City of Vernon to roll out new rules for mobile vendors

VERNON – There’s appetite for more mobile vendors in parks and public spaces in Vernon.

That was the message the City of Vernon got during public consultation for its City Neighbourhood Plan and Parks Master Plan.

“Mobile vending animates public spaces, can provide natural surveillance that make public spaces safer, and can assist in lengthening the stay of people in outdoor spaces,” Cleo Corbett, the city’s Long Range Planner, says in a media release.

The city has a few mobile food vendors already, but the city believes some policy updates are needed to refine the current licensing and permitting structure. 

“The city’s existing mobile vending framework has evolved over time, responding to demand from mobile vendors and reacting to the business community’s interest and concerns,” states the release.

Specifically, updates will address business licensing, permitted locations, the application process, associated fees and quality control. 

While mobile vending can provide services in neighbourhoods and parks without large capital investment or permanent structures, there are also concerns, according to the city.

“Mobile vending concerns also include garbage, noise, smells and aesthetic appearance of food carts and trucks and the associated tents and signage,” Corbett says.

The amendments are expected to be presented to council in the fall and be ready for the 2018 season.

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