Business Licences

Bed and Breakfast Establishments

All Bed and Breakfast Establishments in City of Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with By-law No. 7323/14/25 (Amending By-law No. 4323/159/02).

Online Application Form Now Available

To submit your Bed and Breakfast Establishment business licence application, complete our online form or scan the QR Code.

Please allow 2 weeks for processing. 

Inspections

Once you have submitted your application, you must arrange the following inspections with:

Port Colborne Fire Department: 

• By Phone: 905-835-4512  or
• Complete an Inspection Form 

Niagara Region Public Health Department:

• By Phone: 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or
• Email: inspect@niagararegion.ca 

Garages

All garages in the City of Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with By-law No. 4322/158/02. If you own any of the following, you must apply for a Garage Business Licence from the City of Port Colborne.

• Motor vehicle repair shop, including a building or place where motor vehicles may be oiled, greased or washed, have their ignition adjusted, tires inflated or batteries charged, or where only minor or running repairs essential to the actual operation of motor vehicles are executed or performed
• Parking station, parking lot/building, or place where motor vehicles are hired or kept or used for hire
• Place where vehicles are stored or kept for sale
• Used/unfit motor vehicles on property (Bylaw Section 22 re: Uncertified vehicles; parts)
• Motor vehicle inspection station (MVIS)

Please Note: A garage licence is not required for businesses that only sell gasoline.

Online Application Form Now Available

To submit your Garage business licence application, complete our online form or scan the QR Code.

Hawkers and Peddlers (including food trucks and vending carts)

All hawkers and peddlers in the City of Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with By-Law By-law No. 4324/160/02. 

This includes every person who goes from place to place (roving) or to one particular place (stationary) within the City of Port Colborne with any type of merchandise for sale or who carries and exposes samples of any goods that are to be delivered in the City afterwards. 

Online Application Form Now Available

To submit your Hawkers and Peddlers business licence application, complete our online form or scan the QR Code.

 Please allow 2 weeks for processing. 

 TIP: Apply before April 17, 2025 to be in operation by May 1, 2025

 TIP: Apply before May 2, 2025 to be in operation by Victoria Day weekend (May 17-19, 2025)

Inspections

Once you have submitted your application, you must arrange the following inspections with:

Port Colborne Fire Department: 

• By Phone: 905-835-4512 or
• Complete an Inspection Form

Niagara Region Public Health Department:

• By Phone: 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or
• Email: inspect@niagararegion.ca

Kennels

Kennels housing 3 or more dogs in the City of Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with By-law No. 4930/155/06. 

Online Application Form Now Available

To submit your Kennel application, complete our online form or scan the QR Code.

Once your application has been submitted, the SPCA will contact you to schedule an inspection.

Lodging Houses

All Lodging Houses in City of Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with By-law No. 7322/13/25.

Online Application Form Now Available

To submit your Lodging House business licence application, complete our online form or scan the QR Code.

Please allow 2 weeks for processing. 

Inspections

Once you have submitted your application, you must arrange the following inspections with:

Port Colborne Fire Department: 

• By Phone: 905-835-4512  or
• Complete an Inspection Form 

Niagara Region Public Health Department:

• By Phone: 905-688-8248 ext. 7590 or
• Email: inspect@niagararegion.ca 

Trailer Camps

All trailer camps in the City of Port Colborne must be licensed annually in accordance with By-law No. 4321/157/02.

Online Application Form Now Available

To submit your Trailer Camp business licence application, complete our online form or scan the QR Code.

Short-Term Rentals are currently allowed in Port Colborne. 

Visit the Short-Term Rental page for updates on the proposed Short-Term Rental Licensing By-law.

Short-Term Rental owners are encouraged to:

• register their property as a Short-Term Rental 
• visit the Fire Prevention page to book an inspection and ensure fire safety in their rental

The City is implementing a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) for campgrounds, the City Marina and other short-term rentals. Visit the Municipal Accommodation Tax website for more information, including how to submit reports and remit payment to the City.

1. Contact the Planning Department for more information on zoning

2. Contact the Fire Prevention Division to inquire about fire safety at your business and/or to book an inspection 

3. Contact Niagara Region Public Health to inquire about ensuring public health at your business and/or to book an inspection 

4. Visit Niagara Region Business Licensing for information on regional business licensing requirements

5. Explore the City's Start a Business page for a guide to business regulations, licences and other resources