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: 

  • Garage businesses to repair vehicles
  • Used car lot
  • Gasoline sales
  • Lodging houses
  • Hawker and peddler licence (including food trucks)
  • Refreshment vehicles
  • Trailer camp licenses
  • Kennel licenses to those properties who house more than 3 dogs

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:
  • All food premises (including restaurants, caterers, banquet halls, mobile premises)
  • Special events where food is served
  • Farmers markets
  • Personal services settings (including hair salons, barber shops, nail and pedicure salons, tattoo parlours)
  • Second level lodging homes
  • Group homes
  • Licensed day nurseries including before and after school programs. (Day nurseries are licensed by the Ministry of Education)
  • Retirement homes (licensed by the Retirement Homes Regulatory Agency)   

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: 

  • Taxicabs
  • Tow trucks
  • Limousines
  • Sightseeing and shuttle vehicles (including horse drawn carriages)
  • Salvage yards
  • Scrap dealers
  • Auto wrecking yards
  • Second hand stores
  • Second hand goods dealers
  • Adult exotic entertainment parlours and dancers

If you are unsure your business will require a license, please contact the Niagara Region.

We Want Your Feedback! 

The City of Port Colborne is looking for your feedback on business licensing.

Business licensing by-laws are currently under review and we want to know how you find the overall process and what we can do to better meet your business needs. Residents and business owners are invited to complete the Business Licensing Survey.

Thank you in advance for participating.