MATTAWA, Ont. — By way of an official resolution, politicians with the Town of Mattawa are helping a local business institution whose owners found themselves in a tight spot. Unofficially, they have also confirmed — just like many residents and visitors to the town where the two rivers meet — they, too, cannot resist a piping hot Turcotte's Chip Stand poutine.
After 76 years in business on Main Street in Mattawa, the owners of Turcotte's discovered last month their downtown operation no longer met the fire code, necessitating a search for a new chip stand. The multi-generational family business, now operated by Dan and Tamra and their son Dali, received an outpouring of support from their tight-knit Mattawa chip stand family.
See original story: Displaced chip stand owners determined to save business — thank 'amazing' supporters
The fire code violations were mostly the result of the small space in which Turcotte's operated and the lack of overhead space to install the required suppression system. It was clear the Turcottes would need to purchase another chip stand but they were concerned about straying too far from the original location known by locals and vehicles full of people who zipped off the highway to have a bite.
Enter Mayor Dean Backer and Town Council who pledged within days of the crisis the Town of Mattawa would do whatever it could within its municipal powers to lend a hand. The owners expressed their gratitude for the Town's support.
The Turcottes found themselves a bright yellow chip stand, and true to its word, the Town of Mattawa passed the resolution authorizing Turcotte’s Chip Stand to "temporarily operate a refreshment vehicle on municipal property," at a location off Main street on Bangs Street across three parking spaces. The Turcottes may use the municipal space until October 31. The resolution also includes a list of conditions that must all be met for the arrangement to go forward.
For the full Town of Mattawa resolution, click here.
As they have throughout the ordeal, the Turcottes have kept their supporters updated through social media, promising opening day is near.
"Hello Mattawa!!!!! Look what just landed on the corner of Main & Bangs Street. We are soooooo excited and this means we are getting so, so close to being up and running!!! Now all we have to do is get our last few inspections done and finalize all of those last minute details, fingers crossed this will happen over this next week."
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