Montague's Copper Bottom Brewing hopes to supply restaurants and liquor stores

MONTAGUE, P.E.I. — The taps will soon be flowing at a new microbrewery in eastern P.E.I.Copper Bottom Brewing will be taking over the former Eastern Graphic building in Montague this month with plans to open a microbrewery to the public this summer.

The company is owned by husband and wife team Ken Spears and Ashley Condon with plans of producing beer for local restaurants and eventually cans for sale across the province, as well as a taproom and entertainment venue on site.

Condon said the couple was excited to realize their dream of opening a microbrewery in their hometown.

“The support for this project has been overwhelming and we are delighted to contribute to the growth of our rural community through our passion for craft beer and music,” said Condon. “There are so many wonderful craft breweries that have opened on P.E.I. and we are honoured to be one of them.”

The couple is receiving a $216,000 repayable loan from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s (ACOA) business development program.

The provincial department of economic development and tourism will also provide up to $187,500 in a repayable loan for the purchase and renovation of the new facility as well as a $10,000 non-repayable grant for the purchase of equipment.
Cardigan MP Lawrence MacAulay announced the federal funding on behalf of ACOA minister Navdeep Bains and said the government was pleased to support an exciting new business in rural P.E.I.

“Copper Bottom Brewing complements Prince Edward Island’s growing family of microbreweries, and the brewery and taproom will be welcome additions to Montague’s charming downtown,” said MacAulay.

Heath MacDonald, minister of economic development and tourism, announced the provincial funding and said young entrepreneurs are vital to the current and future health of the Island economy, especially in rural areas.

“We applaud Ken and Ashley for their enthusiasm and hard work in turning their dream into reality,” said MacDonald. “They have shown that Prince Edward Island’s craft beer industry is booming and we look forward to welcoming them as valued members of our Island business community.”

Montague council had also voted during last week’s committee of council meeting to write a letter of support for the idea. The advantages council pointed to were that the brewery would likely draw in new business and visitors to the town.

Council will vote again next week to finalize that letter of support.