Find out which candidates hunger for more street meat rules
Torontonians love their street food.
And with the popularity and proliferation of the city’s mobile food vendors come the rules.
City council voted recently to let food trucks set up shop in parking lots and on street parking spaces, while approving a host of new regulations many operators have found unfavourable.
As part of our year-long Big Ideas project, each week we present Toronto’s leading mayoral candidates with a proposal that has ignited discussion across the city.
We have received nearly 1,000 ideas on how to improve Toronto from our readers.
Issue: Are food trucks over-regulated in Toronto? Olivia Chow
Position: No. “Cities the world over offer real choice of food on the street, and so should we. It’s welcome that after years of debate, we’re finally moving to having more variety. We’re not there yet. The cost of new licences may be an issue and some finetuning is likely required.” David Soknacki Position: Yes. “Toronto has a world-class culinary scene, but we’re behind on food trucks. Food trucks often become restaurants, generating jobs and
taxes. I’ll make it easier for food trucks to start and operate. The current rules — which John Tory endorsed — have already failed, with only a few permit applications.” Karen Stintz
Position: Yes. “A few years ago, the ‘A la Cart’ program failed because of bureaucratic red tape. While we have improved, we are still too restrictive, ie. the 50-metre rule. We need to find a way to support food trucks while still being mindful of the restaurants and BIAs in our neighbourhoods.” John Tory Position: Yes. “Food trucks are over-regulated, and the fact there are so few on the road right now clearly demonstrates that. Let’s streamline city bylaws, get rid of the red tape, and let Toronto residents have access to food trucks like every other major municipality in North America.”
Rob Ford The Star did not receive a response this week from Ford’s campaign representatives.
His team previously told the Star in an email: “Unfortunately because of recent circumstances the Mayor will be unavailable to participate or comment at this time. We appreciate your interest and look forward to evaluating your request at a later date.”