Business Resources
Business Licenses:
Starting a Business in Armstrong
An application form is required to obtain either business license and must be completed and submitted to the City.
The City of Armstrong offers multiple business license options to entrepreneurs in the area including:
- Annual Business License
- Inter Community Business License
What is a Inter Community Business License?
Municipalities in the Okanagan – Similkameen Region have combined their efforts to provide contractors with this cost-saving opportunity. Instead of potentially paying for 3, 4 or 5 business licenses to conduct business, you will only have to purchase your local Business License and an Inter-community Business License. The Inter-community Business License will allow you to work in any of the 20 participating municipalities.
An eligible business would obtain an Armstrong business license to authorize them to carry on business in Armstrong and then apply for an Intercommunity Business License to authorize them to carry on business in the partner communities.
For more information, please refer to the Intercommunity Business License Bylaw.
Participating Communities Include:
– City of Armstrong
– City of Kelowna
– Town of Oliver
– Town of Princeton
– Township of Spallumcheen
– Regional District of Central Okanagan
– Village of Keremeos
– Town of Osoyoos
– City of Revelstoke
– District of Summerland
– District of Coldstream
– District of Lake Country
– District of Peachland
– City of Salmon Arm
– City of Vernon
– City of Enderby
– Village of Lumby
– District of Sicamous
-City of West Kelowna
Mobile Vendors
Mobile Vendor means any person who, from a motor vehicle, trailer or cycle, as defined and licensed under the Motor Vehicle Act, sells, or offers for sale goods, merchandise or a service, or who advertises or takes orders for goods or services.
If you would like a Mobile Vendor Business License you will need to submit a package of information to City Hall that includes the following items:
- Business License Application Form
- Business License Fee(s)
- Insurance coverage as outlined in Bylaw 1845, 2019
- Written approval from any government body involved, such as Parks & Recreation or the School District
Permits and Bylaw Information
The City of Armstrong Business License Bylaw requires all businesses within the City of Armstrong to hold a valid license.
Businesses must request to use City sidewalks to place sandwich board signs, display racks, shelves, as well as tables and chairs, or benches in an effort to promote their business. In order to provide this type of promotional opportunity, you must receive a permit to use City Sidewalks.
Any signage displayed within City limits is required to comply with the Sign Bylaw. In order to display this type of promotional opportunity, you must receive a permit.
Building & Development Information
The Planning & Development department is responsible for processing related applications such as rezoning, development permits, development variance permits, building permits, ALR Exclusion applications, Official Community Plan Amendment applications and Subdivision
Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce
The best tool for local business owners is to connect with the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce and Visitor’s Centre. This non-profit organization provides services to visitors, the community, and its businesses. Consisting of a board of directors, staff and volunteers, the Armstrong Spallumcheen Chamber of Commerce promotes products and services made and provided in the area.
FAQ
When are Business Licenses due?
Business License renewal information is distributed via mail through Canada Post in January and due in March.
Please provide payment prior to the due date written on your invoice to avoid a 10 per cent penalty. Business Licenses can be paid in person at City Hall with cash, cheque or debit, via Canada Post with a cheque or through online banking.
How to pay online?
Please set up a new City of Armstrong — Utilities payee with your Business License Account number as the account number for payment through your financial institution. It is important that you set up a new payee with your business license account number to ensure your payment is applied to the correct account. If the wrong account number is used, your payment may not be applied how you intended and there is a fee to transfer payments between accounts. Contact City Hall with any further questions to avoid complications.
The City of Armstrong advises ALL those considering applying for a license to verify with City Hall that the location of your proposed business conforms with the uses allowed in the zone where you wish to locate, prior to leasing or purchasing property for business purposes.
Additional services and information you may find helpful:
BizPaL is an innovative online service that provides you with simplified access to information about business permits, licenses and other requirements needed to establish, operate and grow your business.
Bylaws that you may find useful: Business License Bylaw and Rates & Fees Bylaw
Name Approval Request forms available at City Hall.
Business Cancellation Information
Should you wish to cancel your business license, fill out the form and return it to City Hall (info@cityofarmstrong.bc.ca or 3570 Bridge St.). Once your license has been cancelled you will have to restart the process to reopen that license or start a new business.
