The Town of Georgina licences and regulates specific types of businesses to protect public health and safety, support consumer protection and reduce nuisances.
If you plan to operate a business in Georgina, review the licence category that applies to you and submit an application before you begin operating.
How to apply for a business licence
Follow these steps to apply for or renew a business licence in Georgina.
- Choose your licence category
Review the list of business types below and select the category that matches your operation. - Complete the application
Fill out the required forms for your business type. Some licences need supporting documents, inspections or background checks. - Submit your application
Submit your forms and supporting documents through the online portal or as directed in the application package. - Pay the licence fee
Fees vary by licence type. Payments can be made online through Stripe. A service fee of 2.9 per cent plus 30 cents is added at checkout. - Wait for approval
Once your application is reviewed, the Town will notify you of approval or next steps. Do not begin operating until your licence is issued.
Business types that require a licence
Below is an overview of licences issued by the Town of Georgina. Each category links to the required forms and information.
Animal-related businesses
- Kennels
- Pet shops
- Boarding or breeding facilities
Entertainment and recreation
- Public halls and places of amusement
- Seasonal festivals and special events
- Carnivals or circuses
Food, personal services and public-facing businesses
- Eating establishments
- Food vehicles
- Personal services (hair, aesthetics, tattooing, piercing)
- Billiard or pool halls
- Public garages and service stations
- Salvage yards
Hospitality and accommodations
- Bed and breakfast establishments
- Short-term rentals (if applicable to municipal bylaws)
Mobile, temporary or seasonal businesses
- Hawkers and peddlers
- Ice cream vehicles
- Refreshment vehicles
- Mobile sales or event-based vendors
Transportation and taxi services
- Taxicabs
- Limousines
- Taxicab brokers
- Tow trucks
Why are businesses are licenced?
Business licencing helps ensure:
- public health and safety
- consumer protection
- fair business practices
- reduced noise, waste and property impacts
- safe vehicles and operators in transportation-related businesses
Paying for a business licence
To pay your fees for any application supported by our online form portal, you can make payment through Credit Card online and through Service Georgina.
Payment instructions
Credit card through the online application
The Town of Georgina has partnered with Stripe, a third-party service provider, to bring you the convenience of paying online. This service fee is 2.9 percent plus 30 cents per transaction and must be paid by the applicant.
Through Service Georgina
To process your payment, please visit the Civic Centre at 26557 Civic Centre Rd. Keswick, Ontario L4P 3G1, or email Service Georgina or call 905-476-4301 ext. 3005. Our hours of operation are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Related business licensing information
Festivals and events
If your business involves hosting or participating in an event, you may also need a festival and event permit application. Review the permit requirements before submitting your business licence application.
Fireworks
If your business uses or sells fireworks, review fireworks safety requirements and ensure you apply for the correct fireworks licence for your activity.
Learn more about firework safety.
Short-term rental accommodations
If you operate a short-term rental, review the licensing requirements on the Short-Term Rental Accommodations page before applying.
Urban hens
Urban hen operators must follow the rules outlined on the Town’s Urban Hens page, including coop design and care requirements.
Licence help
Licensing coordinators in the Clerk’s Office can help you understand the requirements for your business, confirm which licence you need or assist with the application process.
Call 905-476-4301 for support.
Alternate application formats
Business Establishments
- Adult Entertainment Facility
- Adult Entertainment Parlour
- Body Rub Parlour
- Hawker & Pedlar
- Horse Riding Establishment
- Kennel
- Refreshment Vehicle
- Salvage Yard
- Salvage application
- Second-Hand Goods
- Special Sales
Events and Festivals
Fireworks
Taxis, Limos, Other
- Taxi driver renewal application
- New taxi driver application
- Taxi Broker New Application
- Broker Renewal Application
- Taxi Plate New Application
- Taxi Plate Renewal Application
- Taxi Plate Extension
- Taxi Priority List
- Limo Company
- Limo Driver
- Limo Plate