LICENSING

A business license is required to do business in the Town of Assiniboia. The type of business license you need depends on the business operation and its location. This allows us to apply appropriate regulations to businesses where there is a potential for impacts on the community. 

Business licenses are valid April 1- March 31 each year. 

Business License

The Town of Assiniboia updated their Business Licence Bylaw 01/26. This updated bylaw includes:  new and clearer business classifications | Updated licence fees | Improved alignment with zoning and safety requirements

🔎 What’s New?

âś” Updated Business Classifications

The bylaw now includes clearer categories to better reflect the types of businesses operating in Assiniboia, including:

  • Storefront Businesses
  • Home Occupations
  • Home‑Based Businesses (Contractor & Other)
  • Direct Sellers
  • Self‑Improvement Services
  • Food Trucks (event or annual)
  • Short‑Term Stay Accommodations
  • Non‑Resident Businesses

These updates help ensure businesses are licensed consistently and in alignment with zoning and safety requirements.

đź’˛ Updated Licence Fees

Some licence fees (above) have changed to reflect the new classifications and to ensure fairness across business types. 

  • $ 100.00 - Storefront Business
  • $ 200.00 - Home Occupations - see Home Occupation information & application below.
  • $ 200.00 - Home‑Based Businesses (Contractor & Other)
  • $ 300.00 - Direct Sellers
  • $   25.00 - Self‑Improvement 
  • $ 100.00 or $ 300.00 - Food Trucks (72-hr event or annual) * *
  • $ 200.00 - Short‑Term Stay Accommodations - see Short Term Stay Accommodation information & application below.
  • $ 300.00 - Non‑Resident Businesses (Contractor & Other)

** Please note: Food Truck Business license requires municipal approval for parking on a case-by-case basis. Please call the Town Office (306) 642-3382 to submit a detailed parking plan prior to set up. The Town of Assiniboia reserves the right to move a Food Truck at anytime. 

 

đź“ž Need Help Determining Your Business Type?

We’ve created a simple “What Type of Business Am I?” guide (below) to help you understand the new categories. If you still have questions, give us a call or stop by — we’re happy to walk through it with you.

Thank you for helping keep Assiniboia a safe, vibrant, and business‑friendly community.

 đźŚź What Type of Business Am I? A Simple Guide for Business Owners in the Town of Assiniboia

Please see the Business Bylaw No. 01 26 (above) for all classification definitions. 

Section 17 - A license issued in respect of any new business that commences after November 1st shall be charged one-half (1/2) of the annual license fee as shown in the Town’s Fees and Charges bylaw.  The reduced rate outlined in section 17 above does not apply to 72-hour event Food Truck. 

 

Home Occupations

To facilitate economic development and foster entrepreneurship, many types of businesses can operate from a residence. The standards for home occupations are intended to seek a balance between a quiet, safe and aesthetic residential environment and the aspirations of home-based entrepreneurs.        

 A Development Permit application is required for business activities to be considered at a residential property and is regulated by the Town of  Assiniboia's Zoning Bylaw No. 02/14.

 
Short Term Stay Accommodation

As per Zoning Bylaw 02/14, Short Term Stay Accommodations are a discretionary permit (application below) by resolution of Council; not intended for long-term residency and must meet all applicable zoning, building, fire, and life-safety requirements. 

Business operating within residential district. A Short Term Stay Accommodation is a dwelling unit, or a portion of a dwelling unit, that is rented to guests for periods of less than 30 consecutive days. This includes whole homes, secondary suites, or other residential spaces offered through online platforms (such as AirBnB or VRBO) or rented independently by the owner or operator.

The Short-Term Stay Accommodation Inspection Form (provided by the Town Office) requires an initial inspection by both the Fire Chief and the Building Official prior to approval for operation. Following this initial dual inspection, the form is subject to annual review by the Fire Chief to ensure continued compliance with applicable fire safety standards. In addition, all properties must undergo a biannual inspection by the Building Official to verify ongoing adherence to building and occupancy regulations. Completion of this form does not replace or supersede any inspections, approvals, or enforcement actions required under municipal bylaws or provincial legislation.

Business License Fee includes Fire Chief inspection. Building Official Inspection fees will be billed back to the applicant at cost recovery.

 

Pet License INformation