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SEASONAL COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES NOW ALLOWED IN PARKS
February 11, 2015 - 4:20am
Saskatoon City Council has recently approved the new Seasonal Commercial Enterprise (SCE) in Parks Policy (Policy). The Policy provides the opportunity for anyone wishing to operate a SCE that will support a variety of recreational, sporting, or cultural activities or events in Saskatoon’s parks. The Policy also covers small motor vehicles, including Segways.
“Of course we always look for ways to improve the quality of life here,” says Cary Humphrey, Director of Recreation and Sport. “The purpose of the Policy is to establish fair criteria and a process to apply for park spaces suitable for the operation of a Seasonal Commercial Enterprise. After a review of similar practices in other Canadian municipalities, and from asking key stakeholders for their views, we feel the Policy will meet the needs of all parties and enhance the experience of park users.”
The City Solicitor will be amending the appropriate bylaws and policies to allow permitted SCEs to operate in parks including Recreation Facilities and Parks Usage Bylaw No. 7767 and Soliciting in Public Parks Policy No. 10-001.
The deadline for applications is March 31, 2015, for the 2015 operating season that runs from July 1 to October 12. Application packages are available by emailing the City of Saskatoon (City) at kara.lackie@saskatoon.ca or calling 306-975-3485
. The Policy itself is available on www.saskatoon.ca
An Adjudication Committee with representatives from the City, Meewasin Valley Authority, Tourism Saskatoon, Saskatoon Chamber of Commerce, Broadway Business Improvement District, Riversdale Business Improvement District, and the Partnership, will review and recommend approval of SCE applications. Approval will be based on the applicant’s ability to meet the specific criteria outlined in the Policy.
Once the application has been approved and all required documentation is received by the City, a permit and business license will be issued by the City’s Planning and Development Division. Permit costs range from $600 (not-for-profit) to $1,800 (for profit) annually; the fee for a new business license is $125.
Enforcement of the Policy will be administered through the City’s Community Services Department. It does not include food and beverage opportunities, which are currently available in downtown riverbank parks.
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