Ward 9 candidate Paul Stopciati was taken aback when he was told that local vendors were not allowed at Downtown Sudbury Ribfest.
The candidate is questioning where is the Sudbury Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) to support and promote local businesses.
"One thing that immediately caught my eye was the lack of local vendors present at the event. When asked I was told local vendors are not allowed," said Stopciati in a news release. "'Wow.' I said to myself. 'That’s crazy'"
Full text of Stopciati's news release can be found below:
I had the opportunity to attend Downtown Sudbury Ribfest over the Labour Day long weekend.
One thing that immediately caught my eye was the lack of local vendors present at the event. When asked I was told local vendors are not allowed.
“Wow,” I said to myself. “That’s crazy"
Where is our BIA ? Aren’t they supposed to be promoting local business?
Rib teams come into our city, purchase all their products outside of town, and the city is left responsible for the cleanup afterwards. When many of the proceeds from the event move on elsewhere, does our city really benefit in the long run?
Ribfest is an important event and an enjoyable part of the summer -- but we should work together so that local vendors and businesses can benefit from this event. Outside vendors should contribute their fair share as our taxpayers do.
This has to change.
Paul Stopciati
Candidate, Ward 9 Councillor
