2027 Business Licence Fees Motion as Amended

Motion 34 · Council Meeting, July 29, 2026

Carried Moved by Lenny Zhou, Peter Meiszner

Summary

Staff propose a 5% fee increase across most 2027 business licences, vehicles-for-hire licences, and animal control fees to keep pace with rising City service delivery costs.
Live-aboard vessel licence fees are recommended to stay flat at 2026 levels, reflecting no increase in residential property taxes.
Several animal control fees would be adjusted to better align with rates charged by neighbouring municipalities, including adoption fees for dogs, rabbits, and birds, as well as impound and microchipping fees.
The Licence By-law would be clarified to confirm that business licence fees are non-refundable once issued; dog licence fees under the Animal Control By-law would become refundable on a pro-rated basis if a licensed dog dies.
The 5% increase is projected to generate approximately $1.6 million in additional annual revenue; inter-municipal business licence fees (covering ride-hailing services) are governed separately and are not affected.
Council amended the original staff recommendation to freeze business licence fees at 0% for 2027 before adopting the motion, meaning the 5% increase to business licences was removed while other fee changes proceeded.