Small business in Langford
The City of Langford describes itself as one of the fastest growing cities in Canada, with more than 3,000 businesses and a population of over 50,000. Its economic development pages put average growth at 4 to 5 percent a year, against a provincial average of 1.3 percent, and its Economic Development Department helps businesses find a location, expand and work through City requirements.
Every business operating in Langford needs a City business licence. Since January 2014, licences for businesses based in Langford are perpetual: there is no annual renewal unless the business closes, changes ownership or moves. Businesses based elsewhere that work in Langford need a non-resident licence, renewed each year. Applications are reviewed by the planning, bylaw, building and fire departments, which generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, and the fee is requested only after approval, payable at City Hall by debit, cash or cheque.
Home-based businesses that have clients or employees on site must include a floor plan and parking plan with the application, and the City suggests talking to its Planning Department about parking and zoning first. Langford-based mobile businesses can apply for an inter-municipal licence that covers 13 participating Greater Victoria communities, using the same form as a regular licence. The WestShore Chamber of Commerce, one of five chambers on southern Vancouver Island, serves businesses in Langford, Colwood, the Highlands, Metchosin and View Royal.
Working with us from Langford
Langford is near the south end of the Island, at the bottom of the Malahat. From Port Alberni the route is Highway 4 east to Highway 19 near Qualicum Beach, south to Nanaimo, then Highway 1 south through Ladysmith and Duncan and over the Malahat into Langford. We do not offer meetings or document pickups in Langford; our in-person work stays in the Alberni Valley.
Langford clients work with us entirely online. You share statements and receipts through secure upload, AutoEntry captures receipts from your phone, we keep your QuickBooks Online, Xero or Sage file current, and we talk by phone or video. Payroll, GST/HST filing, catch-up work and personal tax returns run the same way.
We are based in Port Alberni. See bookkeeping in Port Alberni for more about us, or how our pricing works.
Useful local resources for Langford businesses
- City of Langford: business licensing: Application forms, required documents, review times, payment options and the inter-municipal licence.
- City of Langford: business resources: The City's Economic Development page, with local business supports and links for trade and emergency planning.
- BC Government: mobile business licences: The Province's page on the Greater Victoria inter-municipal licence and its 13 participating communities, Langford among them.
- WestShore Chamber of Commerce: Membership, networking events, a business directory and advocacy for businesses in Langford and the West Shore.