Food trucks to see a possible hike in permit fees

REGINA – Brian Templeton is gearing up for another season of running Rock ‘a’ Grill.

“Based on the time we’re working, it’s profitable,” said Templeton.

But this summer, it could cost him nearly three times the amount he spent last year, to put his food truck downtown.

“Some vendors are not very happy about this increase, so they might choose not to come out,” said Templeton.

If approved, $1,400 would go towards a city permit which includes parking, electrical service and plaza maintenance. In addition, vendors would have to pay another $250 to cover a membership fee with the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District, and another $125 to ensure an annual gas system inspection by SaskPower.

Get breaking National news

Get breaking Canada news delivered to your inbox as it happens so you won't miss a trending story.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Get Started

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“As we understand the costing of it and the competition, and how much is out there, then we’ll have another framework for our cost recovery as well, because we were actually in some ways subsidizing it previously. So we just need to talk about a framework that gets neutral for everyone – they all pay the same,” said Mayor Michael Fougere.

The Regina Downtown Business Improvement District says the proposed rate is on par with other Canadian markets our size.

“Price for the mobile vending fee is in line with what’s being charged in places like Saskatoon or Calgary,” said Judith Veresuk, executive director of the Regina Downtown Business Improvement District.

There’s an upside for the vendors though – an investment by the district to keep the plaza aesthetically vibrant.

“What we would like to do is offer some other options for people that want to dine al fresco in our plaza. We are going to invest in a few Adirondack chairs, so those Muskoka chairs that are nice and (comfortable) – we’ll have them available for borrowing,” said Veresuk.

For the vendors though, it’s ultimately about their bottom line. Owners like Templeton say he won’t let the permit hike trickle down to the consumer.

“I’m not going to increase my prices – not this year. And I hope that I don’t have to next year, but you know, things just keep going up always,” said Templeton.