Start a Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying Business in Burnaby
This page provides a practical, step-by-step overview for starting a dimension stone mining and quarrying business in Burnaby, BC (NAICS 212311). It features a six‑part requirements checklist, plus clear guidance on permits, licenses, zoning, and environmental considerations. You’ll find starter info on initial costs and a realistic timeline from incorporation to your first shipment.
What you’ll learn: exactly which six requirements you must meet, how to navigate Burnaby’s permit and provincial permissions, and what licenses are needed for mining, processing, and transport. We break down startup costs (equipment, site setup, reclamation, and bonds) and ongoing costs, plus the inspection milestones and typical timelines you should expect.
Why Burnaby works for dimension stone: strong infrastructure, proximity to Vancouver’s builders and suppliers, and access to rail and port links for export. This city‑industry combo helps you source materials, hire skilled labor, and stay aligned with BC regulations, making your path from planning to profitable operation smoother.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a dimension stone mining and quarrying business in Burnaby is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This is a legal must—you cannot operate without showing you comply with the BC Employment Standards Act. It means following rules on minimum wage, overtime, hours of work, vacation pay, pay days, and proper record-keeping for every employee. Non-negotiable and essential for any employer in BC.
For operational safety and regulatory health, you’ll want to bundle the related requirements together. Health and safety measures are mandatory in mining work, and you must have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration for your employees. This ensures you’re meeting safety training, injury reporting, and other workplace safety obligations. If your operation requires additional local permits or mining-specific oversight, those would be handled alongside these safety requirements to keep the site compliant and safe.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need proper registration and numbers to operate legally. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and registering a BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your taxable sales reach the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees to withhold and remit taxes and contributions. These registrations help you file taxes correctly and comply with payroll, GST/HST, and reporting requirements.
Next steps: map out your structure (sole proprietor, partnership, or other), then tackle registrations in sequence. Confirm BC Employment Standards Act compliance practices for your payroll, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, apply for your BN and any required business name registration, and register for GST/HST and payroll deductions as soon as you have employees. This progression keeps you compliant, reduces risk, and puts you on solid footing to start and grow your quarry
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a dimension stone mining and quarrying in Burnaby:
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BC Employment Standards Act Compliance RequiredEmployer compliance with BC Employment Standards Act requirements for wages, hours, and working conditions BC Employment Standards Act sets minimum requirements for all employers. Minimum wage: $17.85/hour (effective June 1, 2025). Standard hours: 8 hours/day, 40 hours/week. Overtime: time-and-a-half after 8 hours/day or 40 hours/week. 5 paid sick days required. Vacation: 2 weeks after 1 year, 3 weeks after 5 years. Contact Employment Standards Branch: 1-833-236-3700.
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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 dimension stone mining and quarrying:
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The CMETC provides a 30% federal income tax credit (in addition to the base 15% Mineral Exploration Tax Credit) on eligible exploration expenditures renounced to flow-through shareholders for critical minerals. The November 2025 Federal Budget expanded the list of eligible minerals from 15 to 27. Valid for FTS agreements entered …
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The SMETC allows Saskatchewan individual taxpayers (excluding trusts) to claim a 30% non-refundable tax credit on the cost of eligible flow-through shares purchased from approved mineral exploration companies conducting exploration activities in Saskatchewan. The credit is claimed on Form T1279. Any unused credit may be carried forward 10 years or …
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The Ignite Program provides up to $300,000 to BC-based industry-academic teams for R&D projects in natural resources, applied science, and/or engineering. Projects must be at TRL 3 or above, have commercialization potential within 3 years, and secure 2:1 matching funds from industry or government sources. Funded by the Natural Resources …
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Under the CIIP, eligible industrial facilities reporting under the Greenhouse Gas Industrial Reporting and Control Act (GGIRCA) and emitting more than 10,000 tCO2e per year could receive a payment equal to all carbon tax paid above $30 per tCO2e, provided their emissions intensity met the world-leading benchmark for their sector. …
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The BC CleanBC Industry Fund (CIF) uses carbon pricing revenue to support emission-reduction projects at large industrial facilities in British Columbia. Two funding streams are available: the Innovation Accelerator (supporting pilot or demonstration projects using pre-commercial clean technology at TRL 7–8) and Feasibility Studies (supporting desktop viability studies for future …
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