Cold Lake residents and visitors can look forward to a more efficient and accessible mobile vendor experience as the city of cold lake approved updates to the Mobile Vendor Policy. The changes are aimed to address concerns about vendors at Kinosoo Beach, including noise, smells, aesthetics and parking.
The updated policy, presented during the January 21 Corporate Priorities Committee meeting, follows months of discussions and feedback from both council and mobile vendors.
Andrew Jabbs, the city’s manager of land use planning and regulatory services, explained that issues were brought up in July 2024, with vendors expressing concerns about reduced visibility and challenges accessing the designated vending area away from 1st Avenue. Concerns about noise from portable generators and food preparation was also highlighted.
The new policy includes a ban on vendors operating on 1st Avenue, Tamarack Street, and Birch Avenue, except during special events approved by the city. Other changes specify that vending spaces will be on a first-come, first-served basis, and vendors will not be allowed to operate during city-approved events such as Canada Day or Aqua Says. The city will additionally reserve the right to amend or cancel vendor approvals with 24 hours’ notice for special events or maintenance.
An unnecessary special event permit requirement was also removed. During the meeting, Mayor Craig Copeland looked for clarification on signage rules, asking whether vendors could place sandwich boards elsewhere to advertise. Jabbs confirmed that vendors can have one sandwich board during their hours of operation.
The discussion also included suggestions for physical modifications to improve vendor access, such as extending the yellow line and removing shrubbery to better accommodate vehicles.
Council voted to approve the updated policy, which will take effect for the 2025 vending season.
