Saanich streamlines process for food vendors and Christmas tree sales

July 2, 2024

News release
For immediate release

Saanich, BC – Indulging your appetite in Saanich parks and facilities just got easier following Council’s support for amended bylaws that allow mobile food vendors to operate in designated Saanich parks.

“We are making it easier for mobile food vendors to operate within our parks network,” says Saanich Mayor Dean Murdock. “This will help support local businesses and add vitality to public spaces in Saanich.”

The bylaw amendments will allow mobile food vendors to operate at municipal, community, or private events, and independently in P-4 zoned parks. Invited vendors will also be able to operate at events held at recreation facilities and at the Saanich Municipal Hall.

Approved vendors will be allowed to operate at their assigned location seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. All vendors will be required to manage their own garbage and recycling and must vacate the park by 10 p.m. each night.

Pre-approved parks with designated set up areas include:

Operating in other parks will be considered on a case-by-case basis pending a site inspection and approval.

In 2021 and 2022, Saanich Parks conducted the Food Trucks in Parks pilot program. The pilot’s success inspired the program to continue at Cadboro-Gyro Park in 2023. Feedback received during the pilot program and the preceding year was incorporated into the suggested bylaw updates approved by Council.

Additionally, the updates simplify the process for non-profit organizations who sell Christmas trees in parks as part of their seasonal fundraising campaigns.

“We are committed to creating new ways for people to experience and enjoy our parks spaces all-year long,” says Saanich Councillor Judy Brownoff, Chair of the Natural Areas, Parks, and Trails Advisory Committee. “These changes will shorten the lead time for vendors to get their required approvals, and will offer parks users yet another reason to enjoy the outdoors with their friends and family.”

Sales of both Christmas trees and food and beverage remain prohibited in natural and conservation zoned parks.

Previously, food and beverage and Christmas tree sales in parks, at recreation centres, and at the Municipal Hall were not permitted under the zoning bylaw. Vendors required Temporary Use Permits (TUPs), which involved a multi-department approval process. Now, operators can apply via a form on Saanich.ca, and email all required documents directly to Saanich Parks staff who will review on a first-come, first-served basis.

Applications are accepted up to two weeks before the first date of the desired two week block, and the Application Schedule can be found here.

Learn more

Visit Saanich.ca/foodtrucks for more information about application deadlines, permit costs and additional information required for a successful application.

-30- 

Media contact:
Saanich Communications
media@saanich.ca