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Get a Business Licence

Welcome to Sicamous! We're excited you're interested in doing business in the community.

The District of Sicamous is proud to support local businesses and ensure a thriving, well-regulated business environment. All businesses operating within the municipality are required to obtain and maintain a valid Business Licence, which must be renewed annually and displayed prominently.

If you have any questions or need assistance, we're here to help — and we're happy you're here!

Apply Online!

PDF Forms

Payment Options

After you apply for a business license, the options on how to pay for your application fee and the amount will be sent to you directly. Learn more about payment options!

In person at Municipal Hall 

Pay by cash, debit or cheque at Municipal Hall located at 446 Main Street. Office hours are Monday to Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. excluding Statutory Holidays.

Please note that credit cards are not accepted.  

By Mail 

Mail cheque payable to the District of Sicamous, PO BOX 219 Sicamous BC V0E 2V0

Online Banking 

Read about online banking options or contact the District office at 250-836-2477 for instruction. Thank you.

Standard

  • Any business with a physical location in Sicamous.

Non-resident

  • Any business operating in Sicamous but does not have a physical location in Sicamous.
  • This can include businesses who operate outside of Sicamous, but their local authority does not have a business licensing regime.
  • For example, if you conduct business in Sicamous with no physical location and you live in Malakwa.

Inter-Community

  • In partnership with the Provincial Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, we have entered into a Mobile Business Licence Program.
  • With this program, a business will only have to obtain one additional business licence operate in participating communities.
  • An Inter-Community Business Licence is available for an additional annual fee of $150.
  • Inter-Community Business Licence Program

Mobile Vendor

  • Mobile Vending Unit means a vendor who sells food and retail products from mobile equipment which is capable of being moved on its own wheels without alteration or preparation and is fully self-contained with no service connection required.
  • For example, a food truck or push cart.

Home Based

  • Home Based business means operating a business in your home that is accessory to the residential or agricultural use of your property.
  • A Home Based business may include Family Day Care.

Business Name or Address Change

  • If you change the name or address of your business, you are required to update your existing business license with the District of Sicamous.

Bed & Breakfast

  • A Bed & Breakfast is when rooms are rented out of your home and you live in the home or somewhere else on the same parcel.

Short-Term Rental

  • A short-term rental (STR) is accommodation, not subject to a tenancy agreement, for rental on a daily, weekly, or monthly rate and may include a bathroom and cooking facilities.
  • STRs with a valid business license are listed on our Short Term Rental Map.

Your application will be processed once payment is received.

Businesses are required to pay a fee based on the licence type. Business Licences must be renewed annually. Invoices are mailed in December and payment is due by the end of January. 

Annual Business Licence Fees

Sicamous Business Licence (Standard) $95
Intercommunity Business Licence $150
Mobile Vendor Business Licence  $190
Short Term Rental / B&B $500

 

New Businesses 

  • Licence fees are pro-rated 50% for new businesses who apply after October 1.
  • There is no pro-rated fee for Intercommunity Business Licences.
  • Please note that if the licence is approved, licence fees are not refundable.

In partnership with the Provincial Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, we have entered into a Mobile Business Licence Program. With this program, a business will only have to obtain one additional business licence operate in participating communities.

An Inter-Community Business Licence is available for an additional annual fee of $150.

Certain businesses are exempt from requiring a Business Licence to operate within the municipality. Exempt businesses include:

  • Non-profit organizations.
  • Agricultural producers who are not involved in retail sales. 
  • Residents hosting a residential garage/yard sale.
    • Two (2) weekends or four (4) sale days a year per residence in single and two-family residential areas.
    • Two (2) sale days per building per year in multiple family areas. 

If you believe you qualify for an exemption, please contact developmentservices@sicamous.ca to confirm.

 

BizPal 

BizPaL helps you find the permits and licences you may require when starting and/or operating your business. Filter permits based on your location, industry, and business activities and save the ones that apply to your situation.

BC Registries and Online Services 

The Business Registry manages the creation (incorporation and registration) and listing of businesses and organizations in British Columbia 

Chamber of Commerce

The District of Sicamous Chamber of Commerce promotes the communities of Sicamous, Malakwa, Mara and Swansea Point, B.C. We serve our membership through education, promotion and advocacy.

Community Futures Shuswap 

Community Futures Shuswap supports small business development and rural economic diversification. Learn about Community Futures supports including business loans, COVID-19 relief for businesses and other partnerships and programs 

Contact Information

Development Services

Phone: 250-836-2477 Email: developmentservices@sicamous.ca