The uncertainty of London's food truck pilot project may be a deterrent for potential business owners.
A report coming to the Community and Protective Services Committee says the longevity of the trial run could be a red flag for someone looking to invest the capital funding to get a food truck rolling.
"'Pilot Project' label: Few entrepreneurs wanted to make such a large investment into a vehicle opportunity that may not exist beyond a year," notes the report.
In February, council approved a pilot project that would come up for review at the end of the summer.
A total of eight licences were up for grabs, with operators being under strict rules to stay 100m from schools when classes are in session and 25 metres from restaurants and special events. A food truck licence costs $1,225.
Since the pilot project launched, five applications have been received, three have been approved while two are pending due to vehicle issues at the time of inspection.
City officials have been consulting with food truck operators and patrons as the pilot project winds down.
"The uncertainty of availability of a licence kept some from submitting an application. It was suggested that the maximum cap of eight licenses be removed" reads the report.
Thefindings of the consultations will be presented to the committee at Tuesday's morning. The recommendation is to have a further public participation meeting to discuss further bylaw amendments when it comes to food trucks.
