Oakville continues to streamline business licensing operations and reduce red tape with new by-law

Town Council has approved a new Business Licensing By-law that modernizes and streamlines how certain businesses are licensed in Oakville. The new by-law will come into effect on January 4, 2027, to provide a transition period for businesses and allow Town staff to complete required system, resourcing, and training updates.

The new by-law reflects extensive community consultation that began in 2020 that included public information sessions, questionnaires, targeted meetings with businesses, community partners and interested parties, and multiple reports to Council.

Key updates in Business Licensing By-law 2026-012:

• Fairer and more flexible license renewals – Businesses requiring a Town licence to operate will now renew their licences on the anniversary of the original issue date rather than on fixed calendar dates. This ensures businesses opening mid-year will not have to renew their licenses shortly after first obtaining one, creating a more consistent and equitable process.
• Endorsements – To reduce overlap with licensing requirements, certain business classes will be able to obtain a single primary licence with endorsements that allow for related activities. This will be offered at a reduced fee rate in support of local businesses who qualify.
• Clearer rules for attractions and farmers markets – The new by-law introduces two distinct categories, Attractions and Farmers Markets that are held on private property, to reduce confusion and improve clarity for event organizers. Licences for attractions will be required for each event while farmers markets will need an annual licence and can operate for up to three days per week for a six-month maximum. These updates make sure events are well-planned, safely managed, and considerate of surrounding neighbourhoods.
• New rules for temporary second-hand sales and ‘pop-up’ events – A new licence category has been created for Temporary Sales of Second-Hand Goods, including pop-ups and flea markets. The by-law sets clear limits on how often and how long these events can operate in a single location, helping maintain fairness for brick-and-mortar businesses. This also helps prevent temporary sales from becoming permanent operations without proper Town approvals.
• New business classes – The new by-law has added the following business classes that will now require a licence to operate in Oakville, including: payday loan establishments (limited at two licences collectively for Wards 1, 2, 4 and 7 – identified as Area 1, and two licences collectively for Wards 3, 5, and 6 – identified as Area 2); mobile personal services (such as haircuts, manicures, etc.); mobile motor vehicle service (such as at-home/on-site repair and maintenance); and food stand (for stationary vehicles on private property). 

Leading up to the new by-law’s effective date, Municipal Enforcement Services (MES) staff will be updating the Town’s business licensing web pages, revising guidance materials, training staff, and working with businesses to support a smooth transition. Until January 4, 2027, the current Business Licensing By-law 2015-075 will remain in effect. Licenses under the current by-law are still required for 2026 and will remain valid until their expiry date in 2027.

To learn more about the new by-law, read staff’s report and related documents on the January 26, 2026 Council meeting agenda or visit the Town’s Business Licence page.

Quote

“The new Business Licensing By-law modernizes the licensing process by simplifying renewals, reducing overlap, and improving clarity for businesses and applicants. Developed with input from local businesses and community partners, these changes support ongoing improvements to service delivery and will promote economic activity.” – Mayor Rob Burton

Background

• On October 6, 2025, Council approved a recommendation from MES staff to end the need for licensing for seven business types to help reduce unnecessary red tape. Auctioneers, billiard halls, bowling alleys, and dry cleaners/laundromats, as well as contractors for drain-laying, plumbing, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) no longer need to obtain a Town-issued business licence to operate in Oakville.