
By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: April 6, 2013
For the last five months, a 15-year-old bylaw has stood between Michael Paul and his dreams.
Part of a new wave of young entrepreneurs, Michael Paul and his partner Sarah Fenton want to set up a mobile wood-fired pizza cart in Squamish.
It’s an idea that took roots when Paul first tasted the Neapolitan style pizza in Slovenia.
Paul was 14 then; since then, the idea has echoed through his mind several times.
Now, several years later, he plans to make his dream come true in Squamish.
And he is hoping the district will share his dream.
The obstacle is the Portable Food Vending bylaw, which allows only five food carts in the municipality.
Established in 1997, the regulation was meant to ensure portable vending meets health regulations, enhances commercial areas, and keeps sidewalks and streets enjoyable and safe, said district spokesperson, Christina Moore.
But is there enough flexibility in the bylaw to allow for one or two more entrepreneurs?
It’s a possibility, says Moore.
The Business Licence Bylaw needs to be updated and reviewed, including the sections pertaining to Portable Food Vendors.
“The district has received numerous inquiries about Portable Food Vendor licences and we recognize there is interest in this type of business,” Moore said.
Development Services staff have begun work to review best practices in other communities, however a formal bylaw review process has not yet officially launched, she added.
Paul, meanwhile, is confident the district will share his vision and amend the bylaw to allow more vendors.
“They are saying we will help,” he says.
Last month, the Reporter wrote about day care provider Gabrielle Livsey, whose case illustrates how the municipal hall can be a force of good when it acts swiftly and without delays.
A middling little restriction removed by the district two years ago has helped the home care provider expand her business.
“The change in the bylaw helped me and will help other community members,” Livsey said.
In her case, the district had amended the Home Occupancy Zoning Bylaw that restricted family child care from operating in town homes, condominiums and apartments.
While entrepreneurs present a test case to the district, it won’t be the first time Squamish will take a look at some of its archaic bylaws.
Last year, the district also passed a motion to amend the utility rate bylaw that to ensure home based businesses are not billed outside of their residential uses.
Jason Bechard says
A few things:
1. We have a bizillion pizza places already. Do we need another? We only have 11000 people in Squamish. Just as bad as having 4 liquor stores within blocks of each other. Talk about ‘enabling’ a user.
2. How come these by-laws do not apply to those people selling food type stuff at the farmers market? What the difference between a food cart and selling fresh produce? All vendors at any farmers market within the district should be subject to these bylaws. Fair is fair.
3. Why are home based businesses being considered special treatment under the Utility Rate Bylaw? Most of theses businesses only employ one or two people. Why doesn’t the rest of the businesses in Squamish that employ many people get this special treatment as well?
We need to stop catering to these special interest groups, stop giving hand outs to projects that can’t even support themselves and start running the district like it should. A business.
Chris says
Hey Jason. Do you really want the government to restrict the amount of pizza places? Let the market decide.
Paul Watt says
Wow, Jason, you are so off base. I think in a free society we should let the market decide how many pizza places we can support. Most pizza in Squamish is pretty bad anyway, and no-one offers real classic Italian style pizza. Fewer regulations and fees for small business is good for the local economy. Markets and stands add value and culture to our community that we really need. If you’re so against small business and culture you should move to Atlanta or some other craphole where everything is a chain and you buy your Monsanto grown food at a huge box store.
JDT says
But do we have any truly GOOD pizza downtown? Do we really count the 3 fast food chains as true pizza places? Not really. I say bring it on, I would actually go downtown for pizza if there was something worth eating that is made from real ingredients and not frozen cardboard mass-produced tv food. Also, not sure what “handout” you are referring to. Mr. Paul does not seem to be asking for a subsidy or grant. He is simply asking for a business restriction to be modified to enable a form of downtown commerce that seems to be growing very successfully in other cities. If the district runs like a business, they would seriously examine this and the potential benefits (or potential drawbacks) it poses to the overall vibrancy of the downtown core.
Whistler Wood Fired Pizza Company says
Hi JDT: Be sure to check out Whistler Wood Fired Pizza Company already up and running in Squamish. We are the Wood Fired Pizza People. Across from Tim Hortons right in front of Triton Steel! Love to have all you come out for a visit and have a slice!
http://www.whistlerpizzacompany.com
Dottie says
Am I missing something. Allowable – 5 food carts per municipality. Does Squamish have 5? I remember the pizza truck and there was a java truck at one point but I haven’t seen either around in awhile. Personal, I think it’s an issue of competition that keeps ideas from fruition. Businesses are struggling in Squamish, in particular downtown, so sadly new ideas are not welcome. Good luck Michael with your dream. Perhaps think ‘authentic taco truck’ and offer to purchase local produce and products.
Tracy says
We live in a free market democratic system. It’s not the governments job to make the decision of how many pizza joints we should have, how many hairdressers we should have or determine the perfect balance of business in our town. Markets determine that. It’s a governments obligation to set rules that enable fair competition. Do the food carts compete with businesses that have higher operating costs that relate to a fixed location? The rules or bylaws should be created to encourage fair business and a thriving economy.
Food carts are becoming very popular & cities/towns are reworking their bylaws to accommodate them, however, the ability to park anywhere may pose a problem & “other” bylaws may be broken. Fixed businesses have issues because food carts have relatively much lower costs than them. These are possible problemss that the municipality has to consider when drafting new bylaws. If the District has come to the realization that the bylaws need to be updated & reviewed to align with the real world & market demand, that’s a great start!! Perhaps instead of issuing a set number of licenses for the entire town or municipality issuing per geographic location without the municipality & for special events.
Michael Paul, if it was your pizza truck parked outside of Triton Automotive last week, you shouldn’t have a problem selling pizzas!! The aroma from your truck was hard to resist & next time I’II give in to the hunger & buy a pizza!! I did hear someone say that they wish you had a “set” schedule for a particular site. The spirit of the entrepreneur has to be admired and applauded. It takes a big dream, a lot of courage and sheer determination to create and run a business! I wish you the best of luck & determination in pursuing your dreams.
Whistler Wood Fire Pizza Company says
http://m.piquenewsmagazine.com/whistler/chefs-choice-korey-klein/Content?oid=2454427
Here is recent article in Pique. We are operating on our 4th season. Come on down and try a slice. In front of Triton Steel. Across from Tim Horton’s
Feet says
All I know is Michael Paul makes the best pizza I’ve ever eaten.
Yolo says
Shameless promo by Whistler Wood Fire Pizza Company. haha love it.
Robyn Renolds says
I would love to see this bylaw to allow more food carts!! It’s up to the consumer
what they choose to buy and spend their hard earned dollars!! I wish Mr.Paul and Ms. Fenton all the luck and support them all the way! Can’t wait to try the pizza, Whistler pizza…..shhhhhh.
Ahab says
Where did you say you were located again, Whistler Pizza? Outside of Triton Steel? Across from Timmy Ho’s?
Whistler Wood Fire Pizza Company says
Hi from Whistler Wood Fired Pizza. Yes we are right in front of Triton. Right now! Here until 8 pm. Every Wednesday and Friday! Starring next week! But here today as well!
JR says
@Whistler Wood Fire Pizza Company
Good pizza sells itself. Judging by how desperately you’re self-promoting in this comments section, I’d wager that your pizza sucks.
Nate Dolha says
So, I take it that the Whistler outfit grabbed one of the 5 permits for food trucks?
monicosh says
Any updates from City Hall? Has this bylaw been amended?