New Business License Bylaw in the works

All businesses operating in The City of Red Deer will require a business license if City Council approves a new Business License Bylaw which heard first reading this week.

Erin Stuart, Inspections and Licensing Manager says the current bylaw is outdated and doesn’t accommodate the needs of Red Deer business owners.

“We are proposing a new bylaw that not only ensures fair and equitable treatment for all businesses, but also considers the need for better data as we evaluate economic development opportunities in our city,” says Stuart.

The existing license bylaw was adopted over 20 years ago, and has since had few amendments. City officials note the existing bylaw only allows licensing of specific types of businesses, and is not inclusive of all. Other businesses may have been previously operating with an occupancy permit. The new Business License Bylaw allows for either annual renewable licenses or short-term licenses, depending on the business’ needs.