Operating a food truck

To operate as a food vendor in the RMWB, you must: 

• Submit your completed Food Truck & Street Vending application online.
• Receive an annual Vendor Approval Letter before starting operations. 
• Hold a valid RMWB business licence. 
• Obtain required Safety Codes permits for gas and electrical systems. 
• Obtain a Fire Safety Permit (if working on restaurant exhaust systems). 
• Ensure your food vending unit is fully licensed and insured. 
• Follow noise rules under the Community Standards Bylaw. 
• Operate between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. 
• Follow all laws, regulations, and safety requirements. 
• Not sell alcohol, cannabis, or other controlled substances. 
• Keep physical copies of your Vendor Approval Letter, Business Licence, and AHS Food Handling Permit in the unit at all times. 

Vendors must: 

• Be courteous to customers, staff, and the public. 
• Avoid offensive or intimidating behavior. 
• Ensure employees follow all rules. 
• Never operate under the influence of drugs or alcohol. 
• Keep vending units clean, safe, and presentable. 
• Operate vehicles and equipment safely. 
• Note that RMWB is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. 

• Only one vending unit may be stored on a residential property, and it must weigh 7,000 kg or less. 
• Units over 7,000 kg must be parked in commercial or industrial areas with written permission. 
• Street‑parked vehicles under 7,000 kg must follow the Roads & Transportation Bylaw. 
• Food must be prepared inside the unit, unless you have a Development Permit permitting outdoor prep. 
• Any portable signage must follow Sign Bylaw 24‑002. 

You may operate on private property if: 

• You are an approved vendor. 
• The property is non‑residential. 
• The property owner has given permission. 
• You have $2 million Commercial General Liability insurance. 
• You follow any site‑specific rules set by the property owner. 

• Vendors must hold: 
  • At least $2 million Commercial General Liability insurance. 
  • Insurance must list the RMWB as an additional insured. 
  • Coverage must include a 30‑day cancellation/change notice. 
  • All required federal, provincial, and municipal permits must be current. 
• Units must be removed from municipal land and streets between 3:00 AM and 7:00 AM. 
• Locations are first come, first served. 
• Units must remain attached to their tow/support vehicles. 
• Vendors must maintain cleanliness within at least a 6‑meter radius. 
• Outdoor storage, tents, tables, or added furniture are not allowed. 
• Units must not block pedestrians, traffic, or accessibility features. 
• Maintain at least 2 meters of unobstructed sidewalk space. 
• Service windows must face the sidewalk, not the street. 
• No selling to customers inside vehicles. 
• No shouting, loud music, or amplified sound. 
• Units must provide their own power and water. 
• Generators must be 1.5 meters away from the unit and cannot be used on municipal streets. 
• Vendors must provide washroom access for staff. 
• Vendors may be asked to move at any time for safety or operational reasons. 
• Trailers must stay attached to tow vehicles—no unhooked trailers allowed. 

Food vending is not allowed: 

• Within 40m of a brick‑and‑mortar food establishment. 
• In municipal recreation centre parking lots (unless permitted in writing). 
• Within two city blocks of a special event or farmers market (unless approved to participate). 
• Within one city block of municipal operations (unless approved). 
• Near provincial/federal buildings without permission. 
• In residential areas unless the unit is continuously roaming (e.g., ice cream truck), or is part of a permitted neighborhood event. 
• Within:  
  • 5m of driveways or vehicle crossings. 
  • 400m of schools (unless invited and approved by the school board) 
  • 5m of bus stops, crosswalks, intersections, hydrants, or emergency routes 
  • No Parking/No Stopping/Loading/Tow‑Away/Accessible parking zones 
  • In provincial parks, protected areas, or the Transportation Utility Corridor. 

Vendors must: 

• Have a Waste Management Plan. 
• Properly dispose of fats, oils, grease, grey‑water, and waste. 
• Keep surrounding areas clean (minimum 6m radius). 
• Maintain any external waste bins (no obstruction allowed). 
• Remove all waste from site after operations. 

Sidewalks are active sites for residents and visitors to walk, run, bike, and more. 

Sidewalk vending is allowed only for: 

• Non‑motorized carts (bicycles, push carts, small trailer‑style units). 
• Units under 2.5m long and 1.5m high. 
• Units on hard surfaces with at least 2m pedestrian clearance. 
• Locations at least 40m from brick‑and‑mortar restaurants. 
• No placement on grass, boulevards, or landscaped areas. 

• First come, first served in municipal parks. 
• No exclusive rights to any park location. 
• Motorized units generally cannot park on grass unless part of an approved event. 
• In parking lots, vendors cannot block vehicle movement. 
• Non‑motorized carts may operate on sidewalks/pathways but:  
• Must stay 10m away from playgrounds, sports fields, and amenities. 
• Must not block pathways. 
• Must not drive carts over turf. 

Vendors are not required to obtain a vendor approval letter if they only vend at special events.  

• Vendors must coordinate directly with event organizers. 
• Participation is subject to event‑specific approvals, locations, and rules. 

The RMWB may inspect units at any time. Violations may result in: 

• Warnings 
• Fines 
• Immediate shutdown or relocation 
• Revocation of Vendor Approval (for repeated or serious violations)