Launch an Industrial Machinery Repair Business in Burnaby
This page guides you through starting an industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance business in Burnaby. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview with five key requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, clear cost ranges, and a realistic timeline to move from idea to opening day.
What you’ll learn: how to meet those five requirements, including registering your BC company, obtaining a Burnaby municipal business license, and securing safety certifications with WorkSafeBC. You’ll get guidance on essential insurance (liability and workers’ compensation), choosing a suitable facility and tools, environmental considerations, and which permits apply to repair work on commercial and industrial machinery. Timelines and costs are laid out to keep you on track.
Burnaby’s strong industrial clusters, easy access to transportation, and growing demand for maintenance services make it a smart fit for this business. With nearby suppliers, skilled workers, and a supportive local environment, you can build steady clients while keeping startup time and costs reasonable.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This government ID is required to legally run a company, bill customers, and hire employees. Without a BN you cannot legally operate, so this is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start repair and maintenance work on commercial and industrial machinery. Treat it as the foundation of your compliance.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Focus on health, safety, and permits. If you have employees, WorkSafeBC coverage is mandatory—you’ll need to register, maintain coverage, and run safety programs. Establish clear safety procedures, provide training, and keep equipment maintenance logs. Depending on your setup, you may also need local permits or licenses for your shop, and ensure proper handling and storage of any hazardous materials. Compliance with these safety and permit requirements protects workers, customers, and your business from penalties.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, you’ll typically register a BC Business Name if you plan to operate under a name other than your own (sole proprietorship/partnership). GST/HST registration may be required once your revenue crosses the small-supplier threshold, which lets you charge and remit GST/HST. If you have employees, Payroll Deductions registration is also needed. Some provincial or municipal specifics may apply, so confirm what applies to your Burnaby location and operation.
Encouragement: To get started, gather key documents (personal ID, business address, proposed trade name, anticipated revenue) and check the BC and CRA sites for exact steps. You don’t have to figure this out alone—consider a quick consult with a small-business advisor, and I can tailor a simple, practical checklist for your Burnaby machinery repair and maintenance operation. You’ve got this—taking these steps now sets you up for smooth, compliant growth.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance 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 commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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