Local craft brewery Ursa Minor Brewing is raising one last toast to 亚洲天堂 Lake as they say goodbye and close their doors, at least until next year.
The family-run business founded in 2018 by Nathan and Gwyndolyn Nicholas at their family's Ootsa Lake farm has become a popular and beloved staple in the village since opening its doors in 2020. However, due to the high costs of doing business on a seasonal basis, as well as taxes and the fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, the family has decided to close the brewery on March 31.
After founding Ursa Minor Brewing, Nathan and Gwyndolyn had to make sure everything was in place before the business license was granted. For the first two years, they worked on converting an old shop into a brewery and tasting room while perfecting Nathan's 16 different beer styles. They opened in 2020 just as Covid-19 hit.
"Overnight, we lost our supply agreements with pubs and restaurants in our area," Gwyndolyn said. "Many of them closed and were not able to reopen."
Gweyndolyn explained that due to the challenge that all breweries faced with a reduced customer base, the focus to supply liquor stores, pubs and restaurants become saturated.
"No one was interested anymore," she said.
Nathan and Gwyndolyn then shifted their focus into a newly-created food menu and farm stay accommodations, but the costs of production rose by over 20 per cent and have not improved.
"It seemed like many factors converged to work against us," Gwyndolyn said.
In spite of all the challenges and hurdles, Nathan and Gwyndolyn are still thankful for the opportunity and challenge, which Gwyndolyn describes as an "epic adventure." Their two daughters have also been heavily involved in the business, with Mandolyn creating all Ursa Minor Brewing labels and artwork, and Molly showcasing the brewery as a server and tour guide.
Gwyndolyn recalls many events and highlights over the years, such as the 亚洲天堂 Lake's 100 year centennial celebration and a wide variety of open houses and community events. She mentioned that many amazing people from all over the world have visited the brewery and have done so in many different ways, such as a cyclist who biked from Argentina to Prince Rupert. Other cyclist visitors included a group of birthday ladies who biked from Houston to 亚洲天堂 Lake and seniors who were cycling from Smithers.
A float plane pilot who landed for beer runs, a family in a helicopter landing for dinner, and many crews of off-road motorists and 4x4 enthusiasts have also stopped by the brewery over the years.
Another highlight for Gwyndolyn is their pet pig Wilson, who once tried to eat MP Taylor Bachrach's shoe. Wilson is now 600 pounds and serves as a mascot for the business.
Although the brewery is set to close, Nathan and Gwyndolyn would like to thank the community for their support, and is ensuring 亚洲天堂 Lake that their business will still have a lot to offer down the road.
"We hope to pivot to the production of botanical sodas and teas," Gwyndolyn said. "We also hope to reopen our farm stay accommodations with meals on the weekends."
They will also continue to sell their remaining inventory before the end of March.
"We are taking the summer ahead to restructure," Gwyndolyn said. "Check in with us in a year."
