Applications, Licences and Permits

Business Licence

To start a business in Owen Sound, you will require a business licence. This includes, but is not limited to:  general businesses, home based businesses, street food vending carts, hawkers and peddlers, bed and breakfasts.

The City's Business Licencing By-law is available for reference prior to applying for a business licence. 

To apply for a business licence:

1. Contact the Planning Division with the municipal address, current use and a detailed description of the proposed use, to obtain approval with the Zoning By-law. The Planning Division approval must be submitted with the business licence application.
2. Complete an application for a business licence;
3. To discuss your application, book an appointment by calling 519-376-4440 ext. 1268; or email lkazarian@owensound.ca
4. You can also mail the application to the City of Owen Sound 808 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound, On N4K 2H4 to the attention of the Licensing & Marriage Coordinator.
5. Pay the non-refundable licence fee of $150 by debit/credit/cash/cheque payable to the City of Owen Sound.

Development

Anyone wishing to place a building or structure on their property from a deck or garden shed to a new shopping plaza or apartment building, should refer to our Development webpage.

Lottery Licence

The City of Owen Sound issues lottery licences on behalf of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO). The AGCO requires groups to obtain a lottery licence where there is a chance to win a prize for a fee, including:

• 50-50 draws;
• Raffles;
• Bingos; or
• Sale of nevada tickets.

To apply for a lottery licence:

1. Complete an application;
2. To discuss your application, book an appointment by calling 519-376-4440 ext. 1268; or email lkazarian@owensound.ca
3. You can also mail the application to the City of Owen Sound 808 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound, On N4K 2H4 to the attention of the Licensing & Marriage Coordinator; and
4. Pay the licence fee.

Marriage Licence

The Clerk's Office issues marriage licences for couples getting married in Ontario. To apply:

1. Complete an application;
2. Have it signed by both parties;
3. Book an appointment by emailing weddingservices@owensound.ca or calling 519-376-4440 ext. 1268;
4. Have one or both applicants bring the application to the appointment at the Clerk's Office at City Hall along with
the following two pieces of identification for each applicant:
1. Original proof of identity (a birth certificate or valid passport or residency card); and
2. Any government issued photo identification; and
3. Original proof of divorce, if applicable. See below for details. 
5. Pay the licence fee of $150 by debit/cash/cheque payable to the City of Owen Sound.

For more information on civil marriages, visit our Civil Marriages webpage.

Tag Day Permit

Groups who wish to fundraise by requesting donations from the public require a tag day permit. Groups stand at various locations throughout the City requesting donations. In exchange for a financial donation, a tag is given to show support for the group.

To apply:

1. Complete a tag day permit application; and
2. If you wish to hand-deliver or discuss the application in person, book an appointment by calling 519-376-4440 ext. 1268; or email lkazarian@owensound.ca
3. Mail the permit to the City of Owen Sound 808 2nd Ave East, Owen Sound, On N4K 2H4 to the attention of the Licensing & Marriage Coordinator.