Outcomes of business licensing by-law review

Thank you to everyone who shared comments and feedback about our business licensing By-law.

Over the last three years, we tracked themes, comments, and questions from business owners, community groups, and other stakeholder groups. We read these comments, and where necessary, made adjustments within the By-law. The comments we received identified a need for:

More information, samples and toolkits for first-time applicants
More clarity within definitions, and
An easier application process.

A survey was also created to invite input from licensed businesses. The survey ran on the EngageWR platform for 2 weeks in March. It was also sent directly to all licensed businesses and was advertised at the in-person customer service desks. The survey was emailed to approximately 2,200 businesses, was viewed by 307, and had engagement by 177 participants. Some of the highlights from the survey include:

A majority (77%) said the existing requirements are easy to understand.
A majority (71%) believe the existing requirements and inspections are appropriate.
A majority (76%) found it easy to understand what licence they required.
A majority of participants suggested the main area way we can improve is to have the option to apply and pay online.
Participants commented on the length of time to get inspections.
Participants commented on the cost of fees for certain types of businesses.

The table below shows a summary of the feedback we received, what we are doing in response, and what it will achieve.

What We Heard	What We Are Doing	What It Achieves
Fees for Farmers’ Market vendors are too high	Created a new category for Farmers’ Vendors specifically with a reduced fee	Getting buy-in from Market staff More attractive for potential vendors A regulations & fee more aligned with the specific needs for a Farmers’ Market Vendors
Submit applications and payment online	Working with City staff to adapt the licensing system, AMANDA, public portal to include business licensing Estimate go-live date is 2022	Quick and easy way for businesses to apply ·Credit Card payment option
Lack of suitable category for vendors renting kitchens for temporary use	Created a new category for commercial kitchens and vendors	Supports new types of business at a reduced cost to the vendors Reduction in the types of inspections
Confusion about what category a business may fall into	Updated the wording in the definitions, such as adding retail to permanent vendors	Added clarity for a better understanding for our customers

This consultation has ended.

After a successful three years in effect, the new business licensing bylaw review has been completed with some additional changes. After a two-year pilot program, food trucks may now operate in residential zones throughout the summer. Kitchener City Council has approved amending the business licensing by-law to expand permissions, create a new type of license and accept business licensing applications online. A new streamlined online application process expected to launch later this year will allow business owners to apply or renew their license and pay by credit card.

The review was completed to assess the bylaw, associated fees and the process to ensure that the changes to the bylaw would support neighbourhoods, community organizations and the business community. The updated business licensing bylaw now includes more reflective business licensing definitions, new business licensing categories, and reduced fees for some licenses including for shorter-term pop-up businesses. To learn more about the business licensing bylaw and to apply for a license, visit kitchener.ca/businesslicensing.

Outcomes of business licensing by-law review

What We Heard

What We Are Doing

What It Achieves