Launch Your New Multifamily Housing Construction in Markham
This page guides you through starting a new multifamily housing construction project in Markham under NAICS 236116. It’s a practical, action-focused overview that spells out the 16 requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits you must obtain, typical costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to occupancy. If you’re exploring options or ready to move, you’ll find clear steps to keep your project on track.
You’ll learn the step-by-step process, from land-use checks and zoning to securing building permits and passing inspections. We break down the costs you’re likely to see—land, materials, labor, and contingency—and map a practical timeline with pre-construction, permitting, construction, and commissioning phases. With the 16 requirements in view, you’ll gain confidence to plan, budget, and communicate clearly with partners and stakeholders.
Markham’s growing rental demand, strong local economy, and supportive planning environment make this a smart fit for new multifamily projects. By starting here, you’ll align with available resources, timelines, and community goals while staying practical about permits, costs, and pace. It’s a compelling path to delivering quality housing faster and more efficiently.
Requirements Overview
Starting a multifamily housing construction business in Markham requires understanding a set of essential safety, licensing, and professional-qualification rules. The health and safety requirements—Construction Project Health and Safety Requirements and the Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance—are legal obligations that apply to every project, and you cannot operate without meeting them. If your work involves structural components, you will typically need a Professional Engineer Stamp to certify designs and drawings, which is a common qualification needed for approvals and inspections.
Beyond safety, there are mandatory steps to keep workers and the public protected and to avoid delays. Plan for Ontario One Call utilityLocates before any digging, and, for renovations or demolitions, complete a Designated Substance Survey to identify hazardous materials. For projects involving new homes, Tarion Warranty Corporation registration is usually required, and you must have WSIB coverage for all workers. These operational safeguards help ensure your site runs smoothly and is legally protected, with proper insurance to cover construction risks.
On the business side, you’ll need the right registrations and tax numbers. Start with a City of Markham Business Licence and register your Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, plus Ontario Business Name registration with ServiceOntario if you’re operating under a registered name. You’ll also handle Employment Standards Compliance, GST/HST Registration, and Payroll Deductions Registration as your workforce grows. Completing these steps early prevents penalties and keeps payroll and tax reporting on track.
Next steps: map out all required registrations for your project, connect with Markham Building Services and a licensed professional engineer, and set up a practical compliance calendar. Gather the needed documents, secure the appropriate insurance, and tackle registrations in stages—starting with the basics
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a new multifamily housing construction (except for-sale builders) in Markham:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Markham Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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Construction Project Health and Safety Requirements RequiredConstruction projects must comply with Ontario Regulation 213/91 covering fall protection, excavation, scaffolding, powered equipment, confined spaces, and other construction-specific hazards. Comply with OHSA and O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects). Jan 2024-2025: crane safety updates. July 2025: washroom maintenance records required. Jan 2026: O. Reg. 480/24 servicing records. 20+ workers: JHSC required. Menstrual products required (20+ workers, 3+ months). Oct 2024: electronic posting allowed. Working at heights training mandatory. Contact MOL: 1-877-202-0008.
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Constructor Duties and Responsibilities RequiredGeneral contractors and constructors have specific duties under the OH&S Act including appointing supervisors, ensuring compliance with regulations, providing equipment and training, and implementing safety programs. OHSA s.1 definition: person undertaking project for owner. Overall responsibility for project compliance. Bill 190 (Oct 2024): washroom maintenance records July 2025, detailed records Jan 2026 (O. Reg. 480/24). Form 1000 collection. Weekly inspections (O. Reg. 213/91 s.14(4)), daily recommended. May have dual duties as employer/owner. Single contractor = general contractor = constructor. Contact MLTSD: 1-877-202-0008.
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Ontario One Call - Utility Locates RequiredBefore excavation, contractors must request utility locates through Ontario One Call to identify underground infrastructure (gas, electric, telecom, water, sewer). Mandatory for all excavation work. Required by law before any ground disturbance. Submit locate request 5 business days ahead (single property) or 10 days (multiple). Valid 60 days minimum. Administrative penalties since May 1, 2024. FREE service. O. Reg. 213/91 s.228 for contractors. Private infrastructure (BBQ gas lines) are owner's responsibility. 24/7 service. Contact: 1-800-400-2255 or ontarioonecall.ca.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Professional Engineer Stamp (Structural Work) RequiredStructural and certain other construction work requires design and approval by a licensed Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) registered with Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO). P.Eng. license required from PEO for structural work. Must have seal issued by PEO. Required for: wall removal, roofline changes, underpinning, structural modifications. Certificate of Authorization (C of A) for firms. PEAK CPD mandatory since Jan 2023. Nov 10, 2025: license suspension risk for PEAK non-compliance. Multiple stamps needed based on competency. Must be "Practising" status to use seal. Contact PEO: 416-224-1100.
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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Designated Substance Survey (Renovation/Demolition) ConditionalRequired before demolition/renovation of buildings. Before renovation or demolition of buildings constructed before 1990, a designated substance survey must identify asbestos and other hazardous materials. Workers must be trained and protected. Required under s.30 OHSA before renovation/demolition. Identifies 11 designated substances: asbestos, lead, mercury, silica, arsenic, benzene, etc. Also covers PCB, mould, urea formaldehyde. Non-compliance = work stoppages, liability. Hire qualified DSS consultant. O. Reg. 278/05 for asbestos. April 2025-March 2026: MLTSD enforcement focus. Contact qualified environmental consultant.
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Tarion Warranty Corporation Registration (New Homes) ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Builders of new homes in Ontario must be registered with Tarion and provide statutory warranty coverage. Required for all new home construction sold to consumers. Builders must enrol homes with Tarion before construction/sale. Fee based on sale price (tiered). Capital replenishment: $300+HST (April 2024+). Condos: 2x regular fee for conversions. Buyers: register within 45 days of signing for max deposit coverage (Jan 2026 rule). Not-for-profit since 1976. HCRA license required first. Contact: 1-877-982-7466.
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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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Commercial General Liability Insurance (Construction) RecommendedConstruction contractors should maintain commercial general liability (CGL) insurance covering bodily injury, property damage, and completed operations. Often required by clients and for municipal permits. CGL required by contracts, not statute. Typical minimums: $2M-5M for larger projects. Covers third-party bodily injury, property damage. Additional insureds often required. Wrap-up insurance for large projects. Contractor-controlled or owner-controlled (OCIP/CCIP). Professional liability separate. WSIB separate requirement. Contact RIBO broker.
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General Contractor License (if required)While Ontario does not require general contractor licensing at the provincial level, some municipalities may require business licenses for contractors. Federal or provincial incorporation recommended. Ontario has NO general contractor license. HCRA license only for new home construction/renovation. Compulsory trades require STO certification. Builder/vendor must register with Tarion. Municipal business licenses may apply. WSIB and insurance required. Constructor duties under OHSA. Check HCRA for residential work. Contact HCRA: 416-487-4272.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your new multifamily housing construction (except for-sale builders):
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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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ACLP offers low-interest construction and permanent financing for new purpose-built rental apartment projects. Loans are interest-only during construction, then convert to a 10-year term with up to 50-year amortization. Previously known as the Rental Construction Financing Initiative.
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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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