Guide to operating a Refreshment Vehicle or Chip Wagon
This guide explains what you need to know and do before and while operating a refreshment vehicle, including food trucks, ice‑cream trucks, and chip wagons, under the 2026-42 Refreshment Vehicle By-law.
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Confirm your Licence Class
Before applying, you must know what class of refreshment vehicle you are operating. The by‑law regulates different vehicle types (Classes A–E), including chip wagons, which have additional restrictions.
Licence Class
Vehicle Type
Description
Class A – Pedal‑Powered Canteen
Pedal‑powered vehicle
A pedal‑powered vehicle selling ice cream, frozen products, beverages, or other refreshments permitted by the Licence Issuer, operating as a mobile unit.
Class B – Pre‑Prepared Food Vehicle
Motorized or towable vehicle
A motorized or towable vehicle from which food is sold that is prepared and cooked elsewhere than in the vehicle, operating on private property as authorized.
Class C – Ice Cream / Frozen Products Vehicle
Motorized vehicle
A motorized vehicle from which ice cream and frozen milk products are sold, operating as authorized.
Class D – Mobile Canteen
Refreshment vehicle
A refreshment vehicle from which food, refreshments, or confections are prepared and sold on‑site.
Class E – Chip Wagon
Mobile food vending vehicle or trailer
A mobile food vending vehicle or trailer from which food, refreshments, or confections are prepared and sold on‑site, operating at a static location on private property.
Understanding where you can operate
Choosing an operating location that does not comply with zoning, setback, or authorization rules may result in fines or orders to stop operating.
Unless otherwise authorized, a refreshment vehicle shall not operate:
On City‑owned property, boulevards, or road allowances
On any public roadway or right‑of‑way
In any location that does not comply with the Zoning By‑law
In a manner that obstructs:
Traffic circulation
Pedestrian movement
Sidewalks, fire routes, loading zones, or accessible paths
Authorization may be required for certain locations, and approval is not automatic.
A refreshment vehicle shall not operate within:
50 metres of an existing food premises
100 metres of a school or park
9 metres of an intersection
3 metres of another refreshment vehicle
Any required visibility triangle
Operators must verify setbacks before selecting a site.
Where operation on private property is permitted:
The location must comply with zoning requirements
Property owner consent may be required
A site plan may be requested as part of the application process
The vehicle must operate only within the approved area
Chip wagons (Class E) are subject to additional location restrictions and:
May only operate at a static location
Must operate on private property only
Are prohibited from operating in:
Residential zones
Certain municipal or prohibited zones as identified by the City
Failure to comply with Class E location restrictions may result in enforcement action.
Understanding Health Unit Requirements
Any business that prepares or handles food must comply with Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) requirements, including mandatory inspections under Ontario food safety regulations.
Confirms recognized food-handling certification where food is handled or prepared.
⚠️*
✅ = typically required ⚠️ = may be required depending on equipment and setup * Food handling certification may be required where food handling, serving, or preparation occurs.
Document
Description
Requirement
Proof of Insurance
Confirms the applicant holds valid Commercial General Liability insurance as required by the City.
✅
Vehicle Registration
Confirms the motorized or towable vehicle or trailer is legally registered and plated.
Confirms compliance with applicable fuel, gas, or pressure-regulated systems.
✅
✅ = typically required ⚠️ = may be required depending on equipment and setup ❌ = generally not applicable
* Food handling certification may be required where food handling, serving, or preparation occurs.
Licence Review and Approval Process
Licence applications are reviewed for completeness and compliance, and a licence is issued only once all required documentation, approvals, inspections, and applicable fees have been received by the Licence Issuer.
An application is deemed complete only when:
All required documentation for the licence class has been received, and
All applicable application fees have been paid
Incomplete applications will not be processed
If an application is incomplete, the City will provide written notice to the applicant identifying the missing or deficient information or documents
The application remains inactive until the deficiencies are addressed
Payment of an application fee does not guarantee approval. A licence is issued only after all requirements are met and approvals are granted.
If the application remains incomplete 90 days after the notice of deficiencies, the application file will be:
Closed, and
The applicant will be notified accordingly
A new application may be required if the applicant still wishes to proceed
The City may request additional reviews or inspections during the application process if deemed necessary
These may depend on:
Licence class
Type of vehicle or equipment
Proposed location or operation
Review the By-Law
This guide does not replace the applicable by-law; failing to read the by-law in full may lead to non-compliance, fines, or orders to stop operating.
