What is a food vending permit?
A food vending permit lets you sell food or drinks to the public from a cart, trailer, or other mobile unit in the Downtown Business Improvement Area. The permit covers stationary setups and mobile vending along Mercer Street, Market Square, and the surrounding downtown blocks. This programme helps keep our streets safe, clean, and busy for shoppers and visitors.
Who needs a permit?
You need a permit if you plan to operate a food or beverage vending unit in the downtown core. This includes food trucks, coffee carts, fruit stands, and mobile snack vendors. You must also have a current City of Wrenford business licence before your vending permit is approved. If you sell items that require health checks, you will need extra approvals from Tamsin Valley Public Health.
How to apply
Apply online through the Wrenford Business Portal or visit the Business Licensing office at City Hall. You will need to submit your application, pay the fees, and attach the required documents. Applications are processed within ten business days. If your application is incomplete, we will contact you to request the missing information. Do not start vending until you receive your approved permit.
Requirements
Before your permit is issued, you must provide the following:
- A valid City of Wrenford business licence
- A signed location agreement for your chosen vending spot
- A completed waste management plan showing how you will collect and dispose of all trash, grease, and used cooking oil
- A certificate of insurance with at least $2,000,000 in public liability and property damage coverage, naming the City of Wrenford as an additional insured
- A recent photo of your vending unit and a simple site plan of your setup
Fees
There is a one-time application fee and an annual permit fee. All fees are listed in the Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151. Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person at City Hall.
- Application fee: $45.00
- Annual permit fee: $150.00
Rules and conditions
Permit holders must follow these rules to keep downtown safe and clean:
- Display your permit visibly on your vending unit at all times
- Operate only during permitted hours: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday
- Keep your immediate area free of litter, food waste, and grease
- Do not block sidewalks, fire hydrants, or transit stops
- Cooperate with City by-law officers and the Wrenford Police Service if asked
- Remove your unit completely when not operating
If you break the rules, your permit can be suspended or cancelled. The City is not responsible for lost sales or equipment damage.
Contact
For questions about the permit process, location availability, or insurance requirements, contact the Downtown Wrenford Business Improvement Association or the Business Licensing office. You can visit the Service Wrenford counter at City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1, or call 519-555-0100.