Do I need a business licence or permit? What does it cost?
In the Town of Marathon, Ontario, business licences & permits rules are set by By-law No. 1574 Business Licence By-law (Town of Marathon) and 2 other bylaws, verified 2026-10-26. A licence is required. Who must license: Every person carrying on any business as defined by this by-law. Renewal: annual, expires September 30th.
By-law No. 1574 Business Licence By-law (Town of Marathon)
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 2(1)
who must license
Every person carrying on any business as defined by this by-law.
s. 2(1)
fee
Appendix C: Fixed Commercial Class A initial $200.00; additional business on existing $25.00 each; transition fee (minimum registration fee) $50.00; renewal prior to licence expiry N/C; Class B initial $600.00; six-month operational refund $300.00; Class C Adult Entertainment temporary (max 5 days) $300.00 each; not temporary $1,000.00; not temporary renewal $500.00; Mobile Commercial Class A $100.00; Class B $300.00; Special Crafters/Artisans 3-day permit $20.00; Home Based Occupation annual $100.00; Special Event Licence 5-day $300.00; Crafter/Artisan Fair 3-day $100.00; Other Special Circumstances $100.00; CAO Licence $100.00; Tow Truck Business Licence with 1 vehicle $100.00; Tow Truck Vehicle Licence additional $50.00; Limousine Business Licence with 2 vehicles included $300.00; Limousine Vehicle Licence additional $50.00. After Dec 31, 2007, fee as set out in FEES AND CHARGES SCHEDULE (s. 5(5)).
Appendix "C"; s. 5(5)
renewal
annual, expires September 30th
s. 18(1)
scout note
Town of Marathon by-law licensing and regulating any business carried on in the municipality; repeals By-law 1292. Council amended it March 24, 2025 to add mobile food vehicles (annual fee $500 resident / $1,000 non-resident).
Eligible charitable, not-for-profit or religious organizations for the conduct and management of lottery events.
s. 5
fee
Bingo Lottery Licence 3 % of the maximum prize board; Media Bingo Licence 3 % of the maximum prize board; Special Monster Bingo 3 % of the maximum prize board; Break Open Ticket Licence 3 % of the total prizes; Bazaar Licence 3 % of the total prizes; $10.00 per wheel; Raffle Licence 3 % of total retail prize value; no permit fee for Electronic Bingo (E-Bingo).
s. 16; s. 19
renewal
Bingo lottery licence and/or permits: single occasion or a number of occasions during a period not to exceed three (3) consecutive months; durations: January 1 - March 31, April 1 - June 30, July 1 - September 30, October 1 - December 31.
s. 12
scout note
Regulates lottery events in Marathon; repeals By-laws 897, 1079, 1408 and 1481.
By-law No. 2019 Taxi and Limousine Licensing By-law (Town of Marathon)
adopted bylaw
licence required
yes
s. 4(a)
who must license
Taxi/limousine brokers, drivers, and vehicles used as taxis/limousines.
s. 4(a)-(b); s. 5(f)
fee
Set out in current "Fees and Charges" By-Law; licence issued after June 30th in any year: one half (1/2) of that fee.
s. 9(a), s. 9(b)
renewal
Expires January 31 each year; renewal application at least thirty (30) days prior to expiry.
s. 4(d), s. 5(g)
scout note
Licenses and regulates taxis, limousines and their drivers in Marathon; repeals By-law 1660.
Business Licensing and Permits (Town of Marathon)
All businesses (stationary, mobile, home-based) must be licensed; mobile food vehicle licensing added 2025; application and renewal info.