RVC council during the public hearing on Feb. 7.
The partners have accumulated two properties within the hamlet of Bragg Creek for the project. One will house the three-storey building that will become The Laskin-Bragg Creek, while the other is for a 17-space offsite parking lot about a block away to address parking concerns for special events.
The Laskin will also erect privacy screens and fences to address the privacy concerns of local neighbours.
“Over the last few months,” continued Laskin, “we have been working closely with (RVC) administration to address all of the conditions.”
The Laskin’s Bragg Creek Brewery Master Site Development Plan was first approved by council back on Feb. 25. 2020, just a few weeks before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly three years since then, the partners held their most recent open house in Bragg Creek on Jan. 28, prior to approval of the development permit last Tuesday.
“We have continued our commitment to hearing the community, and their feedback, through multiple in-person meetings and open houses,” Laskin explained. “One of the most mentioned and anticipated elements the community is looking forward to is a combination. With our 21 rooms, we will begin to provide for our trailhead community.”
Laskin said finally getting to the development permit stage after a lengthy planning and approval process was a dream come true.
“My kids are fourth-generation in Rocky View County,” he explained. “My family bought land in the late 1940s in Springbank. And I’ve been living in Bragg Creek for the last 18 years.”
Laskin said there is a wonderful story behind the new business venture.
“The Laskin-Bragg Creek is the overarching name which people will begin to associate with community, kindness, connection, and as a gathering place – within that will be Bragg Creek Brewery,” he said.
The overwhelming majority of the feedback council received from local community members on the new tourist destination during the Feb. 7 public hearing was positive, with many mentioning that they felt The Laskin, once open, would benefit the community as a whole by drawing in more tourists to support local businesses in the hamlet. It would also, according to some, provide a focal point for the small community.
A few neighbours directly bordering the establishment expressed their opposition to the project – most do not want a busy hub right beside their own properties with all the potential concerns that entails.
However, council was convinced The Laskin-Bragg Creek would be a welcome addition to most in the community once it is built.
Division 5 Coun. Samanntha Wright moved that council approve the development permit, which council supported unanimously.
