The City of Richmond has been recognized as one of Canada's most business-friendly municipalities by a commercial real estate association.
Richmond received the "Most Business Friendly" title in the National Association for Industrial and Office Parks' (NAIOP) annual Awards for Municipal Excellence. The NAIOP is a North American organization for the commercial real estate industry
"The city received the award because its fees and approval timelines for industrial development encourage the creation of industrial space, which supports and welcomes local businesses and the economy," said the City of Richmond.
The award is based on the NAIOP's 2023 annual Cost of Business Survey, which highlights municipalities that create positive business environments.
The city also received an award recognizing its work to reduce red tape for businesses. Richmond's MyBusiness and MyPermit online service portals, launched recently to streamline the city licensing and permit process, won the city "One to Watch" Golden Scissors Award from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).
More than 7,000 businesses have used the City of Richmond's MyBusiness platform in its first year, and the MyPermit online portal enables the submission and approval of basic plumbing, gas and sprinkler system trade permits 24/7, according to the city.
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