Business Licenses

Whether you're operating a storefront, construction business, or providing services, a valid Business Licence is required to operate within the Town of Westlock. This includes non-resident businesses conducting work within Town limits. Licensing ensures fairness, supports local services, and helps grow a vibrant business community.

Do You Need a Business License?

You must hold a license if you:

  • Run a business with a physical location in Westlock
  • Offer mobile or on-site services in town (even if based elsewhere)
  • Operate a home-based business

Exemptions include charitable/non-profit groups, foster or licensed day homes, farmers market vendors, youth, occasional service providers (e.g. babysitters, snow-shovelers), government operations, and professions regulated by provincial authorities (e.g. Alberta Land Surveyors).

How to Apply

Option 1: Apply Online

Apply for a business licence online through the Town’s e-permitting portal by creating an account, completing the application, and uploading required documents.

Option 2: Apply by Email or In-Person

Start with our form - downloadable here or available at the Town Office.  Depending on the type of business, you may also need to include proof of certain licenses from other regulatory bodies with your application.

Send your application (and documents, if required) via:

  • In person or by mail: Planning & Development, 10003–106 Street, Westlock, AB T7P 2K3
  • By email: planning@westlock.ca

Your license fee (due annually) is based on the type of license you require.

  • Resident Business License
    $100 year  (applies to businesses based in the Town of Westlock or Westlock County)

  • Non-Resident Business License
    $200/year or $50/day

  • Hawker/Peddler License
    $100/year or $50/day

  • Event/Festival License
    $50/event

First time applying for a business license in Westlock?  Fees for non-resident and resident businesses are pro-rated depending on the time of year you first receive your license.

We offer multiple ways to pay your license fees.  If you apply online through our e-permitting portal, you are able to pay online once staff reviews your application.

Once processed (typically 1–3 business days), you’ll receive your license certificate.  If you are a e-permitting portal license user, you can log-in at any time to view, download, and print a copy of your license certificate.

Display it at your place of business or have a copy handy if you are asked to produce it.

Validity & Renewal

Licenses are valid from January 1 to December 31.

Renewal notices go out in January - renew on time to stay compliant.

 

What to Do When Things Change

Notify Planning & Development before you move. Some moves may require new permits depending on your new location.

Apply for a new license or to transfer the existing one with proof of sale (e.g., bill of sale).

Let us know so we can close your file and so you won’t receive future invoices. License fees are non-refundable, and the new owner must apply separately.

2026 Business License Renewals

The Town of Westlock uses an e-permitting and licensing system that provides improved access to licensing information, including the ability to renew and pay for business licences online.

What’s New for 2026

  • Online renewals and online payment options are available through the Town’s e-permitting portal.
  • Business licence certificates have a new format. A new certificate will be issued each time you renew; annual stickers will no longer be provided.
  • Licence numbers have been updated as part of the new system. Town staff can still reference previous licence numbers if required.

Renewal Timeline

  • Annual renewals are issued in January, with a renewal deadline of February 28.
  • Licences not renewed prior to April 1 may be subject to late fees.
  • Businesses are responsible for ensuring their licence remains valid throughout the year.

Renewing Online

Business licences can be renewed through the Town’s e-permitting portal.  We've created a user guide to help you through the process.

To access the portal, you must create an account using the email address the Town has on file for your business. If this email is incorrect, please contact Planning & Development to have it updated prior to registering your account.

NOTE: Existing licence holders should not apply for a new licence. Your existing licence will sync with your portal account when the registered email matches the Town’s records. Contact Planning & Development if your licence does not appear after registration.

Online portal features:

  • Submit your renewal request
  • Review and update your business information
  • Pay securely online

Other Ways to Renew

Online renewal is optional. You may still renew your business licence using any of our existing methods:

  • Renew in person at the Town Office
  • Pay using standard payment methods (cash, cheque, e-transfer, debit)
  • Contact our office for manual assistance with the renewal process

If Your Business Is Closed or Not Operating in 2026

If your business has closed or will not be operating in Westlock in 2026, please notify the Town to close your licence file and discontinue renewal communications.

FAQs: Online Business License Renewals

The Town of Westlock is introducing a new online option for renewing and paying for your business license through the Town’s e-permitting portal.  To support this transition, the Town has updated business licence certificates and licence numbering for 2026.

No. Online renewal is a new option being added to make the process more convenient.

Visit our online e-permitting portal and create an account using the email address on file with the Town for your business.

Please contact Planning & Development at 780-349-4444 or planning@westlock.ca so we can update it before you register your portal account.

Renewals notices are issued annually in January, with a renewal deadline of February 28. Licences not renewed prior to April 1 may be subject to late fees.

  • Review and update your business information
  • Submit your renewal request
  • Pay securely online

Yes. All existing renewal methods remain available, including paying in person or requesting manual assistance.

Please let the Town know so we can close your licence file and stop further renewal communications.

Contact Us

Town of Westlock

Planning & Development

10003–106 Street,
Westlock, AB  T7P 2K3

Phone: 780‑349‑4444

Email us: planning@westlock.ca