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Business Licences

Some businesses operating in Haldimand County may require a licence. Fees vary based on licence type and processing time can take several weeks.

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Licence applications and renewals

Currently, the County requires licences for businesses related to hired vehicles, mobile food, racing, pawn brokers, public entertainment and salvage yards.

For new applications and renewals, submit all completed applications and applicable fees to our Licensing Officer at the Haldimand County Administration Building, 53 Throburn Street South, Cayuga.

If licence renewals are not completed by the renewal date, late fees will apply. View our Licensing User Fees for a full list of licensing costs.

For help getting started, review the information below, and contact our Licensing Officer.


Hired Vehicles

If you own or drive a taxi in Haldimand County, you’re required to get a licence.

You must submit the following document with your application.

Owners (per vehicle)

  • Proof of ownership or lease (to be photocopied by County staff)
  • Safety Standards Certificate – within 36 days of application
  • Proof of liability insurance showing a minimum of $2 million in liability
  • Haldimand County vehicle inspection – contact our Licensing staff to request an inspection.

Drivers

  • Valid G Licence
  • MTO Driver's Abstract – within 60 days of application
  • Criminal Record Check – within 60 days of application

See the Hired Vehicle Licensing by-law for more information.


Mobile Food Premises

A licence is required to operate a mobile food premises such as a food truck or wagon.

You must get the following approvals, in the order they are listed, to include with your application.

  1. Approval from Haldimand County Building Division – Contact the Building Division to request an inspection. For initial applications, submit a site plan to the Building Division or drop one off at the County Administration Building (2nd floor) and include a site plan or sketch of the premises' location detailing setbacks, location triangle, and any accessory seating. Note: This is not required for renewal applications that have no substantial changes to the site plan.
  2. Approval from Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit – Contact the health unit to arrange an inspection. For additional information, you can email the health unit at ehthotline@hnhss.ca.
  3. Approval from Haldimand County Fire Services – Contact the Fire Prevention Officer to arrange an inspection.
  4. Approval from Haldimand County By-law Division – Contact the By-Law division to arrange an inspection.
  5. Additional approvals as needed:

See the Mobile Food Premises by-law for more information.


Motor Vehicle Racing

If you own a motor vehicle racing business within Haldimand you will need a business licence.

If you wish to hold a motor vehicle racing event, you will need a motor vehicle racing event licence.

Motor Vehicle Racing Business Application

  • An approved site plan under section 41 of the Planning Act – if appliable and if required by Haldimand County
  • Approval from Haldimand County Building Division – Contact the Building Division to request an inspection. If the proposal does not meet the applicable zoning by-law, you may be required to submit a planning application.
  • Approval from Haldimand County By-law Division - Contact the By-law division to arrange an inspection.
  • Approval from Haldimand County Emergencies Services – contact Emergency Services.
  • Approval from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit – contact the health unit at ehthotline@hnhss.ca
  • Approval from Haldimand County Roads division – contact Roads by email or call 905-318-5392, ext. 8601.
  • Annual schedule of events and activities to be conducted.
  • Proof of commercial general liability policy of insurance with a minimum of $2 million in liability per occurrence.
  • Written authorization from the owner if an agent is applying on the owner’s behalf.

Motor Vehicle Racing Event Application

  • Approval from Haldimand County Building Division – Contact the Building Division to request an inspection. If the proposal does not meet the applicable zoning by-law, you may be required to submit a planning application.
  • Approval from Haldimand County By-Law division - Contact the By-Law division to arrange an inspection.
  • Approval from Haldimand County Emergencies Services – contact Emergency Services.
  • Approval from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit – contact the health unit at ehthotline@hnhss.ca
  • Approval from Haldimand County Roads division – contact Roads by email or call 905-318-5392, ext. 8601.
  • Proof of notice given to the Ontario Provincial Police of planned events, expected attendance, and a copy of the security plan
  • Security plan showing the number of private security persons hired for the event, their credentials, and the hours they will be present during the event.
  • Plan of the premises including:
    • Area of lands to be used
    • Parking and internal roadways
    • The area where the performance is staged
    • The area where camping is to take place if permitted
    • The area where any permanent or temporary structure is, or will be, located
    • Location of sanitary facilities: garbage collection, storage and disposal, and potable drinking water
    • Entry and exit points
    • The area where the audience will sit/stand
    • Copy of building permit for any tent/structure to be erected
  • Commercial general liability insurance policy with a minimum of $2 million in liability per occurrence.
  • Confirmation that the applicant has posted the proposed schedule to the business website.
  • Schedule of motor vehicle racing events planned for the calendar year.
  • Additional requirements, if applicable:
    • Noise monitoring services
    • Paid duty OPP officer for traffic control
    • Contracted ambulance service  

See the Motor Vehicle Racing By-Law for more information.


Public Entertainment

If you’re planning to provide public entertainment, such as an exhibition, concert, festival, or other organized public amusement, you must get a licence.

  • Approval from Haldimand County Building Division – Contact the Building Division to request an inspection. If the proposal does not meet the applicable zoning by-law, you may be required to submit a planning application.
  • Approval from Haldimand County By-Law Division - Contact the By-Law division to arrange an inspection.
  • Approval from Haldimand County Emergencies Services – contact Emergency Services.
  • Approval from the Haldimand-Norfolk Health Unit – contact the health unit at ehthotline@hnhss.ca
  • Approval from Haldimand County Roads Division – contact Roads by email or call 905-318-5392, ext. 8601.
  • Proof of notice given to the Ontario Provincial Police of planned events, expected attendance, and a copy of the security plan
  • Security plan showing the number of private security persons hired for the event, their credentials, and the hours they will be present during the event.
  • Plan of the premises including:
    • Area of lands to be used
    • Parking and internal roadways
    • The area where the performance is staged
    • The area where camping is to take place if permitted
    • The area where any permanent or temporary structure is, or will be, located
    • Location of sanitary facilities: garbage collection, storage and disposal, and potable drinking water
    • Entry and exit points
    • The area where the audience will sit/stand
    • Copy of building permit for any tent/structure to be erected
  • Proof of commercial general liability insurance policy with a minimum of $2 million in liability per occurrence.
  • Additional requirements, if applicable:
    • Noise monitoring services
    • By-law enforcement officers
    • Paid duty OPP officer for traffic control
    • Contracted ambulance service 

See the Public Entertainment By-Law for more information.


Salvage Yard

If you operate a salvage yard or wish to put out a scrap material collection bin, you’re required to get a licence.

Salvage Yard Application

Scrap Material Collection Bin Application

  • Approval from Haldimand County Planning division on your concept/site plan noting all zoning provisions (not required for renewals) – Contact the Planning division to arrange a review.
  • Approval from Haldimand County Building division – Contact the Building Division to request an inspection. If the proposal does not meet the applicable zoning by-law, you may be required to submit a planning application.
  • Approval from Haldimand County By-Law division - Contact the By-Law division to arrange an inspection.
  • Signed affidavit the proceeds from material collected is for a charitable purpose, naming the specific benefitting charities.
  • Letter of authorization from the property owner, if applicable.

See the Salvage Yard By-law for more information.


General business licences and permits

Visit the BizPal site to find the federal and provincial forms, permits and licences that may be required for your business.

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