Starting a Business

Is the property where you plan to start a business designated under the Ontario Heritage Act?

Bayfield is proud to be one of the first in Ontario to designate a Heritage Conservation District under the Ontario Heritage Act. Properties located on Bayfield Main Street North (the Commercial District) are located within the Heritage Conservation District.

Council for the Municipality of Bluewater has established a Municipal Heritage Advisory Committee under Section 28 of the Ontario Heritage Act. One of the roles of the Advisory Committee is to advise Council on matters defined by the Ontario Heritage Act and the heritage section of the Official Plan. Another role is to help ensure that plans for change and progress are developed in a manner that recognizes the historical continuity of the community.

Municipal approval must be obtained before property is altered or signs are installed. Discover what’s involved by consulting with the Heritage Advisory Committee. Administration for the committee is provided by the Development Services Department.

You will want to help visitors find your business using a physical sign that is installed on the premises.

A sign permit is required from the Municipality prior to erecting a sign in Bayfield, Hay and Zurich. Please review the applicable sign by-law as they provide important information about the requirements for signs and applications.

In addition, sign applications for properties located within the Bayfield Heritage Conservation District are reviewed by the Heritage Advisory Committee. Discover what’s involved by consulting with the Heritage Advisory Committee. Administration for the committee is provided by the Development Services Department.

The Municipality offers a Community Improvement Grant for commercial façade improvements and heritage property improvements in accordance with eligibility requirements set out in the Community Improvement Plan. If you are interested in the next steps, please contact the Planning Coordinator for information on the the Community Improvement Grant program.

Community Futures Huron and the Huron County Economic Development Department both offer consulting and training for business owners. In addition, please consult with the Huron Small Business Enterprise Centre. They’re excellent resources and most of these services are free.

The Huron Manufacturing Association is a strong voice for manufacturing through the promotion of education, networking and celebrating the achievements of their membership.