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How do I open a restaurant in Shelburne?

Short answer

To open a restaurant or café in Shelburne: register the business (ServiceOntario), confirm zoning and get a building permit from the Town of Shelburne, follow Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health's Smart Start steps and file a Notice of Intent to Operate at least 14 days before opening, and apply to the AGCO if you will serve alcohol. Commercial development charges are $16.71/sq ft if you build new floor area, and the 2026 commercial tax rate is 2.5227%. Free help: the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre.

How do I open a restaurant in Shelburne?: sourced figures
StepWhoSource
1. Book a free consultation with the Orangeville & Area Small Business Enterprise CentreOrangeville & Area SBECOfficial source
2. Register your business name or corporation (sole proprietorship $60, corporation $300)ServiceOntarioOfficial source
3. Get a CRA Business Number and register for GST/HST once revenue passes $30,000 over four quarters (or sooner by choice)Canada Revenue AgencyOfficial source
4. Confirm zoning allows your use at the address before you sign a lease or buyTown of ShelburneOfficial source
5. Get a building permit before renovations, change of use or new constructionTown of ShelburneOfficial source
6. Read the WDG Public Health Smart Start package for new food businesses (plans, menu, pre-opening inspection)Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public HealthOfficial source
7. Tell WDG Public Health before you build or renovate, and file a Notice of Intent to Operate a Food Premises at least 14 days before openingWellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public HealthOfficial source
8. If you will serve alcohol, apply for a Liquor Sales Licence through iAGCO (needs municipal, building, fire and health sign-offs)Alcohol and Gaming Commission of OntarioOfficial source
9. Check grants and loans that match your stageWhyDufferin funding finderOfficial source
10. Add your business to the free WhyDufferin directory and meet local owners through the Dufferin Board of TradeDufferin Board of TradeOfficial source
11. Check power, gas, water and internet at your addressWhyDufferin utilities guide (links to each utility)Official source

Checklist checked 2026-10-20; rates checked 2026-10-21.

Common follow-up questions

How early do I tell public health?

File the Notice of Intent to Operate a Food Premises with WDG Public Health at least 14 days before opening, and contact them before you build or renovate.

Do I need a liquor licence?

Only if you will sell or serve alcohol: apply for a Liquor Sales Licence through iAGCO.

Go further

General information only. This is not legal, financial or real-estate advice. Rates and fees change: confirm every figure with the municipality and agency named before you rely on it, and speak to an accountant or lawyer before you sign a lease, buy property or commit money. Free, confidential help: the Orangeville and Area Small Business Enterprise Centre (serves Dufferin County; 519-941-0440 ext. 7310, [email protected]).

Every figure links to its official source. Values not found in an official source say "not found". Data checked 2026-10-21.