87
Summer 2013
Escarpment Magazine
As Creemore Springs is looking ahead to the next quarter-
decade, a new brewery is starting to take shape in Colling-
wood. Planning began in 2012 for Side Launch Brewery, which
hopes to open its doors in 2014. Side Launch Brewing Com-
pany started with seven people who shared the same passion
for craft beer and believed the area could indeed support a
local microbrewery. Led by Garnet Pratt Siddall, the group's vi-
sion includes a destination not unlike Creemore Springs that com-
bines brewhouse and retail space. Expanding on this idea, Garnet
also plans to host receptions at the brewery.
Most everything is in place for Side Launch, but setting up the space
has yet to happen. After studying the craft beer industry, Garnet be-
lieves physically building the brewery from the ground up is the best
way to achieve her goals. While Garnet and her group wait for ap-
proval to move forward on construction, they're hoping to rent space
in an existing location and begin brewing as soon as possible. Adding
to the area's flavourful palette, Side Launch plans on brewing a wheat
beer and a dark lager. Experimentation with different styles would
soon follow.
“There's a lot of collaboration in beer regions,” says Steph. “You want
to work with other people in the industry. It's really cool to get a group
of craft brewers together.” As the craft beer market expands throughout
the Georgian Triangle, the potential exists for a local ale trail to develop
in the future, similar to the current Apple Pie Trail. “This area has a lot to
offer [but] I think it's more than just a beer trail,” Steph muses. “A re-
gional trail would really showcase all the facets of our community.”
Beer and wine tourism are both facets of culinary tourism but the two
are rarely considered to function in tandem. Perhaps it's because beer
and wine drinkers are often thought of as two different animals. But the
truth is that beer tourists seek the same kind of experience as wine
lovers: local flavour and a sense of place.
For wine tourists, appellations or terroirs define their destination, but
there's no similar strategy of origins and place for identifying discreet
beer regions. Richard likes to think of terroir as an attitude that incorpo-
rates the physical and experiential environment. This attitude could well
include the area's craft beer producers who are carving out their own
place in the culinary landscape.
The Georgian Triangle has a great deal to offer the culinary tourist, re-
gardless of whether they're interested in wine or beer. And time of year
doesn't matter, either. Creemore Springs is open year-round and Coffin
Ridge allows cross-country skiing on its property. Experiential culinary
tourism that includes appreciating the scenery and engaging in outdoor
activities is sometimes referred to as a “touristic terroir.” The region's
touristic terroir is already well established; its distinct place in the wine
and beer landscape is ready to be enjoyed.
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DID YOU KNOW that a thriving downtown core is the key
to a culturally and economically thriving community?
Get to know Collingwood Downtown better.
Holly Cruikshank brings Poise to
downtown Collingwood.
Her fashion boutique Poise on Main
stocks all well
known brand
names such as
Guess, Buffalo,
Nautica as well as
unique brands, all at a
moderate price.
Clearly, you
don’t have to
leave the downtown for high fashion.
“Everyone in the downtown is very
helpful and friendly,” says Holly. “If a
customer is looking for a product or
service that we can’t help them with, we
try to recommend someone who can in the
downtown core. I feel it is important to
keep the business local.”
HOLLY’S DOWNTOWN CHECKLIST:
Walking the dog and checking out
the beautiful window displays
Shopping, from food to home décor
Dining at the Huron Club
