Operating a food truck SANDBOX

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

• 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 the requirements related to noise under the Community Standards Bylaw. 
• Operate between 7 a.m. and 3 a.m. 
• Comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and safety standards. 
• Offer food and beverages only. The sale of alcohol, cannabis, or other controlled substances are not permitted. 
• Keep physical copies of your Vendor Approval Letter, Business Licence, and AHS Food Handling Permit in the unit at all times. 

We want vending spaces to be welcoming for everyone. Vendors are expected to: 

• Be courteous to customers, staff, and the public. 
• Create a positive environment free from offensive or intimidating behavior. 
• Ensure employees follow all rules. 
• Keep vending units clean, safe, and presentable.
• Operate vehicles and equipment safely. 

The RMWB is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged property. 

• One vending unit (7,000 kg or less) may be stored on a residential property, and it must weigh 7,000 kg or less. 
• Larger units must be stored in commercial or industrial properties with written permission. 
• Street‑parked vehicles under 7,000 kg must follow the Roads & Transportation Bylaw. 
• Food preparation must take place inside the unit, unless you have a Development Permit allows otherwise. 
• Portable signage must follow Sign Bylaw 24‑002. 

You're welcome to operate on private property when: 

• You are an approved vendor. 
• The property is zoned for non‑residential use. 
• You have the property owner's permission. 
• You carry at least $2 million Commercial General Liability insurance. 
• You follow any site‑specific rules set by the property owner. 

To operate on municipal land or streets, vendors must: 

• Carry at least $2 million Commercial General Liability insurance. 
• List the RMWB as an additional insured. 
• Include a 30‑day policy for cancellation or changes. 
• Keep all federal, provincial, and municipal permits current. 

To keep public spaces safe and accessible, please follow the below guidelines:

• Units must be removed from municipal land and streets between 3 a.m. and 7 a.m. 
• Locations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. 
• Units must remain attached to their tow/support vehicles. 
• Maintain cleanliness within at least a 6‑meter radius of your unit. 
• Help keep public spaces accessible by ensuring your unit does not block pedestrians, traffic, or accessibility features. 
• Maintain at least 2 meters of unobstructed sidewalk space. 
• Service windows must face the sidewalk. 
• Serve customers safely from the sidewalk or designated service area to keep traffic moving and everyone safe. 
• No selling to customers inside vehicles.
• Create a welcome atmosphere by keeping sound levels low and avoiding amplified noise.
• Keep your setup streamlined and mobile by operating directly from your unit without additional outdoor storage, tents, tables, or furniture.
• Vendors must provide their own power and water. 
• Generators must be placed at least 1.5 meters away from the unit and are not permitted on municipal streets. 
• Ensure washroom access is always made available for staff, as public washrooms may not be available in all parks or vending locations.  
• For safety or operational reasons, vendors may occasionally be asked to relocated by the RMWB.

To reduce congestion and support existing land uses, food vending is not permitted in certain locations, including: 

• Within 40m of a brick‑and‑mortar food establishment. 
• 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 neighbourhood 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)