The 2024 Print Business Directory is now available online and at all Town of Westlock facilities.
The first step to carrying out business within the Town of Westlock is to secure the proper licenses and permits.
All businesses operating within the Town of Westlock are required to obtain a Business License. This includes businesses not from Westlock but who are performing work within Town limits. Business Licenses are valid for the calendar year and must be renewed yearly.
Along with your purchase of a Business License, your business will be advertised in our local print business directory and on the Town of Westlock website Business Directory.
Click through the links below to find out more about the other permits required, depending on your circumstances:
Expanding or Relocating a Business
 | Call us: 780-349-4444 |
 | Email us: planning@westlock.ca |
 | In-Person: 10003-106 Street, Westlock, AB |
Do I require a business license?
If you are performing work, advertising for business, or do business with the Town of Westlock, then yes, you do require a license.
There are a select few types of businesses that are exempt from requiring a Westlock business license:
- Charitable or Non-Profit Organizations
- Foster Homes
- Day Home Provider registered with a provincially approved Day Home Agency
- The operator of a stall within a Farmer’s Market
- Any Business exempt under Provincial or Federal legislation
- A business carried on by the Government of Alberta or Canada
- Any youth
- A person providing infrequent or irregular services such as babysitting, yard work or snow shovelling
Resident vs. Non-Resident Business
A Resident Business is a business located within the Town of Westlock or the geographical areas of Westlock County or the Village of Clyde.
A Non-Resident Business is any business that does not have a premise in which the business operates out of within the Town of Westlock or the geographical areas of Westlock County or the Village of Clyde.
How do I apply?
Submit an application, along with other relevant documents, to Planning & Development Services (contact info below).
1 – Complete the application form.
2 – Apply with all the required documentation.
Application methods:
In-Person or by Mail to:
Planning & Development Services
Town of Westlock
10003-106 Street
Westlock, AB T7P 2K3
Email to: planning@westlock.ca
Payment methods:
After your application is received and processed, you will be notified by email or phone of the application fee(s). See our Fee Schedule for our current permit fees.
- Credit card (Visa or MasterCard)
- E-transfer to finance@westlock.ca (please include "License" in the Notes field)
In-person:
- Debit
- Cash
- Cheque
- Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard or Amex)
Mail payment:
- Cheque
What is the cost?
Resident Business License | $100.00/year |
Non-Resident Business License | $200.00/year or $50.00/day |
Hawker/Peddler License | $100.00/year or $35.00/day |
Event/Festival License | $50.00/event |
How long does it take to get a business license?
Provided your application is complete and your license fee has been paid, business licenses are typically issued within 1 to 3 business days.
When does a business license expire?
Business licenses expire on December 31 of every calendar year. Renewal invoices are mailed out in January of each year, and your license fee must be paid in full by the due date of the invoice to keep your license in good standing.
If you apply for a new business license after October 1, your license will be valid until December 31st of the following year.
What if my business location is changing?
If you plan to move your business, notify Planning & Development before the move occurs. It may be a simple administrative change, or it may require a review to determine if your type of business activity is permitted in the area. See our Expanding or Relocating a Business page for more information.
What if a buy an existing business?
If you purchased an existing business, you must obtain a new Business License. Contact Planning & Development Services and provide proof of transfer of ownership (typically bill of sale) showing business description and names of the buyer(s) and the seller(s).
What happens if I close or sell my business?
If you close or sell your business, notify Planning & Development Services so your license file can be closed. License fees already paid are not refundable. If you sell your business, the new owner(s) must apply for a new Business License.
What if we are a non-profit organization?
Non-profit organizations are exempt from requiring a business license. However, if you require a business license for legitimacy purposes, the Town can provide one to you at no cost. A completed application form will be required.
What if I already have a provincial license?
Even if you hold a Provincial License with the Province of Alberta you still require to hold a local license from the Town of Westlock in order to conduct your business legally inside the Town.