Business Licences

Overview

All businesses operating within the Kananaskis Improvement District (KID) must apply for a business license and pay the associated fee, as mandated by the KID Business Licence Order. These fees help the municipality recover some of the costs involved in providing and maintaining essential services, which support the operations of all businesses within the district.

Submitting a Business Licence Application

1. Download and fill out the Business Licence Application Form

2. Email the completed form to info@kananaskisid.ca and include proof of payment.

*Please note turnaround time for applications is approximately 3 weeks*

*WE DO NOT ACCEPT E-TRANSFER PAYMENTS*

Contact

Email: info@kananaskisid.ca

Business Licence Fees 2025

Resident Business:
 
(a) Small Business - $115.00
(b) Regular Business - $230.00
(c) Major Business - $575.00
 
Non-Resident Business:
 
(a) Small Business - $198.00
(b) Regular Business - $632.50
(c) Major Business - $1,617.00
 
Not-for-Profit Business: $100.00
Temporary Business Licence: $30.00 per day (up to three consecutive days) 

Other Fees:
(a) Duplicate Licence - $50.00
(b) Transfer - $100.00
(c) Appeal - $100.00
(d) Rush - 10% of Licence Fee

Business Licence Categories

Small Business: Annual gross revenue generated within the KID of $10,000 or less.
Regular Business: Annual gross revenue generated within the KID between $10,000 and $750,000.
Major Business: Annual gross revenue generated within the KID of $ 750,000 or greater.

Resident Business: A business which is carried on, in whole or in part, within the KID, and which maintains a permanent residence within the KID, where the ‘need to reside’ policy within Kananaskis Country and KID has been met by an individual claiming permanent residence for the purpose of a resident business; OR maintains a permanent residence within the KID, and is listed on a current KID tax roll.
Temporary Business: A business licence issued to qualifying non-resident business for up to three consecutive days, which shall be issued no more than once per year per qualifying non-resident business. “Qualifying Non-Resident Business” means a non-resident business operating one of the following at a limited term event: a. Food Truck or Stall Vendor b. Retail Exhibitor c. Non-revenue Generating Marketing Exhibitor.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT BUSINESS LICENCES

What is the role of Alberta Forestry and Parks in enforcing the KID Business Licence Order?

Alberta Forestry and Parks is asked to advise applicants of the regular permitting process and of the requirement for businesses to obtain a Licence to operate in the KID. Applicants can be referred to KID Administration for clarification on business Licence procedures and policies.

Do businesses that provide their own garbage removal, water supply and sewage removal or emergency medical aid require a business Licence?

Yes, these are just examples of some municipal services. The business Licence fees allow for cost recovery of many municipal services, whether or not they are used by every business operating in Kananaskis Improvement District.

Are other permits required before the business Licence?

Yes, other permits are required before, or concurrent with, obtaining a business Licence. The business Licence is relatively easy to obtain and can be issued in short order if the applicant can provide the information required and pay the appropriate fee. A condition of the business Licences under the Business Licence Order is to obtain any and all other necessary permits required by law in the Province of Alberta.

Do production companies and large oil companies need to have all their contractors and subcontractors obtain business Licences as well?

Only contractors or subcontractors that operate on a regular basis in the Kananaskis Improvement District require a separate business Licence. If a company is conducting a specific activity and uses contractors or subcontractors, then they may fall under the provisions of a "Special Business Licence”. In this case, only one Licence is required to cover the event or activity.

Do caregivers at the William Watson Lodge require a separate business Licence?

If caregivers are a business or are employees of an agency or organization that provides this type of service in Kananaskis Country on a regular basis, then the business, agency or organization would require a business Licence. Private caregivers accompanying individuals to the Lodge or who are on an outing to Kananaskis Country on an irregular basis do not require a business Licence.

If a business Licence is revoked or refused, will other licensing bodies be informed accordingly?

Only under extreme circumstances would a business Licence be revoked or refused. Administration will make all efforts possible to inform other government agencies that have an interest in Kananaskis Country.

How are the Improvement District’s business Licence requirements enforced?

The Improvement District advises businesses of business Licence requirements on the website, by mail, and through public notices advertised in local papers. If conservation officers conducting routine checks or inspections for appropriate permits find an organization deficient in this respect, they may then advise the individual of the Improvement District’s business licensing requirements and inform KID administration of the deficiency.

Are the conditions imposed on business Licences coordinated with the permitting process managed by Alberta Forestry and Parks?

A copy of a business Licence issued by the KID is required by Alberta Forestry and Parks during the permit application process.
 
How do businesses, such as outfitters operating at several locations in the KID, display their business Licences?

Businesses operating in several remote locations may carry photocopies of the appropriate business Licence with them.
 
Do weddings, or those that conduct weddings, require a business Licence?

An agency or organization that provides wedding services (including photography) in the KID to customers requires a business Licence. Guests at a ceremony or photography session for a wedding do not require a business Licence.
 
Are there any exemptions from business licence fees?
 
Provincial legislation and regulations allow for certain professions, trades and businesses to be exempt from municipal licensing fees. Businesses that fall under this exemption policy are still required to submit an application for a Business Licence, but will not be required to pay any licensing fees. To determine if you qualify for an exemption, consult with your designated professional association or governing Act.