Launch Your Surrey Drive-In Motion Picture Theater Today
This page gives you a practical blueprint for launching a Drive-In Motion Picture Theater in Surrey. It distills the process into a clear seven-step requirements overview and shows you exactly which permits, licenses, and timelines you’ll face. You’ll get straight answers on what to prepare, how long things typically take, and what it costs to move from idea to opening day.
You’ll learn the seven core requirements and the permitting path, including zoning and land-use approvals, fire and safety clearances, occupancy, signage, and business licenses. We cover rough startup costs—equipment (projector, speakers, screen), site preparation, land or venue costs, insurance, and operating reserves—and a realistic timeline from planning through inspection to opening. You’ll also get practical tips for working with Surrey officials and staying on track.
Surrey’s growing communities and accessible highways create solid demand for family-friendly, outdoor entertainment, especially with the right permissions in place. This combination—Drive-In Motion Picture Theaters in Surrey under NAICS 512132—offers a clear, achievable path with local support and a realistic road map to launch.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a drive-in motion picture theater in Surrey is Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment). This means you must have valid licenses to publicly show every film you plan to screen. Without these licenses from rights holders or their authorized agencies, you cannot legally operate and you could face fines or other enforcement actions. This requirement is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start showing movies.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: health, safety, and permits are essential. Secure a City of Surrey business licence to operate in the city, and if you’re using a trade name, register BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you have staff, set up WorkSafeBC coverage to protect workers. If you hire employees, you must handle payroll deductions registration as part of your payroll compliance. These items ensure you can run the business safely and legally on a day-to-day basis.
Business Registration & Tax: To handle taxes and business accounts, obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN). If you’re using a name other than your legal name, register the BC Business Name. Register for GST/HST if your business crosses the threshold or if you choose to collect it from customers. And if you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions with the CRA. These registrations tie your business to the right tax and reporting systems and keep payroll and sales taxes on track.
Next steps and encouragement: start by confirming film licensing options and costs, then contact Surrey’s business licensing office to get your licence, and consult a tax advisor to set up your BN and tax registrations. With these fundamentals in place, you’ll be positioned to launch smoothly and stay compliant as you grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a drive-in motion picture theaters in Surrey:
-
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.
-
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).
-
Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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:
-
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 …
-
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 …
-
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 …
-
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 …
-
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 …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: