Consultation Results

This Have Your Say page was launched on December 5, 2022, which included background information on the Sidewalk Patio and Food Truck Programs. The public survey attracted a total of 314 responses (41 in-person responses, 273 online responses). There was a total of 952 visits to the webpage over the course of the consultation period which lasted for a total of 20 days.

In-person promotion and consultation took place on December 10, 2022 and December 11, 2022 at the Wellington District Community Centre and the Prince Edward Community Centre respectively; two staff personnel attended each of the locations for 4 hours. Programs staff interacted with the public by providing background information on the project, answering questions, and administering surveys to gather responses.

Staff would like to thank the public for engaging with the survey, and for providing their input during in-person and online consultations during the month of December.

Below is a summary of responses received.

FOOD TRUCKS

The majority of survey responses indicated positive experience with regards to the Food Trucks:

A pie chart that asks: "Rate your experience with Food Trucks in the County" shows 38% said very good experience; 40% said good experience; 19% said neutral; 3% said bad experience; and 0% said very bad experience.

In their responses, residents cited variety of food options, cheaper prices and casual, outdoor dining as positive aspects of the program. Residents who've had negative experiences cited cleanliness and garbage disposal as main concerns in relation to the food truck program.

Responses were positive regarding the amendment that allowed food trucks to operate at the Wellington Rotary Beach. 260 (85.5%) respondents want to see the Wellington Beach Food Trucks return; whereas 44 (14.5%) respondents do not want to see them return.

A pie chart that asks: "Do you think food trucks should be permitted to operate at the Wellington Rotary Beach in 2023 and beyond?" shows 86% said yes; and 15% said no.

Residents were asked if they are in favour of allowing food trucks to operate on more municipal properties where no food service is available nearby, and results were generally in favour.

SIDEWALK PATIOS

The majority of survey responses indicated support for the permanency of the Sidewalk Patio Program. With 127 responses (40.6%) strongly in favour, 73 (23.3 %) in favour, 24 (7.7%) neutral, 30 (9.6%) opposed to the program, and 59 (18.8%) being strongly opposed to the program:

A pie chart that asks: "Please identify your support for the Sidewalk Patio Program becoming a permanent program" shows 41% said strongly in favour; 23% said in favour; 8% said neutral; 9% said opposed; and 19% said strongly opposed..

On the sidewalk patio program, residents cite economic benefits and overall increase in attractiveness of business areas; whereas other residents cite safety, accessibility, and parking as main concerns to the program.

NEXT STEPS

Staff are on track to present recommendations through a report to council in March. Staff are also conducting a number of internal and external consultations, guided by the themes heard in this public consultation in the final stages of the program review.

For further input or if you have questions, please contact Rami Farag, Programs and Services Assistant, at 613.242.5413 or email rfarag@pecounty.on.ca