Inverness Municipal Council has decided on permit fees and penalties under its Vending Bylaw.
The decision was reached during yesterday’s regular monthly meeting after council reviewed the fees charged by other municipalities for stands and vending vehicles.Council was told that some municipalities have one flat fee, while others have different fees.
District 4 Councillor John MacLennan said there should be a flat fee and higher fees for those from outside Inverness County.
District 5 Councillor Lynn Chisholm said the fees should be based on the size of operation, there should be fees for special events, but Deputy Warden Bonny MacIsaac does not want fees charged to non-profit groups.
Council agreed to MacIsaac’s suggestion to have one annual fee of $500, a separate fee for bicycle wagons or hotdog stands, a fee of $100 per day for special events, and they want the changes made in a separate policy, as opposed to changing the bylaw.
District 6 Councillor Catherine Gillis suggested the penalties be “significant” to make sure there are deterrents.
Council agreed to establish a minimum fine of $500 for the first offence, then increase the amount each time there is an infraction, and if there are three violations of the policy, that permit be revoked.