Chambers of Commerce and municipalities throughout B.C. have been working on an initiative to introduce an Inter-Community Business Licence program which is now gaining support across Vancouver Island.

Under the program, businesses would be able to purchase an additional transferrable business licence as an add-on to the required base business licence, allowing them to operate in all other participating communities. Comox and Courtenay already have an agreement in place which allows business to operate with one licence between the two communities.

Similar pilot programs have operated in other areas of the province.

The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce applauds regional chambers and Island municipalities for their spirit of collaboration on this initiative, which enhances regional economic development and helps to build a stronger economy.

Chambers continue to work toward full participation in this program in all Island municipalities. The ultimate goal is for provincial licensing.

Implementation of regional licences is a step in the right direction at reducing government red tape.