How to Start Regina New Single-Family Housing Construction
This page helps you launch a Regina-based project in New Single-Family Housing Construction (NAICS 236115). It breaks down the eight essential requirements you’ll need to meet, outlines the permits and approvals you’ll face, and gives a realistic look at typical start-up costs and a project timeline—from pre-construction planning to moving in.
Here’s what you’ll learn: how to navigate Regina’s permitting process, what licenses or registrations are commonly required for builders under NAICS 236115, the range of soft and hard costs you should budget for, and a practical timeline that helps you forecast permits, site work, foundations, framing, inspections, and final occupancy. The eight requirements will be broken into clear steps you can act on today.
Why Regina? The city’s growing demand for new homes, supportive planning environment, and efficient permit timelines can help you bring projects online faster while keeping costs predictable. Pair that with Regina’s strong workforce and community infrastructure, and you’ve got a solid footing for your new single-family builds.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement to legally operate a building business in Regina is obtaining a City of Regina business licence. This local licence is what lets you legally run construction work in the city, and you cannot operate without it. It’s non-negotiable and signals to clients, inspectors, and regulators that you’re meeting Regina’s basic rules for doing business.
On the operational side, focus on health, safety, and permits. If you hire employees, you’ll need to register with the Saskatchewan WCB (Workers’ Compensation Board) so workers are covered in case of an injury. Build a strong safety plan and follow on-site rules to protect crews and stay compliant. In addition, most construction projects require local building permits and approvals from the City of Regina before work starts, so coordinate with the municipality early to avoid delays. If you’re operating with a partner or in a certain business structure, ensure your setup supports these requirements from day one.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll handle several items that depend on how you structure your company. Trade or register under a name with Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) if you’re not operating as a named corporation. You’ll also obtain a Business Number (BN) from the CRA to handle tax programs like GST/HST, payroll deductions, and corporate filings. Depending on your structure, you may need Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration. GST/HST registration is required if you meet the revenue threshold or want to claim input credits, and Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you have employees.
If you’re ready to take the next step, map out your business structure, confirm the name you’ll use, and start the licence and registration process. Contact the City of Regina for the licence, the ISC and CRA for registrations, and plan timelines to stay compliant as you grow. With a clear plan and the right registrations in place, you’ll be set to
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a new single-family housing construction (except for-sale builders) in Regina:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Regina. Apply to City of Regina 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 Regina Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your new single-family 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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