Some Calgary inner-city communities soured on food trucks

CALGARY – While Calgary’s new food trucks arrived with much fanfare last week not everyone is rolling out the welcome mat.

Some so-called no-roll zones are preventing the trucks from setting up shop including in the busy 17th Avenue district.

The Uptown Seventeenth Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) issued a statement Tuesday afternoon.

It’s ruled against the trucks due to increased competition and parking concerns.

The trucks are also not allowed to stop in Kensington, parts of Inglewood and Stephen Avenue walk. 

The BRZs are members of the food truck pilot project committee along with the vendors, Alberta Health Services, various City departments and the Mayor’s Office.

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It was decided prior to the food trucks launch that some areas may not be appropriate for the trucks, including residential areas, areas with narrow sidewalks and locations with high concentrations of restaurants.

James Boettcher with YYC Food Trucks says they will respect their decision.

“They sort of govern the areas they’re in charge of and we respect that. We don’t want any animosity or any hard feelings when it comes to what we’re doing we’re very community oriented.

James also says they know Calgary is a big place and there are plenty of locations they can set up. However, he hopes some areas will eventually change their minds so the food trucks can help build a bigger sense of community.

A statement issued by the Mayor’s Office on Wednesday morning explains the no-roll zones exist for a number of reasons.

“Some of the no-roll zones exist simply because some of the BRZs have not had the opportunity to consult with their boards and members. Other zones are at the specific request of the BRZ. Of course, as this is a pilot project, the guidelines are evolving.”

The location of the trucks can be found on the projects website, www.yycfoodtrucks.com.

They can also be found on twitter @yycfoodtrucks.