Business Licences | City of Wetaskiwin

To provide goods or services or operate a business in Wetaskiwin, you must hold a valid business licence.

A business licence demonstrates to customers that your business complies with municipal regulations, including zoning, building, and fire codes. Business licences also help the City understand and better serve its economic community. One of many services we offer to licenced businesses is the option to be listed in our Business Directory.

Business licences are governed by the Business Licence Bylaw.

The City offers several categories of business licence:

Resident: for businesses with an operating address in the City of Wetaskiwin.
Regional Resident: for businesses with an operating address in the County of Wetaskiwin, who come into the City to do business.
Non-Resident: for businesses with an operating address outside the City and County of Wetaskiwin, who come into the City to do business.
Mobile Vendor Permit: for businesses selling food, goods, or services from place to place, such as a food truck or door-to-door salesperson. Permits can be valid for minimum one week or maximum to the end of the current calendar year.
Event Vendors’ Licence: for event organizers wishing to licence multiple mobile retail vendors at once (note: mobile food vendors must each obtain a separate permit). For information on organizing a public event on City property, please visit our Plan an Event webpage.

Resident, Regional Resident, and Non-Resident business licences are valid until December 31 of the year they are issued. These licence holders will receive an invoice to renew their licence for the following year. Mobile Vendor Permit and Event Vendors’ Licence holders will not receive an invoice and must reapply every year.

Registered charitable or non-profit organizations, as well as entities specifically exempt under provincial or federal legislation, do not require a business licence.

Current business licence fees are set out in Schedule C of the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Helpful Hints

When identifying a location for your business, it is very important to make sure the space you are leasing or purchasing is appropriately zoned for your intended use. For more information on zoning, please visit the Land Use Bylaw webpage.
Please allow 7 to 10 business days for your business licence to be issued, particularly during the peak summer season (May to September). We do not offer rush service.
If you have questions about business licences, please contact a Licence Officer at permits@wetaskiwin.ca or 780-361-4400. For additional support in starting your business, please visit the Business Resources webpage.

How to apply for a business licence or update business licence information

Step 1: Download and complete the application form

Please review the form carefully to ensure you have included all the information needed, including any supporting documents or photos.

A change of information can be used to update a business’s mailing address, operating name, and contact number. Please note that if the location or ownership of a business changes, a new business licence is required and fees will apply.

Step 2: Submit the application form

Applications may be submitted by email to permits@wetaskiwin.ca, by mail to the address listed on the application form, or in person at Wetaskiwin City Hall. Applications and supporting documents submitted by email must be in PDF format. Photos will not be accepted.

Once your application has been received, a Licence Officer will contact you to identify any outstanding information. Applications are not considered to be complete until all required information and supporting documents are submitted.

Note: the review may identify other permits required before your business licence can be issued, such as a development permit or a building permit. For more information on these permits, please visit the Building and Renovating webpage. If other permits are required, your business licence review will be paused until they are issued.

Step 3: Complete your fire inspection

If a fire inspection is required, the Licence Officer will let you know when you are eligible to book one. Please book as far in advance as possible of your planned opening date, as fire inspections are not offered on every business day. To book, please visit the Fire Services booking webpage.

If you are a Mobile Food Vendor and have a valid fire inspection completed in another municipality, you may submit it with your application. If it meets the City’s requirements, you will not need an additional inspection.

Step 4: Pay your fee and receive your licence

The Licence Officer will let you know when your licence is approved and how you can pay your fee. The licence can be picked up or mailed to you. Current fees are set out in Schedule C of the City’s Fees and Charges Bylaw.

Regulations for specific business types

Below are common business types that have additional requirements under various City bylaws. These bylaws can be found on the City’s Bylaws webpage. As this is not a full list, you are encouraged to review Section 8 of the Land Use Bylaw to determine if your proposed business type has additional requirements.

Cannabis Retail – Please see section 8.33 of the Land Use Bylaw. Due to the number of existing Cannabis Retail establishments, the City is not currently approving applications for new Cannabis Retail development.
Child Care Service – Please see section 8.1.2 of the Land Use Bylaw.
Day Home Operation – Please see section 8.1.1 of the Land Use Bylaw.
Home-Based Business – Please see sections 8.7.1 through 8.7.3 of the Land Use Bylaw.
Liquor Store – Please see section 8.10 of the Land Use Bylaw.
Pawn Shop or Pawn Broker – Please see the Pawnshops, Secondhand Dealers, and Scrap Metal Dealers Bylaw.
Pub, Lounge, Nightclub, or Bar – Please see sections 8.14.1 and 8.14.2 of the Land Use Bylaw.
Secondhand Dealer – Please see the Pawnshops, Secondhand Dealers, and Scrap Metal Dealers Bylaw.
Taxi or Rideshare Service – Please see the Taxi/Ride for Hire Bylaw. In addition to a Business Licence for the business, a Taxi Driver’s Licence is required for each individual driver. The driver application form and checklist are submitted directly to the City’s Enforcement Services.
Vehicle Oriented Use (Drive-Through) – Please see section 8.26 of the Land Use Bylaw.