Council craving food truck policy

SASKATOON — With Regina opening up to food trucks in its downtown, a number of Saskatoon city councillors are salivating at the prospect of the tasty trend.

“They can bring a great deal of vitality and just that active street life to a city,” said Coun. Charlie Clark. “I have seen them work very well in other cities.”

After a number of requests, Regina fast-tracked a policy this week. The city will extend the hours for food trucks at downtown parking spaces starting by the end of the month. Until now, only hot dog carts were allowed. Regina is also considering a lottery system for spots in the City Square Plaza that would operate until 2 a.m. year-round.

In Saskatoon, hot dog carts are permitted in designated sidewalk spots set by the business associations. Mobile food trucks, which are regulated under a different bylaw, require a special permit are only allowed on private property with permission from the owner or at special events. The trucks are banned on city-owned property, including parks and on streets or at metered parking spaces. There are three licensed mobile food trucks in Saskatoon right now.

Coun. Tiffany Paulsen said she will ask city administration this week to report back on allowing more food trucks in Saskatoon.

“If we’re seeing an interest from the private sector then we need to see how we can make this happen,” she said.

Jonathan Schreyer, owner of north industrial-area restaurant Schreyer’s Smoker BBQ Shack, operates two food trucks at local festivals and events.

Any city policy should strike a balance between the demand for food trucks and the protection of existing restaurants, which have far more costs, Schreyer said.

“For them to allow a lot of food carts, it’s going to be detrimental for the restaurants,” he said. “The restaurant pie is only so big. Allowing food carts doesn’t make the pie any bigger.”

Schreyer said he’s in favour of designated spots that aren’t close to existing restaurants. Mobile food trucks, which are separate from sidewalk food carts, are strictly regulated by public health, Schreyer said. “It’s a tricky market,” he said. “You have to do your research.”