Food Policy

Expanding Streetfood Options

The Street Vending program is administered through the City’s Engineering Department.

Background

In cities around the world street food is part of a vibrant public life.  Now there’s a move afoot to help Vancouver move in this direction as well.  While the vending of hotdogs, veggie dogs and roast chestnuts has been part of the local scene for many years, 2010 marks the start of an effort to expand the available options and introduce greater diversity into the street food menu.

In March 2008 City Council put forward a motion (PDF, 13KB) requesting that staff work with the Vancouver Food Policy Council to provide a report on how to proceed with:

• Expanding the variety of food sold through street vendors in the City of Vancouver with a focus on foods that are nutritious and represent the cultural diversity of Vancouver;
• Expanding the geographical area in which street vendors selling food can operate in the City of Vancouver;
• Increasing access to affordable, nutritious food in low-income communities through the Street Vendor program.

In addition to the goals reflected in the Council motion of March 13, 2008, the following goals were identified as part of the expanded street food options program:

• Enlivening the public realm, promote neighbourhood vitality, encourage pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly communities, improve sense of place of Vancouver communities, engage local artists in design of enhanced street carts;
• Increasing opportunities for micro-enterprise and small business incubation;
• Supporting neighbourhood small businesses and business districts by using street food vending to enhance overall vitality of areas where street food vending takes place.

In 2010 the first stage of activities was undertaken. A pilot test involving 17 existing licenses was introduced and a Request for Applications (PDF, 41KB) was distributed.  Applications were reviewed by a nutritionist and the current City lottery process was applied to select the vendors. Successful applicants have until the end of August to have their carts ready.

The pilot program will be in place through to April 30, 2011 and it is intended to be part of a long-term plan to expand street food options in Vancouver on City property and private property. This phase of the program entails City property only (sidewalks and curbside locations). Future phases of the program may entail private property (e.g., parking lots).

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