Do you operate a business in multiple locations in the Greater Vancouver area? Then you may be eligible to upgrade to an Inter-municipal Business Licence.

On October 1, 2013, Metro West is launching the Inter-municipal Business Licence Pilot Project. The Inter-municipal Business Licence (IMBL) allows eligible construction and trade-related businesses to operate in more than one municipality by simply purchasing an add-on IMBL to the required base business licence. Eligible businesses will no longer have to obtain a non-resident licence in each municipality in which they operate.

The IMBL not only reduces the time and costs incurred by businesses when expanding into new markets, it also gives residents a greater variety of service providers to choose from.

Six municipalities will be participating in the Inter-municipal Business Licence Pilot Project, including Burnaby, Delta, New Westminster, Richmond, Surrey and Vancouver. Eligible businesses are still required to obtain the business licence required by their home municipality, but can now add the annual IMBL fee of $250 to cover all six participating municipalities. The IMBL is valid for the same duration as the home municipal business licence.

For more information, including eligibility, visit the Ministry of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training website or contact the business licencing office at any of the participating municipalities.