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Mobile business licence model proposed

The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce is pushing for Mobile Business Licences

The city is looking into developing a business licence that would allow an owner to conduct business in several different communities while purchasing just one licence.

The Campbell River Chamber of Commerce is pushing for Mobile Business Licences, also known as Inter-Community Business Licences.

Colleen Evans, chamber president, said the licences reduce bureaucratic red tape by allowing mobile businesses to operate in several different municipalities without having to obtain non-resident permits in other communities.

“It allows a business to operate across particular municipalities and regional districts,” Evans said at Tuesday’s council meeting.

“It streamlines the process, reduces costs and makes it easier to do business in these regions and reduces the red tape.”

Mobile Business Licences are typically suited for contractors such as photographers, mechanics, janitorial service providers, and landscapers.

Evans said allowing those contractors to easily move around the region would provide more selection for consumers.

The licences also increase licensing compliance and improve information flow among local governments.

Evans said several jurisdictions already offer Mobile Business Licences, including the Okanagan-Similkameen area, the Capital Regional District and the Courtenay/Comox area.

Evans said under the Okanagan-Similkameen model, it costs $150 for a Mobile Business Licence which allows the mobile business to operate in 19 municipalities and regional districts.

Evans added that “local governments are retaining all the revenue generated by the business licence and businesses remain responsible for complying with the bylaws of each municipality and regional district in which they operate.”

The Mobile Business Licence program is a key commitment for the province in the BC Jobs Plan and offers support to local governments looking to implement the program.

Campbell River council directed city staff Tuesday night to undertake a detailed assessment of the Mobile Business Licence model and report back to city council.