REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: January 29th, 2020 Report No. CSS-20-004
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Blair McDonald, Director of Community Safety Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Amendment to the Intermunicipal Business Licence Agreement Authorization Bylaw.
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council give first, second and third readings to the Intermunicipal Business Licence Agreement Authorization Bylaw 1999, No. 2379, Amendment Bylaw [No. 2], 2020, No. 2991.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Business Licence and Regulation Bylaw, 2013, No. 2810.
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision is not specifically tied to an operational strategy.
BACKGROUND:
The Intermunicipal Business Licence Agreement Authorization Bylaw was enacted by Esquimalt Council in 1999. The bylaw allows for a business operating in the Capital Regional District [CRD] to obtain one business licence from a participating municipality [in which their business is based] and conduct business in all participating municipalities without having to get a separate business licence for each. Since the passing of the bylaw, several additional communities have “opted in” to the Intermunicipal Business Licence concept. In fact, all CRD municipalities are now part of the program. When the District of Sooke signed on, our bylaw was not amended to include them.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
This amendment includes the District of Sooke in our Intermunicipal Business Licence Agreement Authorization Bylaw. In practice, Sooke has been a part of this agreement for some time; however, our bylaw was not amended to include them. The preparation, notification, public review and adoption of this amendment is in compliance with the requirements of the Community Charter.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
There are no financial implications.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
Section 59 (2) of the Community Charter, require changes to bylaws relating to regulation of business give public notice prior to adoption. Should Council give first, second and third reading to this amendment bylaw, a public notice will be published in the Victoria News on Wednesday February 5th and Wednesday February 12th, 2020, posted on the Township’s website and on the notice Board at Municipal Hall. The bylaw will be presented to Council for consideration of adoption on February 24th, 2020.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council give first, second and third readings to the Intermunicipal Business Licence Agreement Authorization Bylaw 1999, No. 2379 Amendment Bylaw [No. 2], 2020, No. 2991.
2. That Council direct any amendments it considers appropriate to Bylaw No. 2991 prior to giving it first, second and third readings as amended.
3. That Council refer Bylaw No. 2991 back to staff for further revision.