Launch Markham’s Administration of Urban Planning, Community & Rural Development
This page explains how to start a business delivering the Administration of Urban Planning, Community & Rural Development in Markham (NAICS 925120). Learn what it takes to register, meet regulatory requirements, and set up service offerings that help cities plan for growth, protect communities, and support rural initiatives. Find a clear overview of the nine requirements, the permits you may need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline.
You’ll discover the essential steps to get licensed and compliant: a requirements overview (the 9 items), documentation you’ll need, what permits or approvals you should expect, the typical costs involved—from registration to ongoing compliance—and a practical timeline from kickoff to first client delivery. We'll also cover how to package your services, manage client expectations, and coordinate with Markham’s planning department.
Why Markham? This city blends rapid growth with strong community values, a diverse population, and thriving development projects, making it an ideal market for urban planning and community and rural development administration. The NAICS 925120 focus aligns with local needs and opens doors to public-sector collaborations and consulting opportunities.
Requirements Overview
In Markham, Ontario, Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance is legally required and you cannot operate without it. This is non-negotiable. It means putting in place safe-work policies, training for staff, risk assessments, and a plan to report injuries. Even though you’re providing urban planning and rural development administration, you must establish and maintain an OHS program and understand your duties as an employer.
Beyond safety, you’ll need the right permits and standard operating requirements in place. Obtain a valid Business Licence from the City of Markham, and align with Government Program Administration Standards and Employment Standards Compliance. You’ll also need WSIB coverage to protect workers in case of injury. These elements keep your business compliant with provincial rules and create a safe, fair workplace for everyone you work with.
On the corporate and tax side, set up the key registrations you’ll rely on year after year. Register a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, complete Ontario Business Name Registration through ServiceOntario, and enroll for GST/HST. If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions Registration. These registrations keep your finances, payroll, and reporting in order and make it easier to serve clients and staff reliably.
You’re off to a practical start. Next steps: confirm local licensing requirements, draft simple safety and employment policies, and set up your accounting and payroll processes. Build a small compliance calendar to stay on top of renewals and filings. If you’d like, I can turn this into a tailored action plan with concrete checklists and timelines for Markham.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a administration of urban planning and community and rural development 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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