Dundas Place vendor pilot program to attract artisans and small businesses downtown

Artisans and businesses that sell art, crafts, handmade goods, vintage, or specialty retail can now apply to become a street vendor in designated outdoor spaces on Dundas Place this year.

The City is beginning a new pilot program to permit vendors along Dundas Place between Ridout Street and Wellington Street downtown. Dundas Place is designed to support activities such as street vendors on its larger sidewalks. Locations for vendors are determined in consultation with MainStreet London and the Downtown London BIA, and are selected based on the street’s amenities and space, the business types nearby, and pedestrian activity.

“Introducing more vendors this year helps make Dundas Place London’s most exciting street and a vibrant destination downtown,” says Ryan Craven, Manager of Core Area Programs at the City of London. “Vendors have been a part of larger events on the street for several years, and this pilot program makes it easier for vendors to operate on Dundas Place more frequently.”

The pilot program will engage new small businesses interested in operating outdoors on Dundas Place. Merchants with existing brick and mortar locations can also participate to expand their business to outdoor locations along the flexible street. There is a $25 fee for vendors per quarter, or an annual $100 fee to cover administration costs. Applicants must also provide proof of insurance.

Access for pedestrian, bicycle, and motor vehicle traffic will not be impeded by vendor stalls on Dundas Place. Vendors will be able to operate both when the street is open to vehicle traffic or when the street is closed to vehicles. Vendors will also be provided with tables and a tent to use.

“The new street vendor pilot program adds to the dynamic energy of Dundas Place and helps expand the variety of products available, while creating more affordable entry points to our local entrepreneurial ecosystem,” says Kathy McLaughlin, Business Development Manager at MainStreet London. “We look forward to working with this new group of vendors and helping them grow their businesses downtown.”

The City’s pilot program for outdoor vendors is an initiative which will complement MainStreet London’s Pop Up Shops program that connects businesses to vacant indoor spaces for temporary events and sales. Between these two programs, there are now options for artisans and retail entrepreneurs to grow their business with both outdoor and indoor pop up opportunities downtown.

Vendors can learn more about program requirements and apply at london.ca/dundasplace.

This new pilot program does not apply to food vendors. Food vendors and food carts are already permitted through different licensing and operate in prescribed locations awarded through an annual lottery. Currently, six potential food cart locations are already situated along Dundas Place.

DUNDAS PLACE STREET VENDOR APPLICATION FORM

Last modified:Wednesday, August 10, 2022