Launch Markham’s Administration of Air, Water and Waste Programs
This page helps you start a business that administers air and water resource and solid waste management programs in Markham (NAICS 924110). It provides a practical, step-by-step overview of what setup entails, including a quick look at the nine requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from initial plan to operation. You'll also see practical tips to prepare your readiness plan and avoid common pitfalls.
You'll learn exactly what the nine regulatory requirements are, which permits to apply for, and what documents you’ll gather. We outline expected costs—licensing, registrations, and basic compliance systems—and give a milestone-based timeline so you can plan with confidence and sustainable growth.
Why Markham? The city’s growing economy, strong environmental sector, and easy access to Toronto-area markets create ideal conditions for administering air, water, and waste programs. Plus, Markham's supportive permitting environment helps you move from plan to operation smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Markham is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you cannot bypass—without it you cannot legally run an administration of air and water resource and solid waste management programs. It means having formal safety policies, staff training, hazard assessments, protection measures, incident reporting and ongoing safety supervision. Treat this as non-negotiable and build your program around meeting OHSA rules from day one.
Operational compliance focuses on keeping people safe and meeting day-to-day rules. In practice, you’ll need to implement OHSA-based safety practices, ensure workers are covered by WSIB, follow employment standards for pay and hours, and adhere to government program administration standards that govern public programs. You may also need a municipal business licence from Markham, depending on services offered and location, so check with the city. Keeping these aligned reduces risk and ensures smooth operations.
On the business side, you’ll handle registrations and tax identifiers. You’ll obtain a Business Number (BN) for federal dealings, register an Ontario business name via ServiceOntario, and set up GST/HST registration. If you have employees, you’ll also set up Payroll Deductions registrations. And don’t forget WSIB coverage if you have workers. These numbers are the backbone for invoicing, payroll, and tax reporting.
Next steps: start with confirming OHSA obligations and safety planning, then apply for a Markham business licence, register your business name with ServiceOntario, and get your BN and GST/HST in place. Create a simple compliance calendar and budget for ongoing fees. If you’d like, I can map out a month-by-month checklist tailored to your exact services to keep you on track and confident as you launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a administration of air and water resource and solid waste management programs in Markham:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Markham Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Government Program Administration Standards ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Government program administrators must comply with accountability frameworks, performance reporting, audit requirements, and service delivery standards. Government program administration standards for federal contractors. Service standards. Reporting requirements. Performance measurement. Contact Treasury Board: 1-877-636-0656.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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