Business Licences

Due to new Provincial COVID-19 regulations, any paper copy applications and business licence submissions will be held for a minimum 4 days before being accepted. This will result in a delay of processing your application.

It is recommended that all Planning & Development applications be submitted electronically to fortplanning@fortsask.ca to avoid any delays and to respect the health and safety of City staff as we continue to provide services during this pandemic.

If you have any question, please call 780-992-6198.

The City's Business Licence Bylaw requires all businesses operating within our community to hold a valid Business Licence.

A business license serves as a confirmation that a business complies with local laws and regulations.
Licences are valid for up to one year, expiring on December 31st.

Renew Your Business Licence

Business Licence Fees

Licences are valid for up to one year, expiring on December 31st.

Fort Saskatchewan charges an annual fee for Business Licence. Fortunately, our fees are among the lowest in the province. The location of your business and the duration of your business activity will determine the required licence type.

Prorated licence fees are available for NEW businesses.

Annual Business Licensing Fees
Licence Type	Fee
Resident Business A business which maintains a permanent Business Premises within the City limits	$100.00/year
Non-resident Business A business which operates in whole or in part, within the City's limits, but which does not maintain a permanent Business Premises within the City limits.	$330.00/year
Temporary Business Licence A Business Licence which is only valid for 28 consecutive days	$104.00/28 days

Prorated Licensing Fees for New Businesses
Licence Type	Jan - Mar	Apr – Jun	Jul – Sep	Oct - Dec
Resident Business	$100.00	$75.00	$50.00	$25.00
Non-resident Business	$330.00	$247.50	$165.00	$82.50

Apply for a Business Licence

Online

Step 1: Create a Cityview Portal Account

Follow the instruction to create a Cityview Portal account. Creating an account requires a valid email address.
An email will be sent with an activation link.
Click the activation link to activate your account and apply for your business licence.

Step 2: Apply for a licence

Follow the link that was sent to you in the activation email.
Enter your email address and password.
Click on "Apply for a NEW Business Licence".
Follow the instructions to complete the seven step application.

In person or by mail

Step 1: Complete the Business Licence Application Form.

Step 2: Submit the completed form and make payment either in-person or by mail:

Planning & Development
City of Fort Saskatchewan, City Hall
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

Please Note: a Development Permit might be required for a Resident Business before obtaining a Business Licence.

A Development Permit is written approval from the City that your business complies with the regulations of the Land Use Bylaw.

Non-Resident Businesses do not require a Development Permit.

For more information on your Development Permit, contact Planning & Development.

Renew a Business Licence

Online

I have a Cityview Portal account

Step 1: Sign in to Cityview Portal

Step 2: Renew your licence

Click “My Items”, which can be accessed from the left hand side menu.
Click on “My Licence Applications,” under your Business Licence number highlighted in blue
Click
‘Add Fees to My Cart.”
Click “Make Payment”
Follow the instructions to make payment.

I DO NOT have a Cityview Portal account

Step 1: Create a Cityview Portal account

Follow the instruction to create a Cityview Portal account.
Creating an account requires the email address you provided on your initial business licence application.
If you did not provide an email address or do not remember the email address you provided, please call 780-992-6227.
An email will be sent with an activation link
Click the activation link to activate your account and apply for your business license.

Step 2: Activate your account and make a payment

Once you have completed the Cityview Portal application, you will receive an activation email.
Click the activation link to activate your account and follow the instructions under "I have a Cityview Portal account".

In person or by mail

Step 1: Print off and complete the Business Licence Application Form

Step 2: Submit the completed form and make payment either in-person or by mail:

Planning & Development
City of Fort Saskatchewan, City Hall
10005 102 Street
Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 2C5

Fee Exemptions

Non-profits, health professionals and professionals under POARA may apply for an exemption from business licence fees.

Non-Profits

To be eligible for a fee exemption, applicants will be required to submit the following information:

Name of the organization
Purpose of the organization
Organizational structure
A Confirmation of registration, a charity registration number or other government authorization
description of the activities that will be undertaken within the City

See the Business Licence Bylaw to see if you qualify for an exemption.

Non-profits applying for an exemption are NOT able to apply and renew online at this time. Please contact us directly to apply or renew.

Health Professionals

A regulated members and businesses owned by regulated members under the Health Professions Act of the Legislature of Alberta are specifically exempt from municipal licensing with respect to the practice of their profession, if they can provide proof of:

A certificate of registration from their health profession association
A copy of their Trade Name Registration Statement or a Corporate Registry Search for their registered business

The operation of a business which is not required for the practice of a regulated profession is NOT exempt. (Ex. If a doctor or dentist were to operate a bakery or retail store, the bakery or the retail store would not be exempt from business licensing.)

Health professionals applying for an exemption are not able to apply and renew online. Please contact us by email, by mail, or by phone to apply or renew.

*For statistical purposes, professionals operating in Fort Saskatchewan are encouraged to still obtain a Business Licence at no cost.

Associations and Colleges legislated under the Health Professionals Act

Acupuncturists - College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta
Audiologists - Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Chiropractors - Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
Combined Laboratory and X-ray Technologists - Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists
Dental Assistants - College of Alberta Dental Assistants
Dental Hygienists - College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta
Dental Technologist - College of Dental Technologists of Alberta
Dentists - Alberta Dental Association and College
Denturists – College of Alberta Denturists
Dietitians – College of Dietitians of Alberta
Hearing Aid Practitioners – College of Hearing Aid Practitioners of Alberta
Licensed Practical Nurses - College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists - Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists
Medical Laboratory Technologists - Alberta College of Medical Laboratory Technologists
Midwives - College of Midwives of Alberta
Naturopaths - College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
Occupational Therapists - Alberta College of Occupational Therapists
Opticians - College of Opticians of Alberta
Optometrists - Alberta College of Optometrists
Paramedics – Alberta College of Paramedics
Pharmacists - Alberta College of Pharmacists
Physical Therapists - College of Physical Therapists of Alberta
Physicians, Surgeons and Osteopaths - College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
Podiatrists - College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta
Psychiatric Nurses - College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta
Psychologists - College of Alberta Psychologists
Registered Nurses - College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Respiratory Therapists - College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta
Social Workers - Alberta College of Social Workers
Speech-Language Pathologists - Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

Professionals under POARA

Registered members of an association legislated under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act are specifically exempt from requiring a municipal Business Licence if they can provide proof of:

A certificate of registration
A copy of their Trade Name Registration Statement or a Corporate Registry Search for their registered business

The operation of a business which is not required for the practice of a regulated profession is NOT exempt. (Ex. If a Shorthand Reporter were to operate an auto repair shop, the auto repair shop would not be exempt from business licensing.)

Professionals under POARA applying for an exemption are not able to apply and renew online. Please contact us by email, by mail, or by phone to apply or renew.

*For statistical purposes, professionals operating in Fort Saskatchewan are encouraged to still obtain a Business Licence at no cost.

Associations legislated under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act

Assessor - Alberta Assessors Association
Landscape Architect - Alberta Association of Landscape Architects
Planner - Alberta Professional Planners Institute
Human Ecologist and Home Economist - Alberta Human Ecologist and Home Economist Association
Shorthand Reporters - Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association
Biologists - Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
School Business Officials - Association of School Business Officials of Alberta
Chemists - Association of School Business Officials of Alberta
Information Technology Professional - Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
Electrical Contractor - Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
Management Consultant - Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Alberta
Local Government Manager - Society of Local Government Managers of Alberta
Supply Chain Manger - Supply Chain Management Association Alberta

FAQs

Business Licence FAQs

What is a Business Licence?

A Business Licence is a document that gives you permission to legally operate a business within the City of Fort Saskatchewan.

Business licensing bylaws are enacted to protect public health and safety, and a Business Licence serves as a confirmation that a business complies with local laws and regulations.

Fines for operating a business without a Business Licence begin at $300.

Do I need a Business Licence?

Anyone operating a businesses within the City of Fort Saskatchewan, whether based inside or outside of the city limits, are required to obtain a Business Licence, as regulated by the Business Licence Bylaw.

Common examples:

Examples of when a business licence is required
Activity	Licence Required
Provide services or sell products online and operate from a home within Fort Saskatchewan	Yes
Contractor from outside Fort Saskatchewan hired, to perform work within Fort Saskatchewan	Yes
Operating a business for a few weeks or months a year.	Yes
Person under 18 operating a lemonade stand	No
Operating a garage sale for 3 consecutive days or less	No

What other documents do I need in order to begin operating my business?

City Documents

Development Permit is require for any businesses applying for a Resident Business Licence
Building Permit may be required for any business which will be constructing or renovating a structure
Confirmation of Registration, Charitable Registration Number or government authorization is required for any non-profit or charitable organizations applying for a Business Licence

Documents Required by the Province

A provincial licence or registration is required for any business which are legislated by the province.

additional permits and licences may be required for certain business activities such as

If I run a business from home, do I still need a Business Licence?

Yes. Any business operating in the City of Fort Saskatchewan is require to obtain a Business Licence.

In addition to your Business Licence, you will require an Accessory Home Occupation Permit.

If my business is based in another municipality, but I do some work in the City of Fort Saskatchewan, do I need a Business Licence?

Yes, a Non-Resident Business Licence is required by any business which operates within the City of Fort Saskatchewan, but is based outside Fort Saskatchewan's city limits.

If you are doing business in Fort Saskatchewan for less than 28 consecutive days, a daily Temporary Business Licence can be obtained.

I have a Business Licence from another municipality. Do I still need a Business Licence from the City of Fort Saskatchewan if I want to operate there?

Yes. As each municipality has different bylaws concerning how businesses operate, the City of Fort Saskatchewan requires all businesses operating within the city limits to obtain a Fort Saskatchewan Business Licence.

If I sell my business, can my Business Licence be transferred to the new owner?

Yes. A Business Licence may be transferred to a new owner at no charge. We do require that you contact the city to update the owner and business information.

Please contact us at 780-992-6227 or email us.

I operate a non-profit or charitable organization in Fort Saskatchewan. Do I need a Business Licence?

Yes. However, non-profit and charitable organizations may apply for an exemption from the Business Licence fee. In order to be eligible for an exemption, applicants will be required to submit the following:

Name of the organization
Purpose of the organization
Organizational structure
A confirmation of registration, a charity registration number or other government authorization
Description of the activities that will be undertaken within the City

See the Business Licence Bylaw to see if you qualify for an exemption.

I am health professional and run a health profession in Fort Saskatchewan. Do I need a Licence?

A certificate of registration from their health profession association

A copy of their Trade Name Registration Statement or a Corporate Registry Search for their registered business

Associations and Colleges legislated under the Health Professionals Act

Acupuncturists - College and Association of Acupuncturists of Alberta
Audiologists - Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists
Chiropractors - Alberta College and Association of Chiropractors
Combined Laboratory and X-ray Technologists - Alberta College of Combined Laboratory and X-Ray Technologists
Dental Assistants - College of Alberta Dental Assistants
Dental Hygienists - College of Registered Dental Hygienists of Alberta
Dental Technologist - College of Dental Technologists of Alberta
Dentists - Alberta Dental Association and College
Denturists – College of Alberta Denturists
Dietitians – College of Dietitians of Alberta
Hearing Aid Practitioners – College of Hearing Aid Practitioners of Alberta
Licensed Practical Nurses - College of Licensed Practical Nurses of Alberta
Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists - Alberta College of Medical Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technologists
Medical Laboratory Technologists - Alberta College of Medical Laboratory Technologists
Midwives - College of Midwives of Alberta
Naturopaths - College of Naturopathic Doctors of Alberta
Occupational Therapists - Alberta College of Occupational Therapists
Opticians - College of Opticians of Alberta
Optometrists - Alberta College of Optometrists
Paramedics – Alberta College of Paramedics
Pharmacists - Alberta College of Pharmacists
Physical Therapists - College of Physical Therapists of Alberta
Physicians, Surgeons and Osteopaths - College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta
Podiatrists - College of Podiatric Physicians of Alberta
Psychiatric Nurses - College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta
Psychologists - College of Alberta Psychologists
Registered Nurses - College and Association of Registered Nurses of Alberta
Respiratory Therapists - College and Association of Respiratory Therapists of Alberta
Social Workers - Alberta College of Social Workers
Speech-Language Pathologists - Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists

I'm a registered member of an association under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act. Do I need a Business Licence?

A certificate of registration

A copy of their Trade Name Registration Statement or a Corporate Registry Search for their registered business

Associations legislated under the Professional and Occupational Associations Registration Act

Assessor - Alberta Assessors Association
Landscape Architect - Alberta Association of Landscape Architects
Planner - Alberta Professional Planners Institute
Human Ecologist and Home Economist - Alberta Human Ecologist and Home Economist Association
Shorthand Reporters - Alberta Shorthand Reporters Association
Biologists - Alberta Society of Professional Biologists
School Business Officials - Association of School Business Officials of Alberta
Chemists - Association of School Business Officials of Alberta
Information Technology Professional - Canadian Information Processing Society of Alberta
Electrical Contractor - Electrical Contractors Association of Alberta
Management Consultant - Institute of Certified Management Consultants of Alberta
Local Government Manager - Society of Local Government Managers of Alberta
Supply Chain Manger - Supply Chain Management Association Alberta

How long does it take to get a Business Licence?

Business licences applications typically take 1 to 5 days to process.

Tips for expediting your application:

Ensure that you have a valid Development Permit (for Resident Businesses)
Apply for your licence online through Cityview Portal.

What is required in order to obtain my Business Licence?

If you are a Resident Business, you must have a Development Permit before you can be approved for a Business Licence.

In some situations, such as fee exemptions, a Resident and Non-resident businesses may asked to provide one of the following documents:

Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship Registration Statement
Partnership Registration Statement
Certificate of Incorporation

Where can I look up a licensed businesses in Fort Saskatchewan?

Businesses licensed to operate in Fort Saskatchewan are listed in the Business Directory.

What is the difference between my business' legal name and operating name?

The legal name of a business is the name of the person or entity that owns a business. The operating name (or trade name) is the name a business uses in day-to-day activities and to advertise. In some cases they are the same and in some cases a business will have a legal name, but operate under a different name.

Example 1
You are a sole proprietor and your name is John Smith, and you advertise your business as ABC Framing. In this case, your legal business name is John Smith and your operating name is ABC Framing.

Example 2
Your corporation's name is 12345 Canada Inc., and the business advertises as ABC Properties. In this case, the legal business name is 12345 Canada Inc. and the operating name is ABC Properties.

Am I required to display my Business Licence publicly?

No. There is no longer a requirement to display your Business Licence publicly, however a peace officer or bylaw officer may ask that a business provide proof of a valid Business Licence. A business is responsible for providing proof of a valid Business Licence to the officer.

How do I obtain a copy of my Business Licence?

The City does not issues hard copies of your Business Licence. To obtain an electronic copy of your licence:

You can request a copy of your licence by emailing us. (No fees are currently charged for this services)