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Fire Ban in Effect

A City-wide fire ban is in effect, cancelling all permits and prohibiting outdoor burning and fireworks. Kenora remains open and welcoming visitors. Please exercise caution and fire safety. For more information, visit Travel Advisory: Fire Ban in Place Kenora Still Open for Visitors.

Economic Development Housing Survey

Have you been impacted by Kenora's housing shortage? The Economic Development Housing Survey is your chance to share your experience. Take 10 minutes to answer this short survey to help guide future planning and support funding applications to improve housing options in our community.   

The survey is open until June 16, 2025. 

Take the Economic Development Housing Survey now!

Land Acknowledgement
In the spirit of reconciliation, the City of Kenora acknowledges that we are on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Metis of Treaty #3. The City of Kenora was originally the land base of one collective First Nation community, which was separated into three communities now known as Wauzhushk Onigum, Niisaachewan, and Washagamis Bay First Nations. Kenora now sustains many others, all of whom have been welcomed to peacefully share and care for these ancestral Lands and Waters. To support stewardship of the land, the City recognizes the importance of a strong relationship with our Treaty #3 partners. The City of Kenora acknowledges that our economy greatly benefits from the Anishinaabe and Metis that live in and around the City.
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Business Licences and Permits

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You will need a business licence in order to operate a business in the City of Kenora. This includes a home office, retail storefront or a booth at a community event. Please review the City of Kenora Business Licence By-law for full details about the business licences and regulations in Kenora.

Check our BizPal to discover exactly which businesses licence you need in order to legally own and operate a business in the Province of Ontario.

Before you apply

You need to provide a current criminal background check before we will issue a business licence. This is done to ensure community health and safety. You can apply for a record check online. 

Apply for a business licence

Please complete the Application for a Business Licence and submit it to City Hall located at 1 Main St. S. in order to apply for a Business licence.

Renewals

If you live in Kenora, you only need to apply once for a business licence. If you are a non-resident, you need to apply annually for a business licence. You must submit your application by May 1 each year. All licences are in effect from May 1 to April 30 of the following year.

Fees

The following licensing fees apply:

  • $125 for a residential business licence
  • $270 for a non-residential business licence

Special event business licence

Please complete the Application for a Business Licence and submit it to City Hall located at 1 Main St. S. in order to apply for a special event licence.

A special event business licence will remain in effect for the duration of the event only. You will need to apply for a new licence if you want to attend another event.

Fees

The following fees apply:

  • $100 for the first event licence in a year
  • $50 for each additional event licence in a year

Taxi licences

You need a licence in order to operate a taxi company, own a taxi vehicle or drive a taxicab in the City of Kenora. Please visit City Hall located at 1 Main St. S. to apply for the follow taxi licences:

  • Taxi Broker
  • Taxi Driver

The licence requirements and applications vary depending on the type taxi licence you require. Review the City of Kenora By-law to Regulate Taxi Cabs/Limousines and Drays.

Sign permits

You'll need a sign permit in order to put up a sign for your business. Learn how to apply for a sign permit in Kenora.

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Contact Us

Your Government
1 Main Street South
Kenora ON P9N3X2
Open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday
Closed on Holidays.
Phone: 807-467-2000
After Hours: 807-467-2080
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Your Government
1 Main Street South
Kenora ON P9N3X2
Phone: 807-467-2000

8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Monday to Friday

Closed on Holidays

After hours: 807-467-2080



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