Business Licensing
Business licence applications may be obtained Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Municipalities regulate and/or license many types of businesses which operate in their jurisdictions. The fees can vary from a few dollars to a thousand or more, but in most cases, the fees are nominal. Municipal licensing procedures differ from city to city, so it is important not to assume the same regulations apply everywhere.
Applicants should select their location before submitting a formal application. You may wish to consult with Property Enforcement Services to ensure your proposed location is properly zoned by calling 905-436-3852.
A copy of your Business Name Registration is required with the application. See provincial regulations for more detailed information.
Certain business categories may require a detailed review or Council approval; therefore, applications should be submitted at least 30 days before you wish to open.
The following businesses require a licence in the City of Oshawa:
| Category | Approvals Required |
Fee per year (unless indicated) | Comments |
| Adult Entertainment Parlour | 1,2,3,4 | $ 3,000 | |
| Auctioneer | 2 | $ 80 | |
| Billiards | 2,3,4 | $ 150 | |
| Body Rub Owner/Operator | 1,2,3,4 | $ 1,500 | Contact Licensing at 905-436-5641 for detailed information on obtaining your licence. |
| Body Rub owner who does not operate | 1,2,3,4 | $ 1,400 | Contact Licensing at 905-436-5641 for detailed information on obtaining your licence. |
| Body Rub attendant | 1,2,3,4 | $ 100 | Contact Licensing at 905-436-5641 for detailed information on obtaining your licence. |
| Bowling Alley | 3,4 | $ 120 | |
| Carnival | 1,3,4 | $ 120 per day | |
| Lodging House Licence * | Lodging House Bylaw | ||
| Food Shop | 1,3,4 | $ 150 $ 30 per day |
Short Term Food Shop Licence |
| Pawnbroker | 2,3,4 | $150 | |
| Peddler | 2,3 | $250 | |
| Place of Amusement | 1,2,3,4 | $ 175 | |
| Plumber/Drain Contractor Licence * | |||
| Public Garage | 2,3,4,5 | $ 160 | |
| Public Hall | 1,3,4 | $ 125 | Occupancy load 150 and over |
| Refreshment Vehicle | 1,3,4 |
$200 $150 $ 50 $200 |
First vehicle (excluding ice cream bicycles) Each additional vehicle (excluding ice cream bicycles) Each additional location Ice Cream Bicycles (covers all plates) |
| Salvage Shop | 1,2,3,4 | $ 150 | |
| Second Hand Goods | 1,2,3,4 | $ 150 | |
| Theatre | 1,3,4 | $ 120 |
Agencies providing approval:
- Durham Regional Health Deptartment
- Durham Regional Police Services
- Municipal Law Enforcement & Licencing Services
- Fire Services
- City Council
* Please apply for selected Licences at the Development Services Department, Building Services (905) 436-3852.
| Location: | Licensing Services 1st Floor, B-Wing, City Hall 50 Centre Street South, Oshawa, Ontario, L1H 3Z7 |
| Phone: | 905-436-3311 |
| Fax: | 905-436-5655 |
| Email: | service@oshawa.ca |
Provincial Regulations
Business Name Registration
The Business Names Act requires registration of a business name, if the business is to operate under a name other than the owner's, with the Ministry of Government Services. Business name registration can be done online or in person at the ServiceOntario Centre located at 102 Brock Street South in Whitby.
For further information contact the ServiceOntario Contact Centre help line at 1-800-565-1921 toll free or 416-314-9151, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Articles of Incorporation
Forms for incorporation of a business may be purchased at many stationery stores. Articles must be accompanied by a NUANS name search report, a service provided by private companies which can be found in the yellow pages under "Searchers of Records".
Your business may be incorporated at:
| ServiceOntario Centre 590 Rossland Road East Whitby, Ontario, Canada L1N 9G5 |
| 1-800-267-8097 |
There is a one time fee of $360 for incorporation.
For further information contact the ServiceOntario Contact Centre help line at 1-800-565-1921 toll free or 416-314-9151, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
