“Doing Business in Mount Pearl” guide - City of Mount Pearl

Doing Business in Mount Pearl

city of Mount PearlAs Members of Mount Pearl City Council, we are pleased to provide you with this“Doing Business in Mount Pearl” guide.This booklet contains key informationon our city and the variousprovincial and federal governmentdepartments and agencies you willneed to contact to establish your newbusiness. This easy-to-use guidewill save you time in identifyingcontacts for business information.Our aim is to make Mount Pearl afriendly business city and to let youknow we are Open for Business.L-R (Sitting): Mayor Randy Simms, Deputy Mayor JimLocke. L-R(Standing): Councillors Andrew Ledwell,Paula Tessier, John Walsh, Lucy Stoyles and Dave Aker.table of contentsMunicipal Government• Location 2 • Municipal Services 4• Permits 2 • Mount Pearl Paradise Chamber of Commerce 4• Taxation 3 • Community Services 5Provincial Government• Business Name 7 • Workplace Health & Safety 8• Retail Sales Tax 7 • Labour Standards 8• Licensing Authorities 7 • EDGE Legislation 9Federal Government• Incorporation Kit 11 • Canada Business Network 12• Business Account 11 • Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency 12• Record of Employment 11Legal DisclaimerThis guide provides a general overview of the regulations, permits and procedures applicable to doing businessin the City of Mount Pearl. The City of Mount Pearl does not guarantee, warrant or make any representationsthat the information contained herein is the complete authority on regulations, permits, taxes and processes asthey apply to business.Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca1

municipal governmentLocationIf you are considering starting a business in Mount Pearl without a particular location inmind, the Economic Development Division can assist you. The division has the mostup-to-date listing of vacant commercial properties and serviced building lots availablewithin Mount Pearl. Demographic, socio-economic and statistical information is alsoavailable, which can be of assistance to businesses.Contact:Bronda Aylward, ManagerEconomic Development & Business Liaison3 Centennial StreetMount Pearl, NL A1N 1G4Phone: (709) 748-1096Fax:(709) 748-1111e-mail: baylward@mountpearl.caIf you already have a location in mind, you should contact the Planning & DevelopmentDepartment to determine the zoning and whether or not your proposed business is apermitted use.PermitsThe Planning & Development Department can provide you with details on how toobtain a development permit, including the application form and copies of land use andzoning regulations. It is recommended you consult with this department at the initialplanning stages for your new business.After obtaining a development permit, you should complete the forms necessary for yourproject, such as forms for renovations to existing buildings, new building construction,fire department regulations, etc. Once the project is approved, a building permit willbe issued. The final phase of development is an Occupancy Permit which allows thebusiness to begin operations.Contact:Julia Schwarz, ManagerPlanning & Inspection ServicesCatherine HowellPlanning Technician3 Centennial StreetMount Pearl, NL A1N 1G4Phone: (709) 748-1151/1023Fax: (709) 748-1111e-mail: jschwarz@mountpearl.cae-mail: chowell@mountpearl.ca2Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca

The name of the business and its location is sent to the Municipal Assessment Agency.The property is then assessed by the agency and added to the City’s Assessment Roll.TaxationBusinesses operating in Mount Pearl must pay business tax to the City. This tax isin addition to commercial property tax and water and sewer taxes. Businesses whichoperate from rented premises are also liable for business tax. Tax rates vary by typeof activity.The City also invests major capital funds for streets, recreational facilities andunderground infrastructure such as water, sewer and storm sewer systems. A portionof this investment is recovered from frontage assessments, recreation assessments andother service levies.Prior to completing land purchases or land development, the prospective buyer shouldcheck with the City to determine the amount of assessments or levies that may be due,if any.Mount Pearl City Council participates in the Provincial Government’s EconomicDiversification and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) program and will apply the incentiveto all qualifying EDGE companies, as determined by the Provincial Government.Questions relating to taxation can be addressed to:Norm SnelgroveManager of Finance3 Centennial StreetMount Pearl, NL A1N 1G4Phone: (709) 748-1159Fax: (709) 748-1111e-mail: nsnelgrove@mountpearl.caMount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca3

Municipal ServicesNew business owners often inquire as to the level of Municipal Services provided by amunicipality to ensure a high standard and quality of living for their employees. MountPearl provides the following services directly to its citizens:• Snowclearing• Policing• Garbage Collection• Water & Sewer Services• Street Lighting• Animal & Pest ControlContact:Infrastructure & Public Works3 Centennial StreetMount Pearl, NL A1N 1G4Phone: (709) 748-1016Fax: (709) 748-1191e-mail: publicworks@mountpearl.caMount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of CommerceMount Pearl has a local Chamber of Commerce with about 160 members representingthe local business community. The annual membership fee is $160.00 plus HST (up to2 employees) $320.00 + HST (3+ employees).The Chamber holds luncheons with guest speakers representing government and industryand promotes businesses and catering services of the Chamber’s members.Members also enjoy Visa and Mastercard discounts and 2% savings on merchanttransactions.Contact:Mount Pearl-Paradise Chamber of Commerce39 Commonwealth AvenueMount Pearl, NL A1N 1W7Phone: (709) 364-8513Fax: (709) 364-8500e-mail: info@mtpearlparadisechamber.com4Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca

Community ServicesThe Community Services Department:• operates an extensive network of recreation programs, parks andfacilities;• maintains streams, wetlands, public gardens and street trees;• offers advice to prospective developers and homeowners on urbanforestry and garden planning;• partners with other community-minded agencies in providing programsand services to our citizens.Facilities and Attractions include:• Reid Community Centre• Swimming Pool• Pearlgate Track & Field• Beach Volleyball Court• Glacier Arena• Tennis Complex• Kenmount Park Neighbourhood Centre• 65 km Linear Walkways• 7 Multi-Purpose Courts• 5 Tennis Court Areas• 15 Sportfields• 64 Playgrounds• St. David’s Softball BuildingContact:Jason CollinsDirector, Community Services Department3 Centennial StreetMount Pearl, NL A1N 1G4Phone: (709) 748-1027Fax: (709) 748-1150e-mail: jcollins@mountpearl.caMount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca5

provincial governmentBusiness NameAll limited companies are required to be incorporated provincially. This includescorporations without share capital. Before choosing a company name, you should firstcheck with the Registrar of Companies to ensure it is unique and not prohibited. Thereis a procedure to reserve the name once it is approved.Note: There is a fee to incorporate your company and an annual maintenance fee.Contact:Service NLCommercial Registrations DivisionRegistry of Deeds & CompaniesGround Floor, East BlockConfederation BuildingSt. John’s, NL A1B 4J6Phone: (709) 729-3317Email: gsinfo@gov.nl.caWeb site: www.gs.gov.nl.caRetail Sales TaxIn Newfoundland & Labrador, taxable goods are subject to provincial sales tax. Anyperson or firm who, in the ordinary course of business, sells tangible goods to a purchaserfor use or provides an eligible service, must register with the Department ofFinance, Tax Administration Branch. This branch provides a sales tax registrationnumber and remittance forms.Contact:Department of FinanceTax Administration BranchRetail Sales Tax Division3rd Floor, East BlockConfederation BuildingP.O. Box 8720St. John’s, NL A1B 4K1Phone: (709) 729-6297Fax: (709) 729-2856Web site: www.fin.gov.nl.caLicensing AuthoritiesThe Government Service Centre (GSC) is a branch of Service NL. It provides a coordinatedand consolidated approach to the administration of government services.This Service Centre processes applications for Crown Land, Food Establishment Licenses,Liquor Licenses, Building Accessibility, Electrical Installations, Fire & LifeSafety, Waste Disposal site plus a large number of other activities.Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca7

The Government Service Centre conducts the inspections relating to most of theseapplications and others such as inspecting Public Buildings, Meat & Milk Quality andSpecial Care Homes.Contact:Government Service Centre5 Mews PlaceP.O. Box 8700St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6Phone: (709) 724-2239Fax: (709) 729-2071Email: gsinfo@gov.nl.caWebsite: www.gs.gov.nl.caWorkplace Health and SafetyAll businesses with one or more employees must register with the Workplace Healthand Safety Compensation Commission (WHSCC). The WHSCC operates a workinjury insurance program which provides benefits to injured workers and protects employersfrom most law suits by injured workers or their dependents. The program isfunded completely by employers in the Province. The amount of premium payable variesaccording to the type of business - the higher the risk of injury, the higher the premium.Contact:Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission146-148 Forest RoadP.O. Box 9000, Station “C”St. John’s, NL A1A 3B8Phone: (709) 778-1000Toll Free: 1-800-563-9000Fax: (709) 738-1714Email: general.inquiries@whscc.nl.caWeb site: www.whscc.nf.caLabour StandardsYou should contact the Department of Advanced Education and Skills to obtain theminimum wage orders and labour standards.Contact:Department of Advanced Education and SkillsLabour Market Information2nd Floor, West BlockConfederation BuildingP.O. Box 8700St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6Phone: (709) 729-2742Fax: (709) 729-3528Web site: www.lmiworks.nl.ca8Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca

EDGE LegislationAs part of the government’s goal to diversify the economy and stimulate private sectorjob creation, substantial tax holidays and start-up assistance is being offered to newbusinesses. These incentives supplement a wide range of other support programsalready available in the Province.Businesses meeting the established criteria can obtain designation as an EconomicDiversification and Growth Enterprise (EDGE) corporation and obtain incentivessuch as:• A 10-year holiday from provincial corporate income tax, post-secondaryeducation and health (payroll) tax, and retail sales tax, followed by a5-year phase in of these taxes.• A grant of $2,000 for each permanent job created in the first fiveyears of operation.• Following designation as an EDGE corporation, a facilitator can beappointed to assist a business with obtaining permits, licenses and othergovernmental authorizations necessary to implement the business plan.To obtain EDGE designation, an applicant must meet certain criteria. Further informationabout this program can be obtained from the Department of Innovation, Businessand Rural Development. Decisions on all applications are made within 30 days.Contact:Department of Innovation, Business and Rural DevelopmentMarketing and Investment DivisionP.O. Box 8700St. John’s, NL A1B 4J6Phone: (709) 729-2781Fax: (709) 729-7609Toll Free: 1-800-563-2299Web site: www.ibrd.gov.nl.caMount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca9

federal governmentIncorporation KitIndustry Canada is the agency through which you can obtain a Federal IncorporationKit for your company.You should also consult a lawyer for legal advice to assist you with the structuring ofyour business.Contact:Industry Canada-CorporationsP.O. Box 8950St. John’s, NL A1B 3R9Phone: (709) 772-4782Fax: (709) 772-5093Web site: www.ic.gc.caBusiness AccountCanada Revenue Agency provides business owners with convenient and secure onlineaccess to their personalized business account information.The Business Account includes major business accounts: corporate income tax, import/export, payroll deductions and the goods and services tax.You can conveniently register your new business at the local Canada Revenue AgencyOffice.Contact:Canada Revenue AgencySir Humphrey Gilbert BuildingP.O. Box 5968St. John’s, NL A1C 5X6Toll Free: 1-800-959-5525Web site: www.cra.gc.caRecord of EmploymentAlthough your registration with Service Canada is done through Canada RevenueAgency, Record of Employment Forms must be obtained through Service Canada.You are required to submit one of these forms for each employee who leaves youremploy.You need only to contact this agency when someone is leaving your employ; there isno registration requirement. When requesting these forms, you will be asked for youremployer’s number. This is the number assigned by Canada Revenue Agency.Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca11

Contact:Service Canada223 Churchill Avenue, Bldg. 223, PleasantvilleP.O. Box 8548St. John’s, NL A1B 3P3Phone: (709) 772-2982Web site: www.servicecanada.gc.caCanada Business Network (CBN) The CBN is your one-stop shop for businessinformation for small businesses and would-be entrepreneurs. Operating in partnershipwith private sector associations in Newfoundland, the CBN is part of a nationalnetwork established to make business decisions. It’s a convenient and less-confusingway to get information on government-wide services and programs. Researchers havean extensive list of reference centre material, library holdings and electronic databasesto help find the information you require.Contact:Canada Business Network90 O’Leary Ave.P.O. Box 8687St. John’s, NL A1B 3T1Phone: (709) 772-6022Toll Free: 1-888-576-4444Fax: (709) 772-6090Web site: www.canadabusiness.caAtlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)ACOA is the federal government department responsible for leading economic developmentthroughout the Atlantic region.ACOA assists small and medium-sized enterprises and helps to establish or expand businessesin industries where sustained employment growth appears likely. ACOA offersrepayable financial assistance under customized terms. Some of the strategic sectorsare: Tourism; Aquaculture; Information Technology and Diversified Manufacturing.Contact:Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency10 Barters HillJohn Cabot Building, 11 th FloorP.O. Box 1060, Station “C”St. John’s, NL A1C 5M5Phone: (709) 772-2751Fax: (709) 772-2712Toll Free: 1-800-668-1010Web site: www.acoa.ca12Mount Pearl is Open for Business - www.mountpearl.ca

3 Centennial StreetMount Pearl, NL, CanadaA1N 1G4Tel: 709-748-1096Fax: 709-748-1111ecdev@mountpearl.cawww.mountpearl.caDesktop Layout and Printing Services Provided by Image 4 Tel: 709-747-3850