Osoyoos Investment Opportunities

Now is the time to invest in Osoyoos. The secret’s out. Osoyoos is one of Canada’s gems when it comes to lifestyle, weather and location. With the charm of small town living, the South Okanagan recreation-filled lifestyle, a thriving tourism market and a bustling wine and agriculture industry, Osoyoos is ripe with opportunity.

Business Readiness

Destination Osoyoos and Partners are promoting their Community Business Readiness and are actively creating Business Attraction opportunities to support Small and Medium Enterprise business owners wishing to establish a business in the Osoyoos area.

Destination Osoyoos and the Municipality are also working together to enhance and improve business retention and expansion outcomes” by developing a small business and professional services support program.

Business Owner Support Services

Business owners can also access the services of Community Futures Development Corporation and Accelerate Okanagan. Both organisations strive to attract and all sector businesses and start and grow technology companies.

To seek more business information entrepreneurs should visit the Town of Osoyoos, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, and Small Business BC.

The Municipality, Regional and Provincial Partners are assisting Destination Osoyoos to create a vibrant entrepreneurial, creative and innovative community, working to diversity and build resilience into the local economy.

Chamber of Commerce

The South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce is a member based, nonprofit organization governed by the Boards of Trade Act which covers the communities of Osoyoos, Oliver, and Okanagan Falls. They offer business resources for start ups and small businesses including Employer Support, Business Networking Opportunities, Group Insurance and more. Visit the South Okanagan Chamber of Commerce here.

 

Business Licences/Permits

 

A Business Licence is required to operate a business within the community. The Town of Osoyoos Business Licence Bylaw No. 1045, 1997, requires anyone carrying on a commercial or industrial undertaking of any kind or the providing of professional, personal or other services for the purpose of profit or gain to obtain a business Licence. A business Licence must be held by the owner or operator of a business, and in the case of more than one business premise, a separate business Licence is required for each location.

For anyone intending to operate a “home based business”, please ensure that you have read the home occupation regulations located in the Town of Osoyoos Zoning Bylaw No. 1085, 1998.

The OneStop Business Registry is a public sector partnership offering integrated Business Registration and Business Address Change services based on the Business Number. OneStop provides businesses with the ability of applying for their business Licence online. When applying for a business Licence, these considerations should be addressed prior to the leasing or purchasing of property for a business.

Please Contact the Planning & Development Services Department staff to ensure that the commercial property is appropriate for the business you are planning. Staff will verify that the zoning in which the property is situated will permit the particular business type, that appropriate parking is available on site (if required), and they may bring to your attention any requirements for building permits etc.

Depending on the nature of the business, approvals from the Fire Inspector, Building Inspector or the Health Officer may be necessary prior to approval of the Business Licence. There are no costs related to these inspections if associated with a business Licence application.

 

General Procedure for Applying for a Business Licence:

  1. A Business Licence application can be completed online or the application form can be downloaded and faxed to 250.495.2400. The form must be completed and submitted to the Town by the owner or operator or by an agent appointed by the owner of the potential business. Check with our business licensing staff at 250.495.6191, as to the current rates for business Licences in the community.
  2. The potential location will be confirmed as conforming to the Zoning Bylaw and Official Community Plan requirements and any necessary inspections will be arranged.
  3. The Business Licence Inspector is the final endorsement required.
  4. The business Licence will be issued upon payment of the fee and must be displayed in a prominent place on the premises. For mobile services, a copy of the Licence should be carried in the equipment/vehicle or with the individual, at all times, when engaging in business activities.

 

Sidewalk Permits

A Sidewalk Permit is required for the placement of any chattels such as retail goods, tables and chairs, placed upon municipal sidewalks or roads as per the Town of Osoyoos Traffic Bylaw. No. 1256, 2009 and the Sidewalk Use Policy. These chattels can only be placed in the Downtown area on sidewalks that will permit for 1.5m pedestrian clearance. To apply for a Sidewalk Permit, please complete and return the application with proof of insurance to the Planning & Development Services Department 250.495.6191.

Sign Permit

In December 2012 the Town of Osoyoos adopted its first sign bylaw. Prior to completing any sign works please review the bylaw, discuss with the Planning & Development Services Department and submit an application form and scaled drawings.

Other Permits

Prior to the Town issuing a Business Licence, other agencies may be required to submit a permit or report such as Interior Health (for food service establishments, food store, tattoo, piercing, hair, tanning etc…), Passenger Transportation Board (tour bus, taxi etc…) or the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch of BC (liquor store, winery, pub etc…).

Street Vendors

Each year the Town of Osoyoos will run an advertisement in each of the Osoyoos Times and Penticton Herald and post notices on its website inviting interested applicants to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for one vendor space in Town before a set closing date, together with sufficient supporting information for Staff and Council to review. If you are interested in operating a Stationary Street Vendor Food Business, you should review the Street Food Vendor Selection and Approval Policy as well as the Business Licence Bylaw.

If you have questions contact the Planning & Development Services Department at the Town of Osoyoos.