Centennial Park will stay dry most of the summer, at least when it comes to beer.
An Ontario numbered company was seeking approval Monday, to operate an outdoor beer garden out of a modified shipping container where the former MacLean Centre used to be.
Councillor Anne-Marie Gillis acknowledged public enthusiasm but felt the project was premature.
"What are we going to do for washrooms," asked Gillis. "How is that going to close in that space? Where is that open vista that we really worked hard to create and what are the opportunities that are there for others?"
Pathways Health Centre For Children was worried the beer garden would negatively impact its ARTZscape by the Bay event.
Fund Development Officer Tracy Drysdale told council they've been using that part of the park for a dining pavilion, with beer and wine, for many years.
"It would really impact us," Drysdale said. "So, we're asking you, at least for this year, please reconsider this. Our planning has been going for a year now. We are three and a half months away from hosting our event. If you allow this to happen, I'm not sure if ARTZscape would even be able to continue."
Sarnia council deferred the proposal and any similar ones to the Parks and Recreation Master plan.