Even after you have a feasible idea, a business plan, and sufficient capital, you may still have some legal, regulatory, and security-related hurdles to clear before your grand opening. The following is an FAQ checklist to help you answer some of the most commonly asked questions on licensing, taxation, insurance and other relevant topics, along with who you can contact to receive the answers.
For businesses located within Thunder Bay, if the use of the building is to change, a “Change of Use” permit may be required from the Building Division. A Building Code Analysis, prepared by a qualified Architect or Engineer, will be required in order to determine if the structure meets the Ontario Building Code requirements for the use proposed.
Contact
City of Thunder Bay,
Building Division 111 Syndicate Ave. S.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6S4 Victoriaville Civic Centre Box 800
T: (807) 625-2574
W: www.thunderbay.ca
Contact your city/municipal office if you live in an organized township or the Fire Marshal’s Office if you live in an unorganized township: Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Fire and Building Inspection Division 640 Mountdale Ave. Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6G8
T: 1 (800) 565-1842 or (807) 473-3110
Contact the City of Thunder Bay’s Licensing & Enforcement Division for information on business licenses. If your business is outside of Thunder Bay, contact your city/municipal office for more information.
Contact
Development Services Department, Licensing & Enforcement Division
111 Syndicate Ave. S.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6S4
Victoriaville Civic Centre
T: (807) 625-2710
F: (807) 625-2977
For information on the City of Thunder Bay’s sign by-laws, contact the Development Services Department, Licensing & Enforcement Division.
Contact
Development Services Department, Licensing & Enforcement Division
111 Syndicate Ave. S.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6S4
Victoriaville Civic Centre
T: (807) 625-2710
F: (807) 625-2977
If your business is located within Thunder Bay, contact the City of Thunder Bay Planning Division to ensure that your proposal does not conflict with the Zoning By-law.
The city of Thunder Bay is divided into a large number of zones. Each zone differs in terms of the uses that are permitted and the regulations pertaining to these uses. The Zoning By-law also makes allowance for a home based business or “Home Occupation.”
The Home Occupation regulations address such issues as maximum floor area, employees and signs.
Contact
Development Services Department, Planning Division
111 Syndicate Ave. S.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6S4
Victoriaville Civic Centre
T: (807) 625-2216
F: (807) 623-2206
If your business is in an unorganized township contact:
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Suite 223, 435 James St. S.
Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6S7
T: (807) 475-1651
or 1 (800) 465-5027
F: (807) 475-1196
Outside of Thunder Bay, if your business is in an organized township/municipality, contact your city/municipal office. If your business in an unorganized township, contact the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office.
If you business is located in Thunder Bay, you will be informed if your business requires a fire inspection when you apply for a business license. To arrange to have an inspection, contact the Thunder Bay Fire Prevention Division.
Contact
Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, Fire and Building Inspection Division 640 Mountdale Ave. Thunder Bay, ON, P7E 6G8 T: 1 (800) 565-1842 or (807) 473-3110 Thunder Bay Fire Prevention Division 330 Vickers St. N. Thunder Bay, ON, P7C 4B2 T: (807) 625-2650 F: (807) 623-4545 E: fireinspect@thunderbay.caIf you are located in Thunder Bay and District, your business must undergo an inspection by the Thunder Bay and District Health Unit (TBDHU). Before an inspection, you are required to provide the health unit with a floor plan/layout of your business and a copy of your menu. You must also ensure that your business conforms to Section 562 of the Health Protection and Promotion Act which you can find at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900562
Contact
Thunder Bay and District Health Unit, Public Health Inspection Department
999 Balmoral St. Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6E7
T: (807) 625-5900 or 1 (888) 294-6630
F: (807) 623-2369
W: www.tbdhu.com
You can register a business under your own name or someone else’s name, as either a sole proprietorship or a partnership.
Contact
Apply online through the Ontario Ministry of Small Business and Consumer Services Service Ontario website, at: www.ontario.ca/page/business-and-economy
To incorporate your business, you must file articles of incorporation. Although incorporation forms may be purchased at various office supply stores, you are advised to consult a lawyer before submitting your forms. You may apply online, by mail, or in person at the Thunder Bay Land Registry Office.
If you apply via the Land Registry Office, you will immediately receive an incorporation number, and have your application forwarded to the Ministry of Government Services in Toronto for the final approval.
Contact
Apply online at www.oncorp.com
Apply by mail c/o:
Ministry of Government Services Companies and Personal Property Security Branch, 375 University Ave., 2nd Floor Toronto, ON, M5G 2M2
Apply in person:
Thunder Bay Land Registry Suite 201, 189 Red River Rd. Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 1A2
You are required to pay EHT for your employees if total payroll exceeds $490,000 or has affiliated companies. For specific information, please call the Ministry of Finance.
Contact Ministry of Finance T: 1 (866) 668-8297 F: 1 (866) 888-3850 W: www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/tax/ehtAlthough the consumer pays the tax, businesses are generally responsible for collecting and remitting it to the government.
Contact
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
T: 1 (800) 959-5525
W: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency
As an employer, trustee, or payer, you are responsible for deducting Canada Pension Plan (CPP) contributions, Employment Insurance (EI) premiums and income tax from remuneration or other types of income you pay. It is your responsibility to remit them to the Canada Revenue Agency.
Contact
Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
T: 1 (800) 959-5525
W: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency
Yes, do not use your personal chequing account for business transactions. Contact your bank to set up a business account. Ensure that your business name is registered first.
Contact
Contact your financial institution.
Yes, it is very important to determine what types and how much insurance your business may need.
Contact Contact your insurance agent or broker for more information.If your new business is involved in the extension of credit you may want to contact the Credit Bureau of Northwestern Ontario Collections Inc.
Contact Legal Credit Management Corp. Suite 1, 895 Tungsten St. Thunder Bay, ON, P7B 6H2 T: (807) 623-3243 or 1 (800) 465-4228 F: (807) 623-9076 E: credit@cbnwo.com W: www.lcmc.caYou may wish to become a member of your local Chamber of Commerce, which can also provide information about their business members and activities.
Contact Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce Suite 702, 34 Cumberland St. N. Thunder Bay, ON, P7A 4L3 T: (807) 624-2626 F: (807) 622-7752 E: chamber@tbchamber.ca W: www.tbchamber.ca© 2024 Thunder Bay CEDC | Developed by Firedog Communications