Food trucks remain off the menu in Okotoks

Spring is finally in the air andfood trucks are getting ready to hit the streets, justnot in Okotoks, Alta.

The town south of Calgary justvoted not to changeits long-standingmobile vending bylaw,which keepsfood trucks off the town's streets.

The trucks can only operate in Okotoks if they are invited to be part of special events, which truck operators say is an unnecessary restriction.

"Council has decided to leave the rules that are in place at this time. We're undergoing an overall economic development strategy review for the town and council has decided to leave the rules the same," said OkotoksMayor Bill Robertson.

"Food trucks can create a sense of place, a more festive atmosphere but one of the main issues is competition with the brick-and-mortar restaurants," said Robertson, who says it's already been a tough slog for some businesses during the extended downturn.

But food truck owners say Okotoksneeds to catch up with other towns,like High River, Cochraneand Strathmore.

"In other towns you just basically buy a licence, there's some minor restrictions as to when and where you can set up, but it's pretty straightforward," saidJim Charbonneau, who owns Okotoks'only food truck, Il Forno Vagabondo, which spends most of its time out in neighbouring towns and in Calgary serving customers wood-fired pizza.

"I don't really know why Okotokshas chosen the path they have," added Charbonneau. "We just have to wait for invites, other than that we just take our wares to other places," he said.

Charbonneausays High River, just down the road, is a good example of how it could work.

"There I pay for a permit, they show us areas we're allowed to setup. It works and I'd love to see something like here so you're not always chasing around other places for work," said Charbonneau.

"I think Okotoks is missing out badly and it's a shame,but if the people of Okotokswant it they just need to let council know that, that they would like to see a vibrant food truck industry here," he said.

Charbonneausays he doesn't see his business as a threat to brick-and-mortar restaurants and other towns and cities that have welcomed the trucksshow the two can work hand in hand.

Robertson wouldn't speculate on the future and if andwhen the town might take another look at its bylaw, but refused to rule out a change.

"I wouldn't close the door for the future," said Robertson. "I won't say a year from now, but at this time we're not going to change the rules."

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