The primary purpose of business licenses is to ensure that the District’s municipal land use regulations, building and fire codes and other community safety requirements are followed by businesses. The business license program also collects important statistical information about local business activities in order to understand trends that impact municipal policy decisions.

Revenue collected from business licenses is used to pay for administration and enforcement of business licenses, to fund the marketing and economic development initiative and to fund the Districts annual operating grant to Tourism Invermere.

If you carry out business within the District of Invermere, you are required to have a valid District of Invermere business license.

Business license application forms are available from the District’s Business Municipal Office. Regular Business Application Form, Home Base Business Application.

The time required to process a license application depends on the approvals that are needed. Typically, a license is issued within 7 to 10 working days, but may take longer. Staff can tell you the status of your application.

Please refer to the Bylaw 1647, 2023 – Business Licenses for the fees schedule.

Business licences are issued for one calendar year effective January 1 to December 31

If you have a business licence, you will automatically be sent a renewal notice in the mail in early December. Licence renewal can be paid by mail or in person at the municipal office. Licence fees are due by January 31.

Yes, certain types of businesses may operate from home, with some restrictions. The District’s Zoning Bylaw restricts the type of business activities that are allowed to operate in a residential neighbourhood (to minimize disturbances to surrounding properties), limits the size of the area used for business purposes, and regulates parking and storage impacts. Retail stores are specifically excluded as a home based business.

Yes. You must contact the Business Licence Division in writing to inform them that you are no longer operating. by email atinfo@invermere.net or by mail Box 339 Invermere, BC V0A 1K0 .Otherwise, you may continue to receive renewal notices, and may be liable for fees.

Bring your business license fee, your application form, lease agreement (if applicable), along with any relevant certificates or licenses required by the provincial or federal governments to operate the business.

Applications can be emailed to info@invermere.net. Alternately, applications can be submitted in-person between 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday- Friday at the District of Invermere office at 914 8^th Ave.

Payments can be made by e-transfer to info@invermere.net . No password is required when sending an e-transfer simply list your four digit customer number and/or business name.

Alternately, payment of your business license application fee or business license renewal fee can be made by cash, cheque or debit at the District of Invermere office located at 914 8^th Ave. Office hours are 8:30-4:30 Monday – Friday.