Start Your Gatineau Convention and Visitors Bureau Now
This page helps you launch a Convention and Visitors Bureau (NAICS 561591) in Gatineau with a practical, step-by-step guide. It covers the 9 required steps—from formation and registrations to permits and ongoing compliance—so you can plan confidently. Expect a clear overview of costs, realistic timelines, and the essentials you’ll need to start strong. You'll also get guidance on staffing, governance, and measuring impact.
Learn the exact permits and licenses you'll need in Gatineau, the expected startup costs, and the typical timeline from filing to launch. We outline the nine requirements for CVB setup, plus practical tips to streamline approvals, common hurdles, and how long approvals usually take in the Ottawa-Gatineau region.
Gatineau combines rich culture, scenic venues, and close ties to Ottawa’s business scene, making it a great spot to grow a destination-marketing bureau. With supportive municipal resources and a thriving events calendar, your CVB can attract conferences, travelers, and local partners while you build a strong, sustainable brand.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a convention and visitors bureau in Gatineau is a Business Licence. This licence is legally required and you cannot legally operate without it. This is non-negotiable. Think of it as the official permission slip to do business locally, and you’ll need to obtain it before you do anything else. Once this is in place, you’ll still handle several other mandatory registrations, but nothing else matters until you have the licence.
Beyond the licence, focus on health, safety, and essential operational permits. If you hire employees, you must register with CNESST for workers’ compensation coverage, and you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration to manage withholdings. These employment-related registrations protect your staff and keep you compliant with provincial rules. You may also face additional permits or industry-specific requirements depending on your activities.
For business registration and tax, you’ll handle several identity numbers and registrations. The Quebec Business Registration (REQ) with Registraire des entreprises and the Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) establish your presence in the province. You may register as a partnership or as a Quebec corporation, depending on your chosen structure. At the federal level, you’ll obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, which ties into GST/HST registrations and payroll accounts as needed.
Next steps: map out a simple timeline and tackle registrations one by one. Start with the Business Licence, then take care of NEQ/REQ, BN, CNESST, and GST/HST. Consider enlisting a local adviser to keep you on track and avoid delays. With a clear plan and steady progress, you’ll move confidently from idea to fully compliant Gatineau convention and visitors bureau.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a convention and visitors bureaus in Gatineau:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in Ville de Gatineau. Apply to Ville de Gatineau 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 Ville de Gatineau Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) Registration RequiredRegistration of business with the Quebec Enterprise Registrar. Register with Registraire des entreprises du Québec: 1. Access quebec.ca/entreprises services 2. Complete declaration of registration online 3. Pay registration fee ($38 sole proprietorship, $367 corporation) 4. Receive NEQ (Numéro d'entreprise du Québec) Annual registration fee: $35 (exempt first 2 years). Annual update declaration required. 30-day deadline for changes.
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Quebec Business Registration (REQ - Registraire des entreprises) RequiredAll businesses operating in Quebec must register with the Registraire des entreprises du Québec (Quebec Enterprise Registrar). This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations. Registration provides a Quebec Enterprise Number (NEQ) which is required for all business activities including banking, licensing, and tax purposes. Unlike other provinces, registration is mandatory for ALL businesses in Quebec, not just those with a business name different from the owner. Registration can be completed online. Annual declarations must be filed to keep the registration current. Register with Registraire des entreprises within 60 days of starting business. Required for sole proprietors operating under trade name, partnerships, and corporations. $39 for sole proprietorship, $60 for partnership. Receive NEQ (Quebec Enterprise Number).
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired if operating as partnership. Registration of general or limited partnerships in Quebec. Register partnership with Registraire des entreprises: 1. Complete declaration of registration 2. Provide partner information 3. Submit registration 4. Pay registration fee General and limited partnerships. NEQ assigned upon registration. Annual update declaration required.
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Quebec Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Quebec. Incorporation of a company under Quebec law. Incorporate through Registraire des entreprises: 1. Conduct name search (NUANS) 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through quebec.ca or registry office 4. Pay incorporation fee ($367) Annual reporting required. Must file annual update declaration. Federal incorporation alternative available ($200).
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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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Quebec CNESST Employer Registration (Workers Compensation) ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Quebec. Employers in Quebec must register with the CNESST (Commission des normes, de l'équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail) and maintain coverage for workers. CNESST provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases under Quebec's workers' compensation system. Most employers are required to register within 60 days of hiring their first worker. Employers pay contributions (premiums) based on their business activity classification and assessable payroll. Register with CNESST within 60 days of hiring first employee. CNESST provides workplace health and safety coverage. Premium rates based on industry classification. Annual declaration of wages required by March 14.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your convention and visitors bureaus:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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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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