The dream of being able to buy a hot dog from a street vendor on Port Moody’s St. Johns Street may be dead.
Tonight (Tuesday), councillors will consider removing a proposal for staff to develop a policy allowing the operation of mobile food carts in the city from its list of outstanding business items.
The idea was first pitched by former councillor Steve Milani in 2021, who said food carts would bring a “funky vibe” to Port Moody by “providing a fun culinary experience to those who venture out to explore the city.”
Council subsequently put the idea on hold for at least a year out of concern the mobile vendors could increase competition for the city’s established brick and mortar restaurants as they continued to work their way back from disruptions, increased costs and losses they endured because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It’s a cruel slap in the face to our businesses,” said Coun. Diana Dilworth.
Indeed, a staff report to be presented to council said there’s been “very few” requests from food cart operators to to be allowed to do business beyond locations where they’re already permitted in the city like Old Orchard Park and community hall, Westhill Park and the courtyard at the recreation complex.
But, said the report, the idea could be revisited should demand for food carts increase from the business community.
Another initiative from the previous council that could be put on ice is a 2020 proposal the city work with the province to turn the Moody Centre neighbourhood into a designated innovation precinct with a focus on establishing emerging and sustainable businesses in technology and innovation.
The staff report said while there had been some conversations with the province, no substantive action is currently being proposed and the idea could be further developed through the city’s current review of its official community plan.
A 2021 pitch by Coun. Amy Lubik to investigate opportunities to build an accessible public toilet at the Moody Centre and Inlet Centre SkyTrain stations could also be flushed as staff said there’s no money currently available from either the city or TransLink.
