The Greater Dufferin Area Chamber of Commerce is upset with Orangeville's Short Term Sales bylaw, which it thinks makes it easy for out-of-town businesses to come in town and take business away from local establishments.

Peter Quinlan, president of the chamber, stated the bylaw should be amended to include a clause that would require vendors to provide a minimum of 30 days' notice of their intention to apply for a licence, which should be circulated to council and businesses that would be affected by it.

The most recent incident of concern to the chamber occurred on the weekend of May 26.

In a letter to council, Mr. Quinlan said Hydropool set up in the north east corner of the Orangeville Mall parking lot for a hot tub truckload sale after obtaining a licence and portable sign permits.

"Why was this firm in town?" he asked in the letter. "Other than to possibly take people's hardearned money and then leave town with little or no chance for followup service, something that our local suppliers provide on a daily basis."

"This sale had an adverse effect on two of our local chamber members, Arctic Spas and Solar Swim, both of whom pay taxes to the Town of Orangeville."

Mr. Quinlan goes on to say in the letter that over the past 18 months Artic Spas have donated more than $40,000 to local charities including Headwaters Health Care Centre.

"Why would they continue to do this, if our community makes it so easy for competitive nonresident businesses to come into the community sell their wares or services and then leave town, never to be heard of again until their next visit," he asked.

He also stated that when building a business community it's important to have business members involved in decisions that would affect their business and elected officials, which would ensure the business community is developed and maintained for the betterment of the community.

Deputy Mayor Jim MacGregor noted a similar problem occurred on Mother's Day with out-oftown flower shops setting up on street corners. "I don't know if we can prevent it, but maybe we can control it."

Councillor Rob Strang said it could be in the public's best interest if licence applications were treated on a case-by-case basis.

However, Clerk Cheryl Johns informed council that staff cannot reject a licence based just on the location of the company.

She also stated it would be difficult to notify all businesses as the Town does not have a registry, and therefore no knowledge of all the businesses in town.

Mr. Quinlan said the Chamber could help with that, as they have a list of members and non-members.

Mayor Drew Brown was unsure of council's ability to do something about the issue.

"Could we work with the Chamber on this, if they want to exclude people from doing business in the community?"

Councillor Gail Campbell said council should look into the issue and see what they could do that is within the law and also obtain a legal opinion. She added that if there was any way to look after the business community, council would like to act.

A report will be coming back to council.