News

As Canadian city raises food truck fees, permit renewals decline

June 4, 2018

The city of Regina, in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan, has increased the cost of permits for food trucks, causing several trucks not to seek permits, according to msn.com.

Rob Reinhardt, who owns Prairie Smoke & Spice BBQ, was among food vendors choosing not to pay the higher fee. He has operated his food truck since 2012 when the city began its pilot program. He said he will serve the Regina Farmers Market and do private catering, which will allow him to hire two full-time staffers over the summer.

The city raised the fee from about $1,400 to $1,680. Permits allow the food trucks to park at a metered parking stall or any of three other public spaces in the city. Trucks are not required to have a permit to park on private property and at festivals.

A city spokesperson said that four permits were issued in May. Last year, the city issued six permits in May, and four more in June.