As the only community in Clearview with a Business Improvement Area (BIA), Creemore could receive special approval status for a new by-law that would permit mobile vendors in the Township, if Council OKs it.
On June 11, members of Clearview Township met with local business owners to address concerns about the proposed by-law.
At the meeting, BIA members aired their concerns about the possible threat mobile vendors posed to their businesses.
“Creemore doesn’t have many stores left and we need to protect what we’ve got,” said Cheryl Robertson, owner of House of Stitches.
However, Township Clerk Pamela Fettes pointed out that as the only BIA in Clearview, the Township might be able to include special concessions for Creemore in the by-law, if they are approved by Council.
“Creemore is unique in that it is the only community in all of Clearview that has a BIA district,” explained Fettes. “Because you have a BIA, [the by-law] could make provisions around the BIA district.”
Fettes suggested that Council could make the BIA a commenting agency for enforcing the by-law.
In an email to the Echo after the meeting, BIA President Corey Finkelstein said, “We don’t think there is anything wrong with the current by-law… The BIA is not opposed to food trucks in Clearview Township, however, we are very concerned about the impact mobile vendors may have on our members or our ability to control special events.”
Finkelstein also confirmed the BIA would seek special status as a recommending agency for the by-law.
The Creemore BIA is a Committee of Council that consists of 70 business and property owners. It was established in 1987 to promote, maintain and beautify the downtown area.
The BIA district consists of a stretch of Mill Street from north of Francis Street to Edward Street, as well as Caroline Street West.
To date, no other groups in Clearview have contacted the Township with concerns about the by-law.
Ward 6 Councillor Deb Bronée said that while the prospect of mobile vendors might not jive with Creemore’s vision of itself, other areas of the Township (such as the baseball park in New Lowell) could benefit from having them.
“We have a huge municipality… and this could be good for other areas of the Township such as New Lowell,” Bronée said.
Fettes agreed, telling the BIA members: “We need to develop something that’s palatable for you but that works for other communities, as well.”
Clearview’s Deputy Clerk Brenda Falls said the Planning Department gets many calls every year from people requesting permission for mobile vendors to sell food and goods in the Township.
“There are just as many people in other parts of Clearview who want it as people who don’t want it,” she said. “The by-law is to allow for vending intended to provide basic health and safety procedures to the public and to protect the municipality from potential associated liabilities.”
At the BIA meeting, some members expressed concern that the look and smell of food trucks would detract from the charm of the village.
Others were worried about the proximity of mobile vendors to their businesses.
“That wouldn’t be allowed under this by-law,” said Joe Paddock, Clearview’s Senior By-Law Enforcement Officer. “They would have to be 200 metres away.”
“That’s too close!” countered Robertson.
But not all members see the issue as being so black and white. The 100 Mile Store’s Jackie Durnford pointed out that a critical mass of vendors will attract more people to the village.
The BIA has registered a delegation with the Township at its Monday, July 14 Council meeting.
Until then, a subcommittee will conduct meetings to fine tune proposed amendments to the by-law. Then it is up to Council to decide which amendments are made.