Summary#

On March 31, 2026, Council voted 15–0 to receive the Business Licenses Audit report for the corporate record. The motion, moved by Councillor Wyness and seconded by Councillor Chabot, did not change business licensing rules or amend the bylaws that establish the City Auditor’s role.

• The report describes the audit’s outcome, Administration’s response and corrective actions, but those details are not included in the material provided here.
• Under existing bylaws, the City Auditor reports audit outcomes to the Audit Committee, which recommends reports to Council.

What it means for you#

• Businesses: The decision does not directly change licence requirements, fees, eligibility or enforcement.
• General public: Council received the report for the record; the motion does not create a new service or direct staff to take further action.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

• The decision does not approve funding or state a cost for the audit or corrective actions.

What is unclear#

• The audit attachment is not included, so its findings, recommendations and Administration’s response cannot be assessed.
• The material does not say what corrective actions are planned, who is responsible for them or when they will be completed.

Case for#

• City staff say effective licensing processes can help apply regulatory requirements consistently, manage public health and safety risks, and support transparent and accountable licensing.
• City staff describe the City Auditor’s work as independent audit assurance intended to add value and enhance public trust.

Case against#

• The material provided does not show the audit’s specific findings or corrective actions, so readers cannot judge whether identified problems are being addressed.
• Council’s motion only received the report for the record; it did not set deadlines or require further action.