Snack Vendors

1. The vendor must submit the completed application package, including all required additional documentation.
2. Upon submission of a vendor’s application, and at Harbourfront Centre’s discretion, the vendor may be asked to participate in a taste testing. Specific dates and times will be determined once the vendor’s application is reviewed by Harbourfront Centre.
3. All vendors will receive formal notification as to acceptance status in writing by email specified by the vendor in their application.

1. The vendor must complete the application package in its entirety, including all additional documentation requested by Harbourfront Centre.
2. Your application package will be reviewed for the quality, uniqueness and salability of your product(s) and overall balance of the category your product(s) falls into.
3. Vendors are accepted based on the menu proposed on the application form and may only sell the approved items detailed in the form.
4. If requested, the vendor must attend a taste testing session as part of the acceptance process.
5. Vendors must at all times comply with the Health and Safety Standards as outlined by the City of Toronto, Department of Public Health and such other governing authorities.
6. Vendors must have their Food Handler’s Certificate, and proof of their Certificate of Business Registration, all of which must be available for inspection at any time.
7. Each vendor must complete an Application for Special Event Temporary Food Establishment Permit from Toronto Public Health which is available here.
8. All vendor personnel involved in the preparation and selling of food to the public must attend a Food Handler Training course offered by Toronto Public Health. All vendors will be subject to inspection by Toronto Public Health. Should a vendor fail an inspection, the vendor will not be permitted to operate until it is in compliance with all requirements set out by Toronto Public Health.
9. Acceptance of any vendor is in the sole discretion of Harbourfront Centre.

A $50 Damage Deposit Fee is required. This fee will be refunded once your contract ends. This fee is not included in the weekend total price. In case there are damages on the booth, items within the check list go missing, or the vendor causes damages to Harbourfront Centre property, the damage deposit will be used to pay for repairs. If the repairs cost is over $50, the vendor will be responsible for the remaining balance.

1. When a vendor application has been approved, you will be provided with an ‘on or before’ date. If a booking is cancelled by the vendor due to any circumstance on or before that date, Harbourfront Centre will refund all monies paid to date.
2. If a booking is cancelled by the vendor due to any circumstance after said ‘on or before’ date, the vendor forfeits all monies paid.
3. Unless the vendor cancels the Vendor Agreement by the dates as set out above, the vendor may not cancel the Vendor Agreement without the written consent of Harbourfront Centre. Unless otherwise agreed by Harbourfront Centre, all fees paid by the vendor shall be forfeited in the event of a cancellation by the vendor.
4. If the Vendor Agreement is cancelled by Harbourfront Centre due to a breach of these terms and conditions by the vendor, the vendor shall forfeit all fees paid.
   Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to relocation and/or deny booth space and/or close a vendor’s booth and request the vendor to leave Harbourfront Centre’s premises if the vendor is not complying with the terms and conditions set out in this Vendor Agreement, including but not limited to a failure of the vendor to comply with all health and safety standards required as part of their vendor services, and/or if the vendor is behaving in an objectionable fashion.
5. The vendor hereby waives any right to, and releases Harbourfront Centre from, any and all claims for damages or compensation by reason of Harbourfront Centre exercising its cancellation rights under this Vendor Agreement.
6. Public attendance and participation are dependent upon weather conditions, demographics and a variety of other factors. Harbourfront Centre shall not be responsible or liable for lack of success for individual vendors, poor food sales based on inclement weather, public attendance, or customer preferences.

1. 1. Vendors are responsible for their own insurance and must be prepared to provide to Harbourfront Centre a copy of the vendor’s insurance certificate listing “Harbourfront Corporation (1990)” as an additional insured. Certificate of Insurance must include the following:
      • • Commercial General Liability Insurance with a minimum of $2,000,000 in coverage.
        • Products and Completed Operations, Tenants Legal Liability and Cross Liability should be included in the General Liability.

Harbourfront Centre is not responsible or liable in any way for any claim by a third party made in connection with the Vendor’s participation in the event/festival and their delivery of vendor services. The vendor hereby agrees to indemnify and save harmless Harbourfront Centre, its directors, officers, servants, employees, agents, volunteers and representatives from and against any and all claims or causes of action, loss, costs, expenses, judgement or damage (including legal expenses and costs) on account of injury or loss to any person or property arising out of the vendor’s participation in the event/festival and/or the delivery of the vendor’s services, howsoever caused.

As a public facility, Harbourfront Centre is responsible for meeting the Public Health Protection regulations set out by the City of Toronto, Department of Public Health. Therefore, we expect each vendor to comply with the regulations in the transportation, preparation and service of food products intended for sale at the Harbourfront Centre site. Failure to comply may result in loss of vending privileges without refund.

Harbourfront Centre will strictly reinforce these measures and will pass through the booths, controlling temperature, food handling and transportation.

Harbourfront Centre will take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of their employees and community in which we operate by maintaining health and safety policies, procedures and programs with the support of the Chief Executive Officer and all senior management. In addition, Harbourfront Centre will comply with the Occupational Health & Safety Act, its regulations and all other applicable legislation.

Harbourfront Centre requires that at all times vendors abide by Harbourfront Centre Health & Safety Policies and Procedures as well as the requirements of the Occupational Health & Safety Act, and its Regulations.

At the top of every season, we provide a briefing where we cover important Health & Safety information including emergency procedures as well as hazard identification and risk mitigation. In addition to this briefing, it is expected that vendors will read and abide by the following:

1. Discrimination, Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy
   Harbourfront Centre values the diversity of its workforce, its patrons and visitors and the community in which we operate and is committed to providing an environment where individuals are treated with dignity and respect. It is the policy of Harbourfront Centre to ensure that the community is afforded a safe work and learning space free of intimidation, discrimination, harassment and violence.Harbourfront Centre will work to prevent, remedy and eliminate any such conduct in its workplace through establishing a policy and procedure and training program.

   Harbourfront Centre upholds the principles of the Ontario Human Rights Code, which prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, ancestry, ethnic origin, place of origin, colour, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, creed, citizenship, record of offences, or disability. Personal harassment, while not based on one of these prohibited grounds, can be equally demeaning, intimidating or humiliating and is also covered by this policy.

   In addition, Harbourfront Centre upholds the principles of the Occupational Health and Safety Act regarding workplace harassment and violence and will work to create and maintain a workplace free from violence and harassment as required by this Act.

   Any incidents of discrimination, harassment or violence must be reported immediately to the vendor coordinator at Harbourfront Centre. For any incident of violence or potential violence, the most pressing action is for the person to remove themselves from harm or from the risk, as soon as possible. Once removed from the risk, contact Security immediately at (416) 973 4885, (416) 520 8552, or Emergency Services at 911.

   We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment and/or violence of any kind, and we reserve the right to remove a vendor if their conduct is not in accordance with Harbourfront Centre policies and procedures.

   For additional information, please reference HFC002 Workplace Discrimination, Harassment & Violence Prevention Policy, available from the Vendor Coordinator.

2. Emergency ProceduresPrior to starting your shift, please familiarize yourself with the area to locate your nearest emergency exit, emergency equipment and security desk.

   In the event of an evacuation, we have three designated assembly points: Stage in the Park, Ontario Square and the south-side of Queens Quay Terminal. Depending on where you exit the building, please head directly to the nearest assembly point. Ensure that you check in with the Vendor Coordinator.

3. FireIn the event of a fire, proceed via the nearest safe stairwell or exit to the recommended assembly area. Check in with the Vendor Coordinator.

   In the event that you encounter a fire, notify any person in the vicinity, leave the room or area and activate the nearest manual pull station. Proceed via the nearest safe stairwell or exit to the recommended assembly area. Check in with the Vendor Coordinator.

4. Inclement WeatherIn the event of a severe weather alert and the site has to be evacuated, you need to seek shelter in a permanent building. Do not seek shelter in a tent as this is not a permanent structure. It is the responsibility of the vendor to check whether inclement weather will affect their commute to and from Harbourfront Centre. If it is unsafe to travel, please contact the Vendor Coordinator.
5. First Aid/MedicalReport all first aid and medical incidents to Security immediately at (416) 973 4885 or (416) 520 8552. Please note that First Aid can only be provided by trained personnel.
6. Reporting HazardsAll health and safety hazards must be reported immediately to the Vendor Coordinator. Commonly encountered hazards may include, but are not limited to:
   • Slippery surfaces
   • Temperature and weather
   • Excessive noise
   • Material handling
   • Chemical exposure
   • Stress/bullying
   • Machinery operating unsafely in the vicinity
   • Ventilation
7. Cold Stress/Heat StressApplies to vendors that may have to work outdoors during the summer or winter months.

   Cold Stress: When the body is unable to warm itself, serious cold-related illnesses may occur, leading to permanent tissue damage and even death.

   Heat Stress: Heat stress causes the body’s core temperature to rise. A series of disorders can develop, ranging from discomfort and pain (heat rash and heat cramps) to life-threatening conditions (heat exhaustion and heat stroke).

   Vendors are expected to:

   • Wear required personal protective equipment.
   • Take adequate breaks.
   • Report all incidents of cold stress and heat stress to the Vendor Coordinator.
   • Report any medical conditions that may increase risks of working in cold and hot weather.
   • Monitor the temperature.

   The Vendor Coordinator will determine if risk of working in cold and/or hot weather is too high.

8. Slips, Trips and FallsHarbourfront Centre is committed to reducing or eliminating the risk of injury from slips, trips and falls in the workplace. Harbourfront Centre will take appropriate and reasonable measures to manage its activities and minimize conditions that may cause an individual to slip, trip or fall.

   Harbourfront Centre expects that all vendors:

   • Wear footwear appropriate in the circumstances.
   • Avoid practices and personal behaviours that may cause slips, trips or falls.
   • Report all incidents of slips, trips or falls to the Vendor Coordinator whether or not an injury has occurred.

1. At least one member of the vendor staff should have a valid Toronto Food Handler Certificate. This person must be on-site at all times.

 

2. Food must be transported, handled and presented in a clean, well-maintained environment with food handlers wearing clean outer garments and maintaining a neat, tidy appearance. Hat or hairnet is mandatory for all food handlers.

 

3. Food handlers must follow good personal hygiene practices by washing hands appropriately and as often as required.

 

4. Food is to be prepared and served on a washable table surface. Use separate work tables or surfaces for the preparation of raw food and ready-to-eat food, to prevent cross-contamination. 
5. Glove use is not recommended unless the food handler has a minor cut or burn. GLOVES ARE FOR SINGLE-USE ONLY AND YOU MUST USE NEW GLOVES WHEN YOU ARE CHANGING PROCESSES (i.e., handling raw food to ready-to-eat food).

 

6. Only personnel directly involved with food preparation and service or maintenance staff from Harbourfront Centre are permitted behind the food counter(s). No minors are allowed. 
7. Hot food must be kept at temperatures of 60ºC (140ºF) or over. Cold food must be kept at temperatures of 4ºC (40ºF) or under. Perishable food must be stored in mechanical refrigerators, coolers, or other acceptable means.

 

8. Food must be protected from contamination by shields (i.e., plastic covers), containers, or other means (i.e., aluminum foil) if maintained and replaced as necessary.

 

9. Prepared food may not be kept on the ground in boxes or containers.

 

10. All food must be an approved source and prepared in approved food premises such as restaurants, community hall kitchens and church hall kitchens. Food that is prepared at home may not be served. Only single-service items (i.e., paper plates and cups) are allowed for serving customers.

 

11. Garbage must be regularly cleared from immediate serving area and placed in containers provided. Vendors are responsible for removing their own garbage from in and around their vending areas. All garbage must be disposed of as frequently as required. When taking trips to the garbage area, vendors are not allowed to carry their garbage through the building. All boxes must be flattened when disposed of in the disposal unit. At end of day, all food must be cleared away and properly stored off premises; all utensils must be washed; and all equipment left in a clean orderly manner.

1. Ready-to-eat and raw food must be transported in a manner that will protect food from contamination and proper temperatures must be maintained (i.e., coolers). 
2. Condiment containers are required to have self-closing lids and separate dispensing utensils.

 

3. A probe thermometer is required to check the internal temperatures of hazardous food. Harbourfront Centre may conduct routine food temperature checks at any time in its discretion. 
4. A thermometer is required to be stored in all cold holding units. This includes mechanical refrigeration and coolers. 
5. All food must be protected from contamination (i.e., covered and at least 15 cm/6 in. off the floor). 
6. Heat lamps are not allowed.

1. All surfaces are to be cleaned after use with single-use paper towels and a sanitizing spray rinse. The following bleach and water mixture can be used: 5 ml/1 teaspoon of household bleach mixed with 1 litre/4 cups of water.

 

2. Cleaning solutions must be placed in identifiable labeled spray bottles. 
3. Spray all surfaces with the bleach sanitizer after they have been cleaned.

 

4. Cleaning solution should sit on surfaces for at least 45 seconds before wiping. Do not rinse surfaces after sanitizing. This concentration of sanitizer will not harm food or individuals consuming the food.

1. 1. Vendors are not permitted to bring or use charcoal on premises.
   2. Vendors must bring and use sneeze guards.
   3. Any additional equipment brought to the premises must be included in the application form and needs prior approval in writing from Harbourfront Centre. No additional freezers or fridges are allowed.

1. Harbourfront Centre will provide one 10’ X 10’ tented booth with two tables and two chairs.
2. Snack Vendors MUST HAVE a hand washing station at their booth, to be provided by the vendor.
3. Decor: Harbourfront Centre requires each vendor to decorate their booth in a way that will complement the programme/festival in which the vendor is participating. Decor items can only be inside the booth. Staples, nails, screws, or pins cannot be used.  All decor items must be removed at the end of the Vendor Agreement term. Vendors may not place any decor outside their booth.
4. Signage: All signage must be professionally and/or creatively prepared and comply with all signage requirements set out in this Vendor Agreement. Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to remove inappropriate and/or signage that does not comply with the terms of this Vendor Agreement, in its discretion.
5. Harbourfront Centre will not be responsible for decor left on the premises after the end of the vendor’s term.
6. Vendors may not extend their operations beyond their booth perimeter.
7. Booths will be cleaned prior to the Vendor’s arrival. At the end of the vendor’s term, vendors must leave their booth and all equipment clean and the immediate area free of garbage and debris.
8. Vendors must not use metal tent frames to hang products or attach any item, equipment, signage, or otherwise.
9. Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to cancel the Vendor Agreement without refund and to eject any Vendor from the premises who is behaving in an objectionable manner or is not complying with the terms of this Vendor Agreement. The vendor hereby waives any right to, and releases Harbourfront Centre from, any and all claims for damages or compensation by reason of Harbourfront Centre exercising its right hereunder.
10. Only vendors in possession of a valid, signed Vendor Agreement with Harbourfront Centre may occupy a booth location.

1. Pricing, facility use, public safety: Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to intervene in terms of pricing, facility use and public safety to the extent necessary to ensure compliance with the terms of this Vendor Agreement.
2. Interference with performances: Vendors are asked to respect ongoing performances at Harbourfront Centre. No audio or video devices are allowed in the booths (i.e., portable stereos, radios, CD or DVD players, etc.). The vendor shall cooperate with all reasonable requests by Harbourfront Centre to reduce noise levels to accommodate ongoing performances and programming.

 

3. Extraneous promotions: No balloting, giveaways, raffles or any form of contests or prizes are permitted. No collection of information from any of our patrons is allowed on-site.
4. Hours of operation: Vendors must keep their booths open and staffed for the entire duration of the operating hours of the Market. The Market operates rain or shine. Vendors must be in attendance and booths must remain open during the designated hours. The vendor must be ready for business at the designated start time and close promptly at the designated close time. Hours of operation will be strictly enforced. Failure to comply with the operating hour requirements may result in the cancellation of the vendor’s booth with no reimbursement.
5. Closing early due to weather: If weather conditions call for early closing, an inquiry will be made among all vendors on-site. The consensus to close due to weather will be determined on the majority of vendor consensus or as otherwise may be required by Harbourfront Centre in accordance with its operating policies and procedures. All vendors will be required to comply with the determinations of Harbourfront Centre as set out herein.

1. Vendors will be provided with 1 (one) 15 amp power outlet.
2. Vendors will not be permitted to use any electrical equipment which is faulty or unsafe (i.e., equipment with frayed or improperly repaired wires).
3. Harbourfront Centre staff will inspect all equipment upon arrival to site, however, the vendor shall remain responsible at all times to ensure its equipment is safe and in an operable condition.
4. The use of cord converters is prohibited. Any power/extensions cords must be safe for outdoor use and have a surge protector switch on them.
5. As a mandated fire control measure, absolutely NO halogen lighting is allowed.

In compliance with Harbourfront Centre’s Green Strategy, snack vendors are not allowed to sell products in packaging made of single use plastic or Styrofoam. This includes utensils, plates, condiment packets and beverages. Bottled water and sodas are not permitted. Failure to do so will cause the closure of your booth.

1. Vendors are accepted based on the menu items approved as listed on the application form and may only sell approved items. If for any reason the food vendor requires to make changes or additions to menu, items must be approved in writing by Harbourfront Centre at least four weeks in advance of the festival.
2. An itemized menu of what you intend to serve from your food booth, including a price list for each item, must be supplied. All menus must be professionally and/or creatively prepared. Management retains the right to remove inappropriate and/or unattractive menus. Samples or photos of menus must be submitted to Vendor Coordinator for approval.
3. Please note that Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to have exclusivity in certain products and brands depending on sponsorship negotiations. This may change or be implemented at any moment and vendors must comply with Harbourfront Centre’s request.

1. Indigenous beverages permitted include only freshly prepared, unpacked, non-alcoholic beverages that are part of a specific community and therefore are part of the menu offered by the vendor. Traditional or Indigenous beverages that are bottled and/or imported are not allowed to be sold on-site.
2. Vendors interested in selling beverages must include the list in their application form. Only beverages that are included in the application and that are approved by the Vendor Team will be allowed to be sold on-site.
3. Examples of these beverages are: Mango Lassi, Sorrel and Sour Sop Juice.

1. Parking is the responsibility of, and at the cost of, the vendor.
2. Harbourfront Centre does not offer discounted parking passes for vendors.
3. Vendor agrees to adhere to the load-in and load-out schedule provided by Harbourfront Centre. This schedule will be sent the week of the festival by e-mail with the number and location of the booth.
4. Vendors are required to be escorted by security personnel while accessing and exiting Harbourfront Centre premises. Cars moving without security escort will be fined.
5. Load in/out access will be allowed for a short period of time for the purpose of delivering and re-stocking food and/or equipment only. Vendors are allowed a maximum of 30 minutes to park and unload their goods on Harbourfront Centre property. Due to ongoing construction, property access may be limited. Vendors who exceed the time permitted may be issued a parking ticket.

1. Promotion of a restaurant or catering business is permissible if done in a manner that is in keeping with Harbourfront Centre’s mandate as a cultural arts centre (business cards are acceptable, large neon signs are not). Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to remove any signage in its discretion.
2. Signs must look clean and professional.
3. Signs/equipment which includes product logos are subject to approval by Harbourfront Centre to ensure they are in keeping with Harbourfront Centre’s exclusive sponsorship agreements.
4. Hanging a flag of any kind is not permitted.
5. Harbourfront Centre will promote the event/festival in which the vendor is participating in accordance with its standard marketing and promotional practices. The vendor will agree to promote their participation in their off-site venue wherever possible and distribute print material on behalf of the event, when available.

1. Harbourfront Centre reserves the right to change, cancel or add any rule or rules at any time for any reasons whatsoever, and to move, relocate, suspend operating privileges or immediately terminate this agreement without prior notification to vendor.
2. Any violation of the terms of the Vendor Agreement may result in: a written warning and/or loss of booth(s). Loss of booth(s) will result in all monies being forfeited. All decisions made by Harbourfront Centre are final. Vendors will not be allowed on the Harbourfront Centre premises until all fines have been paid.

Situated on Toronto’s waterfront, Harbourfront Centre is renowned as Canada’s foremost facility for contemporary culture. Our year-round operation offers some 4000 internationally acclaimed events ranging from music, literary and theatrical festivals to children’s activities and craft shops.

During the summer, Harbourfront Centre presents a schedule of music and cultural weekends, some of which are themed around specific cultural communities and presented at the different venues on site.

The Market is home to a diverse range of crafts and goods originating from countries worldwide, representing Toronto’s cultural diversity and hand-crafted items from local artisans.

All applications for snack vendors are reviewed through a juried process prior to acceptance. All snack vendor applicants must be registered businesses. Once you submit your application, vendors will be contacted to participate in a juried taste-test before they are accepted. You may book individual weekends or the full festival season at Harbourfront Centre.

We have a 10-acre lakeside setting, FREE weekend festivals all summer long, millions of annual visitors and so much more! We have a team of great staff who look forward to working with you throughout the season. We provide the following to our vendors:

• A Vendor Coordinator
• An Assistant Vendor Coordinator, on site each weekend working to ensure that everything goes smoothly
• Spacious 10′ x 10′ tented booth with two tables and two chairs
• Access to 1 (one) 15-amp power outlet.
• Overnight roaming security.

Yes! We want to keep our snack offerings current and always encourage new vendors to apply.

Vendors must provide their own lighting, booth display, telecommunications, signage and more.

If you want to bring any electrical or display equipment, please detail those on the application form and include the wattage. Our booths are located under tents outdoors, so we have limited electrical supply.

Parking fees are not covered by Harbourfront Centre and discounted parking passes are not offered to vendors.

Yes. All vendors must submit photos of their snack menu items. You can send in up to six photos to represent what you want to sell. Images are important so that we get a clear idea of the quality of your snack offerings, and are part of the selection process. We may also use them for promotion and advertising opportunities.

The Market is currently located on the west side of the Artport Building, Harbourfront Centre’s main activity area at 235 Queens Quay West.

There are two snack booths located on the north part of the lawn.

No, it’s not too late for you to apply. All applications are reviewed and considered, even those received after the deadline. Because we have many returning vendors, we suggest that all new vendors submit their applications as soon as possible, as our festivals do sell out.

No. You may not promote any other businesses or vendors within your working group. No balloting, giveaways, raffles or any form of contests or prizes are permitted. We also do not allow vendors to collect personal information from our patrons.