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Food for thought

Local food truck operators expressed their apprehensions when it comes to the City of Cold Lake’s proposed mobile food vendor policy.
16.news.City – food vendors
Local food truck operators expressed their concerns with the City of Cold Lake’s proposed mobile vendor policy. Here, Jodi Downey of Forkenator explains the impact a $1,000 permit fee could have.

Local food truck operators expressed their apprehensions when it comes to the City of Cold Lake’s proposed mobile food vendor policy.


The policy would require a 50-metre buffer zone between food trucks and  other mobile vendors and businesses that sell similar products, hold the proper Alberta Health Services certification, and pay a specified fee to operate within the city limits.


“No one is saying no to food trucks in Cold Lake. I think having more variety of food choices in any city is great,” said Mayor Craig Copeland.


Although there were no issues with the 50-metre setback, local vendor owners did express concern when it came to the fees the city was suggesting.


During their latest discussion, council had considered a $1,000 annual fee for mobile vendor operators from outside of Cold Lake.


For Bushmen’s Smokehouse owner and operator Chris Reid, that number didn’t sit well.


“The $1,000 vending fee, considering we pay business licensing to the City of Cold Lake, as well as rent property to park for daily service, and the fees to festival groups, such as the Cold Lake Air Show, what is the purpose for the increase to the already existing licensing fee?” he asked, during council’s latest meeting on Tuesday, April 10.


“I agree with regulations as they ensure there is a fair and healthy policy in place for all businesses,” Reid continued. “We’re a part of the Lakeland, and we will be a part of the Lakeland for years to come.”


Last year, the business license purchased by Reid and other food vendors from outside of the city was $500. For those from Cold Lake, the cost was lower at $100.


“This year, it would be a 100 per cent increase for myself, and a 1,000 per cent increase for local vendors,” emphasized Reid.


For Jodi Downey, owner of the Cold Lake-based food truck the Forkinator, the cost of the permit is close to 11 per cent of his annual profit.


Downey hopes council will consider the increase in wages and other expenses of their business when debating how much to charge for their permits.


“It literally feels like we are drowning in costs, and yet, the public is celebrating what we do,” Downey stated. “The last thing we want to do is damage the community in Cold Lake, or make it more difficult for other businesses, but the $1,000 permit is a little too high for us.”


The proposed policy would require all mobile food vendors to meet AHS’ standards, something Reid said they’re already doing. 


“One can’t draw a line in the sand and dictate mobile vendors need more than brick and mortar buildings do. We have multiple inspections from the time the window is open and we work hard to ensure our food trucks stay clean. We provide a service that is on-par for all.”


Council had tossed around the idea of requiring food trucks to use containment mats when on public property.


Reid took a moment to clarify that when in operation, food trucks simply can’t leak out oils or anything that would be considered dangerous to the environment. Anything left behind on the pavement or otherwise, would at most be dirty water.


“There’s no need for containment mats. There’s no gaps or reason for anything to leak out of the unit,” he explained. “We don’t dispose of any materials where we park, we only dispose of them in proper bins, away from customers and the public.”


The city will discuss regulation and permit fees at an upcoming council meeting, but for now, they’re keeping the local business owners’ suggestions in mind.


Reid said, “As food vendors, we are aiding and creating an exciting food culture here in Cold Lake. All food vendors, including myself, have second jobs to supplement the short vending season in northern Alberta. As seasonal vendors, we employ local residents, source products from local businesses, and bring foot traffic to the downtown core.”

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