Launch Your All Other Traveler Accommodation in Burnaby Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step overview of starting an All Other Traveler Accommodation (NAICS 721199) in Burnaby. You’ll get a clear requirements overview, a realistic look at startup costs, and a straightforward timeline so you can plan with confidence. It also flags the permits and licenses you’ll typically need, plus tips to avoid common hiccups.
Here’s what you’ll learn: how to register and structure your business, confirm zoning and short-term rental rules, and secure the Burnaby business license plus any safety or occupancy permits. We lay out typical upfront costs, ongoing fees, insurance considerations, and a practical timeline from setup to doors open.
Burnaby’s growing traveler market, easy access to Vancouver and the airport, and a supportive local business climate make this city a strong fit for All Other Traveler Accommodation. We’ll point you to essential city resources and highlight how to stay compliant with bylaws while delivering a welcoming, safe guest experience.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the federal identifier you must obtain from the Canada Revenue Agency to legally run your business, charge and collect taxes, and handle payroll if you hire staff. Without a BN, you cannot legally operate or fulfill government reporting requirements, so treat this as non-negotiable.
For health, safety and permits, focus on the practical rules that keep guests and workers safe. A key item is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration, which is required for employers and is part of delivering a safe workplace and accommodations. Depending on your setup, you may also need to comply with local permits or inspections related to operating guest lodging, so plan to check Burnaby’s guidance and keep safety policies, employee training, and record-keeping up to date.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll need to get a BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, tied to your chosen business name. You’ll also handle tax numbers: your BN from the CRA will be used for GST/HST registration, and you’ll need to set up Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. GST/HST registration is required if your revenue meets the threshold or if you expect to cross it, and it enables you to collect and remit taxes properly while claiming eligible credits.
Next steps are straightforward and doable. Start by securing your BN, then register your BC business name if needed, and determine whether you must register for GST/HST and Payroll Deductions. Set up WorkSafeBC coverage, and build a simple compliance plan with timelines and responsible owners. If you’d like, I can map these steps to specific forms and timelines and point you to local Burnaby resources or a local business advisor to help you move quickly and confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a all other traveler accommodation 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 traveler accommodation:
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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 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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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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