At least for now, Parksville has no plans to add more food trucks to Parksville Community Park.
According to a news release from the City of Parksville, the Parksville and District Chamber of Commerce on April 30 requested an amendment to its business permit agreement to allow additional daily food trucks to be located in the new gathering plaza at Parksville Community Park during the summer months.
At its meeting on May 22, the council decided to maintain the terms of the current agreement.
“Many year-round businesses in the downtown core offer dine-in service and some also offer takeaway picnic meals,” the statement said. “Allowing additional food trucks at Parksville Community Park could have a negative impact on restaurants, cafes and food retailers and Council felt there was insufficient time to consult with local residents about the potential impacts of changing the licensing conditions.”
For the past eight years, Parksville City Council has worked with the Parksville Chamber of Commerce to provide food truck service from an existing car park near Splash Park, which allows up to three trucks to operate daily from May through to September.
The actual number of food trucks will vary depending on the size of the trucks and will be regulated by the Parksville Chamber of Commerce, which holds the licenses, according to a news release.
City officials said the newly opened Assembly Square will not be a commercial space, but food trucks may be allowed in the area during special events.
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The assembly plaza will have electricity and water hookups, allowing trucks to run in the area without the need for generators.
“The city has invested significant time and resources to create a beautiful, peaceful space for all to enjoy,” the statement said.
The council wants to see people using the area organically this summer, meeting up with friends to spend time together, bringing picnic meals and snacks to share, or simply relaxing and enjoying the water views.
“Council received feedback from local residents that adding another food truck operating daily at this location may make people feel uneasy about bringing their own treats and occupying seating, and that seating could be considered for 'paying customers' of the food truck,” the release said.
In the fall, city staff will release a survey, giving the community an opportunity to share how they enjoyed the new gathering plaza this summer and offer suggestions for future consideration by City Council.
— News Staff
