Start a Dry Cleaning and Laundry Service in Markham Today
This page shows you how to start a dry cleaning and laundry service (non coin-operated) in Markham, Ontario, under NAICS 812320. You’ll get a practical overview of the eight essential requirements, from business registration and zoning to equipment needs and initial setup costs. We map out the permits you’ll likely need, plus a clear timeline to move from idea to opening your doors in Markham.
You’ll learn what the eight requirements cover and how they translate into permits, licences, and practical steps. Expect guidance on costs, from equipment and lease fit-out to cleaning supplies and insurance, plus typical timelines (weeks to several months). We’ll outline essential permits—business license, occupancy and zoning approvals, waste handling and environmental compliance, fire safety, and signage—and share tips to prepare applications quickly.
Markham’s strong business climate, diverse community, and steady demand for reliable laundry services make it a smart place to launch. Pair that with targeted local marketing and dependable service, and you’ll tap into both households and offices needing clean, convenient solutions.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a drycleaning and laundry services in Markham is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal obligation you cannot bypass, and you must implement safe handling of solvents, proper ventilation, worker training, and clear emergency procedures. OHSA compliance protects your staff and your business, and penalties for non-compliance are serious. Make this non-negotiable from day one.
Beyond safety, there are practical operational requirements to secure: a valid municipal business licence to operate in Markham, and Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) coverage for anyone you employ. If you hire staff, you also need to follow Employment Standards rules and arrange payroll deductions as required by law. Keeping these up to date helps your shop run smoothly and avoids penalties, while showing customers and staff you’re serious about running a compliant operation.
On the registration and tax side, you’ll typically need to register your business name with ServiceOntario if you’re using a name other than your own; obtain a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number (BN) for tax purposes; and sign up for GST/HST if you reach the threshold for collection. If you have employees, you’ll also need to set up Payroll Deductions with the CRA and manage remittances. These numbers keep your books clean and help you handle taxes and reporting correctly.
Next steps: map out your business structure, check Markham’s licensing requirements, and start the online applications for BN, GST/HST, and your business name. Consider speaking with a small-business advisor or an accountant to tailor the steps to your shop. With these basics in place, you’ll move forward confidently and stay compliant as you grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a drycleaning and laundry services (except coin-operated) in Markham:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham 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 Markham Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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