Launch Your Burnaby Air Traffic Control Startup Today
This page shows you how to start an Air Traffic Control business in Burnaby (NAICS 488111). It offers a practical, step-by-step overview—from the five core requirements to the permits, costs, and a realistic timeline—so you can move from idea to operation with confidence. Use this guide to map out your registrations, facilities, and early investment before you launch.
The five essential requirements to get started are: regulatory approvals from aviation authorities (such as Transport Canada); certification and training for your team; a compliant facility and ATC equipment; a robust safety and operations plan; and a clear funding strategy with a realistic budget. You’ll also learn typical permit steps, approximate startup costs—facility, technology, and staffing—and a practical timeline from planning to opening.
Burnaby offers a strategic hub close to Vancouver, with strong transport links, skilled aviation talent, and a welcoming business climate. This makes it easier to attract customers, recruit qualified staff, and access partners or airports as you scale your air traffic control services.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal requirement from the Canada Revenue Agency to identify your business for taxes, payroll, and other programs, and you cannot legally operate or invoice clients without a BN. It’s non-negotiable and serves as the foundation for everything else you’ll do administratively. Once you have your BN in place, you can open bank accounts, hire staff, and handle taxes more smoothly.
On the operational side, focus on health, safety, and permits. In British Columbia, you’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and you must follow applicable safety rules and reporting. Depending on your activities and where you’re located in Burnaby, you may also need local permits or licenses. Build a simple safety plan, provide basic training for staff, and keep essential records up to date so you stay compliant.
Business registration and tax numbers come next. Use your BN for federal and provincial registrations, including BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. If your business will make taxable sales, register for GST/HST. If you have employees, complete Payroll Deductions Registration so you can handle CPP/EI withholdings and other payroll requirements accurately.
Next steps: map out a quick action plan—confirm your BN with the CRA, check BC’s Corporate Registry for a name registration if needed, and decide on GST/HST and payroll needs. Arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and any Burnaby permits, and set up the necessary registrations in parallel. Tackle these steps one by one, and you’ll be on solid footing to move forward confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a air traffic control in Burnaby:
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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