How to Start a Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction Business in Richmond
This page gives you a practical roadmap for launching a highway, street, and bridge construction business in Richmond. You’ll find a clear overview of the six requirements to get started, the permits you’ll likely need from municipal and provincial authorities, and a realistic look at upfront costs and the timeline from setup to first bid.
You’ll learn the six requirements to begin: 1) register your business and obtain a provincial tax number; 2) set up WorkSafeBC coverage; 3) secure suitable insurance and bonding; 4) complete prequalification or registration to bid on public works; 5) obtain municipal and environmental permits and traffic management approvals; and 6) implement a solid safety program and compliant operating practices.
Richmond’s proximity to Vancouver’s infrastructure projects, strong demand for road and bridge work, and access to a skilled workforce make it a smart place to grow. This combo also helps with bidding opportunities, subcontracting networks, and steady project pipelines.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Richmond is Business Licence. This license is issued by the City of Richmond and you cannot legally start or run highway, street, or bridge construction work without it. Having a valid business licence is non-negotiable—without it you risk fines, work stoppages, or being barred from bidding on projects.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll want to focus on health, safety, and permits. In BC, WorkSafeBC coverage and registration are mandatory for all construction sites, helping protect workers and keep you compliant with provincial safety rules. If you hire employees, you’ll also need to set up payroll deductions registration as part of your payroll obligations. In addition, check with the City of Richmond and provincial authorities for any required permits related to construction activity, road work, or site access in your projects.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and reporting. If you’re a sole proprietorship or partnership, you must complete BC Business Name Registration. Depending on your revenue, GST/HST registration may be required, and if you have employees, payroll deductions registration is also necessary. These registrations keep you compliant and ensure you can properly handle taxes and payroll.
Next steps: start by applying for the City of Richmond business licence, then set up your BN with the CRA and register your BC business name if applicable. Check GST/HST thresholds and payroll obligations early, and make sure WorkSafeBC coverage is in place before you begin work. With these essentials in place, you’ll be well positioned to pursue highway, street, and bridge projects in Richmond.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a highway, street, and bridge construction in Richmond:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond 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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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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