Launch Your Mobile Food Services in Burnaby Today
This page provides a practical, step-by-step roadmap for launching a Mobile Food Services business in Burnaby. It distills the eight essential requirements into an easy-to-follow plan, so you know which permits to secure, which licenses to apply for, and roughly how much it will cost. Use this guide to turn your idea into your first mobile kitchen on the street.
You’ll learn exactly which licenses and permits you’ll need, plus the practical steps to get them. The eight essential requirements for NAICS 722330 Mobile Food Services cover: business registration and a Burnaby business license, health and food-safety approvals, fire-code clearance, vehicle permits and inspections, zoning compliance, insurance, waste management, and signage or location permits. We also share realistic cost ranges and a practical timeline—from application and review to your opening day—so you can plan confidently.
Burnaby offers strong demand for mobile food with diverse neighborhoods and events, plus clear municipal processes to help you succeed. The city’s central location near Vancouver and access to suppliers make it a smart launchpad for a growing mobile food business. With eight clear steps, you can start serving customers sooner and scale as you build a loyal following.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a mobile food service in Burnaby is FOODSAFE Certification. This is a legally required qualification for anyone handling, preparing, or serving food to the public, and you cannot legally run a mobile food business without it. FOODSAFE training covers essential food safety practices, hygiene, and temperature control to protect customers and reduce health risks. It is non-negotiable and should be your first step.
Next come the health permits that show your operation meets local food-safety standards. You’ll need the Fraser Health Food Premises Permit and the BC Food Service Premises Permit (through the health authority). These permits involve inspections and ongoing compliance with sanitation, equipment, and safe handling rules, and you’ll typically need to have them before you start serving customers.
On the business side, register your operation and set up tax accounts. In BC, you’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency and, if you’re operating under a specific name, BC Business Name Registration for sole proprietorship or partnership. Depending on your revenue and products, you may also register for GST/HST, and if you hire staff you’ll handle payroll deductions. WorkSafeBC coverage and registration is also required to protect workers.
Next steps: map out your timeline, gather the required documents, and reach out to the Fraser Health and BC health authorities to start permits, enroll in FOODSAFE, and set up your BN and business name. Consider a quick consult with a local small-business advisor to keep you on track. With these steps in place, you’ll move forward confidently toward a compliant, thriving Burnaby mobile food service.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a mobile food services in Burnaby:
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Fraser Health Food Premises Permit RequiredFood service establishments must obtain health operating permit from Fraser Health. Apply for Food Premises Permit from Fraser Health: 1. Submit application to Fraser Health Environmental Health (604-587-4600) 2. Required BEFORE opening; allow 2-4 weeks processing 3. Plans review may be required for new construction 4. FOODSAFE Level 1 certification required (at least one person on-site) 5. Pass pre-opening inspection: food storage, temperature, cleanliness 6. Display operating permit visibly 7. Inspections 1-3 times per year based on risk Info: fraserhealth.ca
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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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FOODSAFE Certification RequiredFood handler safety certification program recognized in British Columbia for food service workers and managers FOODSAFE certification for food service workers in BC. Level 1: ~$95 (online correspondence), 8-hour course. Level 2 (managers): $195-250, 2-day course. Valid for 5 years. Training providers across BC and online. Recognized by all BC health authorities. Contact: foodsafe.ca
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BC Food Service Premises Permit (Health Authority) RequiredFood premises permit required for restaurants, food service establishments, and food processors in British Columbia issued by regional Health Authorities Apply through your regional Health Authority Environmental Health office. No provincial fee (Health Authority may charge). Requires FOODSAFE trained staff, plan approval, and inspection. Must comply with BC Food Premises Regulation. Operating permit required before opening. Contact your local Health Authority Environmental Health.
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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 mobile food services:
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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 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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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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