Why Are There Not More Food Trucks?

Posted on appraisalsPosted in Liberty Village
  1. Why Are There Not More Food Trucks?
Some Torontonians are wondering why they don’t see enough, or as frequently as they might like to be frank; the amount of local food trucks. Now you may ask why?!  Why would a city of more than three million not having food trucks in abundant amounts in the downtown core? Especially, since sources like ‘blog to’ calls it “a gentrification of street food.” The next few linguistics and procedures to obtain a food truck with the city’s strict bylaws and guidelines may halt anyone thinking that this might be the next goldmine for the food industry downtown.
  • Food trucks can operate in the City of Toronto on: public roads (with a mobile vending permit); private property and commercial parking lots with the permission of the owner in areas which are zoned to allow Food Truck use; and, Green P parking lots if a Green P permit is obtained.
  • Operate 30 linear metres from an open and operating restaurant. This does not include food courts or entrances to buildings containing food courts.
    Operate with no more than two food trucks per block.
  • Operate for a maximum of five hours at any one time.
What do I need to do to be able to operate?
  • Obtain a Motorized Refreshment Vehicle Owner Licence.
  • Obtain a Mobile Food Vending Permit.
Who can apply
Individuals, partnerships or corporations.
How to apply
Applicants can apply in person at the Licence & Permit Issuing Office at East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell, 3rd floor.
Partnerships and corporations (not applicable to individuals)
Applicants must provide a business address, as well as other documents depending on the business.  Documents may include articles of incorporation, corporate profiles, franchise agreements, partnership agreements and provincial name registration.
Application fee
$1146.85 for a Motorized Refreshment Vehicle Licence. If applying for a Mobile Vending Permit, please see next section for fees.
Identification
Two pieces of government-issued identification, including:
  1. proof of work status, such as a Canadian Passport or Citizenship Card, Permanent Resident Card, Work Permit, Canadian Birth Certificate; and
  2. A valid photo ID such as a Driver’s Licence, Photo Identification Card, Canadian Passport.
Note that Health Cards are not accepted.
Criminal reference checks 
Applicants must provide a criminal reference check issued by a Canadian Police Service within 280 days prior to the application.  Learn more here.
Insurance
Proof of at least $1,000,000 of comprehensive insurance against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury to or death of one or more persons, or from loss of or damage to property resulting from any one accident.
  • Original completed forms that are signed and stamped by the insurer; or
  • Faxes and emails (of completed forms that are signed and stamped by the insurer) directly from the insurer.
Public Health Inspection
Food handler’s certificate
Photo and sketch of vehicle
Photo of the owner
Product list
Propane tank Field Approval and contractor inspection
Vehicle ownership
Safety inspection
Vehicle inspection
Permit fee
  • Six-month permit: $2664.19 (excludes HST)
  • Nine-month permit: $3996.29 (excludes HST)
  • One-year permit: $5328.38 (excludes HST)
Insurance
Proof of at least $2,000,000 of comprehensive insurance against loss or damage resulting from bodily injury to or death of one or more persons, or from loss of or damage to property resulting from any one accident.
In conclusion, the process of obtaining more than one license, passing several inspections, and having the cash to prompt the expedition. One may have all the linguistics to cover such a venture. Yet, I doubt after reading the list above it inspired many yourselves to rally to the growing demand of Food Trucks in the downtown core.

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