Business Licensing Bylaw

The Town is working on creating a Business Licensing Bylaw for "traditional" businesses like the retail stores along Main Street. There are three main reasons why the Town is interested in Business Licensing:

1. Maintain our business registry - updated in the summer of 2021 in partnership with the Wolfville Business Development Corporation (WBDC);
2. Ensure new businesses are checking in with the Town before opening and allowing a welcome opportunity; and
3. Provide an opportunity to effectively showcase businesses on our new website with the proposed business profiles (example picture below).

What about Home Based Businesses?

Home Based Businesses may be included in the Business License Bylaw based on the outcomes of engagement with these business operators.

What are the next steps?

1. On January 11th, 2022, Council directed Staff to move forward with exploring a business licensing program in the Town, as outlined in the report linked on the right hand side. Staff will integrate Council feedback into future information reports.
2. Staff will consult with "traditional" businesses in the Wolfville business community through this page, letters, emails, meetings if possible to share information on the Business Licensing Bylaw and about our new website (not yet released) and business profiles.
3. Staff will consult with home-based business through this page, letters, emails, meetings if possible.
4. Staff will consult with Landlords and/or Rental operators through this page, letters, emails, and in-person meetings if possible.
5. Staff will bring a summary of feedback, updated By-law, proposed fees, application forms, and other information back to Council for direction.