Start a Skilled Nursing Facility in Burnaby: Your 6-Requirement Roadmap
This page gives you a clear, practical path to launching a Skilled Nursing Facility (NAICS 623110) in Burnaby. You’ll find a concise overview of the six requirements, the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from idea to opening—so you can plan with confidence.
You’ll learn the six essential requirements and how they fit together: business license and provincial health authority licensing; zoning/building permits; fire and safety compliance; staffing and training plans; budgeting for capital and operating costs; and a practical opening timeline. The page breaks down what each step involves, costs, and milestones, so you can map your milestones and avoid delays.
Burnaby is a strong fit for a skilled nursing facility, with a growing senior population, excellent access to Vancouver’s health networks, and a business-friendly municipality that supports healthcare services. The location offers a steady resident base and opportunities to partner with local clinics, hospitals, and caregivers—helping you streamline referrals, staffing, and patient care.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursing care facility in Burnaby is the BC Community Care Facility Licence (Residential Care). This licence is legally required by provincial regulations, and you cannot legally run a residential care facility without it. It is non-negotiable—without this licence, you would face penalties or closure. Securing this licence must be your top priority before pursuing any other steps.
Beyond licensing, there are mandatory operational requirements that cover health, safety, and permits. Establish solid health and safety practices, infection control, and staff training. Make sure the facility meets fire safety standards and building-code requirements, with clear safety policies in place. For employment and safety compliance, arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for your staff and set up payroll deductions. If your operations reach applicable thresholds, plan for GST/HST registration as part of ongoing regulatory compliance.
Business Registration & Tax basics involve setting up the official paperwork and tax numbers. You’ll need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you should register a BC Business Name if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. Also plan for GST/HST registration as your taxable supplies grow. Getting these pieces in place helps you bill correctly, pay taxes on time, and keep your finances organized.
Next steps: start by confirming licensing requirements with BC’s health authorities, then tackle the registration steps in parallel. Gather the necessary documents, build a simple, practical compliance plan, and consider talking to a local advisor to keep you on track. You’ve got this—take it one clear step at a time and you’ll be well on your way to opening a safe, compliant facility for Burnaby residents.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) 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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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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BC Community Care Facility Licence (Residential Care) RequiredLicence to operate residential care facilities, long-term care homes, and assisted living in British Columbia under the Community Care and Assisted Living Act Apply through regional Health Authority Community Care Facilities Licensing. No licensing fee charged by Health Authority. Related costs: criminal record checks, first aid training, municipal business licence. Must comply with Residential Care Regulation. Inspections conducted regularly. Contact your local Health Authority CCFL office.
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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 nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities):
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The HIPP provided up to $200,000 over 9 months for Stage 1 proof-of-concept, with Stage 2 covering up to 75% of eligible expenses over up to 3 years (minimum 25% applicant cost-share). Eligible applicants included Alberta post-secondary institutions, government entities, health delivery agents, and for-profit or not-for-profit organizations. The program …
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SUAP provides contribution funding for a wide range of projects including substance use prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery. Individual project awards have ranged from approximately $1.6 million to $6.3 million in recent announcements. Eligible recipients include not-for-profit health organizations, universities, Indigenous organizations, and other levels of government. For-profit organizations …
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CIHR Catalyst Grants are short-term seed grants (up to 1 year) designed as a first step toward larger, longer-term research projects. The Digital Health stream specifically targets early and mid-career researchers and Indigenous Health researchers working on digital health technologies. Application deadline: March 17, 2026. Total pool: $1,000,000 (approximately 10 …
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