Launch Your Masonry Contractors Business in Burnaby Today
This page guides you through launching a Masonry Contractors business in Burnaby. Get a practical, step-by-step plan that covers the six startup requirements, the permits you’ll need for masonry projects, and a realistic timeline to land your first job. It’s designed to be approachable and action-oriented for new entrepreneurs.
Discover the six essential startup requirements, aligned with NAICS 238140 Masonry Contractors, from business registration and a Burnaby municipal license to WorkSafeBC coverage, insurance, tax registrations, and the permits you’ll need for masonry projects. We’ll also outline the typical costs you should expect—licensing, insurance, tools and equipment, bonding, and initial materials—and map out a practical timeline from setup to your first completed job.
Burnaby's growing construction scene, strategic location near Vancouver, and strong demand for durable masonry work make it a smart place to start. With a focused plan and the right permits, you can build a solid client base while keeping projects efficient, compliant, and positioned for long-term growth.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a masonry contracting business in Burnaby is SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification. This certification is legally required and non-negotiable—you cannot legally bid on projects, hire workers, or run a masonry business in British Columbia without it. It confirms you (and your crew) have the recognized, trade-specific credentials to do the work safely and competently.
For day-to-day operations, you also need to stay on top of health, safety, and permits. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration so workers are protected, and follow established safety practices on every job site. This includes proper training, safe work procedures, and the use of required safety gear to keep your team and clients protected.
On the business side, you’ll register the essential identifiers and accounts to operate and manage taxes. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the federal government, registering your BC business name if you’ll operate under a name other than your own (sole prop or partnership), and registering for GST/HST if you meet the thresholds or choose to enroll. If you have employees, you’ll also set up Payroll D deductions registrations with the CRA.
Take a confident, step-by-step approach: secure the SkilledTradesBC certification first, then line up your safety and regulatory registrations. Gather the needed documents, set a realistic timeline, and reach out to the appropriate agencies or a local business advisor if you’d like a quick review. You’ve got this—getting these fundamentals right will pave the way for smooth, compliant growth.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a masonry contractors 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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SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification RequiredMandatory certification for designated skilled trades in British Columbia through SkilledTradesBC Skilled Trades Certification required for designated compulsory trades. Workers must be registered apprentice, certified journeyperson, or designated Uncertified Experienced Worker. First 7 electrical/mechanical trades implemented Dec 1, 2023. Three automotive trades added 2024. Employers must maintain 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio. Experience pathways: Level Challenger (1-4 years exp), Trade Qualifier (5+ years), or Uncertified Experienced Worker (5+ years, 5-year authorization). Contact SkilledTradesBC: 778-328-8700.
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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 masonry contractors:
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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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$50M two-year initiative (2024–2026) delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. Provides repayable contributions to businesses and non-repayable to non-profits and governments, covering up to 50% of eligible costs. Projects from $200K to $5M. Applicants must have been in business at least 2 years.
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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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