The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has received a request for a resolution in relation to a proposed Liquor Amendment to Existing Liquor License Application for the Rocking Horse Pub, located at2036 and 2038 Rocking Horse Place. The subject property is currently zoned Commercial Resort & Recreation 1 (CRR1) Subdivision District D (CRR1D) (see Document Library). The proposed amendment seeks to increase the current licensed capacity from 134 patrons inside the pub and 38 on the patio to a total of 150 patrons across both areas at a time. The application also outlines structural changes to the service area, including the addition of a new second-floor patio. The CRR1 zone permits this use under “neighbourhood pub”.
In order to proceed with the proposed liquor license amendment and structural changes, the applicant has requested a resolution from the Regional Board to be submitted to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
This is in your community and we want to hear your thoughts on this proposal. A few ways you can learn more and share your thoughts are by:
Checking out our Document Library which includes the site plan and supporting studies
To check the status of the application and next steps see our Process
Send us your questions and we will provide an answer for all to see in the Q & A tab
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2036 and 2038 Rocking Horse Place
The Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) has received a request for a resolution in relation to a proposed Liquor Amendment to Existing Liquor License Application for the Rocking Horse Pub, located at2036 and 2038 Rocking Horse Place. The subject property is currently zoned Commercial Resort & Recreation 1 (CRR1) Subdivision District D (CRR1D) (see Document Library). The proposed amendment seeks to increase the current licensed capacity from 134 patrons inside the pub and 38 on the patio to a total of 150 patrons across both areas at a time. The application also outlines structural changes to the service area, including the addition of a new second-floor patio. The CRR1 zone permits this use under “neighbourhood pub”.
In order to proceed with the proposed liquor license amendment and structural changes, the applicant has requested a resolution from the Regional Board to be submitted to the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB).
This is in your community and we want to hear your thoughts on this proposal. A few ways you can learn more and share your thoughts are by:
Checking out our Document Library which includes the site plan and supporting studies
To check the status of the application and next steps see our Process
I have several concerns about this development application. I personally feel that this is a selfishly motivated proposal in order to achieve what the owner wants, which is more profits and customers and less about complying with the concerns of the neighbourhood. I feel that this application is a gateway for the owner to host larger outdoor events. A neighbourhood pub should take into consideration the wishes of those that live in the neighbourhood. I don't see how increasing outdoor seating which will inevitably lead to increased noise will benefit the neighbourhood in any way. Why was the original outdoor seating capped at 38? Was this because of the pubs proximity to neighbouring properties? How can we not expect a 4 fold increase in noise if potential outdoor seating capacity is increased by 4 times? As for the new proposed upper patio, we all know how noise travels when it's above hedge lines and structures. This noise will absolutely increase and impact the direct neighbours and properties located within the back of the pub property. The traffic volumes and speeds in the area are also of concern. The Rocking Horse Loop and surrounding areas are home to a sprawling network of recreational trails, enjoyed by neighbours and visitors alike. At any given time there are cyclists, horse riders, hikers and children and horses from the riding school using the roads and trails in the rocking horse loop neighbourhood. I have witnessed pub patrons speeding excessively both to and from the pub and disregarding stop signs. And lastly there is currently a horse riding school for children operating at the barn of the Rocking Horse Pub that is home to between 13-16 horses at one time. All of them are packed into a VERY small outdoor area. As a horse owner myself, I'm concerned for the welfare of the animals being kept here. Can the RDN clarify the regulations regarding horse boarding/ animals per acre? Is the pub zoned for this type of business? What is the pubs responsibility to ensure the health and safety for the animals and children with the potential increase of inebriated patrons in the outdoor areas? Upon visiting the Pub, I could plainly see that the public water well head is located within a horse paddock with horses and manure in it. What are the regulations for distances from water sources (water well heads) and animal manure ? Is this compliant? In closing I'm opposing this application and I feel that this will not benefit any of the neighbours in the Rocking Horse Loop area.
nanoosecowgirl
asked
about 2 months ago
Hello, and thank you for sharing your input and questions.
To clarify, the pub’s current license permits 134 patrons inside and 38 on the patio, for a total of 172 within the licensed area. In 2012, the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB), following the RDN Board’s resolution, approved an amendment to increase the patio capacity from 20 to 38, as requested by the applicant at that time. Under the current amendment application, the proposal is to allow a maximum of 150 patrons at any given time within the licensed area, based on the occupant load calculation. This represents a reduction from the current total capacity of 172 to 150, as outlined in the submitted application.
The application specifically addresses the amendment to capacity and proposed structural changes to the existing pub building, and does not include any other existing uses on the subject property. Under CRR1 zoning for the parcel, a recreational facility is a permitted use. The definition of ‘recreational facility’ under Bylaw 2500 is:
“Recreation facility means a facility used and equipped for the conduct of sports and leisure activities and includes pool hall, bowling alley, games court, curling and roller rink, health club, spa, swimming pool, but specifically excludes amusement arcade and fairground."
Please refer to the document library for details on the property’s zoning.
With respect to health and safety and the location of the well system, these matters are not regulated by the RDN; they are overseen by Island Health.
I have concerns about the volume and speed of the traffic coming and going from the pub. I'm the direct neighbour of the pub and the only residential house that shares Rocking Horse pl. On a daily basis I have witnessed cars or motorcycles speeding out of the pub and going right through the stop sign at the end of Rocking Horse PL. Considering the entire neighbourhood is basically horse owners and they are frequently riding their horses around the neighbourhood, I'm concerned about their safety. I would like to propose a speed bump midway up Rocking horse Pl to calm the traffic. I also would like to see the posted speed limits in the area be reduced.
TrishGordon
asked
about 2 months ago
Hello, and thank you for sharing your concern and suggestion. Please be advised that road infrastructure and its regulations, including speed limits, are administered and enforced by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT). Highways, roads, and rights-of-way fall under MOTT's jurisdiction within the boundaries of the RDN.
how do I see what other responders have said about the Pub?
Mikes Farm
asked
about 2 months ago
Hello, and thank you for your question. Once the public consultation process is complete, an engagement summary report will be prepared, which will include all public input. The staff report for this application will also include these comments as an attachment. You will be able to review them once the staff report is published on the EASC and Board meeting agenda.
