By Roy Wood, Special to the Times Chronicle 

Food trucks and other street vendors in Osoyoos will face a first-come-first-served system as they vie for the best locations next summer, under an updated policy approved by a council committee this week.

The updated Mobile Vendor Selection and Approval Policy, which was developed based heavily on a public consultation process, also sets out nine town-owned sites that are available for sellers to set up shop during the summer season.

The sites from which vendors may select include:

  • The 85th Street Plaza adjacent to the Bank of Montreal
  • Cottonwood Beach near The Sage Pub;
  • Goodman Park along Lakeshore Drive;
  • Gyro Beach near the band shell;
  • Gyro Beach along the promenade;
  • Legion Beach, Safari Beach and the splash park;
  • Lions Park;
  • Pioneer Parkway parking lot by the bridge; and
  • The West Bench Complex near the ball diamonds and dog park.

Town administration began a public input process in March, contacting local businesses directly and others through postings on the town website and eNews service. Some 341 responses were received, including 314 from residents and the rest from visitors.

According to a report to Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting from contract planner Chris Garrish, the public is very supportive of food trucks.

“Results indicate strong overall support for mobile vendors, with a majority endorsing specific high-traffic public locations as appropriate sites; 316 responses indicating support for mobile vendors … versus 24 expressing opposition,” Garrish wrote.

The locations that found their way into the final list in the policy closely reflect the preferences expressed in the public input.

During discussion, Councillor Johnny Cheong asked Garrish if the policy is only for food trucks. Garrish said the definition of mobile vendor can include purveyors of food, clothes, sports equipment or “anything under the sun.”

Council agreed with the administration that a first-come-first-served system of site assessment is preferable to a lottery system.

Vendors wishing to apply for a site will need to submit a “Licence to Use” application to the town between January 1 and March1. The application would include the applicant’s top three choices from among the pre-identified sites.

If more than one vendor selects the same location, the one who submitted earliest would be considered first. Where none of the three choices are available, the applicant may choose another site that is still open.

Town staff will continue to have the final say and which applicants are approved to operate where. “Siting determinations are at the sole discretion of the Town,” the policy says.

Among the issues staff will consider is making sure that a mobile vendor is not located near an existing restaurant with a similar menu.

The licence to use agreements are good for two years and do not automatically renew. Cost is $1,000 per season, plus the $150 business licence fee. Vendors who need to use town electricity will be billed based on the on-site meters.

The updated policy does not apply to special events, like Canada Day celebrations or music festivals. Mobile vendors wishing to operate there need to get a special event permit from the town.

A selection of comments from the public consultation:

“I believe that it is important for our community to support the food service businesses owned and operated by local citizens. … a food truck business operating in Osoyoos should also be owned and operated by residents.”

“Food trucks should not be in proximity to other (similar) brick-and-mortar businesses. The year is long, and the short summer season creates an unfair advantage for pop-up shops. … A 500-m separation bubble should occur.”

“Overall, food trucks contribute to the vibrancy and economic health of communities, enhancing the local culture and providing diverse food options while promoting social interactions and community engagement.”