Kitimat’s Two Peaks Brewing, a locally-owned and operated brewery, is set to expand its outdoor patio area just 18 months after its grand opening. The expansion reflects the steady community support the brewery has received since it began operations in April 2023.
Owners Nick Markowsky and Brandon Highton have dedicated significant effort to establishing Two Peaks Brewing as a community hub. The brewery’s industrial farmhouse design, combined with eclectic decor, has made it a popular local destination. Highton credits the community’s positive reception with the business's early success. “We couldn’t do it without the support of the community,” Highton said, acknowledging the role of regular patrons in sustaining the business.
The patio expansion is a response to growing demand for outdoor seating, particularly during Kitimat’s limited warm weather months. The new patio, expected to be completed by early April, will double the brewery’s outdoor seating capacity. The expanded area will likely include additional tables, lounge-style seating and a section dedicated to outdoor games, such as cornhole and giant Jenga, enhancing the brewery’s appeal as a social gathering spot.
The expansion plans were partly inspired by a successful event held last year in collaboration with the Kitimat General Hospital Foundation, where temporary patio seating was added. The positive response to this event highlighted the need for a more permanent outdoor seating solution. “Our building gets quite hot in the summer, so being able to have everyone out on the patio really helps,” Highton said.
Two Peaks Brewing is currently navigating the necessary permitting processes to proceed with the expansion. This includes securing approval from the British Columbia Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch, which involves a review to ensure compliance with liquor service regulations and public safety standards.
The project has garnered unanimous support from Kitimat council. The application faced minimal debate at the July 15 meeting, instead inspiring frustration with the province’s slow permitting process that may delay the expansion until next year. At the next meeting, following the conclusion of the public comment process, Councillor Mario Feldhoff asked for an amendment to the district’s approval of the expansion.
“The addition of more outdoor seating at Two Peaks Brewing is a benefit to the community,” he said. “ It not only supports a local business but also enhances the social spaces available for residents.”
