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November 16, 2005: Parks Canada proposes changes to their business license fee system

Canada

Park amends proposal

Alisen Charlten

Wednesday November 16, 2005

JASPER BOOSTER

Jasper Booster — Parks Canada has released an amended version of the proposed changes to their business license fee system after a summer of fielding suggestions from local businesses.

During July and August, Parks carried out consultations on a proposal meant to simplify licensing categories and bring license fees up to date.

Some of the suggestions made by stakeholders resulted in changes to the proposed system which will greatly impact small businesses, approved accommodations and accommodations having fewer than 100 rooms.

"Overall the new system is much easier to administer because there are less categories," said Barry Romanko, manager of municipal services for Jasper National Park.

Romanko thinks Parks has succeeded in their efforts to meet the concerns voiced by local businesses with fairness.

In the initial proposal many small businesses came under the Level 3 supporting services category that requires a fee of $200.

In the new proposal, businesses earning less than $30,000 gross revenues annually will fall under a new small business category with a flat fee of $100. This fee will also apply to approved accommodation operations that fall within the same revenue bracket.

During the summer consultations, it was also suggested that another category be introduced for businesses having between 1 and 50 rooms because of the higher cost of operating outlying commercial accommodations.

In light of this request, Parks has created a new category for accommodations having between 1 and 100 rooms to include a number of outlying businesses having slightly more than 50 rooms.

In the first proposal these businesses would have been charged a $400 fee but with the new category the proposed fee will now be $200.

As a result of the consultation, the separate licenses issued for different types of guided hikes have been combined into a single license because they all represent the same kind of business activity.

Jasper Tourism and Commerce President Scott Eady is pleased that Parks has responded to the suggestions and he thinks the new proposal should be well received.

"It’s good that from the public consultation Parks listened to what the people had to say and made it more economical for the small business people and the approved accommodation people," he said. "Any little break is always welcome."

Other changes include allowing the transportation of passengers to national historic sites or historic canal lock stations without a business license. Business licenses will be required to conduct group tours within the park but to avoid double charging only motor coach companies will be required to obtain a business license. Tour operators and those who arrange or sell group tour itineraries will not be required to pay the fees.

Fees for motor coach companies will be based on the total number of daily per person park entry passes that the company has purchased in a year.

The new license fees will not take effect until April 1, 2008 so that Parks can maintain their commitment to giving businesses 18 months advance notification of an approved fee increase.

Seasonal pro-rating could also be available for some businesses that close for a portion of the year. This does not apply to motor coaches, small businesses or guide identification cards.

According to Romanko, Parks is also considering the possibility of a flat $100 seasonal business fee.

Romanko also confirmed that Parks is still planning to transfer business licensing in the townsite to the municipality by April 2006.

As a result, only about 155 businesses will be affected by Parks newly revised license fee system.

Parks Canada has not increased their business fees in 10 or 11 years.

http://www.jasperbooster.com/story.php?id=...