Item - 2013.LS24.1

The purpose of this report is to provide an update on staff’s review of the City of Toronto's street food vending by-laws. At the direction of City Council, staff are conducting this review, in consultation with the Street Food Working Group, to assess the potential for expanded vending opportunities and to harmonize the regulatory framework across the city.

In phase one of the review, Council adopted recommendations from the Working Group to amend applicable by-laws and permit vendors to sell an expanded menu. Phase two of the review is proceeding with the development of a harmonized, city-wide, street food vending by-law.

Because the City’s street food vending by-laws impact not only the vendors directly regulated by them, but also neighbouring businesses, residents and the general public, there are many competing views on the future of street food vending in Toronto and on how the industry should be regulated going forward. Importantly, as the city continues to grow, there are an increasing number of competing uses for the public right of way, particularly in the downtown core, where opportunities to vend are most attractive.

To appropriately manage the right of way, protect the health and safety of the public and balance the views of all stakeholders, the Working Group has identified key issues or considerations that must be addressed in the development of a harmonized by-law.

These considerations will form the core of public consultations held in October and November 2013, where members of the industry and the public will have an opportunity to provide staff with input about how the current regulations, and any potential changes to them, may impact their life and work. In concert with the Working Group, staff will analyze the results of the public consultations and draft a harmonized by-law in December 2013.

In January 2014, staff will hold a second round of consultations to hear from members of the public and the industry on the proposed regulations. Staff will report to the Licensing and Standards Committee in March 2014 on recommendations for a harmonized street food vending by-law.

At this time, staff are recommending the elimination of the Refreshment Vehicle Assistant Licence, based on consultations with the Working Group and Municipal Licensing and Standards enforcement staff. It has been determined that this licence is unnecessary for enforcement purposes and that the fee impacts street food vendors' small business operations.