The Town of Okotoks wants to simplify the way business licences are handled after hearing that getting one can be a lengthy and complicated process.
The licensing process was discussed during the Town’s council meeting on Sept. 9, and changes will be brought to Town council this fall that could be implemented early next year.
“Our goal is to make it as easy as possible for our residents and our businesses,” Mayor Tanya Thorn said.
Feedback received from business owners suggests the 36-day average processing time is too long and that the process is difficult to understand, Town staff said during the meeting.
The current application process asks business owners to confirm if they have development or building permits. It also asks if the business meets relevant provincial or federal requirements.
Town staff said business licences have become a compliance gatekeeper for other processes or jurisdictions.
Business licences help the Town gather information for directories and economic statistics, and changes will bring the licensing structure back to its original purpose.
“The intention is to stick business licensing with simply licensing the business," staff said.
The fee structure for the licences will also be reviewed and the Town will look at moving from tiered rates to a flat fee.
Okotoks’ fees are among the highest in the region. Currently, a store front business can pay between $210 to $510 for a licence, depending on the number of staff.
The Town said that reworking the business licensing process is part of a comprehensive business support review.
The review takes feedback into account from the business community, licence applicants, staff and consultants, and results of the business satisfaction survey, the Town said.
The Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce said it is awaiting details and it is too early to comment on any proposed changes.
Other changes to improve customer experience include development of an online compliance guide, website improvements and new training for town staff.
