Kenora fire hall brews a new purpose

The owners of Kenora's old fire hall hope to turn it into a "hotspot" of another kind, by transforming the building into a micro-brewery.

Work is underway to convert the 100-year-old building for the new Lake of the Woods Brewing Company.

Taras Manzie, one of the owners, said he and his wife had talked about the employment and tourism benefits of a Kenora-based brewpub.

"So when we heard that the fire hall was coming up — being [declared surplus] by the city and being replaced by a new one — that's when the light bulb came on or the lightening strike hit," Manzie said.

Brewing equipment is expected to be in place this summer.

The pair plans to hire a brew master to help create some local craft beer, such as amber ale, an old world-style Pilsener, a blonde beer and seasonal craft runs. The beverage lineup may also include blueberry stout, a wild rice beer, and a pumpkin beer. Manzie said someone has even asked if they would try brewing a bacon beer.

Even though the brews may be new, Manzie said they plan to keep the old flavour of the building.

"It is designated a heritage building, so a lot of the original elements will remain," he said.

"It has original tin ceilings [and] white porcelain brick all through the truck bays. Even the wraparound staircase has been designated one of the heritage pieces of the building."

And what will happen to the fire pole?

"I haven't exactly decided what we're going to do with it," Manzie said.

Manzie said he hopes to open up the micro-brewery by December, and hold a New Year's celebration.