The city’s decision to extend the Fraser Valley inter-municipal business licence pilot project has drawn praise from the Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce.
The city approved the extension of the program, which allows mobile small businesses operating in different municipalities to purchase a licence in their community, as well as an additional licence enabling them to work in Abbotsford, Surrey, Langley City and Township, Chilliwack, Mission, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows and Hope.
The pilot project launched in January, and city council voted to extend the project for another two years. Work has also begun to expand the program to include other municipalities and additional mobile business types.
Previously, businesses operating in different municipalities were required to purchase a separate business licence in each community.
Since January, there have been 233 mobile licences issued in Abbotsford, increasing licence revenue by more than $11,000.
Mayor Bruce Banman praised the project for generating revenue for the city while cutting down on red tape. The Fraser Valley model has encouraged other jurisdictions in the province to also look at the creation of a mobile licence in their local areas.
Chamber president Mike Welte said they hope the program will eventually spread to the entire province.
“This would provide a significant reduction in red tape for the operators of mobile small business.”
There will be an opportunity for public comment on the project at city council on Monday, Dec. 9.