Dear Editor,
Economics 101- Business Builds Business.
In response to "It's just another hotdog stand". The bottom line as it exists right now is that there are no street vendor by-law requirements in the municipality.
In fact anyone is free to open a business anywhere on public property in the municipality of Meaford without enforceable reproach. We could all wake up on morning and start a business selling whatever wherever as long as we don't break any MTO rules.
The Evanson's weren't even required to go to council, the fact that they did though shows that they are polite and serious about their business venture. But even if they ignore council there is no mechanism in place to enforce a public decision, even if there was a by-law... As we are lacking by-law enforcement... Something which in my opinion is sorely needed if we are to grow economically.
So what will happen? Will council be recommended to create a vendor licensing requirement! That would be great! It would be a new revenue stream for the community and would control who and how street businesses operate. This would be a good thing.
And if any of the businesses in Meaford perceive other new locally run businesses as a threat they shouldn't be in business in the first place. Our community needs new businesses, and new businesses create competition which builds the business community that already exists by spurring creativity and economic diversity... Save for Walmart, God save us from Walmart.
Personally I would love to see limited street vendors (food only) operating throughout our area, and wouldn't it be great If they showcased local food... Maybe one day as the market develops, and it will develop more quickly if street vendors are allowed to operate, we will see an increased awareness and demand for the wonderful local food that we produce here...
Isn't there an Apple Fritter business in town that if setup near the apple would suit our agribusiness and tourism development goals? Wow three birds with one stone!!!
Let's see if the Municipality can develop alongside our entrepreneurs, this is the real measure of how well we are going to succeed. The benefits are mutual.
It's time we got our heads pulled out of our asses!
James Duncan McIntosh, Meaford
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