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New regional construction and trades licensing proposed

Businesses may soon need only one licence to operate across the Lower Mainland

It may soon be easier and cheaper for trades and construction companies to work throughout the region.

Currently, business owners can buy an Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL), which allows them to work in one of four areas: the Fraser Valley, Northwest Vancouver, Metro West Vancouver and the Tri-Cities.

A new system would allow companies to get a single licence to work in the entire Lower Mainland, reducing the costs and paperwork.

The Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce has requested that Abbotsford city council pass a bylaw, which would create this new “non-resident permit,” if other municipalities were to follow.

A strong majority, 80 per cent of current IMBL members, responded in favour of a new region-wide program, according to the chamber.