To open a new pharmacy in Ontario, follow these step by step instructions:

Step 1: Submit the Application for Certificate of Accreditation as a Pharmacy with floor plan and application fee

A complete Application for Certificate of Accreditation as a Pharmacy, including the application fee and pharmacy floor plan, must be received by Client Services at least 45 days prior to the proposed opening date.
The floor plan must include the following details:

• Dimensions of total area to be accredited - if the pharmacy is part of a medical clinic, clearly delineate pharmacy portion
• Dimensions of dispensary
• Location of required two sinks in the dispensary
• Location of acoustically private consultation area

If you intend to operate the pharmacy using a corporation which has never owned or operated a pharmacy in Ontario before, Articles of Incorporation and Share Certificates must be submitted with the application.

You may submit your application by fax, email or regular mail.

Please send mail to the attention of Client Services
Fax: (416) 847-8200
Email: ocpclientservices@ocpinfo.com

Step 2: Scheduling an Inspection

When your application is deemed to be complete, Client Services will notify an OCP Inspector and advise them that your application has been submitted and is ready for further review. The Inspector will then contact you to schedule an inspection of the pharmacy prior to the proposed opening date. Please be advised that it may take up to two weeks to schedule as inspection.

Step 3: The Inspection

Issuance of a Certificate of Accreditation is subject to approval of the application and a satisfactory inspection. Once an Inspector has completed their inspection of the pharmacy, notification will be sent to Client Services and Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) confirming the pharmacy has been accredited.
Please note: ODB is not open on weekends. All new openings must occur on a weekday.

Click here for information about pharmacy inspections.

Step 4: Opening Day

On opening day, Client Services will contact the pharmacy to confirm whether the pharmacy is open to the public. Once confirmed, the pharmacy will be made Active and will appear on the College’s Public Register immediately. The Certificate of Accreditation will then be sent by email to the Designated Manager of the pharmacy - display of the certificate in the pharmacy is optional.

For more information, please review the checklist for Opening a New Pharmacy