Entrepreneur frustrated home-based business shut down because of township bylaw
Severn Township resident Stephanie Dell is frustrated the pet care and dog sitting business she ran out of her home was shut down in January because of a bylaw requiring her to have a kennel licence.
Under the existing bylaw, residents are prevented from receiving payment for such services without a permit, and kennel licences are only issued to businesses on land designated as rural or agricultural. Dell's home is on land designated as residential.
- Download the CTV News app free to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates sent to your email inbox
"As a young person who's taken that leap of faith into starting a business, I feel like I am blindfolded and running an obstacle course," Dell said.
Severn Mayor Mike Burkett shed light on the nuances of the bylaw, emphasizing that accepting payment for pet sitting triggers the requirement for a kennel licence, as outlined in the town's official plan.
Burkett said people can walk others' dogs for profit without a licence and offer services at other dog owner's homes, but they cannot transport the animal to their property without a licence.
The mayor said the town could consider amending the official plan, but admitted that it could take years.
"Maybe we have to start thinking outside the box, but that's a planning process that we need to do, and we will undertake, but staff needs to come back with a report with how do we move forward with this and involve everyone in the township," the mayor said.
Councilor Wanda Minnings echoed the need for public consultation in decision-making processes.
"I think, as a council, we need a balanced response and information so that we can make the best decision going forward," Minnings said.
Despite the setback, Dell remains resolute in her pursuit of business opportunities. She intends to refocus her efforts on alternative aspects of her business, such as dog walking, while actively seeking avenues to obtain a kennel licence for her residential property.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.
Woman, 35, in critical condition after her truck collided with a Via Rail train near Montreal
A 35-year-old woman is in critical condition after the pick-up truck she was driving was struck by a Via Rail passenger train Monday morning in Quebec's Monteregie region.