Accommodation Inspection and Licensing Campgrounds
1. Getting Started: Here is a checklist along with some information detailing all that you will need in order to start operating your accommodation.
2. License Application form: new or renewal: The application form must be filled out and returned, along with the correct licence fee, at least one month before you commence operation. This must be done to schedule the inspection of your property. Application forms and fees can be submitted using one of the following payment methods and locations. Payment for renewals only may be submitted online by visiting www.nsbr.ca/renewal (credit card payment only - mastercard or visa).
3. Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations: It is essential you read and follow the Tourist Accommodations Act and Regulations in order to operate an accommodation in Nova Scotia.
4. Licensing Fees: Please refer to the license fee rate schedule for the appropriate fees pertaining to your operation.
5. Operators must register the name of their accommodation with the Registry of Joint Stock Companies before the license application is returned to our office. We suggest that you review the 'Doers and Dreamers Guide' before making your name selection, to ensure that no one else is already using the name that you wish to use.
6. Zoning Letter: A copy of a zoning letter from your local municipal office must accompany your license application.
7. Construction: An operator planning construction of a new campground or renovations and or expansion to an existing campground (I.E. additional sites, expansion of sites, camping cabins, etc.), must have their plans approved by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, the local building inspector, and in some cases, the Office of the Fire Marshal. Click here for a list of Building Inspectors and the Office of the Fire Marshal.
8. Barrier Free Accommodation: Accommodation operators who are constructing a new property or making additions to an existing one must read this information carefully, as it relates to providing services to people who have physical challenges. Information on this important service to our visitors can be found here; however, if further clarification or details are desired, please contact your building inspector.
9. Development Permit: All accommodation operators must provide a Development Permit from the Development Officer responsible at the location of the accommodation. If a permit is not applicable, a letter from the Development Officer is required, outlining that a permit is not necessary. An Occupancy Permit and other permits may be required. Please ask the Development Officer. Click here.
10. Fire Marshal: There are mandatory fire safety requirements necessary in order to operate an accommodation. The minimum requirements for bed-and-breakfast-style properties with no more than 10 people, including the residents, can be found here. For all other types of accommodations, including: Bed and Breakfasts with more than 10 people including residents, Bed and Breakfasts with multi-levels, Tourist/Guest Homes, Cabins/Cottages, etc., you must contact the Office of the Fire Marshal directly. Click here to find the Fire and Deputy Fire Marshal in your region.
11. Water System: For new construction, septic/sewer and water supply systems must be approved by the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour prior to their construction. Click here for their directory.
Effective October 1, 2000, the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Labour introduced new regulations under the Environment Act requiring all owners of public drinking water supplies to monitor the quality of the drinking water they provide to customers. For more information, click here.
12. Food Service Facility: If you plan to operate any type of food service, approval must be given by the Department of Agriculture, the Office of the Fire Marshal, the Municipality and the Building Inspector.
13. Alcohol and Gaming Authority: If you are planning on serving/providing alcohol in any capacity on your premises, please click here. This is the licensing authority for liquor, gaming, and amusements, and it regulates these activities.
14. Commercial Tax: Commercial tax is charged on all accommodation businesses in Nova Scotia, with the exception of Bed and Breakfasts, which are taxed residential. You must check with your municipality for further information.
15. Harmonized Sales Tax: Contact the Canada Customs & Revenue Agency Business Window at 1-800-959-5525 for more information.
16. Signage: Accommodation operators wishing to erect signs must have approval from the landowner, municipality/town/city or for more information, please contact the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure Renewal
.
17. Landed Immigrant Status: Please note in order to conduct business in Nova Scotia, it is a requirement the business operator must be a Canadian Citizen or have Landed Immigrant status. Please refer to Citizenship and Immigration Canada, Nova Scotia Business Inc., and Target Nova Scotia for more information.
18. Canada Select: The Canada Select / Camping Select National Accommodation Rating Programs help travelers select accommodations that best suit their preferences while they enjoy Nova Scotia. For a nominal fee, Canada Select / Camping Select rates all participating accommodations. Ratings are based on extent and quality of facilities, services and amenities. Benchmarks outlining specific facilities and services within each category star rating may be found here or by contacting:
Quality Visitor Services
P.O. Box 28007
Dartmouth, NS B2W 6E2
Telephone: (902) 406-4747
Fax: (902) 406-4748
19.Visitor Services Programs: After your property has been licensed, you are eligible to apply for the following programs that will enhance the services you provide to visitors:
- Check In Nova Scotia: This reservation and information system is available to all licensed accommodations. The accommodation must be inspected and licensed by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage before it can be listed with Check In. Contact Check In at 902-722-3306 or 1-800-565-0000. Click here to view their website.
- Open Door Program: The Open Door Program has been created by the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage as a way of promoting and increasing product knowledge within front line staff of all Visitor Information Centres in Nova Scotia, Check In Nova Scotia, Nova Scotia Museums and National Historic Parks and Sites. Click here.
- Ici, on parle français: Ici on parle français is a visitor services program identifying Nova Scotian businesses that provide French language services to visitors. Delivering services in French allows businesses to meet the needs and expectations of French visitors, many of whom have indicated a desire for French language services when travelling in Nova Scotia. Eligible participants must, during all hours of operation, have a minimum of one fully bilingual staff member in each front-line area who is capable of providing all aspects of service in the respective area. Click here.
21. Tourism Insights: Click here to access research on current levels of tourism activity. This publication is updated regularly and gives an accurate year-to-date synopsis on visitation and accommodation activity in Nova Scotia.
22. Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council: For information regarding the Nova Scotia Tourism Partnership Council click here.
23. Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency: For possible funding opportunities please click here.
24. Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation: For possible funding opportunities please click here www.ecbc.ca.
25. Workers' Compensation Board: The Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) of Nova Scotia is a workplace accident insurance company. It provides workers with health care benefits, financial assistance and vocational rehabilitation when a workplace accident occurs. The WCB provides employers with protection against law suits by workers for workplace accidents. The benefits and services provided by the WCB are paid for by employers through premiums.
Please see www.wcb.ns.ca for more information.
26. Occupational Health and Safety: It is the responsibility of every employer to maintain a healthy occupational environment at the workplace in accordance with the applicable occupational health standards.
Please see http://www.gov.ns.ca/legislature/legc/statutes/occph_s.htm .
27. WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System): A nationwide system developed to provide a standardized classification system for the control, safe handling, storage, and disposal procedures of hazardous materials in the workplace. In Canada, all employers are required by law to provide WHMIS instruction to all employees who work in contact with, or in proximity to, any materials defined as "hazardous". This includes a wide range of materials and products such as cleaning products, solvents, paints, glues, and toners.
Please see www.tourismhrc.com for more information.
28. First Aid: According to the Nova Scotia Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, an employer must ensure at least one employee on any shift holds a valid emergency first aid certificate.
Please see www.gov.ns.ca/just/regulations/regs/ohsfirst.htm for more information.
29. Human Resource Development: The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia Human Resource Council is the coordinating body for human resource development in the tourism industry. This Council provides training opportunities essential to maximizing the human resource potential in our industry and ensuring we have skilled professionals ready to meet the visitors' needs.
Please see www.tourismhrc.com for more information.
30. General business information: Canada Business Service Center, please click here or Nova Scotia Business Registry, click here.
31. Guidelines for Literature Distribution: To assist tourism operators in Nova Scotia produce brochures that are recognizable and effective. Please download the PDF document here.
32. Human Rights Act: Nova Scotia's Human Rights Act is a provincial law that affirms every person is free and equal in dignity and rights without regard to age, race, colour, religion, creed, sex (gender), sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, ethnic, national or aboriginal origin, family or marital status, source of income or political belief, affiliation or activity. The act also prohibits sexual harassment in all areas of public life.
All accommodation operators and staff should become familiar with the Act and other related information from the Human Rights Commission. This information can be found at: www.gov.ns.ca/humanrights