How to Start a Burnaby Landscaping Services Business
This page is your practical, quick-start guide to launching a Burnaby landscaping services business (NAICS 561730). It breaks down the five essential requirements you’ll need to meet—from business registration and local permits to basic insurance—along with upfront costs and a realistic timeline. Use these clear, actionable steps to move from idea to a compliant, operating business.
What you’ll learn here: an at-a-glance requirements overview, the permits that may apply to landscaping work, and typical startup costs for gear, vehicles, insurance, and licensing. We map a simple timeline from formation to your first client, plus tips tailored to Burnaby so you know what paperwork to gather and when to file.
Why Burnaby works for landscaping services: a mix of residential and commercial properties, growing neighborhoods, and a welcoming small-business climate mean real opportunities. With the right plan and permits in place, you’ll be ready to serve clients and grow your Burnaby landscaping services business sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a landscaping services business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier is what you’ll use to handle taxes, payroll, and other essential accounts, and you cannot legally run or grow your business without it. It’s non-negotiable: without a BN, you won’t be able to process taxes, hire staff, or interact with suppliers and clients in a compliant way.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: In addition to getting your BN, there are health, safety, and permitting considerations to keep you covered. WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration is required to protect your crew and to meet provincial rules. Build a simple safety plan, provide the right protective gear, train workers on safe operating procedures, and keep up with equipment maintenance. Also check Burnaby’s local rules for any permits or licenses that may apply to landscaping work, so you stay on the right side of municipal regulations.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll also handle BC business-name and tax registrations. If you operate under a name other than your legal name, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration (for a sole proprietorship or partnership). You’ll also use your BN for tax-related accounts, and you’ll likely register for GST/HST if your revenue meets the threshold or if you plan to collect tax from clients. Payroll Deductions Registration is important to have if you hire employees now or in the future.
Encouragement: Take it one step at a time and turn these requirements into a concrete plan. Start with BN registration, then secure your business name (if applicable), and set up GST/HST and payroll registrations as your team grows. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, step-by-step checklist for your specific situation to keep you moving confidently toward a compliant launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a landscaping services 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 landscaping services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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