To conduct business in the Town of Qualicum Beach, you require a business licence. This includes contractors and other mobile businesses that may have a primary location outside of Qualicum Beach.
To apply for a general business licence you will need to provide:
Business location
Contact information
Business premises details (parking, floor area, employees etc.)
Each application must be submitted with a floor plan showing all measurements of spaces, windows, doors, and washrooms, along with a site and parking plan.
Depending on the type of business, additional information may be required. See the Business Licence Application for details and business licence fees.
Applications and payment must be submitted together, by one of the following methods:
Town Hall hours of operation are Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Home based businesses require a business licence to operate in Qualicum Beach. A home based business is a professional practice, occupation or craft conducted in a dwelling unit. To operate a home based business, you must meet the following qualifications:
The business is conducted by a resident with a maximum of one non-resident employed.
The business is confined to the interior of the dwelling.
The business takes up a maximum floor area of 50 sqm or 20% of the dwelling.
A maximum of four clients/patrons at any given time.
No sale of commodities that aren’t produced within the property.
Two off-street parking spaces are provided.
The business does not create a nuisance to the surrounding area (smell, noise, fumes etc.).
Home based businesses that are not permitted include: car, boat, engine repair, restaurants, retail food sales and kennels.
Home based businesses are allowed in strata units as long as the home occupation does not involve the presence of clients, patrons or customers within an apartment or townhouse complex that is not normally accessible to the general public.
Businesses that are located in Qualicum Beach but provide service in other Vancouver Island communities can apply for an inter-community business licence.
The inter-community licence is required in addition to a business licence for Qualicum Beach. The annual fee is $150 for all participating municipalities. Apply for an inter-community licence with your general business licence by checking the box on the Town’s business licence application form.
See a list of the current participating communities: Provincial mobile business licence.
Daycare and child care facilities are licenced and through the Provincial government and the Island Health Authority. A business licence from the Town is also required. Learn more about the requirements through ChildCareBC.
