By removing a holding provision from the zoning of 65 Hatt Street last week, the City of Hamilton has shifted Dundas’ Shed Brewing Company into high gear.

Craft brewery co-owner Ed Madronich, also president of Flat Rock Cellars winery in Jordan, said the move based on a complete submission to Ontario’s environment ministry means a building permit can finally be issued, and construction can actually start.

“We’re just excited,” Madronich said. “The big thing is people will see work starting.”

And it means the brewery could be operating in August.

Ministry of Environment spokesperson Jennifer Hall confirmed last week the ministry received Shed Brewing’s application for environmental compliance approval. She said the application is currently being reviewed by ministry staff.

The ministry’s review assesses all air emission sources, including noise, and potential impacts on the surrounding community before making a decision on the application.

Madronich said internal work including roof replacement and flooring will take place over the next four weeks while equipment is shipped to Dundas from Europe. When the tanks arrive sometime in July it could be just a couple more weeks before Craft Beer is fermenting in the Valley Town.

“There’s a lot to do…but not tons to do,” Madronich said.

Madronich and partner Shawn Till - the two halves of Shed (Shawn and Ed) Brewing – have a Kickstarter campaign underway to raise $15,000 towards construction work that will preserve and protect historical aspects of the brewery’s home – a former curling and skating rink, and Valley City Manufacturing warehouse, built in the 1820s.

“We actually are very focused on preserving the heritage. It has an interesting and quirky history – lots of different things and businesses have been a part of it,” Madronich said.