Recreation, Culture & Social Support Services
Starting a Business
Most businesses operating within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo require a business license. A business license is location-specific and you usually need a separate license for each location you operate in. Some exemptions to this rule are people who sell their product in a public market, exhibition hall, or are travelling or temporary sales people (i.e. door-to-door). For businesses that hire subcontractors, the subcontractors must have their own business license.
Obtaining a Business License
Before you begin operation of your business, you will be required to obtain a development permit and a business license.
Step 1 – Development Permit/Approval
Your proposed business will be reviewed by a development officer to determine whether or not your proposed operations are permitted. Only after you have received development approval can your business license application be processed. Unless you have moved or changed your operations, this review process and any fees attached to it are only done when you first apply for your license.
While the process of requiring a development approval is the same for both a home-based business or a commercial location business, they do have different development review processes and therefore, different business license are required for these types of operations.
Step 2 – Business License
Once you have received development approval, your proposed business license operations will be reviewed to determine what business license categories will apply for your operations. The cost of business licenses varyies and is determined by the business category or categories your operations are classified into. For many businesses, it is common that more than one category is required to properly license the business. If the business is incorporated, copies of incorporation papers should be included in the application.
Referrals
Some of the business licnese categories have referrals to other agencies as part of the business license process. These referrals must be approved and returned to our office before the license can be issued.
Issuing of License
Once all referrals, fees and approvals have been received either online or at the front counter, the business license will be issued. Business licenses are valid for one year from date of issue. The license must be displayed in the place of business.
Renewal of License
Licenses must be renewed annually. When the license expires, you will be issued a notice/bill to the address you have indicated on your account. The renewal fees must be paid within 30 days of the expiry date of the previous license to remain as a valid business license.
Moving or Changing Operations
Your business license is issued for a specific location and operation(s). If you change your operations or move your business to a new location, you will need to have your account reviewed to determine if a new development permit or business license category is required.
Sale of Business
Business Licenses are non-transferable. If you sell or close down your business, please contact our office. If you would like more information about a specific license or permit please contact Current Planning and Development Branch.
The Planning and Development Department is located at 309 Powder Drive in Timberlea (Fort McMurray).
For More Information
Current Planning & Development Branch
Timberlea Landing (309 Powder Drive)
T. (780) 799-8695
F. (780) 743-7874
