Launch a Drive-In Motion Picture Theater in Burnaby
This page walks you through how to start a drive-in motion picture theater in Burnaby. It provides a practical, step-by-step overview, including a clear requirements checklist, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from concept to opening night. You’ll also find local resources and planning checklists to keep you moving forward and ongoing support from local business organizations.
Key takeaways include the six essential requirements you must meet, the permits and licenses to pursue, and the rough startup costs for equipment, land or venue, signage, and insurance. You’ll also get a practical timeline—from site selection to first show—plus a step-by-step startup checklist, guidance on financing options and vendor negotiations, and pointers for building a safe, engaging, family-friendly experience that resonates with Burnaby audiences.
Burnaby’s diverse neighborhoods, steady attendance, and easy access to the Vancouver metro area create a strong launchpad. The city supports outdoor venues, offers practical permitting pathways, and presents opportunities to partner with local events, schools, and businesses—making your drive-in a community favorite.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a drive-in motion picture theater in Burnaby is Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment). This means you must have the legal licenses to publicly show films and other media. Without the proper rights for each title, you cannot legally operate or host screenings, and this requirement is non-negotiable. Plan this first—secure the necessary licenses from rights holders or licensing agencies before you start booking shows or marketing to the public.
Mandatory Operational Requirements include health and safety measures and permits. You’ll need WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect staff and customers. In addition, plan for safe outdoor/drive-in operations—clear signage, reliable electrical and sound setups, lighting for vehicle queues, and any city permits or inspections related to outdoor cinema and public gatherings.
Business Registration & Tax: For legal business naming and tax accounts, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership, and a federal Business Number (BN) registration for Canada Revenue Agency programs. GST/HST Registration may be required depending on your revenue, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. If you hire staff, remember WorkSafeBC coverage is also required.
Next steps: start by confirming film licensing needs and securing licenses, then set up your BN and business name, and check if GST/HST and payroll registrations apply. Talk to a local small-business advisor, reach out to Burnaby’s business resources, and build a practical compliance plan. You can do this in clear steps and launch with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a drive-in motion picture theaters in Burnaby:
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Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment) RequiredMedia production and entertainment businesses must comply with copyright law, obtain rights/licenses, and may need to register with copyright collectives (SOCAN, Re:Sound). Copyright Act compliance for media and entertainment. Licensing agreements. SOCAN, Re:Sound royalties. Digital rights management. Fair dealing. Contact Copyright Board: 613-952-8621.
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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 drive-in motion picture theaters:
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The Open Spaces Program is an initiative by Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre to assist traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities in the HRM arts community. The program provides free access to a rehearsal room, kitchen, and restroom facilities including power, lighting, and stage space. Artists of all disciplines and …
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The Lunenburg Foundation for the Arts provides grants for both emerging and established artists working across the full range of artistic media, as well as arts-based organizations. Grants are awarded based on artistic merit, financial need, and benefit to the arts in Lunenburg County. A jury chair is appointed by …
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The Trail & District Arts Council disburses $1,000 annually to performance, literary, or visual artists under 18 years of age towards arts training and development. The amount awarded to each applicant varies depending on the number of applicants and amounts requested. Training must take place within 12 months after the …
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The Town of Rosetown provides information and access to numerous cultural, sports, and recreation funding opportunities for individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations. Available funding sources include the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant, Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) Community Vitality Program, Creative Kids, Saskatchewan Arts Board grants, and the Rosetown & District …
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The Share and Connect: Indigenous Community Arts program seeks to empower Indigenous communities to control and develop their own arts and culture. It is a SK Arts program supported by funding from Sask Lotteries through the partnership between SK Arts and SaskCulture Inc. The program has two annual deadlines (January …
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