The prices offered by outside auction companies may look attractive to consumers, but the North Perth Chamber of Commerce says it may bring a higher cost than expected.
NPCC general manager Tami Chauvin recently approached North Perth council regarding the rise of traveling companies moving into the municipality and taking business away from local retailers. By supporting outside auctions, Chauvin said, it discourages locally-owned businesses that pay taxes for municipal services and support programs like minor sports and arts.
“Everyone likes to get a deal, but there are deals to be had from the businesses in North Perth,” she said. “We’re really fortunate in North Perth to have businesses that do give back to the community.”
In discussion with clerk Pat Berfelz, Chauvin said the municipality is doing all it can by enforcing a $350 per day hawkers and pedlars bylaw fee, but questioned if there was more that could be done to limit these companies from moving into the area.
“We’d like to make it as difficult as possible for these fly-by-night companies to come in,” she said.
North Perth is governed through the Ontario Municipal Act, said CAO Kris Snell, and that staff have researched the issue previously in hopes of finding other means of limiting outside companies. Council gave direction for staff to write to the appropriate ministry and request local control over outside auctions.