Increased event permit fees pose uncertain future for Vancouver vendors

This month, the City of Vancouver increased certain event permit fees for 2026, some by as much as 900 per cent.

Fees are based on event types, but for commercial markets, the change could mean an increase from $250 up to $2,500.

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While City Hall justifies the price jump with increased overall costs, event organizers are worried about their futures.

Kristina Cressman, owner and founder of the Vintage and Handmade Society (VHS) of Vancouver says the permit fee increases will hurt small business owners, such as vendors who often fill event spaces with their booths.

“The fee increases have very negatively impacted our organization. We started this organization to support small business owners and local small businesses. And this change in permit fees, this rise in permit fees is very much harming small businesses,” Cressman told 1130 NewsRadio.

For years, the VHS has long hosted events to connect local small businesses with access to vendor spaces, predominantly in Downtown Vancouver, such as the Summer Market Series.

“Not only is it harming them, but it, of course, is harming us to be able to provide these services to them,” said Cressman.

She adds that the fees have forced them to reduce the number of events they host and pass on some of the costs to their vendors.

“What I foresee is just way fewer events happening. There used to be a time when it was basically just farmers markets and VHS markets doing activities, and I have watched the community grow, and so many other people started putting on markets. The opportunity became feasible for so many different organizers, and then in a snap, it’s gone,” Cressman said.

She explains that her organization has already implemented actions to lessen the burden for vendors.

“We have a retail store with some local makers and some vintage, so that’s called VCR,” Cressman said.

Downtown Vancouver spaces more expensive

However, with a lack of funding, Cressman says that they have had to pass on some of that cost to their vendors.

“But even then, with the rise in rent and lease fees, it is such a struggle to be a small business right now, especially a woman-owned minority business in Vancouver. So, I don’t know where the future holds for us, and it’s becoming harder and harder to stay positive, but I’m definitely trying.”

In a statement, the City of Vancouver says that the permit fee increases were designed to ensure program costs are covered and avoid changes to businesses and residents that would create undue burden.

The city adds the fee is even higher for three event spaces in Vancouver downtown, 800 Robson Plaza and šxʷƛ̓ənəq Xwtl’e7énḵ Square, and 1800 Davie Street.

“For these three locations, fees range from $1,000 to $1,500 depending on whether it is low or peak season,” the city said in a written statement.

The fee increase applies to commercial markets and not to farmers markets, which remain free of charge, nor to cultural or community events.

Editor’s note: This article has been updated to accurately reflect the specifics of which events are affected by the change.