Launch a Surrey Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction Business
This page guides you through starting a highway, street, and bridge construction business in Surrey under NAICS 237310. Whether you’re new to the industry or expanding, you’ll find a practical, step-by-step overview focused on real-world actions: the six requirements you must meet, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a clear timeline to get on the bid list for local projects.
What you’ll learn: the six essential requirements you must complete before bidding on jobs, including business registration, insurance and bonding, contractor licenses, and the permits required by municipal and provincial authorities. We break down each permit, estimate common costs, and map out a practical timeline from company setup to first project, so you can plan confidently and stay compliant. This section also covers permits, costs, and a realistic schedule.
Why Surrey works for this business: the city’s growing infrastructure program creates steady project opportunities for highway, street, and bridge work, with good access to skilled labor, suppliers, and nearby markets. As you complete the six requirements, you’ll be well positioned to bid smarter, launch faster, and grow with Surrey’s vibrant construction scene.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a federal requirement administered by the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally start or run a highway, street, and bridge construction company in Surrey without a BN. Getting your BN set up early is essential for handling taxes, payroll, and dealings with government programs, and it is non-negotiable for lawful operation.
Mandatory operational requirements cover health and safety and the practical permits you need to work in the city. You’ll need WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers and stay compliant with safety rules on construction sites. In addition, a Surrey Business Licence is typically required to operate locally, and if you’re using a trade name, BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) helps secure your name and prevent conflicts.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also need to manage tax-related registrations. Ensure your BN is active and aligned with your BC Business Name Registration (if applicable). Plan for GST/HST Registration (needed if you meet the revenue threshold or choose to register voluntarily) and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees, so you can properly handle withholdings and benefits.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by confirming Surrey’s licensing requirements and your business structure, then tackle registrations in a practical order: BN, BC Business Name (if needed), Surrey Business Licence, WorkSafeBC, GST/HST, and Payroll Deductions. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll build a solid, compliant foundation for your construction business in Surrey. If you’d like, I can outline a tailored, step-by-step plan to fit your timeline and team.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a highway, street, and bridge construction in Surrey:
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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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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.
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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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