Launch a Burnaby Amusement and Theme Parks Business Today
This page offers a practical, start-to-launch roadmap for opening an amusement and theme parks business in Burnaby (NAICS 713110). You’ll find a concise requirements overview, the permits and licenses you’ll need, startup costs, and a realistic timeline to guide your planning. We break down the five key requirements you’ll tackle before you open your gates, with clear steps and checklists to keep you moving forward.
You’ll learn exactly what permits and approvals to secure—from municipal business licensing and zoning clearances to safety certifications and provincial permits where applicable—and who to contact. We break out typical costs (land or lease, build-out, rides and equipment, insurance, professional fees, and licensing) and provide a practical timeline so you can budget and pace your project. Expect a 6–12 month window from planning to grand opening, depending on site, approvals, and construction.
Burnaby’s family-friendly market, strong transit links, and growing tourism scene make it a smart fit for a new theme park. Proximity to Vancouver gives access to a large visitor base, while Burnaby offers supportive permitting processes and local partnerships to help you launch smoothly.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a theme park in Burnaby is WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration. This is a legal non-negotiable for any employer in British Columbia—without it you cannot hire staff, contract maintenance teams, or run rides safely. Make securing and keeping your WorkSafeBC coverage in good standing a non-negotiable part of your startup plan and ongoing operations.
Next come the mandatory health and safety requirements and permits that keep guests safe and the park compliant. Build a solid safety program, train and supervise staff, and schedule regular ride inspections. Implement clear emergency procedures and signage, and ensure you meet fire and code requirements. Depending on your site, you may also need local licensing or inspections from Burnaby authorities for amusement facilities. Treat these requirements as ongoing, to be maintained as you open and scale.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need key registrations and numbers. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency. If you’ll operate under a name other than your own, register the BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. Plan for GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold, and set up Payroll Deductions registration if you hire employees. These numbers enable proper collecting, reporting, and remittance of taxes and payroll.
Next steps are practical and actionable. Start by consulting Burnaby’s official business resources and, if possible, speak with a local advisor to confirm all required permits for amusement facilities. Gather your foundational documents, set realistic timelines for registrations, and create a simple compliance calendar. With these essentials in place, you’ll be well on your way to launching a safe, compliant, and enjoyable theme park in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a amusement and theme parks 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 amusement and theme parks:
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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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