Enderby residents and visitors will soon be able to grab a roadside bite to eat.
Council agreed Monday to allow the Side Wok to operate a mobile vending unit in the Maud Street parking lot until Oct. 1.
“It adds to the ambiance of the community,” said Coun. Brian Schreiner.
Mayor Greg McCune also believes the vendor could be positive.
“He hopes to attract a lot of businesspeople downtown and be something different,” said McCune.
It’s anticipated the food wagon will be open from noon to 10 p.m.
“He will deal with people coming off the river late and still hungry,” said McCune.
However, while council has approved the mobile vendor, city officials say they are aware of potential concerns from existing restaurants that pay taxes and utilities.
“We are just trying it out until Oct. 1,” said Coun. Raquel Knust.
“If it doesn’t work, it’s just for a short time period.”
In 2009, the city permitted a fry truck to operate in Belvidere Park.
“This approval resulted in a number of downtown businesses voicing concerns that the type of use may negatively impact their businesses,” said Kurt Inglis, assistant corporate officer, in a memo.
“Given that the Maud Street parking lot is even closer proximity to the downtown core than Belvidere Park, permitting a mobile vendor in this locaiton may result in similar concerns from the business community.”
While it was suggested by the city that other locations be considered, Brian Broomfield, owner of the Side Wok, prefers Maud Street.
“I have chosen this site as it gives me the highest foot traffic in the city,” said Broomfield.
“Examples include being close to the River Walk, Mabel Lake, bridge fishermen, tubers and tourists.”
Also on Monday, council agreed to resident Nikki Schalin setting up a corn booth for the remainder of August.
Schalin asked for the city hall parking lot, but the city is offering Barnes Park.
After the season is done, the city will review both vendor operations and whether they will be allowed again next year, and what fees would be charged.
“We want to see how it works,” said Knust.