Launch a Regina Drive-In Motion Picture Theater Today
This page offers a practical, steps-first guide to launching a drive-in motion picture theater in Regina (NAICS 512132). You’ll get a straightforward roadmap that spells out the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits to secure, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to open your screen. It’s designed to be friendly and actionable, not overwhelming.
In addition, you’ll learn exactly how to navigate each requirement—from zoning and site suitability to safety systems and environmental considerations. We’ll break down permits, licensing, and inspections, plus estimated costs for land or lot rental, projection and sound equipment, screens, branding, and insurance. You’ll also see practical timelines, milestones, and budgeting tips to keep your project moving forward.
Regina’s growing events scene, community-friendly neighborhoods, and available spaces make it a supportive backdrop for drive-in theaters. With seasonal programming, local partnerships, and a clear path for permits and approvals, Regina is a promising place to bring a nostalgic, family-friendly experience to life.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a drive-in motion picture theater in Regina is a Business Licence. This license is issued by the City of Regina and you cannot legally open or operate the theatre without it. It’s non-negotiable and must be in place before you start any screening, ticket sales, or other operations.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. Beyond the licence, you must keep customers and staff safe and ensure you have the right permissions to show content. This means securing Copyright Compliance (permissions for films and any music used in your shows). If you have employees, you’ll also need Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration to provide workers’ compensation and maintain a safe workplace. Depending on your business structure, you may also need to handle other registrations tied to how you operate (for example, partnerships or other organizational forms).
Business Registration & Tax: To legally register and manage taxes, you’ll need Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) to register your trade name and a Business Number (BN) with the CRA to interact with tax programs. Choose your structure: Partnership Registration if you’re operating with partners, or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration if you form a corporation. GST/HST Registration may be required as your revenue grows, and Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you have employees. These pieces ensure you’re compliant with provincial and federal requirements.
Encouragement: Next steps are clear—start with the City of Regina to obtain your business licence, then register your business name with ISC and set up your BN with the CRA. Decide on your business structure (partnership or corporation) and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as needed. If you map out a simple plan and tackle these in order, you’ll be on a practical path to launching your drive‑in theater. If you’d like, I can help create a simple checklist and a timeline.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a drive-in motion picture theaters in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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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