‘People love food trucks’: North Vancouver program looking to expand mobile eating options

North Vancouver residents will soon start to see more food trucks popping up around the city.

The new Mobile Food Services Policy pilot project is looking to answer food demand and locate places where food options are limited.

“People love food trucks,” said North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan. “Over the past 20 years the demand for mobile food services has risen sharply, and our policies haven’t kept pace. That’s why the city is moving forward with a pilot program that will create new economic opportunities as well as new lunch options for hungry people. This pilot will add vibrancy to the community and create new ways to socialize and connect with neighbours.”

In a statement the city listed the following things they wished to accomplish through the program:

• A streamlined and simplified application process;
• More designated locations for food trucks and carts;
• A rolling intake of applications following the initial allocations;
• An allocation process that is separate from business licensing;
• Opportunities for food trucks and carts at events on private property through Special Event Permits; and
• Fees that both level the playing field with bricks-and-mortar businesses but remain reasonable for short-term operations.

The pilot program will allow food trucks and carts to operate at 16 set locations throughout North Vancouver.

Any operator with a valid City of North Vancouver business licence can apply with the first application deadline set at for May 30, and will be informed on the approval by June 6.

Additional applications will be accepted after June 15.

Information can be found at cnv.org/foodtrucks.

The program is planned to continue until October 30, 2022.