Launch a London, Ontario Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to starting a coin-operated laundries and drycleaners business in London, Ontario (NAICS 812310). It lays out 8 essential requirements and turns them into an actionable plan—from choosing a location and negotiating leases to lining up equipment, service vendors, and suppliers. You’ll get a clear overview of licenses, permits, zoning rules, health and safety standards, and registrations, plus a realistic sense of the upfront investments and ongoing costs.
What you’ll learn includes the exact permits and approvals required—business license, occupancy permit, electrical and plumbing permits, fire code compliance, and environmental rules—along with a practical startup budget. Expect clear cost ranges for machines, fit-out, ventilation, water and waste systems, insurance, permits, and working capital, plus a detailed timeline from securing funding to selecting equipment, ordering, installation, staff planning (if any), and opening day.
London is a smart fit for coin-operated laundries—steady demand, accessible leases, and a friendly entrepreneurial climate. With eight clear requirements, you can move from concept to cash flow faster than you might think.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a coin-operated laundries and drycleaners in London, Ontario is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This means you must follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act, implement a workplace safety program, train staff, perform regular risk assessments, maintain equipment, and report any incidents as required. It is legally required and non-negotiable—you cannot legally open or run the business until you are fully compliant.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to OHSA, you’ll need to secure the necessary permits and ensure safe working conditions. This includes obtaining a local business licence from the City of London and meeting general health and safety standards. You’ll also need to comply with Employment Standards (wages, hours, breaks) and ensure you have WSIB coverage for your workers, which protects employees in case of injuries on the job.
Business Registration & Tax: For business registration and tax IDs, you’ll register for a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) and register your business name with ServiceOntario (Ontario Business Name Registration). You’ll also register for GST/HST if your revenue meets the threshold. If you hire staff, you’ll set up payroll deductions and ensure WSIB contributions as part of employer obligations, typically coordinated through the CRA, ServiceOntario, and WSIB.
Encouragement: Start with the essentials now—confirm OHSA compliance, apply for the municipal licence, then tackle the BN, name registration, and GST/HST setup. It can feel like a lot, but taking it step by step keeps you on a practical path. If you’re unsure, consider a quick chat with a local small-business advisor or a regulatory clerk at ServiceOntario or CRA to get tailored, bite-sized guidance and stay on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a coin-operated laundries and drycleaners in London:
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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 London. Apply to City of London 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 London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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