Business license application forms can be submitted via email.
- Who must be licensed? Most businesses within the Town of Sylvan Lake must have a valid Town of Sylvan Lake business license. For details, review the Business License Bylaw.
- Exempt Businesses: All exempt business are required to register their business with the Town of Sylvan Lake at no cost. Exempt Business Registration Application.
- When do licenses expire? Licenses are valid for one year and expire on December 31, except for Daily Licenses, Licensed Food & Beverage Establishment Licenses, and STAR (Short-Term Accommodation Rental) Licenses.
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We may refer business license applications to the RCMP for comment
- Business Directory: All businesses with a valid annual Town of Sylvan Lake business license are promoted in our Business Directory
- How to pay for my license or fines: You can pay in person, by mailing a cheque, or online by credit card
Business License application forms
Anyone operating a business from a commercial location in Sylvan Lake, needs a Commercial Business License. Before committing to a property contact Planning & Development to ensure the approved use of the property aligns with your business.
If you are interested in operating a retail cannabis store in Sylvan Lake, please view our cannabis retail permitting and licensing requirements, and familiarize yourself with our step-by-step process.
Any business selling alcohol for consumption on the premises with a provincial liquor license and may include the preparation and sale of food, needs a Licensed Food and Beverage Establishment License.
Licensed Food and Beverage Establishment License Application
Anyone operating a business from a home in Sylvan Lake, needs a Home Occupation Business License. We have Three different Home Occupation Business Licenses A, B, and C. We may require a Development Permit depending on the potential impact the business will have on the property and neighbourhood.
Operating a mobile vending business on private land needs a Mobile Vending on Private Land Business License.
For more information contact bl@sylvanlake.ca
Mobile Vending Business License - Private Land Application
Note that this license is not for vendors in the TEDI Program
A business based outside of the Town of Sylvan Lake limits, but doing business within the community, needs an Out-of-Town Business License.
A business selling previously owned goods needs a Secondhand Store Business License.
Business License exemptions
Some businesses, through legislation, are exempt from the requirement to have a business license to operate.
Although a business license may not be needed the Town is requiring exempt businesses to register. There is no cost to register your business. A benefit to registering your business is that the business will be advertised for FREE in the Business Directory on the Town’s website.
The information that we receive about the business is useful in helping the Town collect statistical information and providing the public a place to find information about services offered by the business.
If you are an exempt business we ask that you complete this online Exempt Business Registration Application
Below is a list of exempt businesses
- Charitable organizations
- Family day home
- Home catalogue sales
- Operators of a stall within a Farmers Market
- A business that is operated by the Town of Sylvan Lake, or an official acting on the behalf of the Town of Sylvan Lake
- Any business that is exempt under Provincial or Federal legislation such as doctors, lawyers, etc.
- Busker - Registration required
Business License fees
Fees are prorated for a new business in the first calendar year of business.
|
Standard License |
Resident |
Out of Town |
|---|---|---|
|
Yearly |
$200.00 |
$350.00 |
|
Daily |
$30.00 |
$50.00 |
|
Monthly (30 consecutive days) |
- |
$120.00 |
|
Last 1/4 of the year (Oct 1 - Dec 31) |
- |
$120.00 |
|
Last 1/2 of the year (Jul 1 - Dec 31) |
- |
$200.00 |
|
Specific License |
Fee |
Consultation |
|---|---|---|
|
Busking |
No fee - registration required |
Municipal Enforcement |
|
Cannabis - Administrative License Cannabis - Operational License |
$850.00 $200.00 |
Fire Department Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis |
|
Home Occupation A Home Occupation B and C Development Permit required for Home Occupation B and C |
$100.00 per year $200.00 per year + Development Permit B - $75.00 at time of application C - $150.00 at time of application |
No consultation Alberta Health Services |
|
Licensed Food & Beverage Establishment License - without conditions Licensed Food & Beverage Establishment - with conditions |
$200.00 - 12 months $400.00 - 12 month |
Alberta Health Services Fire Department |
|
Mobile Vending Business License (a separate Mobile Vending Permit is also required) Mobile Vending Permit Fees - Seasonal, Monthly, Weekly & Daily |
$30.00/day; resident $200.00/year; resident $50.00/day; non-resident $300.00/year; non-resident contact nbhola@sylvanlake.ca for permit fees |
Alberta Health Services Fire Department |
|
Short-Term Accommodation Rentals (STAR) |
$250.00 - application fee License Fee 1-3 bedrooms - $300.00/year 4 + bedrooms - $450.00/year |
No consultation |