Lise Burcher and Matt Bulmer were at council on Sept. 18 expressing their views on the impact a food truck bylaw could have on the Aberfoyle Farmers Market.
Bulmer, the market’s executive director, stated the market is now in its third year of operations.
“We’re very pleased that over those years, we’ve been able to contribute $4,000 to $5,000 per year back into this community,” Bulmer said.
He noted that is due to the active volunteers who help set up, run, take down and clean up the facility each week.
“Behind the scenes, we have a group of dedicated community-minded citizens volunteering on our board.”
He noted that board member Burcher has a lot of history as a Guelph city councillor, and is an active member of the Canadian Federation of Municipalities.
“She brings with her a strong public policy background.
“For us, as an organization which deals with food and the delivery of food, it is very important to have someone who understands public policy.”
Burcher acknowledged the challenges of providing independent food delivery within a collective setting.
“We continue to bring new people into the market – both those selling produce locally and those preparing food on site.” She also said the market employs a rigorous but fair process to consider vendors who wish to be part of the process.
As to the proposed bylaw, “our intent is to look at it very thoroughly with the input of our vendors.”
With respect to the recent proposal by Ken Roth to establish a food trailer at the Aberfoyle Community Centre, “We ask only one thing – that if it is approved – that the Aberfoyle Farmers Market be provided the same considerations as cited in Roth’s letter of request – that he not be on site unless specifically requested by the person in charge.”
She believed this was n important aspect.
“We feel it could impede our ability to operate as we do currently.”
She stressed this only applies to the hours the farmers market is in operation – Saturday mornings from May to October. Councillor Susan Fielding appreciated the concerns and said council would be working to address them.
“We will keep your comments in mind.”
Mayor Dennis Lever stated while there may be some experience with this in Guelph, the local situation was somewhat different.
“We are concerned about the health of the market and other vendors in the township as well.” He stated there would be a public meeting on the proposed bylaw later this year to receive input.
“We appreciate you are on top of this,” Bulmer added.
“We’re not here to chastise anyone and we fully support the direction council is taking.”
