Launch a Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction Business in Burnaby
This page lays out a practical path to starting a highway, street, and bridge construction business in Burnaby under NAICS 237310. You'll get a clear, actionable overview of the five essential requirements, the permits and registrations you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to win your first project. It’s designed to be approachable, not overwhelming.
You’ll learn the five key steps: setting up your legal business structure, meeting contractor qualifications, securing appropriate insurance and bonding, obtaining the necessary permits and regulatory approvals, and building a solid financial plan for equipment, fleet, crews, and working capital. We break down costs—licensing, insurance, bonding, heavy equipment, and initial payroll—and map a practical path from launch to first site.
Burnaby’s growing infrastructure needs, strategic location near Vancouver, and access to skilled trades and suppliers make it a smart place to launch civil construction. The city’s pro-business climate and strong project pipeline support steady growth, while clear permitting timelines help you plan efficiently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must-have; you cannot legally start or run the business without a BN assigned by the Canada Revenue Agency. The BN ties together your tax accounts (corporate, payroll, GST/HST) and is used on invoices, remittances, and government filings. Treat this as non-negotiable groundwork before any project activities begin.
Next, ensure health and safety requirements and permits are in place. For highway, street, and bridge construction, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is mandatory to protect workers and meet provincial rules. You’ll also need to follow site safety practices, provide training and personal protective equipment, and obtain any municipal or provincial permits and approvals required to operate on Burnaby roads and construction zones.
BC Business Name Registration is required if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership under a trade name. Alongside this, GST/HST Registration may be needed if you sell taxable goods or services, and Payroll Deductions Registration is necessary if you have employees (to withhold income tax, CPP, and EI). These accounts link back to your BN and help you stay compliant with tax and payroll obligations.
Next steps: start with obtaining your BN, then register your BC business name if needed, set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as applicable, ensure WorkSafeBC coverage, and secure any site permits. Consider talking to a small-business advisor or using provincial resources to confirm Burnaby-specific requirements for your highway, street, and bridge projects. With a solid registration foundation, you can focus on safe, compliant project planning.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a highway, street, and bridge construction in Burnaby:
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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 highway, street, and bridge construction:
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The ATTC provides qualifying Ontario employers with a refundable tax credit equal to 25% of eligible expenditures (30% for small businesses) incurred during the first 36 months of a qualifying apprenticeship, up to a maximum of $5,000 per qualifying apprentice per year. The credit applies only to apprenticeship programs that …
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The Labour Mobility Deduction (LMD), enacted via Bill C-241, provides tradespeople and indentured apprentices in construction with a personal income tax deduction of up to $4,000 per year for eligible temporary relocation expenses. The worker must temporarily relocate more than 150 km from their ordinary residence within Canada for at …
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A $595 million program (Budget 2021) plus $90 million additional (Budget 2024, for housing trades). Since its launch in 2022, the program has funded 11,459 employers to create 17,208 apprenticeship placements. Provides $5,000 per first-year apprentice hired in one of 39 eligible Red Seal designated trades. An additional $5,000 is …
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