City passes new business bylaw

Non-profit groups in Iqaluit can expect to pay the city more money this year, after council gave final approval to a new business licence bylaw on Feb. 28.

That’s because the city now considers these groups to be businesses, which means they need a business licence.

Charitable organizations like churches are exempt, as narrowly defined by the Income Tax Act. All other organizations will need to pay $200 to register, and $150 annually to renew. Groups operating without a licence could face a $250 fine.

The city will send letters to all organizations in the phonebook, except for ones with charitable status, in the next two months, asking them to register, according to Kim Rizzi, the city’s economic development officer.

The new bylaw requires business owners to prove to the city they’re in good financial standing. That’s because in the past, deadbeat business owners have racked up large debts with the city and utility companies, then closed their businesses and started up under a new name, according to the city’s chief administrative officer, Ian Fremantle.

The new bylaw also calls for annual building inspections — although that’s something that likely won’t be enforced right away.

“Unfortunately, at this point we don’t have a building inspector,” Fremantle said.

The city received little public input as the draft bylaw made its way through three readings in council, with no input provided by the city’s chamber of commerce.

“Either people think it’s a great document, or there’s just too much on their plates,” said Rizzi.

Qikiqtaaluk Corp. was the only group to submit recommendations during a public hearing. QC also made several more suggestions just before the bylaw was about to pass.

Councillors agreed to consider those recommendations, but will make new changes by amending the bylaw, rather than delay its final reading.