Launch a Victoria Amusement Arcade: A Practical Startup Guide
This page is your practical starter guide to opening an amusement arcade in Victoria. It lays out a clear path with a six-item requirements overview, plus honest notes on permits, startup costs, and the timeline from idea to first coin drop. You’ll find a simple breakdown of business registration, zoning checks, location and equipment needs, and basic safety steps to get you moving confidently.
You’ll learn exactly what it takes under NAICS 713120 to launch in Victoria: the six requirements you must meet, how to apply for municipal business licenses and safety permits, and what kinds of costs to expect—rent, machines, insurance, and initial setup. We also map out a realistic timeline so you can plan your milestones and avoid common delays.
Victoria’s mix of tourism, families, and walkable neighborhoods makes it a strong backing for a new arcade. With solid planning, the right permits in place, and a focus on a fun, safe experience, you’ll be well on your way to a thriving amusement arcade in this city.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Victoria is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must for interacting with the federal tax system and government agencies, and you cannot legally operate your arcade without it. Having a BN ties together your tax accounts for GST/HST, payroll, and other programs, and it’s non-negotiable before you start taking on customers or signing supplier contracts.
Beyond registration, you’ll want to cover mandatory operational requirements related to health, safety, and permits. You’ll likely need a valid municipal Business Licence from the City of Victoria to operate an arcade. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage is required, and you should implement basic safety policies, regular equipment maintenance, clear emergency procedures, and customer safety measures to keep your venue safe and compliant.
For business registration and tax, if you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership you’ll register a BC Business Name. You’ll also manage GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration in connection with your BN. GST/HST registration is needed if your revenue exceeds the threshold, and payroll deductions are required if you have staff.
Next steps: start by checking Victoria’s city licensing requirements, apply for your BN with the CRA, and register your BC Business Name if needed. Then set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as appropriate. If you’d like, reach out to a local small business centre or advisor for guidance—getting these steps in place now will make launching your arcade smoother and more confident.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a amusement arcades in Victoria:
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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 Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria 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 arcades:
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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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