Many small businesses require licenses to operate or regular inspections, including restaurants, hair salons, and automotive repair shops. Below are lists of common business types that require permits and inspections by the City of Port Colborne, Niagara Region Public Health, and Niagara Regional Police Service. If your small business will be operating in any of these fields, or conducting activities very similar, use the contact information below to ensure that your business has the required licenses and permits prior to opening.
City of Port Colborne |
The City of Port Colborne's Clerks Division issues licences for different business types, including the following:
For more information on how to apply and applications, please visit our Business Licence page or contact the City of Port Colborne's Licensing Clerk. |
Niagara Region Public Health |
The Niagara Region Public Health department inspects different business types and home occupations, including the following:
If you are unsure if your business will require an inspection, please contact Niagara Region Public Health. |
Niagara Regional Police Services |
NOTE: Niagara Regional Police Service Licencing and Bylaw Enforcement Unit is no longer operational.
All business licencing, inspection and enforcement services have been transferred to the Niagara Region.
The Niagara Region issues licenses for different business types and occupations, including the following:
If you are unsure your business will require a license, please contact the Niagara Region. |
Licences & Certificates
Birth & Death Certificates |
All births and deaths in Ontario are registered with the Office of the Registrar General.
Online certificates and forms are available through Service Ontario. Birth certificateApply online at Service Ontario for a Birth Certificate. Death certificateApply online at Service Ontario for a Death Certificate. Please visit the Office of the Registrar General website for more information and contact details. |
Dog Licences |
DocuPet Inc. manages dog licensing in the City of Port Colborne. You can license your pet online, over the phone, by mail, or in person.
For more information, visit DocuPet's website.
You are not allowed to have more than three (3) dogs, excluding unweaned puppies, on any property in the City of Port Colborne. If you own more than three dogs, you may qualify for a kennel licence. |
Kennel Licence |
If you operate a Kennel within the City of Port Colborne, you are required to have a kennel licence.
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Lottery Licence |
You can apply for a lottery licence in the City of Port Colborne if you represent a charitable or religious organization. The Government of Ontario and the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) regulate lottery licensing in Ontario. For more information on applications for lottery licences and lottery reporting, please visit our Lottery Licence page. |
Marriage Licence |
If you plan to get married in Ontario, you can get a marriage licence at Port Colborne City Hall. We issue Marriage Licences between the hours of 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.
The City of Port Colborne does not provide civil Marriage Ceremonies at City Hall. Please visit our Marriage Licence page for more information. |