Start Your All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance Business in Burnaby Today
This page lays out a practical roadmap for starting an All Other Automotive Repair and Maintenance business (NAICS 811198) in Burnaby. It breaks down the core steps to get your shop up and running—from choosing your business structure to securing a Burnaby business license and setting up shop. You’ll find a clear overview of required licenses, registrations, and the essential planning needed before you open your doors.
You’ll learn exactly what you need: a requirements overview, the permits and inspections to expect, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from setup to launch. We outline zoning checks for automotive work, Fire Code and environmental considerations, and how to work with WorkSafeBC, insurance, and supplier setup. Practical steps help you avoid delays and keep your project on track.
Burnaby’s central location in Metro Vancouver and strong small-business support make it a smart place to start an auto repair shop. With clear city guidelines and a growing customer base, you can build a steady business serving local drivers.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run a business in Canada without it. It serves as the single identifying number for your tax accounts and government programs, so obtaining your BN is non-negotiable before you start serving customers or paying staff.
Health and safety come next in importance. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and comply with provincial rules. Build a practical safety approach for your shop: provide training, use proper personal protective equipment, follow safe lifting and repair procedures, and keep hazard assessments and incident records. Depending on your specific site, Burnaby may require additional city inspections or permits related to auto repair activities, waste handling, or fire safety—check with the city to confirm what applies to your operation.
Beyond safety, you’ll need to sort out business registrations and taxes. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, register a BC Business Name for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership. You’ll also likely need GST/HST Registration based on your revenue and Payroll Deductions Registration if you hire employees. These registrations work together with your BN to handle taxes, payroll, and workers’ compensation smoothly.
Next steps and encouragement: start with obtaining your BN, then register your business name if needed, and apply for GST/HST and payroll registrations. Set up your WorkSafeBC coverage, establish a simple safety program, and align with Burnaby’s municipal requirements. If you’re unsure, consider a quick chat with a business advisor or accountant to map out a practical timeline and keep you on track—you’ve got this.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other automotive repair and maintenance 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.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your all other automotive repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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