Business licences & permits — Williams Lake, British Columbia
Do I need a business licence or permit? What does it cost?
In the City of Williams Lake, British Columbia, business licences & permits rules are set by Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022 and 2 other bylaws, verified 2026-08-28. A licence is required. Fee: Varies by category per Schedule A; e.g., $150.00 Accommodations, $5,000.00 Cannabis, $120.00/day Carnivals. Who must license: All persons carrying on a business within the City of Williams Lake, excluding Government activities.
Business License Bylaw No. 2365, 2022
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 10
who must license
All persons carrying on a business within the City of Williams Lake, excluding Government activities.
s. 7; s. 10
fee
Varies by category per Schedule A; e.g., $150.00 Accommodations, $5,000.00 Cannabis, $120.00/day Carnivals.
s. 17; Schedule A
renewal
Annual, terminates on the 31st day of December of the year in which it was issued.
s. 13
scout note
Requires a City business licence to operate any business, trade, or profession within Williams Lake; sets category-specific licence fees (retail, services, sidewalk vendors) and grounds for licence refusal/revocation.
Second Hand Stores Bylaw No. 934, 1984
adopted bylaw
Requires dealers in second-hand goods (pawnbrokers, second-hand stores) to hold a licence and keep records of goods bought/sold available for police inspection.
Sign Bylaw No. 2360, 2022
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 108
who must license
Persons erecting, constructing, altering, moving, or establishing a sign, unless exempted.
s. 108
fee
$100.00 for a sign valued at $1,000.00 or less and an additional $10.00 per $1,000.00 value for any sign valued over $1,000.00.
s. 121
scout note
Requires a sign permit before erecting, altering, or installing most signs within the City; sets permit application, fee, and issuance requirements plus design/placement standards.