Business Licensing

Many businesses in Oakville require a licence. We licence trades such as building renovators, HVAC installers and plumbing contracting companies, personal service establishments (which include hair salons, tattoo parlours, and spas), motor vehicle service related facilities, and food shops.

The Regional Municipality of Halton requires certain businesses to be inspected for health reasons including, but not limited to personal services and food shops. Find out more information on obtaining a certificate of compliance with the Health Protection and Promotion Act by visiting the Halton Region website, contact them directly at 905-825-6000, or dial 311.

Do you run your own business? Big or small, with workers or without, you may require a licence and will need to be informed about WSIB coverage. Find out what it means for you by visiting the WSIB Ontario website.

As of March 1, 2021, vape and e-cigarette retailers will require a licence to operate in Oakville

On Monday, February 22, Oakville Town Council approved that retailers selling vaping products must have a licence. Amendments to By-law 2015-075, a by-law that requires a number of businesses to have a licence to operate within the town, will now include electronic cigarette and vapour retailers. Any person applying for a tobacco/electronic cigarette retailer licence will be required to comply with zoning and insurance requirements, pass a health inspection, provide business documents and confirm compliance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act (SFOA).

Please complete the application and submit the completed form with all required documentation by email to service@oakville.ca

Business licensing by-law review

The Town of Oakville is currently undertaking a comprehensive review of the Business Licensing By-law 2015-075 (consolidated version).

Please submit any comments you may have relating to business licensing, processing of applications or requirements for any business class to enforcement@oakville.ca.

NOTE: PDFs of by-laws available on this website are for information and reference only. For the most recent and up to date by-law information, please contact the Municipal Enforcement Services department at enforcement@oakville.ca. A consolidated by-law is one that includes some or all changes ("amendments") that have been made to it.

Applying for a business licence?

Completed application packages may be submitted by email.

Find the application you are looking for on the Business Licensing Application page to find out what documentation is required.

Once your application is completed, please send the full package by email to service@oakville.ca. An email with payment instructions will be sent upon receipt of a complete application by Enforcement Services.

Completed applications with payment by cheque will also continue to be accepted by mail to:

Municipal Enforcement Services
1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON L6H 0H3

Renewing a business licence?

Completed renewal packages may now be submitted by email.

Businesses will receive a courtesy renewal letter in the mail approximately one month before their licence expiry date. The renewal letter will outline the documentation required for licence renewal. If your licence expires at the end of this month and you have not received your renewal letter, please email enforcement@oakville.ca.

Completed renewal packages with payment by cheque will also continue to be accepted by mail to:

Municipal Enforcement Services
1225 Trafalgar Road
Oakville, ON L6H 0H3

Arborist licensing

If you are an arborist or own a tree or arboricultural company you will be required to obtain a licence for 2018 for any work in Oakville. For more information please visit the Arborist Licensing By-law page.

Short term accommodation licensing

Do you rent out a room in your home? All short term accommodations (STA) offering rentals less than 28 days will require a licence to operate.Visit the short term accommodation licensing page to find out more information on the licensing requirements for short term rentals in Oakville.

Tow truck licensing

Starting January 1, 2020, tow truck owners and storage yards will require a licence to operate in Oakville.  Please visit our Tow Truck licensing by-law page to find out more details.

Licensing By-law 2015-075

Licensing By-law 2015-075 is the by-law that allows us to license and regulate various businesses in the Town of Oakville. Holding a valid business licence is vital to ensure businesses follow by-law regulations and limitations, providing consumer protection.

Contact Us

905-845-6601