Woodstock City Council Approves Mobile Catering Bylaw

Sunday, 7 February 2016 09:19

Woodstock City Council has approved a bylaw that defines the difference between a food truck and food trailer/cart.

WOODSTOCK - Woodstock City Council has approved a bylaw that will clearly define the difference between a mobile food truck and a stationary food trailer/cart in the city. A food truck is considered a mobile vehicle which moves from location to location serving food and refreshments to the public. A food trailer/cart is very similar to a food truck, but it will usually remain stationary to one location in the city while they also serve food and refreshments. Woodstock City Clerk Amy Humphries tells Heart FM the importance of defining the differences between these establishments.

"We are trying to get a better definition and distinctions between the two in our bylaw, so we can address them as each one needs to be addressed."

This new bylaw will also clarify some rules when it comes to running one of these outdoor catering businesses. Humphries has some examples of some of these regulations.

"Applicants are required to have our building department approve the locations. Also our building department does not allow food carts to operate on our sidewalks. Our sidewalks are not a wide as some you might see in bigger municipalities."

But these rules and regulations have already been in place before the by-laws approval. Humphries explains the importance of the rule clarification in the bylaw.

"When we are enforcing the bylaw, we have very clear rules around what is allowed and what is not allowed so our enforcement officers are clear on that as well as the operaters of the mobile refreshment vehicles."

If you are interested in starting up your own food truck business this spring, you can fill out an application at the City Clerks Office. You will need proof of insurance, criminal records for the vehicle operators, TSSA approval and a public health inspection. The Clerks Office will also help you decide locations where you can operate your food truck before a proper licence is issued.