Proposed Permitting of Vending Carts in City Parks (All Wards)

The Economic Development Committee recommends the adoption of the report (March 11, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism subject to the addition of the following new Recommendation (3) and that the existing Recommendation (3) be renumbered Recommendation (4):

"(3)that this permitting program be reviewed in one year's time; and".

The Economic Development Committee submits the following report (March 11, 1999) from the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism:

Purpose:

This report seeks Council approval of a permitting program for vending carts to conduct business in City parks. Such a program could generate new revenues of $150,000 a year while providing a value added service to park visitors.

Source of Funds:

This program would be conducted within the framework of existing permitting sections and would not result in additional costs. The program, however, could generate new revenues of $150,000 a year.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)this program be approved subject to the terms and conditions contained in this report;

(2)the Commissioner of Economic Development Culture and Tourism be authorized in conjunction with the Legal and Purchasing Departments to develop and execute a bid process for the award of permits; and

(3)the appropriate City officials take the necessary action to give effect thereto.

Background:

In the past, the former municipalities had various policies with regard to the permitting of vending carts in City parks. Metro in particular conducted an active program generating $50,000 a year in permit fees. A similar City wide program is now recommended with a view to addressing;

(a)revenue enhancement budget commitments and the need to generate new revenues;

(b)the benefits of having one policy/program City wide; and

(c)the desire to provide a value added service to park visitors.

Comments and Discussion:

The Department believes that the introduction of a City wide permitting program for vending carts in parks, firmly addresses the need for new revenue generation while at the same time providing a value added service to park visitors. An inventory of parks that would participate in the program is contained in Appendix I.

The following are some features of the program:

-in the spirit of a fair open competition, permits will be obtained through a minimum bid/tender process;

-all parks will be classified by the number of visitations during the peak summer months and the latter will reflect the minimum bid per permit per park (Appendix II);

-successful bidders will be governed by the terms and conditions as outlined in Appendix III;

-the program will be administered at no additional cost through the existing permitting sections within the Parks and Recreation Division; and

-he program will be implemented in time for this summer season.

Conclusion:

Acknowledging the beneficial aspects of this initiative and the aggressive timelines involved the Department seeks Council approval to proceed with the implementation of this program as soon as possible.

Contact Name:

John Macintyre

Director of Parks and Recreation

Central Services and Waterfront

Telephone: 397-4451

--------

Appendix II

Permitting Of Vending Carts In Parks

Minimum Bid Structure

Park ClassificationPeak Period Visitations Minimum Bid

Two Carts Per Park

A 300,000 plus$5,000

B 240,000 - 300,000$3,000

C 180,000 - 240,000$2,000

D 120,000 - 180,000$1,200

E 60,000 - 120,000$ 700

F Under 60,000$ 300

Peak Period

Mid May - Mid September

Approximately 120 days

--------

Appendix III

Permitting Of Vending Carts In Parks

Terms And Conditions

For The Issuance Of Vending Cart Permits

Permits

-Permits will be issued for one calendar year (May 15, 1999 - May 15, 2000) in accordance with an established bid process.

-Permits not issued as a result of the above, will be issued afterwards on a first come, first serve basis at a fee equal to the minimum bid requirement.

-Permits, at this time, will not be issued for motorized vending vehicles.

-Permits, subject to the approval of Parks and Recreation District Staff will be issued for parks not listed in the official inventory. Said permits will be issued on a first come, first served basis, at a flat fee of $500.00.

-Permits, where and when appropriate will be issued for additional vending carts to the vendor who has the park permit. A fee of $200.00 per cart per day will be charged. Said permits must be requested when obtaining the park permit.

-All permit fees will be paid in full upon issuance of the permit.

Food and Beverage

-Food and beverage must be of high quality and reasonably priced. Price ceilings will be provided.

-Food and beverage must be stored and served under the most sanitary conditions in accordance with all public health regulations.

-Food and beverage lines associated with cooked foods prepared on premises (example hamburgers), alcohol and others so deemed by the Commissioner will not be permitted. Glass bottled products will not be allowed. A list of product lines will be provided.

Operations

-Vendors will be entitled to bring two carts into a park to be placed in an area designated by Parks and Recreation staff.

-Vending carts must not exceed ten feet in length and four feet in width.

-Vendors must ensure that their equipment is presentable and in good repair.

-Vendors carts must be removed from parks each night unless written permission is received from Parks and Recreation staff.

-Vendors must provide a clean and courteous service at all times.

-Vendors are responsible for keeping their area (ten feet around each cart) clean and for removing and disposing garbage.

-Vendors must ensure that their service compliments the park setting and as such improper attire, noisy equipment, loud music, etc. will not be allowed.

Licences, Standards and Insurance

-Vendors must be in possession of all appropriate vending licences the latter being visible for quick identification.

-Vendors must comply with all acts, regulations and standards e.g. the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

-Vendors shall provide proof of General Liability Insurance coverage with a minimum limit of liability per occurrence of $1,000,000 for bodily injury and property damage naming the City of Toronto as an additional insured, as its interests may appear.

In the event of non compliance and after appropriate notice, the Commissioner of Economic Development, Culture and Tourism reserves the right to cancel a permit without the benefit of refund.

--------

(A copy of Appendix I attached to the foregoing report was forwarded to all Members of Council with the March 29, 1999 and April 6, 1999 agenda of the Economic Development Committee and a copy thereof is on file in the office of the City Clerk.)