Background
BACKGROUND/HISTORY
FOOD TRUCK BACKGROUND
The County established a "Food Truck" By-Law (By-Law 3042-2012) in 2006. This was last reviewed in 2012. The by-law outlines how the municipality inspects and licenses mobile restaurants. The Comprehensive Zoning By-law outlines where mobile restaurants can operate. These two documents inform The County's mobile restaurant licensing program. The mobile restaurant sector has evolved over the last 10 years, and the program is due for a review and update.
Key considerations:
In 2021, the municipality conducted a survey about Wellington Rotary Beach, as part of the first Tourism Management Plan. The survey indicated strong support for permitting mobile restaurants to operate at the beach. This would accommodate the increasing visitor volumes and the paid beach admission program.
Also in 2021, staff investigated the idea of allowing mobile restaurants to operate in commercial areas in towns. This idea came out of pandemic and tourism pressures. Staff are no longer exploring this idea for a number of reasons: pandemic restrictions have lifted, tourism volumes have stabilized, and the idea had potential to negatively impact existing restaurant businesses.
SIDEWALK PATIO BACKGROUND
The County established a Sidewalk Patio program (By-Law 3372-2014) in 2014. This was a pilot program that is now due for review. The by-law outlines how commercial patios can operate on public sidewalks and parking spaces. The by-law includes design requirements, the permitting process and the associated fees.
Key considerations
This review will be a general evaluation of the pilot program. The review will consider whether and how to establish a permanent Sidewalk Patio program.
In June 2019, Council passed Motion CW-256-2019 requesting a review of the Sidewalk Patio program. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the review. Instead, Council approved a temporary amendment (By-Law 90-2020) as a pandemic response. This supported the restaurant sector by waiving the fees and loosening other rules during the 2020 season. Council approved extensions to these amendments, extending these flexibilities until January 2023.
CURRENT PROGRAM REVIEW
- Consulted with food service industry stakeholders in spring/summer 2022.
- Conducted an internal program review and scan of other municipalities' programs.
- Have Your Say page and survey will be open December 6 - 23. This is an opportunity for residents to comment on both programs as they are being reviewed.
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Staff will also be on site at the following locations to gather input from residents in person:
- Wellington and District Community Centre, Saturday December 10 - 10 am - 2 pm
- Prince Edward Community Centre, Saturday December 11 - 10 am - 2 pm
- Staff will notify previous permit and licence holders in December about the public consultation. This is another opportunity for businesses to provide further input on these programs. Business owners are also welcome to make comments through the public survey, visit us in person, or contact program staff directly with input.
- Results of this public and industry consultation will be published on Have Your Say in January and included in a comprehensive staff report in the first quarter of 2023.
