We have launched new software for Business Licensing through an e-licensing portal - Citywide Portal-Town of High River. This platform is designed to help streamline the process, providing easy access to licenses and applications while enabling digital submissions for greater efficiency.

Opening a Business in the Town of High River

Before opening your business, you will need to obtain the required permits. You can then apply for a business licence and begin operations. Follow the steps below to help make the process as smooth and efficient as possible:

Step 1: Location 

• Determine if your business is permitted, discretionary, or not permitted use at the location you are exploring. The Land Use Bylaw and Land Use Bylaw Map are helpful tools in determining the use. If you have direct questions about the location and/or use, please email your inquiry to planning@highriver.ca.  
• If you are a Home Occupation:
  • Minor Home Occupation 
  • Major Home Occupation 
    • A Major Home Occupation Permit will need to be completed through Citywide e-permitting portal Planning Module.

Step 2: Permits (Storefront)

• Apply for a Tenant Occupancy (TO) – see steps 1-6 below. Please read carefully to determine if you require a Tenant Occupancy (TO) or other permits, like a Building Permit (which includes a TO in that permit process)
• *Please note: 
  • If you are doing any changes to the space (building/removing walls or bathrooms, moving/removing or adding electrical, installing/changing plumbing, changes to any gas lines – just to name a few things), there may be other permits that you would be required to have to be able to that work.  To find out more about other permits, please visit our website at High River - Do You Need A Building Permit?.
  • If you DO require a Building Permit, the Tenant Occupancy (TO) is also a part of that a Building Permit process, so you will not need to do the Tenant Occupancy application as outlined in the steps below. 

The next steps & the first bullet of Step 3 apply for a Tenant Occupancy (TO):

1. Go to our Town of High River website using this link: High River - Building and Construction
   1. On the webpage that loads, the Tenant Occupancy Application is the third link from the bottom under the heading Building Permit Information and Applications section.  click on > Tenant Occupancy Application. The application page will load, please complete.
2. Upload and submit the completed TO application by using our Online Portal. Follow the instructions on this webpage: High River - Safety Codes, Permits and Inspections in High River under the heading: “Using the E-Permitting System”.
   1. There is a link in that section that takes you to the new Online Portal. https://citywideportal.com/auth/login
   2. You will need to create a profile on this portal.
3. After creating a profile, you will then be able to click on Safety Codes – Building Permits
   1. Click Apply
   2. New Application
   3. Enter in the Project info (think business, not project)
   4. Enter the location
   5. Then you should see an Application Type with a drop-down menu – select Tenant Occupancy (Commercial)
4. You fill in the relevant information. Please note that this is a new process for us and the Safey Codes Team are still working on fine tuning all the items to fill out. There may be a check list of required documentation that is required.
   1. The only additional item you need (other than completed TO Application that you completed from Step 1), is your lease agreement, if you do not own the space, you will be operating out of. You should be able to ‘upload’ or ‘attach’ that, like the TO application.
5. Approving the TO:
   1. Once you have done step 4 above, Safety Codes will review your application.
   2. Once they are satisfied with it, they will have the portal request a payment from you.
   3. You should get a notification via email (so check your junk folder as well) to pay for your TO.
   4. Once payment received, they will work on the details to Approve your TO.

For any questions about the Permits or the Tenant Occupancy process, please email permits@highriver.ca.

Step 3: Fire Inspection (Storefront or Mobile Food Truck/Cart)

• If you are a Storefront or a Mobile Food Truck/Cart please get a Fire Inspection – please email our Fire Inspector at fireinspections@highriver.ca to schedule your inspection. Please ensure the fire extinguishers and exit lights are current and in good working order.

Step 4: Business License

1. Visit the e-permitting website.
2. Create an account or login to your account. Please note, selecting to "continue as guest" will result in limited functionality and an inability to review previously submitted permits or licenses. For the best experience, users are encouraged to create an account.
3. Gather all the documentation you will need for your application. This includes any required checklists, drawings, or supporting documentation needed to complete your application.
4. Select the "Town of High River" as your municipality.
5. Select the type of application you would like to start.
6. Complete all prompted fields, upload any documentation and select "Next".
7. Review the summary and submit your application.
8. Town staff will be in contact for payment once your application is reviewed.

For more information, view the Business License Bylaw and the Mobile Business Policy.

Business License Resources & Quick Links:

Please return completed forms by email to businesslicense@highriver.ca, by mail or hand deliver to:
Town of High River
309B MacLeod Trail SW, High River, AB T1V 1Z5
403-652-2110

• Resident Business License Application
• Non-Resident Business License Application
• Exemption Business License Application
• Temporary Non-Resident Business License Application
• Mobile Business & Food Truck Business License Application (Please include all images highlighted in the application when submitting via email)