Food trucks are a staple stop for some and are becoming more popular.
In the city of Barrie, there are 11 motorized and 14 non-motorized trucks currently licensed to operate.
The rules have always been clear for the operators. While the city licences food trucks as motorized or non-motorized refreshment vehicles, no refreshment vehicle is permitted to operate from municipal property as a stationary unit unless they are permitted through an arrangment with the municipality.
Manager of enforcement services Tammy Banting told BarrieToday that all changed, albeit briefly, when the COVID shutdown hurt many businesses.
“Due to COVID and business recoveries, the city put in the Patios Everywhere Program, which was extended to include some of the food trucks,” Banting said. “There isn’t a permanent change right now to the bylaw, but there is some space to assist during the current times.”
Banting says the modified bylaw is only in place until Oct. 19.
One of the trucks that is benefitting from the provision is Around The World In 80 Tacos. While usually parked at a business on Vespra Street, owner Troy Salazar is able to park in a few places when needed after having applied for the Patios Everywhere Program.
“This is my first year doing this and, of course, it was right before COVID hit, so it wasn’t the best time to start, but we’re still surviving so that's good,” said Salazar.
Salazar says he was able to stay in business being an essential service as they were take-out only.
The Barrie resident has a spot near Centennial Beach and also works some private events, mainly for businesses.
“I’m doing the Sandbox Centre, I’ve been to the Allandale Veterinary five times this summer, I’ve been to Zenetec and I’m doing a wedding in October,” Salazar said. “It has thankfully been busy for us.”
For private events, Salazar says he gets calls for a location and a time and then usually charges for how many tacos they need served.
Salazar says he works 10 to 12 hours, six days a week and is helped by one employee and some family members.
He admits the relaxing of the bylaw helped him greatly during the tough times.
“I would have had a little harder of a time without that bylaw changing (during COVID),” said Salazar. “Being able to park at the beach area was a big help and for more than 15 minutes at a time, which is no help to a food truck and only works for ice cream trucks.”
Under the bylaw, mobile food units cannot remain in any single location more than 15 minutes. They are also not permitted to operate within 100 feet of a park or school, and must obtain inspections/approvals prior to licensing for fire (if they're using fryers), health, vehicle safety, propane (if applicable), and provide $2 million in liability insurance.
Salazar also credits the unique nature of his business for keeping him busy.
“I’d never seen a taco truck before. I’d seen fries, fish and chips, peameal on a bun, but not tacos. And we’re not just one type of taco, we have so many different tastes,” said Salazar. “I’ve been a chef for 20 years, so I wanted to give some variety.”
