The Town of Vermilion is continuing its review of governance documents, with the business licence bylaw next on its radar.
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The bylaw was originally passed in 2014, and the town has since made a number of changes to it.
“This new bylaw aims to provide clarification on businesses that do not need to hold a business license,” Marilyn Lavoie, the town’s director of corporate services said. “It amended the formal appeal process to have appeals heard by the CAO instead of council and all fees and penalties remain the same, except we did propose the district resident business move from $150 a year to $200 a year.”
Additional changes include a section outlining which businesses do not require a business licence. Youth entrepreneurship businesses are also now exempt.
“That would be for any youth lemonade stand or icicle bicycle, those would be exempt from having a business license,” she said.
Mayor Rob Snow asked if children could still come in to get a certificate, and administration clarified that it would be possible.
“I feel like it’s a good business learning opportunity for these young entrepreneurs and still get a license, but obviously not pay the fee,” he said.
The fees businesses pay are not intended to make a profit for the town, according to administration.
“It’s not to make a large profit. It’s a fee that we charge in order to promote their business and to have them available in our directory,” Lavoie said.
Council gave first reading to the bylaw at its regular meeting on June 23.
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