We license all food vendors operating within the Municipality to support public health, safety, and appropriate land use. Vendors operating on private property for five days or fewer as part of a special event do not require a municipal licence. Discover what types of licenses are available and how to apply before you start selling.
Do I Need a Food Vendor Licence?
| Where are you operating? | For how long will you be operating? | Is a licence required? |
|---|---|---|
| Seasonal municipal location | Seasonal | Yes + a municipal land use agreement |
Municipal property (any event) | Any length of time | Yes |
Private property | 1–5 days (special event) | No |
Private property | More than 5 consecutive days | Yes |
Licence Types
A refreshment vendor licence is required for food vendors operating at any festival, market, or special event on municipal property.
This includes:
- Festivals and markets
- Community events
- Private or ticketed events held on municipal land
Application timelines:
- Already licensed in another municipality: apply at least 7 business days before the event
- Not licensed elsewhere: apply at least 10 business days before the event
A refreshment vendor license and a Municipal Land Use Agreement are required. The Municipality provides a limited number of designated seasonal vendor locations on municipal property, and vendors may operate from May to October, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Seasonal Locations
Up to three (3) locations are available each season:
- Fred Raper Park
- Harbour
- Blue Dolphin Pool
Lottery Process
- Applications for municipal locations must be submitted before March 1 to be included in the lottery.
Fees and Agreements
- Applicable vendor licence fee
- $375 land use fee(included in the seasonal licence rates)
- Municipal Use Agreement required before operating
A refreshment vendor licence is required when operating on private property for more than 5 consecutive days.
Requirements:
A refreshment vendor licence is required when operating on private property for more than 5 consecutive days.
Requirements:
- Property must be in an eligible zone
(Eligible: C1, C2, C3, RT, UAW; Conditional with farm produce outlet: A, SA, RU)
- Detailed site plan
- Valid Health Unit food premises permit
- Fire inspection (if applicable)
- Insurance naming the Municipality as additional insured
Vendor Classes & Fees
| Licence Type | Class | New Fee | Renewal Fee | Event Fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Private Property (More Than 5 Consecutive Days) | Class A – Motorized Food Sales | $510 | $306 | Not applicable |
Class B – Non‑Motorized Food Sales | $306 | $204 | Not applicable | |
Seasonal Municipal Property (Fees include $375 land use fee) | Class A – Motorized Food Sales | $885 | $681 | Not applicable |
Class B – Non‑Motorized Food Sales | $681 | $579 | Not applicable | |
Special Events on Municipal Property | Not‑for‑profit or licensed in another municipality | One‑time event: $65 | — | Additional event: $32.50 |
Not licensed elsewhere | One‑time event: $100 | — | Additional event: $50 |
Interactive Zoning Map
Use the interactive map below to explore zoning regulations and approved vendor locations within the Municipality of Meaford.
Seasonal Municipal Property – Refreshment Vendor Licence Application
Special Events – Refreshment Vendor Licence Application
Private Property – Refreshment Vendor Licence Application