Variety of street foods may grow
Vancouver expected to launch expanded-menu pilot program as early as July

By Lena Sin, The Province 
May 28, 2010

VANCOUVER — You've heard about it for years: the street-food trend that's inspired exuberant devotion in cities across the U.S.

Vancouverites have long read about the hungry mobs gathered outside gourmet food trucks serving sublime tacos and inventive Vietnamese subs. Even Toronto got in on the act last year with an expanded street-food program — and yet Vancouver could only sit and watch enviously.

But the tide is finally turning and the city is expected to launch a pilot program as early as July that would expand the menu of street offerings.

"There's a pent-up demand. People are just waiting for us to say yes, so we'll pilot some this summer and I think you'll see an explosion after that," said Coun. Heather Deal.

Grant Woff, acting manager of street administration, says the city is now looking to identify about 14 locations that could accommodate larger food carts or trucks that are capable of offering more elaborate fare, including ethnic foods to reflect the city's diversity.

Vancouver has 60 locations for cart-based vendors, but city regulations limit the size of the cart so as not to crowd out the sidewalk.

"There are no kitchens in the existing carts and that doesn't allow for any sophisticated cooking," said Woff.

The city website states street foods approved for sale are limited to just hotdogs, chestnuts, popcorn, pretzels, coffee, yogurts and whole fruits and vegetables — but it turns out there is no bylaw that itemizes the types of food for sale as widely reported.

Rather, there are archaic guidelines in place that have been very strictly interpreted, said Deal.

City hall is now prepared to loosen its interpretation and an expansion of street offerings doesn't require an amendment to any existing bylaws.

Vendors will be required to submit a food safety plan before the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority will issue a food permit.

Bruno Dehier and Paola Francescutto, the couple behind La Boheme Creperie food caravan that sells crepes at various farmer's markets in Vancouver, welcomed the news.

"I think it's a great idea. I mean, I've been to Portland years ago and saw what was going on there and that was really impressive," says Francescutto.

The couple weren't sure if they'd apply to be part of the pilot program.

However, both said they hope this paves the way for the Vancouver parks board to allow a greater variety of food in its public parks and beaches, citing English Bay as a perfect place to offer inventive street foods.

lsin@theprovince.com

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