Business Licences
Every business in the City of Courtenay must have a valid business licence. This ensures all businesses follow local rules for land use, building and fire safety, and community health.
Business licences are valid for the calendar year, from January 1 to December 31.
Types of business licences
Courtenay-only business licence
This licence includes Courtenay only and the annual fee will range depending on business type. (For more information on fees, see Schedule 'A' of Business Licence Bylaw No. 2523 [PDF - 1 MB]
Inter-municipal business licence
This licence allows businesses to operate in both the Town of Comox and City of Courtenay. Approval from both municipalities is required. The annual fee for an inter-municipal business licence is $150.
Inter-community business licence
An inter-community business licence allows eligible businesses to operate across multiple participating municipalities and regional districts with a single licence.
If your business provides services in more than one community — by travelling to clients rather than operating from a fixed location — this licence may be right for you. It covers businesses operating in multiple participating municipalities:
| Municipality | Phone number |
|---|---|
| City of Campbell River |
250-286-5700 |
| Town of Comox |
250-339-2202 |
| Village of Cumberland |
250-336-2291 |
| City of Duncan |
250-746-6126 |
| Town of Lake Cowichan |
250-749-6681 |
| Town of Ladysmith |
250-245-6400 |
| City of Nanaimo |
250-754-4251 |
| Municipality of North Cowichan |
250-746-3100 |
| City of Parksville |
250-248-6144 |
| City of Port Alberni |
250-723-2146 |
| Town of Qualicum Beach |
250-752-6921 |
The annual fee for an inter-community business licence is $250. Businesses eligible for inter-community licences include general contractors, trades (plumbers, electricians, etc.), cleaning services and pest control.
Note: If your business does not have a physical location in any participating community, you must first obtain a standard business licence from one participating community before applying for an inter-community licence from the same community.
Applying for a business licence
Submit your application using our online application form. We do not accept applications by email or in other formats.
Allow a minimum of two to three weeks for processing, depending on the licence type and approvals needed. We will contact you with questions or next steps after reviewing your application.
Once your application is approved, you will receive an invoice. Payment is due at that time. Refer to the bill payments page for payment instructions. Once payment is received, your business licence will be mailed to you.
Renewing your business licence
Your business licence will automatically renew each year. Renewal notices are mailed to businesses with an active licence every January. Payment is due by February 29. A 25 per cent late fee apples for payments made on or after March 1, and a 50 per cent late fee applies for payments made on or after June 1.
Refer to the bill payments page for payment instructions. Once payment is received, your new business licence will be mailed to you.
If your business information has changed
If your mailing address, location, area of coverage, owner/s or business name has changed, submit a new application and select the appropriate change under “Types of application.”
If your business has closed
Email businesslicence@courtenay.ca with your business name and the closure date to avoid unnecessary renewal notices and fees.