REQUEST FOR DIRECTION
DATE: April 5, 2017 Report No. P&R-17-005
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Scott Hartman, Director of Parks and Recreation Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Mobile Food Vending in Public Spaces
End
ESSENTIAL QUESTION:
Does Council wish to pursue a process that allows Food Trucks to operate on Township Public Lands when they are not associated with an event?
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That the Committee of the Whole receive Staff Report P&R-17-005 for information, provide any additional direction to staff as the COTW considers advisable, and direct staff to prepare a report for Council’s consideration.
Body
BACKGROUND:
At its Regular Meeting of Council on July 6, 2015 a Notice of Motion regarding permitting Food Trucks to operate on the West Bay Walkway was presented. Council gave direction to staff to review options including licences, permits and any required revisions to the Township’s Bylaws.
Since the Notice of Motion was discussed by Council approximately 22 months ago, there are now several Township events that operate throughout the summer months that have implemented Food Trucks in their event offerings. Staff need to confirm if Council wishes to pursue further policy work in this area.
ISSUES:
The opportunity for mobile food vending within the Township would be best accomplished using current zoned parkland. Current Township regulations allow for mobile food vending to occur on Township park property when associated with an event. This has been the practice for the past several years.
Should Council wish to pursue additional mobile food vending options on Township lands that are not associated with an event, additional processes and procedures must be created. To ensure a fair and transparent process, Council should follow the established procedures in the Township’s existing Procurement Policy. This would include, but not be limited to, an Expression of Interest which then could lead to a formal Request For Proposal process. This process would allow the Township to control and monitor the locations, fees, permits, and schedules for this initiative. Should Council wish to pursue this approach, some additional information needs to be identified:
• Allowed locations
• Hours of operation
• Seasonal timeframes & dates
• Number of vendors allowed in each area
• Township support services (access to utilities, waste removal, reserved spaces, seating areas, etc.)
• Licensing and Permit fees
If Council wishes to pursue mobile food vending outside of zoned parkland, changes to Township Bylaws and permitting processes will need to occur.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That the COTW receive Staff Report P&R-17-005 for information, provide any additional direction to staff as the COTW considers advisable, and direct staff to prepare a report for Council’s consideration.
2. That the COTW provide alternative direction to staff.
3. That the COTW request further information from staff.