Refreshment Vehicle Licences

In order to operate a refreshment vehicle in the Town of Whitby, you must have a licence. Refreshment vehicle licences are valid for the calendar year and expire on December 31 each year. The Town does not transfer licences or prorate licence fees.

Review the Refreshment Vehicle Licence By-law.

Apply for a licence

Complete the application and submit it to the By-law Services Division. Application processing takes five to 10 business days.

Provide the following with your application:

Photograph of the refreshment vehicle
Copy of the vehicle or trailer registration, where applicable
If the licence is for a motor vehicle, a valid safety standards certificate issued by a provincially authorized motor vehicle inspection mechanic certifying that it complies with the applicable equipment and performance standards set out in the Highway Traffic Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.H.18
Indemnification and proof of commercial general liability insurance in the amount of $2 million if you are selling prepackaged foods or $5 million if you are cooking raw food, and naming the Town as an additional insured with proof of indemnification and insurance on the prescribed Town form(s)
Proof of automobile liability insurance in the amount of $2 million coverage against claims for bodily injury and/or property damage for all licenced motor vehicles and related equipment owned or leased by the applicant
Where required, a valid proof of inspection and approval in writing from the Region of Durham Health Department or other regional health department for the period of time set out in the licence
If the refreshment vehicle is fitted with a propane or natural gas tank larger than 20 lbs, a current certificate issued within 30 days of the date of the refreshment vehicle licence application, on the prescribed TSSA form by a provincially authorized propane or natural gas fitter, certifying that the refreshment vehicle complies with the applicable equipment and performance standards as prescribed by the Province of Ontario

Fees

The application fee depends on the type of vehicle and use. Review the refreshment vehicle licence fees:

$250 for a new refreshment vehicle

$200 to renew a refreshment vehicle
$100 for a short term special event refreshment vehicle (valid for one event only)
$100 for a non-motorized frozen treat vehicle
$200 for a motorized frozen treat vehicle

It is free to operate a Town Tender refreshment vehicle. You need to provide proof of documentation from Community and Marketing Services.