Council Tuesday took steps towards peeling off the red tape facing business owners at city hall.
Council approved an amendment to its business licensing bylaw which will allow business owners to purchase one business licence that will be valid in 12 different Island communities.
The inter-municipal business licence will allow mobile business owners such as photographers and landscapers to expand their client base with little hassle.
Colleen Evans, president of the Chamber of Commerce which worked closely with the city on the program, said it will make life a lot easier for the city’s business operators and expand their opportunities.
“This bylaw will not only reduce red tape but it will streamline the process for businesses,” Evans told council Tuesday evening. “This is going to enable our businesses to look at regional growth opportunities. A lot of our contractors have been restricted to only operating in this geographical location and having this new bylaw passed will enable them to look at regional growth opportunities for their business.”
Evans said the special licence was requested by several contractors.
The single $150 licence will now enable local businesses to be covered with a business licence in Campbell River, Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, Duncan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Nanaimo, North Cowichan, Parksville, Port Alberni and Qualicum Beach.