Food trucks add diversity and fun to our food scene and we welcome them in the City, whether they wish to operate at community events, independently within City limits, or on City property.
There are two ways to operate a food truck or cart in the City:
- To participate in the City’s 2023 Food Truck/Cart program to operate in public spaces, you are required to have a City of North Vancouver business licence and apply to the City’s Food Truck/Cart Program for 2023. See the “2023 Food Truck and Cart Program” section below for program information and how to apply.
- To operate your Food Truck or Cart on private property or at an event, you require a City of North Vancouver business licence. See the “Requirements to Operate in the City” section below.
- Possession of a business licence for a truck/cart or food trailer is NOT automatic authorizing to vend food on City streets. If you have identified a location for vending, apply for a permit through the 2023 Food Truck and Cart Program.
Food Truck and Cart Program
The City has renewed its 12 month Food Truck and Cart program after consultation with food truck and cart operators and the public, and the renewed program will run for the coming year. Through the City's pilot program, mobile food vendors are able to operate on municipal property at 16 locations and other public locations (subject to approval).
Who Can Apply?
Any Food Truck or Food Cart operator with a valid City of North Vancouver Business Licence can apply for this new program to operate at The Shipyards and the other permitted street locations. City staff reserve the right to refuse any booking at their discretion.
How to Apply
Complete the Pilot Program Application Form. An application form for the Pilot Program must be submitted for each Food Truck/Cart. Only one application is required whether you're requesting one location or multiple locations/dates. Please allow 2-3 working days for your application to be processed. Bookings are not confirmed until invoices (Shipyards) or permits (all other locations) are paid.
Requirements
Food Trucks and Food Carts that operate in the City must have a City of North Vancouver business licence. The business licence does NOT give the right to vend food on City streets.
The Food Truck/Cart operator must have:
- Certificate of Insurance for $5 million Commercial General Liability (naming the City of North Vancouver Additional Insured)
- $2 million Automobile Liability Insurance (Food Truck only)
- A valid permit to operate from the health department (either VCH or Fraser Valley)
- A current GVFCA inspection report and decal (Fire Inspection)
- Clearance Letter in good standing from WorkSafe BC (or exemption notice if applicable) – learn more on the WorkSafeBC website
The Food Truck operator should be aware that if they are applying to operate at a special event they also need approval from the Event Organizer to be there and will need to show their Business Licence.
Apply for a City of North Vancouver business licence online.
Permitted Locations
Designated locations in the City: You can apply to operate at a specific location (16 locations) and it does not need to be at an event. View the map of locations. Use the booking form to apply.
- Food Carts and Trucks can operate at 16 designated locations (7 are for carts only) without restriction on dates. Carts and trucks must leave the area by 10:00pm (with occasional exceptions at The Shipyards).
- New for 2023: The Shipyards will be inviting Trucks and Carts year-round, not just when there is an event – note that this popular location has a daily fee.
- New for 2023: Food Carts can vend in a designated location without taking out a three year contract.
- Is there another location you'd want to try? We are open to your ideas! Contact licence@cnv.org to discuss.
| Location |
|
Truck or Cart |
Cart only |
Map Location # |
| Lonsdale & 21st |
Southeast corner (2032 Lonsdale) |
|
☑ |
12 |
| Lonsdale & 19th |
Northwest corner (1905 Lonsdale) |
|
☑ |
11 |
| Lonsdale & 17th |
Southeast corner (1650 Lonsdale) |
|
☑ |
10 |
| Lonsdale & 14th |
West side. Sidewalk frontage by the Continuum or at Civic Plaza |
|
☑ |
9 |
| East Esplanade |
300 block, southside |
☑ |
|
3 |
| Kings Mill Walk Park |
On the street at Harbourside Place |
☑ |
|
5 |
| Heywood Park |
Northwest corner of Hamilton Ave near the washrooms |
☑ |
|
8 |
| Jack Loucks Court |
|
|
☑ |
14 |
| Mahon Park |
Northside of 400 Block W16th St |
☑ |
|
2 |
| Moodyville Park |
Moody Ave at E2nd Street |
☑ |
|
6 |
| Mosquito Creek Park |
East side 1600 block Fell |
☑ |
|
7 |
| Ray Perrault Park |
Grand Boulevard West |
☑ |
|
4 |
| Rogers Plaza |
|
|
☑ |
15 |
| Victoria Park West |
On the street near the washrooms |
☑ |
|
1 |
| Waterfront Park |
No vehicle access (close to the Gazebo) |
|
☑ |
13 |
| The Shipyards * |
Usually south side Wallace Mews |
☑ |
|
16 |
*The Shipyards operates with unique locations and fees. See the fees section for details.
Some locations may permit multiple mobile food service operators at the City’s discretion.
The City of North Vancouver is not responsible for the economic viability of any location.
Operating at events: Typically, event organizers will submit this request on behalf of the Food Truck/Cart operator(s). Food Truck/Cart operators still require a City of North Vancouver Business Licence.
The event organizer may apply for any location on City or private property; each request is reviewed by staff for location-specific safety and community concerns/recommendations.
There are no electrical or waste services at these locations. There is no potable water, and often no (or limited) sanitary services provided, except at The Shipyards.
Fees
Except for the Shipyards, the designated fee will only be for a Street Use Permit ($84 inc GST). If the location is a street, there is an additional $100 for bespoke parking signage.
| Type |
Cost |
| Business Licence Fee (annual) |
Food Truck = $256
Food Cart = $169.98
|
| Location Fees |
On streets (or sidewalks for carts)
Street Permit = $80 +GST
Installation/removal of CNV date specific “No Parking” street signage = $50/sign (minimum 2)
|
Shipyards Daily Fees
| Type |
Cost |
| Food Truck/day (Shipyards only) |
Monday to Thursday $125.00 +GST
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Stats $200.00 +GST
|
| Food Cart/day (Shipyards only) |
Monday to Thursday $75.00 +GST
Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Stats $100.00 +GST
|
The Shipyards staff are required to be present to provide access and egress support.
More Details About Locations
Food Truck and Cart operators are required to do daily clean up within a 10 metre (30 ft) radius of the food truck or cart, and garbage and waste must be recycled or disposed of off-site.
Disposing of liquid waste in drains or bodies of water is strictly prohibited and is an offence that carries a fine.
Use of public City of North Vancouver garbage or recycling containers is not permitted.
Permitted hours of operation are between 10:00am to 10:00pm daily.