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Food Trucks

Food trucks are permitted to operate in New Westminster in certain locations provided they are licenced and adhere to the Bylaw and guidelines for catering, special events, and pop-up vending. 

Responsibility for the regulation of food trucks can seem quite complicated. However, the easiest way to understand it is: the local health authority regulates the food service of the food truck, a local fire department regulates the safety of the food truck, and the local government regulates the business of the food truck.

  • Annual Food Truck Licence

    The gold standard

    The easiest and best way to become permitted to operate in the City of New Westminster is to take out an annual Food Truck licence. This is an annual licence that requires annual inspection by the health authority, fire department, and the business licensing division. To be approved, food truck operators need to provide proof they have passed these inspections, and provide a minimum general comprehensive liability insurance of $5 Million with the City of New Westminster named as additional insured.

    The annual fee is $209 and allows a food truck operator to offer pop-up street vending at designated locations, participation in local, public special events without additional paperwork required by the City, and to offer catering services for private events. Note, a Street Occupancy Permit may be required if the truck is to be parked on a road right of way. Talk to staff about your unique scenario.

    If you are an event organizer planning a private or special event, the City suggests contracting a food truck that has gone through the annual licensing process to be assured they are inspected, safe, insured, and licenced. 

    For food truck operators who do not wish to become annually licenced, we do offer options for one-time events. Depending upon the event, there may be different departments that regulate food trucks. 

  • Current Pop-Up Vending Locations

    2025 Street Vending Locations

    For food trucks who have an annual City of New Westminster business licence, pop-up street vending is permitted. However, there are guidelines related to hours, proximity to restaurants, disposal of waste, and operating self-contained that must be followed. Please see the Food Truck Guide for specifics. Please note that all other locations require approval, please contact the Events Office. 

    Current (2025) pop-up locations are as follows: 

    LOCATION/AREA

    LOCATION DETAILS

    Downtown
    • Carnarvon Street, between Sixth Street and Tenth Street.
    • Columbia Street, between Elliot Street and the junction at Stewardson Way.
    • Front Street Mews, between Begbie Street and Fourth Street.

    Queensborough
    • Ewen Avenue, the south side of Ewen Avenue, between Jardine Street and Hampton Street.

    Sapperton
    • East Columbia Street, between Sherbrooke Street and Braid Street Upper Twelfth Street.

    Upper Twelfth Street
    • Twelfth Street, between Tenth Avenue and Sixth Avenue.

    Uptown
    • Sixth Street, between Seventh Avenue and Princess Street, and Belmont Street and Fourth Avenue.
      • currently unavailable due to construction.
    • Belmont Street, between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.
      • currently unavailable due to construction.

    1319 Third Avenue
    • One parking space located outside of 1319 Third Avenue (outside of Steel and Oak Brewing Company).

    City Parks & Facilities
    • Tipperary Park, parking lot.
    • Moody Park, on Tenth Street, one parking space located adjacent the south side of the crosswalk at Hamilton Street.
    • Ryall Park on Salter Street, one parking space by the picnic shelter between Carter Street and Viscount Place.
    • Təməsewtxʷ Aquatic and Community Centre (TACC), one parking spot in the loading zone at the front of the building.
      • This location shall only be available at the discretion of the Director of Parks and Recreation.
      • No generators permitted, cable ramps required for electrical plug in.
      • Booking reservation required. Email to request a booking.
      • Pay the Electricity Supply fee, as identified in Parks & Recreation Fees Bylaw No. 6673, 2001 for each day of vending.

     

  • Special Events and Catering Permits

    For non-annual permit options

    Food trucks who opt not to be licenced annually have some options for how they may operate, depending upon who they are serving, where the event takes place, and how long the event is. Please refer to the flow chart map below or click here.

  • Forms

    The following forms and documents may be of use to you as you work through the steps to become licenced to operate in New Westminster. 

    The following documents are required to make an application:

     

    Check out the Food Truck Guide for details on our food truck program. 

     

    The Mobile Food Vending Licence Bylaw provides the basis for the food truck program. 

  • Contacts

    Business Licensing 604-527-4565
    Events Office 604-515-3827
    Fire  604-519-1004
    Fraser Health 604-777-6740

     

  • Business License Office
    T 604-527-4565
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