For the first time ever, Uber is operating legally in Edmonton.

But instead of picking up passengers, the controversial company hopes to pick up your dinner.

Uber is introducing the UberEats app, where users can order meals from 40 restaurants in Edmonton, such as El Cortez, MKT Fresh Food and Beer Market, and Block 1912 Cafe.

"We're super excited to be back on the streets of Edmonton," said Uber Alberta manager Ramit Kar.

Uber offers the same app in Toronto and Ottawa.

The company was the focus of a major overhaul of the city's vehicle-for-hire bylaw after operating illegally for more than a year.

Garry Dziwenka, the city's director of licensing, said for UberEats the company worked with the city for several weeks to obtain a legal business licence.

Uber suspended its traditional service in March to await provincial regulations that would allow the smartphone app company to operate legally.

Kar said the same drivers who previously picked up passengers will now be delivering food. He said once Uber starts picking up passengers again, drivers will still be able to deliver food to supplement their income.

"We had the infrastructure in place to make this a great product in terms of the thousands of drivers that we already have that have been chomping at the bit to get back on the streets," he said.

Earlier this month, the province introduced the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, which will require Uber drivers to obtain Class 1, 2 or 4 licences and commercial insurance policies.

The province's superintendent of insurance expects to approve a policy created for private transportation providers by July 1.

Kar said Uber provided input on the province's proposed legislation earlier this week, and it's hoped the company will be able to pick up passengers legally starting in July, after the province approves a new ride-hailing insurance policy.