Launch a Burnaby Motion Picture Theater: Start Your Studio Today
This page guides you through starting a Motion Picture Theater (NAICS 512131) in Burnaby. It offers a practical, no-jargon overview with a clear six-item requirements checklist, a realistic cost range, and a practical timeline from planning to opening night. You’ll find guidance on permits, licenses, and zoning steps you need to launch, plus budget considerations to keep you moving forward.
What you'll learn: the six essential requirements, including business registration and local licenses, zoning/land-use approvals, building and occupancy permits, fire and safety compliance, accessibility features, and insurance and ongoing operating licenses. We’ll outline the permits you’ll need in Burnaby, approximate costs, and a typical timeline from planning to opening.
Why Burnaby? This city blends steady growth, proximity to Vancouver, and vibrant retail and arts scenes—perfect for attracting moviegoers and building steady foot traffic. Starting a motion picture theater here puts you in a dynamic market with supportive community spaces and opportunities to partner with local venues.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a motion picture theater in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN, issued by the Canada Revenue Agency, is how the government identifies your business for taxes, payroll, and other official interactions. You cannot legally operate a cinema here without a BN, so getting this done is non-negotiable and should be a top first step before opening your doors.
For day-to-day operations, you’ll want to focus on health, safety, and necessary permits. Key items include WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect your staff and meet provincial rules for workplaces with employees. You’ll also need to handle film licensing and copyright compliance so you have the rights to screen the movies you show, plus any local permits or inspections Burnaby may require for a theatre venue (such as occupancy and fire code considerations). Grouping these ensures your venue is a safe, compliant space for customers and staff.
On the business side, you’ll handle registrations and taxes that keep your books clean and compliant. If you operate under a trade name, register your BC Business Name (for Sole Proprietorship or Partnership). You’ll also manage tax registration: GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration if you have employees. The BN you already obtained helps with turnovers and filings, but these BC registrations and tax points are essential to stay in good standing.
If you’re ready, take the next steps: speak with a local business advisor or the provincial and federal agencies to start registrations, confirm licensing and safety requirements, and line up the film licensing and payroll setup. With clear steps and support, you’ll move from planning to a smoothly run cinema with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a motion picture theaters (except drive-ins) in Burnaby:
-
Copyright Compliance (Media & Entertainment) RequiredMedia production and entertainment businesses must comply with copyright law, obtain rights/licenses, and may need to register with copyright collectives (SOCAN, Re:Sound). Copyright Act compliance for media and entertainment. Licensing agreements. SOCAN, Re:Sound royalties. Digital rights management. Fair dealing. Contact Copyright Board: 613-952-8621.
-
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).
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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 motion picture theaters (except drive-ins):
-
The Open Spaces Program is an initiative by Prismatic Arts Festival and Neptune Theatre to assist traditionally marginalized and underrepresented communities in the HRM arts community. The program provides free access to a rehearsal room, kitchen, and restroom facilities including power, lighting, and stage space. Artists of all disciplines and …
-
The Lunenburg Foundation for the Arts provides grants for both emerging and established artists working across the full range of artistic media, as well as arts-based organizations. Grants are awarded based on artistic merit, financial need, and benefit to the arts in Lunenburg County. A jury chair is appointed by …
-
The Trail & District Arts Council disburses $1,000 annually to performance, literary, or visual artists under 18 years of age towards arts training and development. The amount awarded to each applicant varies depending on the number of applicants and amounts requested. Training must take place within 12 months after the …
-
The Town of Rosetown provides information and access to numerous cultural, sports, and recreation funding opportunities for individuals, community groups, and non-profit organizations. Available funding sources include the Saskatchewan Lotteries Community Grant, Community Initiatives Fund (CIF) Community Vitality Program, Creative Kids, Saskatchewan Arts Board grants, and the Rosetown & District …
-
The Share and Connect: Indigenous Community Arts program seeks to empower Indigenous communities to control and develop their own arts and culture. It is a SK Arts program supported by funding from Sask Lotteries through the partnership between SK Arts and SaskCulture Inc. The program has two annual deadlines (January …
Ready to Launch Your Business?
Starting a business can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Our AI-powered business matcher can help you understand exactly what you need for your specific situation.
Try Our AI Business Matcher Get Expert Help
No credit card required • Takes 2 minutes
Browse Other Business Sectors
Explore business requirements in other industries: