ORILLIA, CANADA – The food truck phenomenon that spawned a popular television series and a flood of mobile eateries across North America could be coming to Orillia.

“Food trucks are no longer just chip wagons, as most of us know,” said Coun. Sarah Valiquette-Thompson. “They are now serving up artisan grill cheeses and gourmet proteins.”

Staff will investigate how other municipalities regulate catering trucks, specifically with regards to days, times and locations of operations.

“People have and always will continue to follow food,” Valiquette-Thompson added. “It’s a huge tourist draw and municipalities across Ontario are taking advantage of this opportunity.”

The report will explore potential economic impacts of allowing catering trucks to operate on municipal property, “such as the land adjacent to the Port of Orillia, in addition to or instead of the three refreshment vehicle stall spaces at the CPR right-of-way.”

Coun. Ralph Cipolla voiced concern over the potential impact on existing food vendors near Couchiching Beach Park and Tudhope Park.

“I’d just like to know how many trucks are we are going to allow … if that is part of the staff report, then that’s fine,” Cipolla said. “If not, I won’t be supporting it.”

CAO/clerk Gayle Jackson said staff would report on economic impacts, “which would be the positive and potentially the adverse impact it may have on the other businesses.”

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