Outdoor food kiosks, like the ones in Cook Street Village of late, add life to a neighbourhood. They provide more than just a quick spot to buy something to eat or drink -- they bring hustle and bustle, noise, enchanting scents and people. They can transform a quiet corner into something vibrant and filled with life.

That's not for everyone. Some people prefer quiet streets. The challenge is in finding a balance that answers the needs and desires of as many people as possible.

That's not how it is playing out on Cook Street. Victoria city staff members are recommending that a development permit be denied the owner of the property where outdoor kiosks have been operating for a few months.

The kiosks have proven popular, and that's a problem. They bring the potential for noise and odour complaints.

That's a problem for the city. If the kiosks are doing brisk business, then it is clear that they have the support of the community -- and surely the wishes of the people should have an influence in the decisions made by council.

But that popularity might cause concerns among neighbours, who also have rights. They should be able to get city help if they feel their rights are being violated.

Mayor Dean Fortin has muddied the waters with his comment that kiosk operators might be welcome late at night next to downtown taxi zones. Cook Street is not downtown and the kiosks in the village do not operate late at night.

Council needs to find a compromise, one that will let the kiosks stay, but with restrictions on the hours they can operate.

Open-air eateries are successful around the world; there is no reason why Cook Street Village needs to be an exception.