Watch above: A municipal change of heart will see businesses along Saskatoon’s riverbank and in parks this summer. Aaron Streck tells us what the next steps are following the application deadline.
SASKATOON – It’s been almost four years since Jason Kawa got the wheels in motion, looking to operate a personal transporter (PT) business near the river.
“With any policy and new businesses it takes time to incorporate it and it wasn’t going to happen overnight,” said Jason Kawa, with Eco Adventures Saskatoon.
After several road blocks, Kawa can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“I’m actually really excited that there could be PT tours going on the river bank in July,” said Kawa.
City council approved the new seasonal commercial enterprises in parks policy earlier this year, opening the doors to Kawa and others interested in operating a variety of recreational, sporting and cultural activities.
“The city would like to know location of where it’s going to operate and what type of business is it going to be and hours of operation and all the details like that, so I’ve really tried to put in as much detail into my application and proposal as I can,” said Kawa.
READ MORE: Local entrepreneur’s personal transport tours stalled by city
The application deadline has now passed, an adjudication committee will review and recommend approval for the July 1 to Oct. 12 season.
“We need some experiences along the river, we need some things to happen there, the opening of the Remai Art Gallery will also assist in that in 2016, right now we’re in an influx in regards to offering experiences down there,” said Tourism Saskatoon’s Randy Fernets.
Permits and business licences will be issued to the successful applicants. Some policy tweaking may be required down the road.
“I kind of compare this to when we first introduced food trucks into Saskatoon, we had very rigid perimeters and guidelines on it and we adjusted those as we went along and I think that we’re going to find that might be what we have to do with the Seasonal Enterprises in parks as well,” said Ward 1 Coun. Darren Hill.
Kawa and other applicants should know if they’ll be able to set up shop in the coming weeks.
Permits range from $600 for non-profits to $1,800 annually, while the fee for a new business license is $125.
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