Launch Your Dimension Stone Mining and Quarrying in Victoria Today
This page is your practical, step-by-step guide to launching a dimension stone mining and quarrying business in Victoria (NAICS 212311). It distills the seven essential requirements you’ll face—from business setup to mineral tenure and permits—along with the estimated startup costs and a realistic timeline. You’ll get a clear overview of registrations, approvals, and what you’ll need to begin mining safely and legally.
You’ll learn exactly what to prepare: the seven requirements, how to secure mineral tenure or leases, environmental and water permits, safety and site plans, and budgeting for equipment, labor, and ongoing costs. The guide also maps out typical timelines—from first inquiry to approval to first production—so you can set milestones and track progress confidently.
Victoria is a strong fit for dimension stone projects, offering access to skilled local labor, suppliers, and markets on Vancouver Island, plus a collaborative regulatory environment for responsible mining. With these practical steps, you’ll move from idea to permit-ready plans and a clear path toward production.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a dimension stone mining and quarrying business in Victoria is BC Employment Standards Act Compliance. This means you must follow the province’s rules on wages, hours, overtime, paid leave, and general worker rights. It is legally required, non-negotiable, and you cannot operate without meeting these standards or you could face penalties or shutdown orders.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to fair employment practices, your operation must prioritize health and safety and obtain the necessary permits. Key items include securing WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect workers and cover injury and illness claims, and obtaining a valid business licence to operate in your municipality. Grouped with these are general compliance steps like preparing for safety training, hazard assessments, and ongoing safety communications that keep your quarry compliant and your workers safe.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a BC Business Number (BN) to interact with provincial and federal agencies for payroll, taxes, and other government accounts. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, you should register your BC Business Name. Depending on your revenue, you may also need GST/HST registration. If you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration will be part of your setup. These registrations ensure you can legally collect taxes, remit contributions, and manage government reporting.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by listing all the registrations you’ll need (BN, Business Name, GST/HST, payroll deductions) and the licences for your area. Gather the required documents (IDs, business plans, lease or site agreement) and set realistic timelines to apply. Consider reaching out to a local business advisor or the provincial service centres to guide you through the steps. With a clear plan and early action, you’ll be well on your way to a compliant, smoothly running operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a dimension stone mining and quarrying in Victoria:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Victoria. Apply to City of Victoria 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 Victoria Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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