Ravine gets approval to expand busy patio

Paul Harber, owner of Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, has received approval from the Town to  expand the outdoor restaurant.

He was given the answer he was looking for as Monday’s council meeting wrapped up, to be reconvened Wednesday at 6 p.m.

The five-hour meeting also included an hour in camera discussion of other issues.

Harber asked for an exemption to his site plan that would allow him to put up a second tent until the end of October, or as long as weather permits, to expand the wine-tasting and dining space.

He told councillors he isn’t planning on opening the indoor restaurant, even though it’s permitted in Stage 3, because he feels it would put his staff at risk.

“I don’t want to start putting people inside and put our staff in harm’s way, for additional revenue for us,” he said.

He has a responsibility to keep staff and customers safe, while making the next few months viable for the winery to get through the winter, he told councillors.

He currently has 20 tables under the tent, which can seat six people each safely, but the majority of the tables are reserved by two people, he said.

Coun. Erwin Wiens called Ravine a “top notch organization” which plays by the rules, adding that another tent on the 34 acres of property won’t impact the neighbours. Wiens made a motion to allow the second tent, which was approved.