Refreshment Vehicles in City Parks

Your next visit to your favourite park just got a whole lot tastier!
Starting June 1, 2025, refreshment vehicles will be permitted to operate in 10 City parks in Vaughan.

The City of Vaughan is launching a seasonal pilot program which will allow licensed refreshment vehicles to operate in certain City parks by way of a special endorsement on their City of Vaughan licence. The goal of the program is to enhance park user
experience while positively benefiting local businesses.

Park Locations

The following parks have been selected as locations for the Refreshment Vehicles in City Parks pilot program.

Ward 1:

Mackenzie Glen District Park
Maple Community District Park

Ward 2

Father Ermanno Bulfon Park
Sonoma Heights Community Park

Ward 3

Chancellor District Park
Chatfield District Park

Ward 4

North Thornhill District Park
Sugarbush Heritage Park

Ward 5

Concord Regional Park
Dufferin District Park

How to apply for a Refreshment Vehicle location in a City Park

Refreshment vehicle owners must apply for a spot in one of the 10 designated park locations in Vaughan.

Obtain an annual City of Vaughan Refreshment Vehicle Licence
Complete the prequalification form by May 5, 2025
Attend the in-person lottery draw on May 12, 2025
Refreshment vehicle owners or their authorized agents must attend the in-person lottery draw on May 12, 2025 to be awarded a location in a City park. The lottery draw will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025 at 2pm at the By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services Counter at Vaughan City Hall, 2141 Major Mackenzie Drive.
Complete the endorsement application form and pay the endorsement fee.

About Refreshment Vehicles in City Parks

Click on the items below for answers to frequently asked questions regarding refreshment vehicles in Vaughan parks. For more information, please refer to the by-law, or contact By-law and Compliance, Licensing and Permit Services at bylaw@vaughan.ca or 905-832-2281.

: Answer

For 2025, the program runs from June 1 to October 31, 2025. In future years, the program will operate from May 1 to October 31.
Refreshment vehicles may operate from designated parking spots in select parks in the City during park opening hours (9:00 a.m.- 9 p.m., 7 days a week) and must be removed each night. Refreshment vehicles may not operate in City parks during City-led events.
: Answer

The 2025 fee to operate in a City park is $500, in addition to the business licensing fee.
: Answer

A full list of regulations for refreshment vehicles operating in City parks can be found in the City of Vaughan Business Licensing By-law.
: Answer

No. Only refreshment vehicle owners and operators with a valid City of Vaughan licence and endorsement may operate in City of Vaughan parks. Anyone who operates a refreshment vehicle in a park without the required licence and endorsement will receive a penalty.