January 17, 2022
The new bylaw provides clearer and more consistent regulations that reduce barriers for businesses. It also allows the City to respond quickly and decisively to new and emerging business types.
Some of the key changes and benefits for businesses include:
- One or two-year licence option with a discounted fee for choosing the two-year option
- Discounted fee for businesses that renew their licence on time
- Simplified fee schedule, where businesses with multiple categories will only be charged a single category fee
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New, updated licence categories with clearer descriptions and licensing requirements
These changes balance the need to streamline regulations with meeting legislative and safety requirements. This includes ensuring the City has the ability and resources to mitigate potential public safety risk factors and can support enforcement efforts if problems with a particular business emerge.
The new bylaw was developed over the course of three years through extensive research and input from the business community and regulatory and enforcement partners.
The Business Licence Bylaw renewal is one of several initiatives underway to help streamline and simplify the City’s permitting, licensing and regulatory processes. A new, modern and robust Business Licence Bylaw helps create the conditions for businesses to thrive and prosper as envisioned by The City Plan.
