Staff are currently working on updating the Refreshment Vendor Licensing Program. A report will be presented to Council in late 2025.
Meaford's Food Vendor Licensing Program
We have modernized our refreshment vendor program to make it simpler, transparent, and more accessible. Whether you're a food truck operator, cart vendor, or special event participant, this page has everything you need to get started.
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Who Needs a Licence?
If you operate a food truck, trailer, cart, mobile refreshment stand, or any temporary food premise within the Municipality of Meaford, you must have a valid refreshment vendor licence. This applies to:
- Municipal Property (parks, streets, designated spaces)
- Private Property (with owner approval and zoning compliance)
- Special Event Vendors (temporary food sales at events)
All vendors must comply with zoning regulations to ensure community safety and proper placement.
Licence Types & Fees
We’ve simplified the licensing process with two classes:
Class A – Motorized Food Sales
For: Food trucks, trailers, and motorized ice cream vendors
Fees: $500 (new) | $300 (annual renewal)
Special Events (1-5 days) Fee: $65 (if not-for-profit or licensed in another municipality) or $100 (if not licensed elsewhere)
Class B – Non-Motorized Food Sales
For: Carts, coolers, BBQs, bicycle refreshment stands
Fees: $300 (new) | $200 (annual renewal)
Special Events (1-5 days) Fee: $65 (if not-for-profit or licensed in another municipality) or $100 (if not licensed elsewhere)
Approved Locations
Food vendor locations must align with Meaford’s zoning regulations and are only permitted in certain non-residential zones.
Public Property (Municipal Locations)
- A total of 6 municipal food vendor locations are available and will be assigned through a lottery system
- Approved vendors will be assigned locations based on a transparent lottery process
- Currently, all municipal locations for 2025 are available on a first-come, first-served basis since the application deadline has passed
Lottery System & Application Process
To ensure fair access to municipal spaces, a deadline is set for applications each year. After the deadline, staff review vendor preferences and available spaces. If more than one vendor wants the same space, a lottery draw is held the next day to determine who gets it for the season. The lottery takes place annually, with no priority given to previous vendors.
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Applications for municipal food vendor locations must be submitted by May 15, 2025
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The lottery draw will take place May 16, 2025
Private Property
- Allowed only in certain non-residential zones with property owner approval
- Vendors must provide written permission from the property owner
- Must comply with zoning bylaws and safety regulations
Special Events
- Short-term vending at festivals, markets, and events for 1-5 days at a time
- Applications must be submitted 7 business days before the event (if already licensed elsewhere)
- If not licensed in another municipality, apply 10 business days in advance
Interactive Zoning Map
Use the interactive map below to explore zoning regulations and approved vendor locations within the Municipality of Meaford.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
| Who needs a license? |
| Any refreshment vendor operating a food vendor, cart, or refreshment truck in Meaford. |
| What are the permit fees? |
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Fees vary based on class and duration. Class A – Motorized Food Sales Special Events (1-5 days) Fee: $65 (if not-for-profit or licensed in another municipality) or $100 (if not licensed elsewhere)
Class B – Non-Motorized Food Sales Fees: $300 (new) | $200 (annual renewal)
Special Events (1-5 days) Fee: $65 (if not-for-profit or licensed in another municipality) or $100 (if not licensed elsewhere)
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| Can I operate on private property? |
| Yes, but vendors must still obtain a municipal license and meet zoning requirements. See the zoning map here. |
| What are the operating hours for food vendors? |
| No food vendor shall operate between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., unless approved by the Licensing Officer in writing. |
How to Apply
Step 1: Prepare Your Application
- Complete the Refreshment Vendor Licence Application and note your preference for a municipal location (if applicable).
- Gather required documents:
- Proof of insurance
- Health unit inspection approval
- Site plan
- Fire safety inspection (if applicable)
- Signed release form
Step 2: Submit & Pay Fees
- Apply online or in person at the Municipal Office
- Pay the applicable licence fee
Step 3: Get Approved & Start Operating!
- Receive your licence and location assignment
- Complete fire safety inspection with Meaford Fire Department
- Follow all rules and operational guidelines
Key Dates & Deadlines
- April 7, 2025 – Amended by-law and schedules brought forward for Council's consideration
- April 28, 2025 – Council approved amended by-law and schedules
- April 29, 2025 – Announcement of municipal property locations
- May 15, 2025 – Application deadline for municipal property locations
- May 16, 2025 – Municipal location lottery and assignment (NOT REQUIRED – NO APPLICATIONS FOR MUNICIPAL PROPERTY)
- Rolling applications – For vendors on private property or special events
- Fall/Winter 2025 – Program review & vendor feedback session
Vendor Resources
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