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Council to examine food vendor policies

There’s an appetite among Salmon Arm city councillors for a mobile food vendor policy.
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Food to go: The City of Salmon Arm will be taking a look at its policies and regulations surrounding mobile food vendors

There’s an appetite among Salmon Arm city councillors for a mobile food vendor policy.

Last week, council asked staff to prepare a report with a focus on a policy or process that might guide how the city accommodates mobile food vendors.

“I’d like, by next season if possible, to see us come up with a process where it’s more than just first come, first serve…,” commented Coun. Tim Lavery.

“That we have a process in place for next season that also includes perhaps some input from Downtown Salmon Arm and some other people where some particular sites might be appropriate for vendors, and then put it out and consider applications for that,” he added.

Lavery’s motion was triggered by a request from Laurie Morrone, a Salmon Arm-based mobile food truck operator who, along with partner Judy Wetherill, wants to set up their Happy Budda Belly food truck at Mosquito Park in Canoe.

Council supported the request, but also craved additional information about existing mobile vending opportunities in town.

City development services director Kevin Pearson explained the city has a sidewalk vending bylaw that refers to specific sites in the downtown core. There’s also a parks vending bylaw that applies to Fletcher Park and the Ross Street Plaza. And then there’s the zoning bylaw that allows outside vending on private properties.

“And that is actually what staff would prefer. Staff don’t think we should be in the business of regulating and monitoring and licensing,” said Pearson.

With the Ross Street Plaza spot, Pearson said once a vendor has it, they have first right for renewal.

Coun. Alan Harrison agreed with Lavery’s motion, explaining it would be good to information to gather and may result in just having to tweak the existing bylaws.

 



Lachlan Labere

About the Author: Lachlan Labere

Editor of the Salmon Arm Observer, Shuswap Market, and Eagle Valley News. I'm always looking for new and exciting ways to keep our readers informed and engaged.
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