Vancouver Expands Metro West Inter-Municipal Business Licence to Include Health Care Workers

The City of Vancouver is the first municipality in the Lower Mainland to approve an expansion to the Metro West Inter-Municipal Business Licence (IMBL) to include in-home health care professionals and services, which would reduce administrative and cost burdens for the in-home health care sector.   

Launched in 2013 and made permanent in 2015, the Metro West IMBL program is designed to facilitate business operations across Vancouver, Burnaby, Delta, New Westminster, Richmond, and Surrey. Under the IMBL framework, businesses obtain a licence in their home municipality and, for an additional fee, receive the IMBL for all participating municipalities, thus reducing administrative burdens and costs associated with operating in multiple municipalities. 

Currently, the Metro West IMBL is limited to construction and trades-related businesses. With Vancouver being the first municipality to approve this expansion, businesses offering in-home health care and related services may soon be able to operate seamlessly across the participating municipalities using a single licence.  

If approved by other municipalities, the IMBL will simplify operations and reduce costs for health care professionals, including professions such as nurses, registered massage therapists, and counselors, allowing them to serve clients throughout the Lower Mainland more efficiently.  

The proposed expansion has received unanimous support from the business sector. In addition to reduced administrative and cost burdens, it supports the regional economy by minimizing red tape, allowing businesses to expand across the region with greater ease and providing more service options for clients. 

Read the Council Report to learn more about the recommendations to expand the Metro West IMBL.