Launch Your All Other Amusement and Recreation Business in Surrey
This page helps you plan and launch a 713990 All Other Amusement and Recreation business in Surrey. It’s a practical, step-by-step guide that breaks down the seven requirements, the permits you’ll need from municipal and provincial authorities, budgeting tips for startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening your doors. You’ll find checklists, quick tips, and common pitfalls to avoid.
What you’ll learn: a clear breakdown of the seven requirements, the specific licenses and permits commonly required in Surrey, how to budget startup costs, and a practical timeline with milestones—from registration and zoning checks to safety inspections and insurance setup. The guide also highlights permits that may impact venues, equipment, and staffing.
Why Surrey works for this business: a growing population, strong family-friendly neighborhoods, and a thriving small-business ecosystem create steady demand for amusements and recreation options. Surrey’s accessible services and support networks can help you move from permit to play faster while keeping costs predictable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey, BC is the BC Guide Outfitter and Angling Guide Licence. This license is legally required for anyone offering outfitting or angling guiding services, and you cannot legally operate without it. It is non-negotiable—without this certification you cannot run guided experiences in the province.
Beyond licensing, your day-to-day operations must be safe and properly permitted. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers, and obtain a Surrey City Business Licence so you can legally operate in the local area. If your activities require additional permits or local approvals, secure those before you open. If you plan to operate under a trade name, be prepared to handle the related registration as part of your setup.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to handle several formal steps. Start with a Business Number (BN) from the federal government. If you’re a sole proprietor or partnership and will use a name other than your own, complete BC Business Name Registration. Plan for GST/HST Registration if your taxable supplies meet the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire employees. These pieces keep your business in good standing with tax authorities and payroll rules.
If you’re ready to move forward, take it step by step: confirm the required outfitter/angling licence, then secure the municipal licence and any permits, register your business name if needed, apply for your BN, GST/HST, and payroll registrations, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. With a clear plan and timely applications, you’ll be well on your way to a compliant, smoothly running operation. You’ve got this—start with the licensing and then tackle the rest one by one.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other amusement and recreation industries in Surrey:
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BC Guide Outfitter and Angling Guide Licence RequiredLicence to operate as a guide outfitter for hunting or angling guide for freshwater fishing in British Columbia Guide Outfitter: Apply via WILD or FrontCounter BC. Need Fish & Wildlife ID (FWID). Term: 1 or 5 years. Processing: 30 days (longer for Treaty 8 area). Angling Guide: $450, must be 19+, Canadian citizen/PR, pass angling guide exam, $2M liability insurance. Late fee: $50. Contact: FrontCounter BC at 1-877-855-3222.
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other amusement and recreation industries:
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund provides project-based grants of up to $30,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to creative and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to grow their export markets. The program targets sectors including fashion and design, screen, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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SSDIC operates through three streams: Stream One funds Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle; Stream Two supports Indigenous governments and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; Stream Three focuses on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples. The 2024-2026 cycle invested $24.2M across 119 Indigenous-led projects. New funding available for 2026-27 …
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