Important Update: Changes to Business Licence Inspection Process

The City is implementing a new approach to improve service delivery during the business licence process.

What’s new?

• Business licences will no longer be delayed pending a fire inspection.
• Fire inspections will still be required, but they will now be scheduled after the licence is issued, coordinated by the Fire Department based on the Fire Inspector’s availability.

The business licence application package—both in-office and online—has now been updated to include a new statutory declaration. For applications already in progress, staff will contact applicants directly to request completion of the updated declaration.

What’s next?

• The Fire Chief and City staff are preparing information pamphlets to help business owners meet Fire Code requirements.
• An amendment to the Business Licence Bylaw will be presented to Council later this month to formally reflect this new process.

This change is designed to streamline the licensing process while maintaining safety standards. If you have questions, please reach out to City staff.