Edmonton implementing red tape reduction measures

EDMONTON — The City of Edmonton has announced a series of proposals to chop through red tape for businesses and industry.

City staff presented council with the Reductions to Small Business Regulations report.  

According to officials, the changes will enable more effective and efficient service delivery, while reducing the regulatory burden faced by Edmonton’s businesses.

Many of the changes focus on permitting and licensing services, including:

• Setting service levels (timeline targets)
• Improving commercial permitting and business licensing service delivery and experience
• Regulation changes to trim barriers
• Increased online permit services
• Using technology, remote video inspections and inspector route optimization

“Supporting Edmonton’s business community is even more critical given current economic challenges,” said Lana Phillips, acting director of business performance, in a statement. “One of the primary ways that the city serves the community and small business owners is through permit and licence services. We have done extensive engagement with the industry and our staff to bring these significant improvements to life.”

City data shows small businesses have a wide range in size with 78 per cent of businesses employing fewer than nine employees.