Launch Your Surrey Amusement and Theme Park Startup Today
Planning a Surrey amusement and theme park? This page gives a practical, no-nonsense roadmap for launching a NAICS 713110 attraction in the city. You’ll get a clear overview of the six essential requirements, plus the permits, licenses, and approvals you’ll need to secure before opening. We also lay out costs and a realistic timeline to help you plan with confidence.
Learn the 6 essential requirements you’ll navigate: 1) a Surrey business license and NAICS 713110 classification, 2) zoning and land-use approvals, 3) safety compliance and inspections (regulatory bodies like WorkSafeBC), 4) building permits and code compliance, 5) fire safety and environmental permits, and 6) insurance, financing, and ongoing operating costs. We also cover typical costs and the step-by-step timeline from permit apps to opening day.
Why Surrey is a great fit: Surrey is a rapidly growing family-friendly market with strong tourism ties to Metro Vancouver, plus available sites and supportive local government. If you’re aiming to blend big amusement value with practical local compliance, Surrey offers a strong starting point for your park.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you need it to open tax accounts, file returns, and legally hire staff. Without a BN, you cannot properly manage payroll, GST/HST, or other government obligations, and you cannot operate lawfully. This step is non-negotiable and must be completed before you start taking orders, paying employees, or welcoming guests.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational requirements that keep guests safe and the business compliant. A Surrey Business Licence is required to legally operate your amusement or theme park in the city. Depending on your site and rides, you may also need zoning approvals, building permits, and routine safety inspections to meet local and provincial standards. If you hire staff, WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is mandatory to protect workers and comply with provincial safety rules.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll want to handle naming and tax accounts. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration (for Sole Proprietorship or Partnership). For taxes, GST/HST Registration with the CRA should be considered if your revenue meets the threshold or if you sell taxable goods/services. If you have employees, you’ll also need Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA to handle income tax, CPP, and EI withholdings.
You’re taking important first steps toward a successful launch. Start by contacting Surrey’s business licensing to get your licence, determine if you need a BC Business Name Registration, and set up your BN with the CRA. Review GST/HST needs and arrange payroll deductions if you’re hiring, and secure WorkSafeBC coverage. With these foundations in place, you’ll be on solid ground to move forward confidently.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a amusement and theme parks in Surrey:
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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 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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