Planning for craft breweries: neolocalism, third places and gentrification

Abstract

The majority of the province of Saskatchewan’s craft breweries are housed in the two largest cities, Saskatoon and Regina. Current planning practices in both cities direct breweries to limited geographies in central established areas. I argue that the extent to which craft breweries play a role in processes of gentrification in mid-sized cities is directly tied to planning practices which regulate the geography of craft beer. In order to assess the potential for gentrification, I focus on neolocalism and third places, two consumption practices which shift the image and identity of a space, and which are intertwined with processes of urban change. Drawing together an analysis of community plans, zoning bylaws, local media, site observation, and brewery websites, I demonstrate how in the case of Saskatoon and Regina, strategic planning approaches aimed at increasing intensification in the central areas, coupled with regulations directing breweries into limited zones, has positioned craft breweries as agents of urban change. The findings suggest that craft breweries that display strong neolocal practices and develop third places are the most likely to trigger/extend gentrification. These breweries are typically located in close proximity to residential zones with consumption as a primary focus (taprooms, tasting rooms, in-house restaurants).