Maple Ridge, B.C., February 6, 2026 – The City of Maple Ridge is expanding its Mobile Food Vending Pilot Program in City-owned parks for the 2026 season, bringing more convenient and diverse food options to residents and visitors while creating new opportunities for local mobile food businesses.
Community feedback on the 2024–2025 Maple Ridge Park pilot was positive, with visitors noting that mobile food options added convenience and vibrancy without disrupting the natural park environment. The expanded 2026 program will introduce designated Food Truck Zones at both Maple Ridge Park and Whonnock Lake Park for an operating season that will run from April 1 to October 12, 2026, with the goal of informing a permanent program launch in 2027.
"We heard that families and recreation users want to have more food options while they're visiting our parks and the expanded mobile food vending pilot is a practical, low-cost, high-impact way to offer more amenities while also supporting local small businesses," said Mayor Dan Ruimy. "This new program reflects our commitment to creating vibrant public spaces and a 'Choose Maple Ridge' mindset."
The 2026 expansion aims to increase the quantity and diversity of food vendors while maintaining safety, cleanliness, and accessibility standards across all participating locations.
New Opportunities for Local Mobile Food Vendors
For mobile food vendors, the expanded pilot program creates additional avenues to grow their businesses and reach new customers in high-traffic recreational destinations. Vendors may request reservations of up to 15 days per park during the operating season. Zone allocations will be managed by the City's Economic Development team to ensure a variety of cuisines and fairness across vendors.
"This program helps food entrepreneurs build visibility with our city's large segment of outdoor recreation users and grow their customer base in a manageable way," said Jeff Baker, the City's Business Retention and Expansion Advisor. "By activating high-traffic park spaces with local vendors, we're adding value for park users and strengthening the local economy at the same time."
To participate, vendors must:
- Hold a valid City of Maple Ridge Mobile Food Vendor Business Licence (which requires Fraser Health food safety approval and GVFCA fire safety certification)
- Provide a Certificate of Insurance naming the City as an Additional Insured
- Submit a refundable $500 security deposit
- Agree to comply with all program requirements and operational guidelines
Additional program details, including operational guidelines and application information, will be available on the City's website. Vendors and interested community members can also contact Economic Development directly at 604-467-7320 or Invest@MapleRidge.ca.
Mobile food vendors can submit their applications for the 2026 season now at MapleRidge.ca/MobileFoodVending.
The mobile food vending pilot is designed to complement existing restaurants by operating in seasonal, park-based locations that typically do not have permanent food services, and is part of the City’s broader Economic Development strategy, which focuses on supporting local businesses, encouraging entrepreneurship and strengthening Maple Ridge's economy. Existing restaurants are encouraged to explore whether mobile food vending may be a fit for them. The City will continue to monitor impacts on local businesses and use feedback to inform a potential future permanent program.
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Media contact:
Pardeep Purewal, Senior Manager Corporate Communications and Public Engagement
T 604 466 4319 C 778 955 4249
E Media@MapleRidge.ca