This section covers additional requirements for starting a specific type of business. Please review the list and ensure action has been taken for all necessary approvals.
Agricultural Implement Dealers: These licenses are issued by the Agricultural Implements Board, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. Contact (306) 787-4693 in Regina for forms and additional information.
Auction Companies, Collection Agents, Credit Reporting Companies, Film and Video Outlets, Cemetery Operators, Training Course Providers, and Charitable Fund-Raising Businesses: These businesses must contact the Consumer Protection Branch at 1-888-374-4636 to obtain proper provincial licenses. Visit www.justice.gov.sk.ca/cpb for more information.
Bed and Breakfasts: These overnight accommodations located in Saskatoon must have the approval of the Saskatoon Health Region ((306) 655-4605) and may require approval from City Council prior to operating. Visit the City of Saskatoon Planning & Development Branch website www.saskatoon.ca or call (306) 975-2645 for more information.
Casinos, Bingos, Raffles, and Horse Racing: All gambling operations should contact Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for appropriate licenses and approvals at (306) 933-7533 or 1-800-667-7565.
Caterers: Caterers will only be issued a business license provided the food is prepared and cooked in a commercial kitchen approved by the Saskatoon Health Region ((306) 655-4605). Catering directly from a residential kitchen is not permitted as a home based business.
Child Care Centres: Child care centres do not require a City of Saskatoon Business License and instead are licensed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Education, Early Learning and Child Care Branch ((306) 933-6071). Family child care homes are permitted (maximum of eight children under care); however, child care centres with more than eight children under care may require City Council approval. Contact the Planning & Development Branch at (306) 975-7889 or visit www.saskatoon.ca for more information.
Direct Sellers: Direct sellers must contact the Consumer Protection Branch at 1-888-374-4636 to obtain a provincial direct sellers license. Visit www.justice.gov.sk.ca/direct-sellers
for more information. A municipal direct sellers license is also required and can be obtained through the Revenue Branch ((306) 975-2400).
Environmental Issues: Ensure that all environmental issues that affect your business have been investigated, specifically those businesses that involve recycling or waste management. For more information, contact Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment at 1-800-567-4224 and City of Saskatoon Environmental Services Branch at (306) 975-2486.
Funeral Services, Cremation Services and Transfer Services: These businesses must obtain provincial licensing through the Funeral and Cremation Services Council ((306) 584-1575). Visit www.fcscs.ca for more information.
Gas and Electrical Licensing: These types of businesses must ensure that the individual or contractor performing gas or electrical installations has been properly licensed by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. A journeyperson certificate can be obtained from Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission.
Hair Salons: Hair salons must employ at least one journeyperson hairstylist holding a valid trade certificate. For a home based business, the primary resident conducting the business in his or her own home must hold a valid trade certificate and is allowed one non-resident employee and a maximum of eight client visits per day.
Limousines, Shuttles and Related Transportation Services: The limousine policy is currently under review. Please contact the Business License Section for up-to-date information at (306) 975-7710 or (306) 975-2658.
Mobile Food Vendors (food carts): Mobile food vendors require a provincial health license from the Saskatoon Health Region ((306) 655-4605), a business license from the Revenue Branch ((306) 975-2400), a potential right-of-way access permit from Infrastructure Services ((306) 975-2454), as well as letters of consent to operate in any of the Saskatoon Business Improvement Districts (BID). Contact information for each BID office can be found in the Service Directory.
New Home Builders (contractors): To purchase residential lots from the City of Saskatoon Land Branch you must hold a valid business license or contractor's license and be a registered business with the Corporate Registry (see Provincial Requirements for more information). Contact the Land Branch at (306) 975-3277 for more information about contractor eligibility to purchase City-owned lots. Trailers stored on the street may require a right of way permit; please contact Infrastructure Services at (306) 975-2454 for more information.
New or Used Motor Vehicle Dealerships: All automobile, snowmobile or motorcycle dealers are required to obtain a motor dealer license from the Consumer Protection Branch, Saskatchewan Ministry of Justice and Attorney General (1-888-374-4636) before any motor vehicle sales transactions can occur. A motor dealer license is required in order for the City of Saskatoon Business License to be approved. Motor vehicle dealerships are prohibited in all residential zoning districts. Visit www.justice.gov.sk.ca/motor-dealers for more information.
Nightclubs, Bars, Taverns, Pubs and Lounges: Any food establishments serving alcoholic beverages will require a liquor license from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority Toll Free at 1-800-667-7565.
Plumbing: Businesses engaged in plumbing work must employ at least one journeyperson holding a valid plumber's trade certificate. Plumbing permits will not be issued unless the company has been approved for a business license or contractor's license. See Municipal Requirements for more information.
Registered Massage Therapist (RMT): Registered massage therapists must provide proof of certification before a business license can be issued. Contact the Massage Therapist Association of Saskatchewan at (306) 384-7077 for more information.
Restaurants: Prior to opening a restaurant or any other type of food vendor service, you must contact the Saskatoon Health Region at (306) 655-4605 to arrange for a proper inspection of the food preparation facilities and to obtain a provincial health license.
Tattoo and Body Piercing Parlours: Tattoo and body piercing parlours must contact the Saskatoon Health Region at (306) 655-4605 prior to opening for business to arrange for a public health inspection for approval of the commercial facility. Tattoo and body piercing parlours are not permitted as home based businesses.
Taxis: Taxis must contact SGI at (306) 775-6599 for provincial approval. Taxis also require a municipal license through the Revenue Branch at ((306) 975-2400).
Transient Traders, Trade Show Operators and Non-Resident (out-of-town) Contractors: These types of businesses must contact the Revenue Branch at (306) 975-2400 to obtain the proper Business Licenses.
Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs): Public places setting up video lottery terminals (VLTs) must contact Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority for approval Toll Free at 1-800-667-7565.