Launch Your London, Ontario Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair Business
This page guides aspiring owners through starting a Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance business in London, Ontario (NAICS 811310). It offers a practical overview of the 12 essential requirements, plus the permits, licenses, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline to go from idea to open shop. Costs vary by location, but you can expect licensing fees, insurance, workspace, and essential tools to form the core startup spend.
You'll learn the exact permits and licenses you'll need (municipal business license, safety certifications where required), what insurance to carry (general liability and workers’ compensation), and how to budget for startup costs like registrations, lease, tools, and equipment. We'll provide a simple 6- to 8-week timeline and a practical, step-by-step checklist to keep you on track, including the 12 requirements and when to tackle each one.
London's growing manufacturing and maintenance sector, access to a skilled trades workforce, and overall business-friendly climate make it a strong fit for 811310 repair and maintenance services. This city-meets-business combination sets you up for steady demand and smoother growth as you launch.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair and maintenance business in London is Motor Vehicle Repair Certification (TSSA). This certification is legally required and you cannot operate without it. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be in place before you begin work that involves motor vehicle repairs.
Operational and safety requirements are the next priority. You must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to keep your workers safe, and implement a formal health-and-safety program with appropriate training. You should also ensure Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) compliance, and arrange WSIB registration and ongoing coverage for workplace injuries. In addition, you’ll want to meet Employment Standards Compliance and Consumer Protection Act requirements for repairs, and secure Commercial General Liability Insurance to protect both customers and your business.
Business registration and tax requirements come next. You will need a Business Number (BN) registration and, typically, a Business Licence. Register your Ontario Business Name with ServiceOntario. For taxes, set up GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees.
Next steps and encouragement: start by confirming whether the TSSA certification applies to your exact service scope, then build a practical compliance plan covering safety, accessibility, and insurance. Begin the BN and business name registrations, apply for the business licence, and organise GST/HST and payroll setups. Make sure you have WSIB coverage and solid liability insurance in place. With a clear, actionable plan, you can confidently launch and grow your London-based repair and maintenance business.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a commercial and industrial machinery and equipment (except automotive and electronic) repair and maintenance 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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Motor Vehicle Repair Certification (TSSA) RequiredAutomotive repair shops must be registered with the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) for vehicle inspection services and comply with consumer protection requirements. Consumer Protection Act 2002 governs repairs. Written estimates required ($60+ in value). Customer authorization. 10% cost overrun limit without approval. Not a separate license required. OMVIC for dealers. TSSA for fuel systems/propane. Compulsory trades: automotive service tech (STO). Shop insurance recommended. Contact Consumer Protection Ontario: 1-800-889-9768.
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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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Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) Compliance ConditionalRequired for businesses with 50+ employees. Some apply to all serving public. Businesses must comply with AODA standards for customer service, information/communications, employment, and public spaces to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. All Ontario employers with 1+ employees must comply with AODA. Five standards: customer service, information/communications, employment, transportation, built environment. Large orgs (50+): accessibility plans, website WCAG 2.0 AA. Report every 3 years. Target: barrier-free by Jan 1, 2025. Penalties: up to $100,000/day (corps). Contact: 1-866-515-2025.
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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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Consumer Protection Act Compliance (Repairs) ConditionalRequired for air emissions. Repair businesses must comply with Consumer Protection Act requirements including written estimates, authorization before exceeding estimates, warranties, and dispute resolution. Current CPA (2002) applies until new CPA 2023 in force (pending). Motor vehicle repairs have significant disclosure requirements. Dec 2024: Phase 1 regulatory consultation (deadline Feb 10, 2025). Bill 187 Right to Repair for electronics/appliances/vehicles. Max penalty: $250,000 for corporations. Express consent for contract amendments. Price escalation rules proposed. Contact MCCSS.
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Commercial General Liability Insurance (Retail/Services) RecommendedRetail and service businesses should maintain commercial general liability insurance covering customer injuries, property damage, and product liability. Often required by landlords. CGL recommended for all retail/service businesses. Not legally mandated but industry standard. Typical $1M-2M coverage. Landlords require. Covers slip-and-fall, product liability. Property coverage separate. Business interruption recommended. Cyber liability increasingly important. Contact RIBO broker for quotes.
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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