At its Committee of the Whole meeting on Wednesday, July 23, North Glengarry council unanimously agreed to update its food truck by-law to allow for greater food diversity and increase the number of food truck permits issued.

The food truck and chip stand by-law, last reviewed by council in 2017, currently limits vendor permits to six across the township. Of these, two vendors are allowed to operate in Alexandria, two in Maxville, one in Kenyon, and one in Lochiel.

Director of Building, By-law and Planning Jacob Rheaume recommended that council revisit the by-law, removing some of the restrictions that limit the diversity of offerings.

Rheaume noted that limited offerings affect both local residents and the township’s ability to attract tourism during events such as the Glengarry Highland Games and Meet Me on Main Street. He added that the changes represent a growth opportunity, allowing for more unique cuisine options.

Recommended changes to the by-law included removing the specific list of food items that vendors can only sell (e.g., French fries, poutine, hamburgers, hot dogs) and eliminating the food truck cap.

Rheaume said that operators would still need to apply and hold a license, pay applicable application and registration fees, and provide Eastern Ontario Health Unit and North Glengarry Fire Department approvals. In addition, zoning approval and written permission from private landowners if operating on private commercial properties would be required.

Councillor Michael Madden agreed that the by-law could be updated, saying, “It removes many redundancies and ensures a more diverse offering for residents and eventgoers. Modernizing this by-law will allow for streamlining approvals and reducing administrative backlog.”

Deputy Mayor Carma Williams asked staff if any changes would be made to where food trucks would be located in the township.

Rheaume confirmed no location changes would be made to the by-law, citing that only institutional, commercial, and industrial properties were eligible to participate. Residential properties are not, and will continue not to be, eligible to host food trucks.

Rheaume concluded that current food truck operators in the township would be notified and consulted about the proposed changes.

Council asked staff to return with the updated by-law for approval at a future meeting.