(Submitted Photo/ Kyra Robbilard)

By Ronald Quaroni

Food Wars

Prince Albert denies business licenses for food trucks pending Phase Three re-open

May 21, 2020 | 1:00 PM

Food trucks are not being issued business licenses from the city of Prince Albert, for now.

Kyra Robillard, the owner-operator of the Baby Got Bannock food truck said she applied for her business license last week and was denied.

After multiple correspondences with city staff, Robillard was informed the city would be re-evaluating food truck licenses once Phase Three of the Saskatchewan Re-Open Plan was initiated.

Robillard expressed her frustration, noting she could safely open her business under the same guidelines in place for restaurants that are currently open.

“There are other businesses, ie. restaurants that are open right now, that allow pickup or delivery. They require you to go into a building and stand two metres apart, which I could easily put into effect at Kinsmen Park or River Street where I normally park,” Robillard told paNOW.

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Robillard also drew comparisons between her business and a local ice cream shop which operates in the city and recently opened for the summer.

“The only difference between my business and their business is I have wheels and I can go to two different locations that the city only approves us to park at anyways,” she said.

Director of Planning and Development Services, Craig Guidinger noted they are taking their direction from the province when it comes to food truck licensing.

“Mobile food vendors are, throughout the province and the country, being considered very carefully. I know Saskatoon and Regina are looking at them carefully. It’s not that we are saying ‘no’ to them, we just want to reconsider them during Phase Three,” Craig Guidinger told paNOW.

“It’s not lost on us that it’s very difficult for small businesses and restaurants, but we are taking the lead of the province, trying to take a cautious approach. I spoke with Mrs. Robillard (Wednesday) and I understand her concerns and she shared them with me. We’ll definitely be sharing them to the group, and the City Manager, who ultimately has the final decision,” Guidinger said.

As for Kyra Robillard, she hopes a decision comes quickly. As a seasonal food truck her window of opportunity to generate income for her business and family is closing.

“I hope the city revisits this sooner than Phase Three,” Robillard said.

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Ron.Quaroni@jpbg.ca

Twitter: @RonaldQuaroni