Notice of intention to repeal and replace "By-Law to License, Regulate and Govern Certain Businesses"

Pursuant to the City’s Public Notice Policy, take notice that the Council of the Corporation of the City of Kingston intends to repeal and replace By-Law Number 2006-213 “A By-Law to License, Regulate and Govern Certain Businesses” under the Municipal Act, 2001, on November 13, 2025. While the Municipal Act, 2001 no longer requires that licensing by-laws be re-enacted every five years, periodic reviews of the by-law are deemed beneficial to keep current with changes in business activities and legislation. 

Since 2006, business activities and regulations have evolved which has prompted a thorough review of the business licensing by-law. This review considered the regulations for current and potential business classes through the lens of best practices, municipal benchmarking, and public and stakeholder engagement. Through this process, several business classes were amalgamated, some were deemed redundant for various reasons identified in the report, and some business classes were added or expanded in scope.

Business classes that have been removed

• Alarm Installation / Alarm Monitoring which authority has been transferred to the Kingston Police Services Board; and
  
  
• Bill Posters which is no longer relevant given the amendments to By-Law Number 2004-190 “A By-Law to Regulate the Use of City Streets” (Streets By-Law) having provided seven public notice boards for the purpose of attaching posters, bills advertisements or notices.

Business types that have been reclassified / extended in scope

• Adult Entertainer
• Adult Goods Establishment
• Adult Services Establishment
• Arcades
• Billiards
• Commercial Kitchen
• Theatre
• Lodging Houses
• Salons
• Gasoline Sales
• Food Service Premises
• Meat and Fish Sales
• Refreshment Vehicles
• Automotive Repair
• Pawnbrokers
• Pet Stores
• Plumbing Contractors
• Tobacco Sales
• Auctioneer
• Hawker & Peddler
• Specific Day Sales
• Specific Location Sales

Business types that have been added

• Scrap Metal Dealer Establishment
• Vapour Product Retail Establishment

Fee Review

The review of the by-law prompted a comprehensive review of the licence fees associated with classification types, as well as the development of fees for the regulations that were added. Staff are recommending adjustments to some of the rates which are comparatively low by comparison to other municipalities and given the effort involved in the licensing process.

The proposed By-Law and license fees can be viewed online. 

Anyone wishing to be heard regarding these matters should contact the City Clerk or provide written comments before 4 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, 2025.