Launch Your Burnaby Marina: Start a Successful Waterfront Business
This page helps you plan and launch a marina business in Burnaby under NAICS 713930. It provides a practical, step-by-step overview of the five essential requirements, from zoning and land/water use to the permits and licenses you’ll need. You’ll also get a realistic view of upfront costs and ongoing expenses, plus a clear timeline from idea to opening.
Key learning here includes the five requirements in plain language: zoning clearance and a land/water lease, environmental and water-use permits, municipal business license, life-safety and construction approvals, and a defined construction-to-launch timeline. You’ll also see typical costs for site work, dredging or docking, utilities, insurance, and permitting fees, plus milestone targets to keep your project on track.
Burnaby’s waterfront development and proximity to Vancouver make this a strong fit for marina ventures, with a growing boating community and local support for small businesses. If you’re ready to explore a vibrant, sustainable waterfront business, this page puts you on the right path.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a marina business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must; you cannot operate without it. Your BN is used to identify your business for taxes, payroll, and regulatory reporting with federal and provincial agencies, and you’ll need it before you begin any business activity.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, Safety, and Permits. For health and safety, ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for all workers, and follow BC occupational health and safety rules. In addition, marina operations typically require local permits or licenses, so check with Burnaby authorities for marina-specific compliance. Having these in place helps protect your employees and your business from avoidable penalties.
Business Registration & Tax. In addition to the BN, you’ll likely need BC Business Name Registration if you plan to operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership. For ongoing tax obligations, register for GST/HST (if your revenue meets the thresholds) and set up Payroll Deductions Registration with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle employee withholdings. These registrations ensure you collect and remit the right taxes and manage employee payroll correctly.
Encouragement: Next steps and momentum. Start by applying for your BN, then confirm whether BC Business Name Registration is needed for your chosen structure. Plan for GST/HST, payroll deductions, and WorkSafeBC coverage, and reach out to a local business advisor or Burnaby regulatory offices to map out the exact licenses and timelines. You’ve got a solid path—take the first step and keep the momentum.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a marinas 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 marinas:
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Nova Scotia Creative Industries Fund provides project-based grants of up to $30,000, covering up to 50% of eligible costs, to creative and cultural businesses and non-profit organizations seeking to grow their export markets. The program targets sectors including fashion and design, screen, music, performing arts, production and fine craft, …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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SSDIC operates through three streams: Stream One funds Provincial/Territorial Aboriginal Sport Bodies and the Aboriginal Sport Circle; Stream Two supports Indigenous governments and not-for-profit Indigenous organizations; Stream Three focuses on Indigenous women, girls, and 2SLGBTQI+ peoples. The 2024-2026 cycle invested $24.2M across 119 Indigenous-led projects. New funding available for 2026-27 …
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