The sizzle of street food and aroma of global cuisine wafting from Brampton’s food trucks could soon fade as approximately 70 mobile food vendors face an uncertain future amid regulatory turmoil. City officials have suddenly found themselves scrambling for more time to address problematic food truck regulations that have inadvertently placed dozens of local entrepreneurs in jeopardy.
During Wednesday’s Committee of Council meeting, Brampton staff requested an 18-month delay to revise the city’s Mobile Licensing By-law, revealing that current regulations established in 2014 have created an untenable situation for food truck operators. These outdated rules effectively bar vendors from accessing most viable locations throughout the city—including industrial areas where they’ve historically served workers during lunch hours.
“The existing by-law creates situations where it’s practically impossible for food trucks to operate legally in many areas where demand exists,” explained Paul Morrison, Brampton’s Commissioner of Legislative Services. “We’re essentially asking for this breathing room to craft regulations that balance public safety with reasonable business opportunities.”
The current crisis stems from 2014 regulations requiring food trucks to maintain significant distances from established brick-and-mortar restaurants—a restriction that essentially eliminates most potential operating locations in a growing, densely developed city like Brampton. Under existing rules, food trucks must remain at least 200 meters away from any fixed food establishment, a stipulation that has become increasingly difficult to satisfy as Brampton’s commercial development has expanded.
The situation gained attention after enforcement actions against several operators highlighted the practical impossibility of compliance. City staff acknowledged that many vendors have been operating in good faith while technically violating regulations they couldn’t reasonably follow.
“What we’re seeing is a classic case of regulations failing to evolve alongside the businesses they govern,” noted Councillor Rowena Santos, who expressed strong support for the extension. “These are small business owners, predominantly new Canadians, who’ve invested their life savings into these operations.”
Economic impact assessments suggest Brampton’s food truck industry generates approximately $6.5 million annually while creating flexible entrepreneurship opportunities in the local economy. Many operators serve culturally diverse cuisine that reflects Brampton’s multicultural population, becoming important cultural touchpoints within the community.
The proposed 18-month extension would maintain the status quo, allowing existing operators to continue business while staff develop more balanced regulations. The city plans to conduct stakeholder consultations with both food truck operators and brick-and-mortar establishments to find an equitable solution.
“We’re not asking for special treatment,” said Gurpreet Singh, who has operated his Punjabi fusion food truck for six years. “We just want reasonable rules that allow us to make an honest living while respecting established restaurants.”
The recommended changes under consideration include reduced separation distances from fixed restaurants, designated food truck zones in high-foot-traffic areas, and streamlined permitting processes. City staff also indicated they’re studying successful regulatory frameworks from cities like Toronto and Vancouver that have vibrant street food cultures.
The final decision on the extension request will come before Brampton City Council next week, with most councillors signaling support for the measure during preliminary discussions. Without this extension, enforcement of current regulations could force most of Brampton’s food trucks off the streets entirely.
As Brampton navigates this regulatory challenge, the broader question emerges: how can cities create frameworks that protect established businesses while embracing the cultural and entrepreneurial energy that mobile food vendors bring to urban landscapes?
