Mobile vendors who want to set up in the District of Sechelt this summer will have to get their proposal in to the District by May 27.
A change in procedure saw the District issue a request for proposals on May 3 for vendors wanting to use the Davis Bay seawall and Rotary Friendship Park mobile vendor pads this year.
Previously, the District accepted applications for the sites, and if more than one person applied for the same pad, the decision was made by a draw.
"Sechelt reviewed our procedures related to mobile vending on both public and private properties earlier in 2011," said Mayor Darren Inkster. "Based on input from the public, council approved a request for proposals process for the two public sites. This means businesses are invited to develop a business plan, including a price they are willing to pay to locate their vending service on the public site, and present that to the District. This is a more business-centred approach to managing vending operations on public land. We are eager to see mobile vending at the two sites starting in June."
The issue of mobile vending in the District has been a contentious one this year, with vendors crying foul over the District's former process and the inability to operate on privately-owned commercial properties. Restaurant owners also raised concerns around the inequity in costs for mobile vendors compared to fixed food providers who pay much more in taxes and fees to the District to operate year round.
The debate sparked a review of the process, which resulted in the current RFP process. It also caused some proposed changes to be made to the District's zoning bylaw for mobile vendors on private commercial properties. Those changes would allow mobile vending on privately-owned, commercial properties over a half-acre in size if the vendor has access to parking and washrooms and a proper business licence.
The public is invited to comment on the proposed changes at an upcoming public hearing on the subject May 17 at 7 p.m. in the community meeting room at the District of Sechelt.
A full copy of the amended bylaw (No. 25-242) is available on the District's website at www.sechelt.ca.
"Mobile food vending is a matter that nearly every city in North America is dealing with. The street-food trend is growing in popularity. Having vibrant public areas with a range of both restaurant and non-restaurant food options available can make these areas more attractive to visit for tourists and local residents, and this is something that council would like to promote in Sechelt," Inkster said.
