Launch Diagnostic Imaging Centers in Burnaby — Start Your Clinic Today
This page shows how to start a Diagnostic Imaging Center in Burnaby (NAICS 621512). It delivers practical, step-by-step guidance—from business setup to regulatory readiness—so you can move from idea to patient care with confidence. You’ll find a concise overview of seven essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to bring imaging services online.
What you’ll learn is a practical plan you can follow. The seven essential requirements are: 1) business registration and corporate structure, 2) municipal zoning and a Burnaby business license, 3) radiation safety licensing and compliance, 4) credentialing and staffing for physicians and radiologic technologists, 5) facility and equipment safety standards and regulatory approvals, 6) patient privacy and data security, and 7) insurance, contracts, and revenue planning. We also cover how to obtain permits efficiently, estimate startup costs, and align your timeline with local approvals to minimize delays.
Burnaby’s growing health network, easy transit access, and supportive business climate make it a strong fit for Diagnostic Imaging Centers. Serving a broad community while keeping operational costs reasonable, this city gives you a solid foundation to launch and grow a thriving imaging practice.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a diagnostic imaging center in Burnaby is the Medical Device Establishment License. This license governs how medical devices are handled, stored, and distributed, and you cannot legally run the clinic without it. It is non-negotiable—you must have this license in place before you import, distribute, or use imaging equipment. If you’re unsure whether your activities qualify, check with Health Canada or your device supplier to confirm the exact obligations.
Once you have the MDEL in place, focus on health, safety, and related permits. Ensure your staff are covered by WorkSafeBC and follow safe practice guidelines for patient care and device operation. If your clinic plans to store or administer controlled substances (for sedation during procedures, for example), you’ll also need a Controlled Drugs and Substances Authorization. Depending on your setup, you may also need permits related to building occupancy, facility standards, and proper waste handling.
In parallel, handle business registration and tax IDs. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register your BC business name. You’ll also obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency for payroll, corporate taxes, and any import/export activities. Plan for GST/HST registration if your revenue meets the threshold or you must collect tax on services, and set up payroll deductions registration if you have employees.
Next steps: map out a practical timeline and start with confirming the MDEL requirements, then set up your BN and BC business name, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage, and check any drug-handling licenses you might need. Consider talking to a local regulatory adviser or business consultant to tailor the plan to your clinic. With these steps, you’ll move from planning to compliant, ready-to-open operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a diagnostic imaging centers in Burnaby:
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Medical Device Establishment License RequiredFacilities that import, distribute, or sell Class II, III, or IV medical devices must hold a Medical Device Establishment License from Health Canada and comply with quality system requirements. Medical Device Establishment License (MDEL) for importers, distributors. Medical Device License (MDL) for Class II-IV devices. Class I: exempt from MDL. ISO 13485 quality system. Device classification rules. Adverse event reporting. Contact Health Canada: 1-866-225-0709.
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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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Controlled Drugs and Substances Authorization RequiredHealthcare practitioners and facilities handling controlled substances (narcotics, benzodiazepines) must be authorized and licensed under federal regulations. Includes secure storage, record-keeping, and reporting requirements. Health Canada Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) authorization. Dealer license for controlled substances. Pharmacies: provincial licensing. Hospitals: authorization. Narcotics: strict requirements. Monthly reporting. Security requirements. Contact Health Canada Controlled Substances: 1-866-358-0453.
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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 diagnostic imaging centers:
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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The Invest Ontario Fund (IOF) is administered by Invest Ontario, a provincial Crown corporation, to attract and retain strategic business investments in Ontario. The fund provides financial support of up to $4 million through a combination of grants and loans to companies undertaking significant investments in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, …
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The IDCCF addresses the impact of climate change on human health by funding projects that increase surveillance, research, and public awareness of climate-sensitive infectious diseases. Maximum $150,000 per year for projects up to 3 years in duration. Eligible applicants include not-for-profits, universities, Indigenous organizations, provincial/territorial/municipal governments. Federal departments and for-profit …
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SUAP provides contribution funding for a wide range of projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Individual project awards have ranged from approximately $1.6 million to $6.3 million in recent announcements. Eligible recipients include not-for-profit health organizations, universities, Indigenous organizations, and other levels of government. For-profit organizations …
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CIHR Catalyst Grants are short-term seed grants (up to 1 year) designed as a first step toward larger, longer-term research projects. The Digital Health stream specifically targets early and mid-career researchers and Indigenous Health researchers working on digital health technologies. Application deadline: March 17, 2026. Total pool: $1,000,000 (approximately 10 …
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