Launch Diagnostic Imaging Centers in London: Start Your Medical Imaging Business
This page offers a practical, step-by-step blueprint to start a Diagnostic Imaging Center in London. You’ll get a clear overview of the 16 required steps, the permits you’ll need, typical start-up costs, and a realistic timeline from incorporation to your first patient. It's designed for busy entrepreneurs who want clarity and speed.
What you’ll learn: the order of tasks from business setup to licensing and regulatory approvals (including radiation safety and licensing under NAICS 621512), site selection and permitting, equipment procurement, staffing, insurance, and ongoing compliance. You’ll also see ballpark cost ranges for equipment, leasing or purchase, and professional fees, plus a sample 12–18 month timeline with milestones.
Why London works for this business: strong healthcare demand, affordable commercial spaces, and a supportive local regulatory environment. The city’s clinics and universities provide a steady patient base and talent pool, making it a smart place to launch Diagnostic Imaging Centers. If you’re ready to move quickly, this guide helps you start with confidence.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a diagnostic imaging center in London, Ontario is Independent Health Facility License. This license is legally required to run an imaging facility in the province, and you cannot operate without it. It is non-negotiable, so securing this license must be your top priority before offering patient services.
Beyond the license, you’ll need to lock down mandatory operational requirements. Establish an Infection Prevention and Control Program to minimize infections, and ensure Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) compliance to protect patient data. Implement proper Biomedical Waste Management and follow the Occupational Health and Safety Act to keep staff safe. If your team includes regulated health professionals, obtain the relevant Regulated Health Profession Licenses and, if you use medical devices, a Medical Device Establishment License. You’ll also need Professional Liability Insurance to cover medical malpractice. If your plan includes handling controlled drugs and substances, you must obtain the appropriate authorization.
On the business side, you’ll handle registration and tax setup. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and completing Ontario Business Name Registration if you’re using a name other than your own. You’ll likely need a Municipal Business Licence, and you should set up GST/HST registration and Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA. Ensure your workforce complies with Employment Standards Compliance. These steps keep your operation legal and ready to run smoothly.
You’re on the right track—take it step by step and build a realistic timeline. Start by confirming the Independent Health Facility License, then line up policies, contracts, and staff credentials. Consider reaching out to regulatory consultants or the appropriate provincial bodies for guidance, and keep a clear checklist so you can move from one milestone to the next with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a diagnostic imaging centers in London:
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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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Infection Prevention and Control Program RequiredHealthcare facilities must implement infection prevention and control programs including policies, procedures, training, surveillance, and outbreak management to protect patients and staff. IPAC+ Program mandatory for healthcare. Provincial Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC) guidelines. Best practices documents. Public Health Ontario IPAC resources. COVID-19 changed requirements permanently. Hand hygiene audits. PPE protocols. Outbreak management plans. Surveillance systems. Patient safety indicator monitoring. Contact PHO IPAC team or local PHU.
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Professional Liability Insurance (Medical Malpractice) RequiredHealthcare professionals should maintain professional liability insurance (medical malpractice/errors and omissions). Required by most regulatory colleges and essential for practice protection. Required for regulated health professionals. CMPA for physicians (funded by OHIP). Regulated colleges mandate coverage. Typical $5M-10M. LawPRO for lawyers. Hospital/clinic may also require. Tail coverage for retiring. Professional liability insurance from HIROC or commercial. Contact professional association or RIBO broker.
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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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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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Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA) Compliance RequiredHealthcare providers must comply with Ontario PHIPA governing collection, use, disclosure, and security of personal health information. Includes consent requirements, privacy policies, and breach notification. Compliance law for Health Information Custodians (HICs) handling personal health information (PHI). No registration fee. Requires: privacy policies, staff training, audit systems, breach protocols. Penalties: up to $200K individuals, $1M organizations. First monetary penalties issued Oct 2025 ($5K-$7.5K). New de-identification guidelines Oct 2025. Contact IPC: 416-326-3333.
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Biomedical Waste Management (Healthcare) RequiredHealthcare facilities generating biomedical waste must use licensed waste haulers, maintain manifests, and comply with packaging, labeling, and storage requirements under Ontario waste management regulations. Follow MECP Guideline C-4 (Management of Biomedical Waste in Ontario). Segregate, package, treat, store properly. Transport only by ECA-licensed waste carriers. Dispose at ECA-approved sites. Categories: pathological, sharps, anatomical. <10% of healthcare waste but high risk. Provincial + federal guidelines both apply. Risk of non-compliance fines. Contact licensed biomedical waste company.
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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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Independent Health Facility License RequiredFacilities providing insured services outside hospitals (diagnostic imaging, surgical procedures, community health centers) must be licensed as Independent Health Facilities and comply with quality and safety standards. Apply through MLTSD Call for Applications process. Sept 2023: ICHSCA replaced Independent Health Facilities Act. No application fees (eliminated). Accreditation Canada inspections (April 2024+). Prohibited: charging OHIP patients for preferential access. Must collaborate with local hospitals. Current calls: MRI/CT, GI endoscopy, orthopedics (deadline Aug 27, 2025). Contact Ministry of Health.
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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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Regulated Health Profession License RequiredPhysicians, dentists, nurses, physiotherapists, chiropractors, optometrists, and other regulated health professionals must be licensed by their respective regulatory college under the Regulated Health Professions Act (RHPA). 26 health professions regulated under RHPA. Each has regulatory college. License/registration required before practice. Scope of practice defined by profession-specific Act. Controlled acts restricted. Quality Assurance programs. Annual registration renewal. Examples: CNO (nurses), RCDSO (dentists), CPSO (physicians), OCP (pharmacists). Contact specific regulatory college.
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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.
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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