Archief RG-26 - City of Edmonton. License Department fonds

Prior to the creation of the License Department, the task of issuing licenses and enforcing them was the responsibility of, Thomas McCallum was hired by the Police Department as a constable and license inspector in 1903. After the License Department was established McCallum became the City License Inspector.

The License Department was responsible for collecting licence fees established by City Bylaws, issuing licence certificates, and checking premises in the City to see that necessary licenses are obtained. The necessity of obtaining licenses was meant to bring the City additional revenue as well as to regulate, and control or prohibit certain activities. As example, in 1931 there were over 70 different types of licenses, ranging from $2 for a male dog, to $250 for a beer license north of the river and south of 118 Avenue.

There were close relationships between the License Department and other City departments due to the nature of the work. For example, license payments were collected by the Assessor's Department until 1924, then by the Comptroller's Office until 1927, and then by the Police Department. The Police Department was also involved in inspecting for licenses and enforcing the license bylaws.

Around 1932 the License Department was renamed the License and Collection Department.

The License Department was dissolved in 1954 after it was decided it should be . The amalgamation was Effective January 1, 1955, the License Department was absorbed by the Business Tax & License Section of the Assessor's Department.