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Council asked to reconsider restrictions

Council is currently deliberating a request to alter a previous decision they made to alter a business licence for a mobile vendor, one that, if adopted, would limit the number of days a mobile restaurant could operate as well as restrict the whereabouts of their business.

Council is currently deliberating a request to alter a previous decision they made to alter a business licence for a mobile vendor, one that, if adopted, would limit the number of days a mobile restaurant could operate as well as restrict the whereabouts of their business.

Mika Meyer, owner and proprietor of Bugwood Bean said the change would directly harm her business as she had planned to operate on Main Street, allowable under the previous licence.

But the new bylaw would restrict her from setting up within 60 metres of an existing restaurant; so while she could operate at Central Park when the Farmers’ Market is running, Main Street is no longer an option.

“It negatively impacts my goal, my budget and my plans to contribute,” Meyer said.

Cities such as Vancouver, which recently allowed four additional mobile vendors, realize the value of these businesses, Meyer said, which can increase traffic to one’s downtown core, add more variety to what’s available, and provide another social structure to the towns they serve.

Bugwood Bean also strives to promote local food, from the espresso to the sourdough breads they serve; now, without being on Main Street, Meyer is concerned with the potential drop in business.

There were two people impacted by the change, yet nobody contacted her to tell her of the impending change to the bylaw; as such, her plans were made using the existing bylaw.

“Just before I was going to set up I heard the bylaw was being changed,” Meyer said. “I am now unable to go ahead with my plans for my business.”

Councillor Charlie Northrup said Council had made the change to be more consistent and to show due respect to the permanent facilities who pay taxes year round.  They, he continued, provide services such as a public rest room that mobile vendors do not, but then compete with a mobile vendor who doesn’t pay municipal taxes, just the business licence.

And 60 metres isn’t unreasonable, Councillor Frank Wray said.

“There was great care,” Wray said. “It allows you to operate but addresses concerns for existing businesses.”

Addressing the concern shown to council regarding the lack of notice to the impacted businesses, Mayor Cress Farrow later told The Interior News that regardless of advertising and media coverage, as well as letters sent, there always seems to be someone who missed the memo. They will continue to strive to get the information to the public, he said, but it is a two-way street.

“It really is a shared responsibility,” Farrow said.

Council did not adopt the bylaw that would change the business licence at the meeting, instead choosing to sit back and debate the issue further. Councillor Lorne Benson, who represents council at the Chamber of Commerce, had some further information on the chamber’s thoughts, Farrow said, who will be bringing those to their next council meeting.