Start a Burnaby Child Care Services Business Today
This page gives you a practical, friendly roadmap to launching a child care services business in Burnaby (NAICS 624410). You’ll find a clear overview of the seven licensing requirements, the permits you’ll need from city and province, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to opening. We also cover typical startup costs, so you have a solid sense of what it takes to get started.
You’ll walk away with a step-by-step plan: a concise 7-item requirements checklist, plus the permits, safety standards, and staffing considerations that come with operating a licensed child care. Learn what documents to prepare, how to navigate Burnaby’s zoning and inspections, and rough cost estimates for licenses, space setup, insurance, and ongoing compliance. The timeline will show when to apply, when inspections happen, and when you can welcome your first families.
Burnaby’s family-friendly neighborhoods and strong community services make it a great place to grow a child care business. With the right plan, you can build a trusted, sustainable operation that serves local families and supports your long-term goals.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a child care services business in Burnaby is BC Child Care Centre Licence. This licence is a legal must-have issued by the provincial licensing authority, and you cannot legally open or run a child care centre without it. It establishes the baseline standards for safety, staffing, and program delivery, and it is non-negotiable.
Beyond the licence, you’ll need to meet mandatory operational requirements to keep children safe and ensure smooth day-to-day operation. This includes following health and safety rules, maintaining suitable facilities and supervision, and passing any required inspections. Also, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so your staff are protected and compliant with workplace-safety rules.
On the business and tax side, complete the essential registrations. Obtain a Business Number (BN) registration from the federal government to handle taxes and payroll. Register your business name with BC if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership (BC Business Name Registration). Consider GST/HST registration if you expect to charge tax on services, and set up payroll deductions registration as needed. If your organization operates as a registered charity, pursue Registered Charity Status (Social Services) as applicable.
Next steps: start by securing the BC Child Care Centre Licence, then tackle the registration steps in order. Create a practical checklist, reach out to the relevant regulatory bodies for guidance, and consider consulting a small-business adviser if you’d like extra help. You’ve got this—with these steps, you’ll be on a compliant, well-run path to offering quality child care in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a child care services in Burnaby:
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BC Child Care Centre Licence RequiredCommunity Care Facilities Licence for child care centres and daycares in British Columbia under the Child Care Licensing Regulation Apply through local Health Authority Community Care Facilities Licensing. No licensing fee charged by Health Authority. Required: ECE-certified staff, appropriate space, background checks, first aid. Licence required for care of 3+ children. Annual inspections. Contact your regional Health Authority CCFL office.
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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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Registered Charity Status (Social Services) RequiredMany social service organizations operate as registered charities to receive tax-exempt status and issue donation receipts. CRA registration and compliance required. CRA registers charities federally (T2050 application). Ontario: Extra-Provincial Corporations Act for foreign charities. Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act (ONCA) for provincial incorporation. Charitable purpose required. Annual T3010 filing. Disbursement quota rules. ONCA transition completed Oct 2024. Contact CRA Charities: 1-800-267-2384.
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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 child care services:
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Two streams: Community-Based (up to $25,000 for local projects led by and for seniors) and Pan-Canadian ($1M–$5M for national collective impact initiatives). The most recent Community-Based intake closed September 17, 2025; Pan-Canadian intake closed November 2023. Next call dates have not been announced as of early 2026. The program runs …
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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