With the popularity of food trucks on the rise, Qualicum Beach recently issued its annual request for proposals for mobile vending.
Director of Planning Luke Sales said the town decided years ago to do one intake per year, putting out the call and presenting council with all the responses at the same time.
He said they have received three to five proposals a year in recent years and council has chosen to approve one or two.
The process is for any type of mobile vending, or selling on an ongoing basis on public property, from a vehicle or movable display.
He said this is different from special events, with many vendors at things like the annual Show ‘n Shine, Fire and Ice and farmer’s markets, and also separate from things like a store or restaurant setting up temporary outdoor sales or tables.
He said the town asks for further details from potential food vendors after one stirred controversy with a lot of smoke on the beach two summers ago.
The idea of more food vending on the beach is also part of the ongoing Waterfront Master Plan discussions, Sales said.
Responding to the call for more food options in Community Park, the City of Parksville built two permanent, serviced pads last summer. The Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce manages the rotation of the food trucks.
