Applicants are encouraged to visit MyBusiness in advance of submitting an application to learn more about starting a business, and the tools and resources available to new and existing business owners.

Types of vendors permitted

The Seasonal Vendor Program supports vendors that enhance park visitor experiences, encourage the use and enjoyment of parks and greenspaces, and complement existing park amenities and activities.

Examples of eligible vendor activities may include:

• Equipment rentals that support recreation and active park use, such as bicycles, snowshoes, cross-country skis, games, and sporting equipment.
• Recreational, cultural, or educational services appropriate to a park setting, such as guided tours, recreational instruction, environmental education programs, art workshops, and other activities that encourage participation and enjoyment of parks and greenspaces.
• Food and beverage services operated from approved mobile vending units, such as coffee carts, ice cream carts, beverage carts, snack carts, and bicycle-cart based vendors.
• Other seasonal goods and services that contribute to vibrant, welcoming, and active public spaces.

Please note:

• Food and beverage vendors operating under the Seasonal Vendor Program are typically approved to provide pre-packaged food and/or non-alcoholic hot and cold beverages that complement the park experience.
• Food trucks are not included in the Seasonal Vendor Program. Vendors wishing to operate a food truck from a designated parking stall must apply through the separate Food Truck Stall Program.  Visit Booking Food Truck Stalls for more information.

Vendors are encouraged to operate in many of our parks and greenspaces. However, due to capacity such as parking and congestion, some parks cannot accommodate any further vendors. Several of our parks are at capacity, and vendors may be directed to parks other than their preferred choice.

 The following locations are not available through this program:

• River Park
• Prince’s Island Park
• Glenmore Reservoir or lands adjacent for activation in the Reservoir
• East Village
• The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (previously Fort Calgary)
• St. Patrick’s Island
• Poppy Plaza

 *River Parks Vendor Permit applications will be reviewed; however, permit availability is subject to capacity and operational limitations.

Electrical access is limited in park settings; electrical connection to on-site power may require a City electrician and material at an additional cost to the vendor.

Use of a generator in a park settings is discouraged for public safety and environmental reasons. A request to use a generator is to be noted in the application and must be approved by The City.

Waste and recycling, grey water removal and disposal, and other utilities are the vendor’s responsibility.

All applications are subject to a non-refundable $50 application administration fee.

Additional information about permit fees, fee structures, and payment requirements can be found in the Seasonal Vendors in Parks Program Guidelines

The Seasonal Vendor Program accepts applications for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter operating seasons during designated intake periods.

Spring/Summer intake

• Returning vendors requesting the same operation and location as the previous year must submit a complete application by March 15.
• New vendor applications are accepted beginning April 1.

Fall/Winter intake

• Returning vendor and new vendor applications are accepted beginning September 1.

Applications are reviewed in the order they are received. Returning vendors approved for a specific location in the previous season may be given priority for that location, provided no significant changes are being requested. Applications can take approximately 6–8 weeks to review. Incomplete applications may result in processing delays or denial.

Before applying, applicants should review and complete the documents in steps 1-3 below.

1. Review the Seasonal Vendors in Parks Program Guidelines.
2. Download and complete the Seasonal Vendor Application Template.
3. Review the Required Document Checklist and Sample Document for an example of the expected format and level of detail. Ensure all required documents, plans, permits, photos, and other supporting materials are attached before submitting your application.
4. Applicants will receive an automated confirmation email once an application has been submitted.
5. Calgary Parks will review complete applications and may contact applicants if additional information or a site visit is required.
6. Applicants will be notified by email of the status of their application

Successful applicants will be required to complete onboarding requirements prior to commencing operations, which may include:

• Signing a Seasonal Vendor Agreement
• Payment of applicable fees and deposits
• Obtaining any required permits and approvals