Who needs a business licence
All businesses operating in Wrenford must have a valid business licence. This includes online businesses, home-based businesses, and commercial operations. A licence ensures your location is safe, follows our land-use rules, and meets provincial requirements. You need a licence, but your employees do not.
Types of licences
Home-based business
Run from your residence in a residential area. You must ensure your business complies with the Zoning rules and Business Licensing By-law 2021-033. Exterior storage, outdoor work, and window displays are not permitted. If you rent your home, you must provide written consent from your landlord.
Commercial or industrial business
Operates from a building in a commercial or industrial zone. Before signing a lease or buying a property, check that the location is zoned for your business type. Contact Planning & Development to verify your proposed address.
Non-resident business
Your office is outside Wrenford, but you carry on business here. No physical inspection of a Wrenford location is required. These licences are usually approved quickly.
How to apply
- Check your location: Verify your proposed address is zoned for your business type.
- Gather your documents: You will need a government-issued photo ID for the business owner. If you are applying on behalf of the owner, include a letter of authorization. For incorporated businesses, provide your Certificate of Incorporation or Registration.
- Complete the application: Submit your application through the apply online or download the application form. Fill out all required fields and attach your documents.
- Review and approvals: Our team will review your application. This may take 2 to 4 weeks for commercial businesses, depending on the number of required inspections. Home-based and non-resident applications are usually processed within 5 business days.
- Pay your fees: Once approved, you will receive an invoice. Pay online, by mail, or in person at Wrenford City Hall.
Fees
Business licences are valid for one year from the date of issue. All fees are set out in the Fees and Charges By-law 2025-151.
- Home-based business: $125.00 annually
- Commercial or industrial business: $250.00 annually
- Non-resident business: $475.00 annually
- One-time application fee: $50.00
A 10 per cent late payment fee will be added to unpaid balances after the due date.
Renewals and changes
Your licence renews automatically each year. We will mail a renewal notice 30 days before your licence expires. You must pay the annual fee by December 31 to keep your licence active for the following year.
If you move your business, change the owner, or update your company name, you must submit a new application. There is no fee to update business information on an existing licence.
Contact us
If you have questions about applying or renewing, contact the Business Licensing Office.
Business Licensing Office
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 519-555-0100
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street