[Harvey Specter]

TOFINO — District of Tofino council wants to keep its unique charm by keeping out franchises like the golden arches, Starbucks and Tim Hortons.

Council made a motion Tuesday directing staff to draft a bylaw that would ban franchises in Tofino utilizing a section of the official community plan which discourages future development and location of large-format retail chains and fast-food chains that do not reflect the character of Tofino, according to Coun. Stephen Ashton who proposed the motion.

Ashton said he is concerned Tofino would lose its distinctness among other communities.

“We are very unique where you can come to this place and you don't have a Starbucks, Tim Hortons or a McDonalds,” he said.

However, Ashton admitted that already existing franchises in the municipality could not be banned.

“I think that we have to be proactive,” he said.

Bob Long, chief administrative officer, said the bylaws will have to be enforceable and council will have to assess the risks involved.

“There is something called the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” Long said to council. “And sometimes these types of things can conflict with each other. You can't really enact legislation that is contrary to those freedoms and rights.”

However, Ashton said one community he knew of passed a bylaw banning restaurants without table service.

“It's do-able…there's different ways of doing it,” he explained. “I'm not suggesting that that would be a solution, but that's how they got around franchises.”

Ashton also said many people believe there is such a bylaw in place already.

“This helps solidify that talk that's already out there,” he added.

Long said staff will do the best it can.

“Then council will know what the risks are associated with that kind of legislation,” he said.

© Copyright (c) Canwest News Service

[Vansterdam]

nicely done wonder how van would be if this was in effect

[quasi]

They beat to their own drum on the Island they don't use drumsticks either, does't really surprise me.

[Lomac]

No different than Cannon Beach down in Oregon or the White Rock strip, really. I, for one, enjoy that fact.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[StylinRed]

Think its a good idea



kind of like Maple Ridge.. although that seems to be on the verge of changing now
and the No Wal-Mart rule in many areas which is nice too

[murd0c]

Tofino is a great place and its a good idea they are not letting those big frachises in. all of the coffee shops are locally owned which they should keep it that was since it adds so much character to the town. I booked a cabin a couple months back at crystal cove for nov long. Man I can't wait to go and sit in the hot tub on the deck with the g/f w00t
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[4doorVIP]

I'm glad to see this.

[Great68]

I remember how big of a deal it was when Steveston got its McDonalds... There was a lot of opposition.

[sonick]

lol reminds me of when I went to Harrison during the past summer, I asked the chick at the front desk if there was a coffeeshop like a starbucks nearby, and she scoffs at me like "psh, there's no Starbucks here."

[Qmx323]

http://s3t.tvali.ge/thumbs/df0f82df915da2abce0108700fba7c8d.jpg

you dont decide where a walmart is built...

it builds itself.

[SkinnyPupp]

This is kind of stupid. If people want to go to Starbucks or whatever, they are creating a demand for it. And that demand should be allowed to be accommodated if the businesses want to do so. Fucken hippies.

[sonick]

This is kind of stupid. If people want to go to Starbucks or whatever, they are creating a demand for it. And that demand should be allowed to be accommodated if the businesses want to do so. Fucken hippies.

I don't agree with this, especially for small tourist-driven towns like Harrison and Tofino where a lot of shops are mom & pop owned.

You can easily grab a coffee and a muffin from a mom & pop shop and support their living, but if Starbucks moves in tourists would likely go straight to the Starbucks because they are familiar with it and not even bother with the independent shops that depend on these tourists for a living.

[SkinnyPupp]

I don't agree with this, especially for small tourist-driven towns like Harrison and Tofino where a lot of shops are mom & pop owned.

You can easily grab a coffee and a muffin from a mom & pop shop and support their living, but if Starbucks moves in tourists would likely go straight to the Starbucks because they are familiar with it and not even bother with the independent shops that depend on these tourists for a living.
If you want to go to a mom and pop store for a Costco muffin and coffee, feel free to do so. But you should also have the choice of something else, without some stupid hippies telling you that your tastes are too 'corporate' to have access to them.

[sonick]

If you want to go to a mom and pop store for a Costco muffin and coffee, feel free to do so. But you should also have the choice of something else, without some stupid hippies telling you that your tastes are too 'corporate' to have access to them.

It's not about taste, or hippie elitism towards corporate brands, but rather the sustainability of the town. If they are invaded by the big brands, Tofino in the future would not be the same as Tofino is today.

[SkinnyPupp]

They are banning "the likes of" Starbucks, etc. It is about hippie elitism. If they are "invaded" by the "big brands" it just means that there are enough people going there to sustain such stores. Instead of working for a "mom and pop" store selling expired muffins and old coffee, people will be working in a Starbucks training as a barista, or Tim Hortons, working their way up into management if they desire, etc.

[Hondaracer]

They just don't want to work for corporations tha drug test :p
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[sonick]

They are banning "the likes of" Starbucks, etc. It is about hippie elitism. If they are "invaded" by the "big brands" it just means that there are enough people going there to sustain such stores. Instead of working for a "mom and pop" store selling expired muffins and old coffee, people will be working in a Starbucks training as a barista, or Tim Hortons, working their way up into management if they desire, etc.

Sure they will make a living, but it'll make Tofino look like shit. If I go to Harrison or Tofino I am wanting to GET AWAY from the city and the likes of Starbucks and WalMart.

It may be selfish of me, but I don't want to see old mom and pop in a blue bib working as a fucking greeter at the walmart. I want them to serve me old coffee and make me eggs bacon and hashbrowns in a quaint diner.

[Jsunu]

They are banning "the likes of" Starbucks, etc. It is about hippie elitism. If they are "invaded" by the "big brands" it just means that there are enough people going there to sustain such stores. Instead of working for a "mom and pop" store selling expired muffins and old coffee, people will be working in a Starbucks training as a barista, or Tim Hortons, working their way up into management if they desire, etc.

Why do you keep comparing indepedently owned coffee shops to hippies? I am pretty sure opening and operating your own buisness is the polar opposite of a "hippy"

And why do you associate locally owned stores with shitty coffee and equally shitty food?

Adding a local starbucks will add NOTHING to the local environment and will shut some local shops down, losing the local charm as a result if more and more big brands invade. Once that occurs, tourism can be affected, especially if your small tourist destination is known for its quaint privately owned coffee shops or stores.

[The_AK]

They are banning "the likes of" Starbucks, etc. It is about hippie elitism. If they are "invaded" by the "big brands" it just means that there are enough people going there to sustain such stores. Instead of working for a "mom and pop" store selling expired muffins and old coffee, people will be working in a Starbucks training as a barista, or Tim Hortons, working their way up into management if they desire, etc.

When you go to Tofino im assuming you're trying to get away from everything. Won't feel much like a vacation if you're surrounded by the usual starbucks and mcdonalds. People go to Tofino because it is so quaint: its part of Tofino's brand identity.

Add in all that stuff and you get a Richmond, now who the hell wants to go to Richmond?

edit* not to mention locally owned coffee shops power the people living there. Invasion of franchises will cause them to hand over a % of their profits. I'm sure a good portion of the town is against franchises.

[sonick]

lol @ 'quaint' being used in 3 posts in a row.

[jmvdesign]

They are banning "the likes of" Starbucks, etc. It is about hippie elitism. If they are "invaded" by the "big brands" it just means that there are enough people going there to sustain such stores. Instead of working for a "mom and pop" store selling expired muffins and old coffee, people will be working in a Starbucks training as a barista, or Tim Hortons, working their way up into management if they desire, etc.

LOL who the hell would want to manage a Starbuck's in Tofino? If you've been to Tofino you can clearly see that independently owned 'mom and pops' stores have a better chance of thriving than a corporate branch. It is the 'little town' charm and ambiance that attracts tourism in the first place. People that go to Tofino are the same people who wants to 'get away from the city' and the last thing they would want to see is anything corporate related.

[SkinnyPupp]

Why do you keep comparing indepedently owned coffee shops to hippies? I am pretty sure opening and operating your own buisness is the polar opposite of a "hippy"

And why do you associate locally owned stores with shitty coffee and equally shitty food?

Adding a local starbucks will add NOTHING to the local environment and will shut some local shops down, losing the local charm as a result if more and more big brands invade. Once that occurs, tourism can be affected, especially if your small tourist destination is known for its quaint privately owned coffee shops or stores.
OK maybe some of these stores have good coffee and food. I probably shouldn't have said that. But people do the same thing, calling all Tim Hortons McDonalds, etc "shitty food". It may or it may not be, it's all subjective. That's kind of my pooint I guess.
When you go to Tofino im assuming you're trying to get away from everything. Won't feel much like a vacation if you're surrounded by the usual starbucks and mcdonalds. People go to Tofino because it is so quaint: its part of Tofino's brand identity.

Add in all that stuff and you get a Richmond, now who the hell wants to go to Richmond?

edit* not to mention locally owned coffee shops power the people living there. Invasion of franchises will cause them to hand over a % of their profits. I'm sure a good portion of the town is against franchises.
My point is, if you want to have a Starbucks or a Timbit, you should be allowed to do so without other people preventing it arbitrarily. You might want to "get away from it all" and I might too. But other people might not, and some may want to serve those people and make a profit.
LOL who the hell would want to manage a Starbuck's in Tofino? If you've been to Tofino you can clearly see that independently owned 'mom and pops' stores have a better chance of thriving than a corporate branch. It is the 'little town' charm and ambiance that attracts tourism in the first place. People that go to Tofino are the same people who wants to 'get away from the city' and the last thing they would want to see is anything corporate related.
If the mom and pop stores have a better chance of thriving, then why are they banning the 'corporate' stores? Let the people decide if they want to open a business there, regardless of whether they are a chain or an individual store.

[Mr.HappySilp]

I also disagree with this. Sure is nice to support mom & dad shops. But let's say I want to grab something cheap (McDonalds). A McD meal is like what $6 to $7 while if I go to a local burger place it might cost more. Also, what if a person have a weak stomach and they know eating at those big chains place won't hurt their stomach while those local shops they aren't sure about that.

Also, this is a competive world. If the mom & dad shops can't operate because of some big brand name store is near them, then they should never be in business.

[wouwou]

If I wanted state controlled economy, I would have stayed in China.

[The_AK]

lol @ 'quaint' being used in 3 posts in a row.

lol i started writing when after HondaRacer's post, opened this page in a tab and looked at something else, then came back
OK maybe some of these stores have good coffee and food. I probably shouldn't have said that. But people do the same thing, calling all Tim Hortons McDonalds, etc "shitty food". It may or it may not be, it's all subjective. That's kind of my pooint I guess.

My point is, if you want to have a Starbucks or a Timbit, you should be allowed to do so without other people preventing it arbitrarily. You might want to "get away from it all" and I might too. But other people might not, and some may want to serve those people and make a profit.

If the mom and pop stores have a better chance of thriving, then why are they banning the 'corporate' stores? Let the people decide if they want to open a business there, regardless of whether they are a chain or an individual store.

I wouldn't say that their reasoning is arbitrary. They're trying to preserve the essence of the small town. As for people who Dont want to get away from it all, why would you go to Tofino in the first place? If you're talking about people living their, those people usually move somewhere else.

[sonick]

As for people who Dont want to get away from it all, why would you go to Tofino in the first place? If you're talking about people living their, those people usually move somewhere else.

Good point. There are plenty of vacation spots people who still want their creature comforts can go to (e.g. Whistler), but there are a limited handful of decent places (i.e. somewhat developed) left for those who DO want to 'get away'.

I also disagree with this. Sure is nice to support mom & dad shops. But let's say I want to grab something cheap (McDonalds). A McD meal is like what $6 to $7 while if I go to a local burger place it might cost more. Also, what if a person have a weak stomach and they know eating at those big chains place won't hurt their stomach while those local shops they aren't sure about that.

If you can't afford the food, don't go, or bring your own instant noodles or something. When you go to places like Tofino, you should be fully aware of what is available and factor that in accordingly. It's like going to vegas and complaining that standard cover charge for clubs is too expensive.

[Dan_Guy]

Its up to the people that live there.
If they do ban it, and you're so sad that you have to havewalmarts and starbucks' where you rest just...don't go to Tofino, simple as that. Go to Richmond as The_AK said.

I personally believe that family/privite ran places usually have better quality food than Timi Hoes and McD's, because people care about what people think of them instead of a 14 year old making your food. And the service is usually really friendly

[RollingStone]

I think that's a very good idea.

[Great68]

They just don't want to work for corporations tha drug test :p
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

They drug test Starbucks Baristas???

[godwin]

The town is small, it is up to the people who live there and their elected representative to make the decision. The rest of the world can STFU or GTFO.

Besides Port Alberni isn't that far away.

[wasabisashimi]

When you go to Tofino im assuming you're trying to get away from everything. Won't feel much like a vacation if you're surrounded by the usual starbucks and mcdonalds.

I went to hawaii and there was many many starbucks, McD's, etc. It didn't ruin my Get-away Vacation feel. I still enjoy the beaches, local people and stuff.
I think starbucks or timmy hoes shouldn't matter to local economy too much because if the mom and pop coffee shop brew a great coffee, I would be happy to go and support them. Heck I go to commercial drive for coffee every sunday and never once did I go to Starbucks, or waves coffee. Its about how they run their business to attract customers. Just because you are local coffee shop does not mean you deserve to rights to serve up bad quality food and drinks and still make a living. Oh and this has got nothing to do with hippies or natives

[Mr.HappySilp]

Good point. There are plenty of vacation spots people who still want their creature comforts can go to (e.g. Whistler), but there are a limited handful of decent places (i.e. somewhat developed) left for those who DO want to 'get away'.



If you can't afford the food, don't go, or bring your own instant noodles or something. When you go to places like Tofino, you should be fully aware of what is available and factor that in accordingly. It's like going to vegas and complaining that standard cover charge for clubs is too expensive.

What about the 2nd part about food allgeries? For some people they know they have a weak stomach and going to those big chain places they know they can handle the food there but they can't be 100% sue if they go to a local Mom & Dad place. I know I have a weak stomach and when i travel or to go places I would rather to go a big chain "Mcd, Burger King, Keg.......) riather than a Mom and Dad restaurant becasue I know food at those big chains do no upset my stomach.

[sonick]

What about the 2nd part about food allgeries? For some people they know they have a weak stomach and going to those big chain places they know they can handle the food there but they can't be 100% sue if they go to a local Mom & Dad place. I know I have a weak stomach and when i travel or to go places I would rather to go a big chain "Mcd, Burger King, Keg.......) riather than a Mom and Dad restaurant becasue I know food at those big chains do no upset my stomach.

So an entire town is expected to change for a select few who may have sensitivity to real food? Plus, it's not like Tofino is Mexico where they serve delicious food out of a cart. Do people in Vancouver with food sensitivities only eat at chain restaurants? If so, that's a shame coz there's SOOOO much good food here.

[Mr.HappySilp]

So an entire town is expected to change for a select few who may have sensitivity to real food? Plus, it's not like Tofino is Mexico where they serve delicious food out of a cart. Do people in Vancouver with food sensitivities only eat at chain restaurants? If so, that's a shame coz there's SOOOO much good food here.

Some people just have a weaker stomach than others and do not want ot risk getting sicks and have to stay in the washroom for hours or get sick.

If you know you say you are allgeric to nuts and u know for sure Burger King don't server nuts at all. Would you go eat at Burger king or some local burger place that you have no idea about?

I would chose Burger King to be on the safe side. However, if becasue all the big chains is ban and there is only local shops and you do get sick coz of an allgeric reaction who is to blame then?

Also in roder to bring fair compenation there should be big chains there. Charing $20 for a burger does that sound fair to you?

[q0192837465]

One thing we have to consider is the ability for big corps to lose money. Mom & Pop shop will go bankrupt 20 times over before Starbucks break a sweat. This can lead to unhealthy competition, especially in small towns areas where consumers are limited.

[Presto]

In my experience, people with weak stomachs tend to avoid fast food chains because of all the grease oozing out of all the food. There's usually healthier choices at a restaurant, like grilled chicken or fish. If their stomach is really sensitive then they should be smart and prepare their own food beforehand.

[Great68]

Tofino is far from a "Small Town".

If you want a small town feel, go visit Hudson's Hope BC or something.

[SMDBICH]

nicely done wonder how van would be if this was in effect

I would die of they closed down all the starbucks and mcdicks :cry::cry:

[SMDBICH]

Why do you keep comparing indepedently owned coffee shops to hippies? I am pretty sure opening and operating your own buisness is the polar opposite of a "hippy"

And why do you associate locally owned stores with shitty coffee and equally shitty food?

Adding a local starbucks will add NOTHING to the local environment and will shut some local shops down, losing the local charm as a result if more and more big brands invade. Once that occurs, tourism can be affected, especially if your small tourist destination is known for its quaint privately owned coffee shops or stores.

When did he ever compared independently owned coffee shops to hippies?
He's saying the people in Tofino are hippies for not allowing Starbucks, Timmies or Mcdonald to operate in their town

[Mr.HappySilp]

In my experience, people with weak stomachs tend to avoid fast food chains because of all the grease oozing out of all the food. There's usually healthier choices at a restaurant, like grilled chicken or fish. If their stomach is really sensitive then they should be smart and prepare their own food beforehand.

I dont' know but I have a very very very weak stomach and even some of those fancy restaurant I have issue with. However if I go to McD and order a chicken burger or nuggests I don't have any issues at all. Not sure why though.

So when ever I go travelling I always try to find a McD or Burger King.

[sonick]

^ Man that sucks.

[Jsunu]

When did he ever compared independently owned coffee shops to hippies?
He's saying the people in Tofino are hippies for not allowing Starbucks, Timmies or Mcdonald to operate in their town

When i made comment I assumed he was making the comparsion to the buisnuess owners and the city council individuals who have vested interest in preventing major brands into Tofino. In fact, it is not the populace that is making the move but city councilmen. Perhaps it was a incorrect assumption to make, but to indicate that these are the work of a hippy mindset seems wrong to me imho.

[twitchyzero]

starbucks and mcd i can understand, but c'mon, no timmies? that's not even comparable to walmart or mcdicks. they should let them open a timmies but 2 blocks out of the town square

[fishing666]

yeah the big corporations are too rich and banning of mcdi, timho,starbuk will spread the wealth around!

[Gridlock]

Fort Langley has the same thing in their charter. I think its really important. If I want Timmies, I can go anywhere. We go to these small places for the ambiance of small time life.

Also, and this is huge for these guys right now, the amount of garbage and litter generated by these places is astronomical. Think about your tourist town with mutilated rrrrroll up the win cups everywhere.

[MG1]

Why are we even commenting on what a community, obviously not our own, wants? It's their business, not ours. I've been to Tofino and surrounding communities. Nice places to visit. Natural beauty all around.

People who live there enjoy what they have and want to keep it that way. I'm definitely a "city" person, but I can appreciate what they cherish.

[carisear]

So an entire town is expected to change for a select few who may have sensitivity to real food? Plus, it's not like Tofino is Mexico where they serve delicious food out of a cart. Do people in Vancouver with food sensitivities only eat at chain restaurants? If so, that's a shame coz there's SOOOO much good food here.


why wouldn't an entire town change for a select few? I know there are countless instances where countless number of people have had to change because of 1 person, ie not allowed to bring peanuts to schools, pets in certain places, etc.

anyways reading this thread makes me lol. standard vancouver elitism is overflowing in here.

[sonick]

why wouldn't an entire town change for a select few? I know there are countless instances where countless number of people have had to change because of 1 person, ie not allowed to bring peanuts to schools, pets in certain places, etc.

anyways reading this thread makes me lol. standard vancouver elitism is overflowing in here.

Yeah and it's fucking retarded that kids have to bring peanut free lunches to school. Not even 10 years ago nobody had that problem, yet now every kid is allergic to SOMEthing, it's ridiculous.

[wasabisashimi]

Yeah and it's fucking retarded that kids have to bring peanut free lunches to school. Not even 10 years ago nobody had that problem, yet now every kid is allergic to SOMEthing, it's ridiculous.

human race is going down : 1) too much antibiotics, 2) too much steroids /hormone in produce and meat products. 3) too much pesticides, 4) too much genetic modification on food.

Human body cant keep up,.. you see allergies everywhere. 20 yrs ago, we have never heard of peanut allergy ( every kind of asian cooking has peanuts in it)

we can blame our society for greed of money and fear of disease.

[The_AK]

Why are we even commenting on what a community, obviously not our own, wants? It's their business, not ours. I've been to Tofino and surrounding communities. Nice places to visit. Natural beauty all around.

People who live there enjoy what they have and want to keep it that way. I'm definitely a "city" person, but I can appreciate what they cherish.

Now picture it with big golden arches and a girl with freckles and red hair standing in the horizon ;)