Who’d have thought a Dirty Apron could cause so much controversy in Arkell?
A near-capacity crowd filled the Puslinch council chamber on Feb. 3 to offer input on a liquor licence application at 599 Arkell Road.
Marny Mason and David Prior stated they were at the meeting representing many residents in the Arkell community.
Mason said residents first became aware of the development through a posted liquor sales licence application on the door of 599 Arkell Road.
“It was a bit of a shock to all of us; we hadn’t known anything about it,” she said.
“We all met around the mailbox as we do frequently and discussed what we should do about it.”
A petition, which made the rounds of the hamlet, was signed by 80 individuals.
Mason noted owner Stephen Goyda generously invited concerned citizens to an information night at the Dirty Apron establishment.
“We really appreciated that opportunity because until then we didn’t really know much about what the intentions were,” Mason said.
She added Goyda provided a floor plan of the restaurant, described the intended use, intended hours and the business plan, which included an 18-seat restaurant, part catering, part take-out.
Key concerns voiced by community members included: safety of the community – vehicle and pedestrian traffic, noise and light pollution, hours of operation, site history of non-compliance, ability of the site to accommodate future proposed use, the potential impact of an outdoor licensed area and the regulation/enforcement of township bylaws.
Mason said members of the community had serious concerns about the past condition of the site, which had previously operated as a restaurant.
She contended the adjudicator said it appeared there were too many outstanding issues with the site to move forward with any decision regarding alcohol licensing.
At that time, the applicant was required to bring the premises into compliance with requirements of the township, fire department and health authorities before it was to be used as a restaurant.
David Prior said, “I don’t want to talk too much about the history (of the building) because it angers me.”
Prior says he is confounded the township is even entertaining the concept of allowing the restaurant.
In 1992, the health unit determined the premises were inadequate for a restaurant, Prior said. He also contended that since 2002, the occupancy and operation of the offices, restaurant and catering business have been without permits.
Prior said the septic system, well and parking have all been identified as being inadequate or non-compliant.
“Residents expect and are entitled to compliance at this, and every site within the township,” he said.
Councillor Ken Roth said he “only favoured the application if it is in compliance with the township bylaws.”
Councillor Wayne Stokley agreed there is a history at the location. “I’m not against the proposal, but everything has to be brought into compliance.”
Councillor Susan Fielding said “residents have a lot of legitimate concerns.”
Fielding said “the applicant is aware of them … and we are certainly a long way from a decision.”
Councillor Matthew Bulmer noted “it is always sad to see neighbour against neighbour and it is unfortunate to hear about the erosion of trust.”
Bulmer said “when we have good bylaws and apply them properly it helps to build trust.”
He said he wants to take the owner at his word that he wants this new business to be something the community can be proud of.
Another perspective
Building owner John Sloot offered another perspective on the same matter.
Sloot said “the intent is not to pit neighbour against neighbour.”
Sloot suggested part of the issue is that not everyone has a clear understanding of what is being proposed and some things are being taken out of context.
“This is not meant to be a bar, it is meant to be a little restaurant/café that can serve the occasional beer or wine if so desired,” he said.
In the spirit of cooperation, Goyda and Sloot agreed to put the liquor permit application off for six months to get the establishment up and running “to prove ourselves” Sloot said.
“To be honest, it is a little discouraging that the group couldn’t come to talk to us, prior to a delegation coming before council in this format.”
Sloot added an architect has been hired to deal with some of the building issues.
Jessica Goyda appeared before council on behalf of her husband Stephen, owner of the Dirty Apron.
“We both thought it was important to tell you our story. We both grew up loving food, and could recite some of our most meaningful life moments gathered around a table enjoying a meal with those we love,” she said. “We really do both love food and the experience food can create.”
Jessica continued, “This is what inspired my husband Steve and I, to pursue this opportunity at the Arkell store” which she described it as “a food-focused small community establishment, on one side a little market providing fresh ingredients and home-made meals that can be taken home to produce a family meal, on the other side a small dining area of 18 seats where a few families at a time can sit together and enjoy each other’s company while watching their food being prepared.”
She explained when the dining area is not in use, it could be utilized to host cooking classes to hone the skills to prepare a family meal.
“To us, it seemed a wonderful way for Steve to follow his passion, to build relationships and strengthen the community – a community where we have chosen to live and raise our children,” she said.
Jessica too noted there are building code requirements which need to be met. She said septics and parking are two of the main issues.
“We do not take these requirements lightly and are working diligently to fulfill them.
“We do realize now that we may have put the cart before the horse … but we have never opened a business before … and are learning as we go.”
She added her husband had already agreed to put the liquor licence on hold until the requirements for the building code were met.
She noted the approach has brought overwhelming support, with over 60 emails and letters from Arkell residents and the surrounding area.
“It seems however, that misunderstandings continue to circulate around,” Jessica said.
As to talk of 100-seats or more and the idea of becoming a bar or nightclub, those rumours are just plain false, she said..
“Ultimately, we would like to open a place where the community can come to slow down and spend time together and get back to what community really stands for.”
She added “Yes, eventually we’d like to be able to serve a glass of wine or beer with the meal, but ultimately we want to run a well-respected establishment that enriches the community and a place for which the community can be proud.”
