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COVID-19 Support for Edmonton Businesses

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Updated June 3
Information is updated regularly as the situation continues to emerge and information becomes available. 

The City is committed to supporting Edmonton’s economic recovery, contributing to the community’s prosperity and driving local job creation. 

Edmonton’s Economic Recovery Program

This program builds on the City’s existing work to support businesses and has five tools that will allow us to use the catalyst funding most effectively to help our local business community relaunch and recover.

Permit & Licensing Improvement Project

Two-year initiative to improve City of Edmonton permit and licensing services.

Economic Recovery Grant Program

Supporting the immediate needs and recovery efforts for businesses and business associations. 

One-on-One Business Support

Do you have questions about the City of Edmonton or support available to you?

Temporary Outdoor Patios

Programs and services being re-opened as part of Edmonton's Relaunch.

Edmonton’s Relaunch and Recovery Response

One-on-One Support for Edmonton Businesses

Do you have questions about the City of Edmonton or support available to you? Email businessinfo@edmonton.ca and we'll do our very best to help. 

Economic Recovery Grant Program

The City has announced a new grant program to support businesses. The Economic Recovery Grant has been created to support the immediate needs and recovery efforts for Edmonton’s businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Details about application criteria and how to apply will be available in mid-June. For information about the Economic Recovery program, read the news release and watch the news conference.  

Business Licence Fee Reduction

To help support businesses experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 situation, the City is offering a 50 per cent business licence fee reduction upon request for businesses that renew or apply for a new business licence between June 1 and December 31, 2020. To request the fee reduction, please renew or apply for your new licence by calling 780-442-5311 or emailing businesslicenceapplications@edmonton.ca. 

Temporary Outdoor Patios, Sidewalk Cafes and Retail Expansions - City of Edmonton

Rules around temporary patios, sidewalk cafes and outdoor retail expansions are relaxed so you can create more space for your customers in alignment with Alberta Health Services (AHS) guidelines. Until the end of 2020, you have the option to expand your patio or retail space by following a set of guidelines and signing a declaration form. Read the guidelines and proceed with signing the declaration form.

Permit and Licensing Improvement Project

The City is committed to ongoing process improvement and red tape reduction to support businesses during the relaunch and recovery phases. The Permit and Licensing Improvement project is a longer term project aimed at improving services for homeowners and contractors doing renovations as well as businesses moving into a new space or opening a new business. For details, visit edmonton.ca/permitimprovements. 

Guidance for Reopening

May 7, 2020
The City announced initiatives that are moving forward as part of relaunch activities. These include: The opening City golf courses and the closure or suspension of some summer activities. For details, read the news release and watch the news conference. 

May 1, 2020
The City is taking its first steps toward a safe relaunch plan. This phase will involve looking at how the City may gradually reopen in compliance with all provincial requirements. For details, read the news release and watch the media announcement.
 

Service Changes for Businesses

Development, Licence & Construction Service Changes

Visit COVID-19 related service adjustments for information about development, permit, licencing, construction and inspection service changes. We’re working hard to maintain as many services as possible so you can still get the things you need. 

In-Person Service Changes

The following locations with in-person City services are closed to protect everyone’s health and safety. Most locations will still offer services via phone, email or mail:

The following service counters will be open for services by appointment only:

Visit edmonton.ca/servicechanges for details.

Transit Changes

ETS is operating at a reduced schedule. Customers are encouraged to travel only if it’s essential, and when possible, travel during off-peak hours. They should keep a safe physical distance from other customers and stay home if they have any cold or flu symptoms. For details, visit Edmonton Transit Service.

State of Local Emergency

A State of Local Emergency ensures the City can keep services running and deploy necessary staff and resources as we work to protect the health and safety of Edmontonians.

The City of Edmonton renewed a State of Local Emergency. It will be in place for seven days, unless it is renewed or cancelled. For details, visit edmonton.ca/COVID-19.

Financial Assistance - City of Edmonton

BIA Tax Levy Payment Deferral

Business Improvement Area members who cannot pay their BIA tax levy payments due to COVID-19, can delay their payments until August 31, 2020, with no late penalties. Those who are able to pay are encouraged to do so to help keep the City of Edmonton running during these challenging times. Partial payments are also encouraged. More information will be provided directly to BIAs and BIA members.

Commercial Property Tax Payment Deferral

April 29, 2020
The combined tax levy for municipal and education property taxes will be 0% for residential property owners and a 2% decrease for non-residential property owners.
Property tax notices will be mailed on May 21 and are due in June, but this year, late payment penalties on unpaid taxes will not be charged until September 1, 2020. This applies to both the education and municipal portions of the tax bill for residential and non-residential properties. For details, read the news release.

City-owned Property Rent Forbearance

For tenants in a building/facility closed by the City or those located in city-owned buildings that remain open, the City will not issue agreement default notices in April 2020 and will not enforce the payment of rent for three months. More information will be provided directly to tenants.

Restrictions on Business

Vehicle for Hire - City of Edmonton

There are restrictions for all taxis, limousines, private transportation providers, shuttle service providers, and all ride sharing services such as Uber and Tapp.

These include: limits to the number of passengers in a vehicle, enhanced cleaning practices, and guidelines around what to do in the event of a potential exposure. For details, visit edmonton.ca/COVID-19 and read the news release.

Food Truck Operations - City of Edmonton

April 30, 2020
The City is continuing to issue permits for food truck operators with added requirements to ensure public health and safety. For details, read the news release.

Reporting Physical Distancing Concerns - City of Edmonton

For complaints on vehicle-for-hire services, playgrounds and dog parks, use the City of Edmonton general complaint form.

For physical distancing concerns, use the City of Edmonton physical distancing form. NOTE: This form is only for analyzing changing trends, not for enforcement. 

Community Supports for Business

List of PPE Suppliers

The City of Edmonton has developed this list of suppliers for local businesses that may need personal protective equipment (PPE).

List of PPE Suppliers

Community Supports for Business

We are working closely with our partners throughout the city to best serve Edmontonians while taking steps to protect people and places from risks associated with the COVID-19 virus. Check in with our partners for the most up-to-date and detailed information about their service and the actions they are taking.

City of Edmonton COVID-19 Updates

City of Edmonton YouTube Channel

For comprehensive COVID-19 updates from Mayor Don Iveson and City Manager Adam Laughlin.

edmonton.ca/COVID-19

Government of Alberta Support for Businesses

The Government of Alberta provides COVID-19 related information and guidance on their website. 

Alberta Biz Connect provides workplace guidance and supports to help businesses and non-profits affected by COVID-19 begin to reopen and resume operations safely.

COVID-19 info for Albertans provides actions to protect Albertans and prevent the spread of novel coronavirus.

Economic support and recovery provides short, medium and long-term sector specific actions to support Albertans and the economy during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

We also recommend visiting the Government of Alberta news page often for current announcements on business and sector related programs and services.

Government of Canada Support for Businesses

The Government of Canada provides COVID-19 related information and guidance on their website.

Financial and economic support for businesses provides information about access to financial supports and guidance for businesses 

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