Launch a Calgary Skilled Nursing Facility: Get Started
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Skilled Nursing Facility in Calgary (NAICS 623110). It breaks down the 9 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the permits and licenses involved, typical startup costs, and a realistic path from concept to opening. It’s an actionable overview designed to keep you moving forward with confidence.
You’ll learn exactly what to prepare, including the scope of the 9 requirements, the permits and licenses to secure, and how costs add up—from facility setup and equipment to staffing and compliance. We also outline a typical timeline, with milestones for site readiness, approvals, and a go-live plan so you can budget and schedule effectively.
Calgary’s robust healthcare network, aging population, and supportive business climate make it a strong market for skilled nursing care. With clear regulatory pathways and local partnerships, you’ll have a clearer route to delivering high-quality care in a community that values seniors.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursing care facility in Calgary is Alberta Continuing Care Home Licence (Type A/B/C). This licence is legally required to run a continuing care home, and you cannot operate without it. It governs resident care, safety, and governance, and it is non-negotiable. Until you obtain this licence, proceed no further with other registrations or plans.
With licensure in place, focus on essential health, safety, and administrative requirements. You’ll need Alberta WCB Employer Registration to provide workers’ compensation and ensure safe-guarded reporting. If your revenue hits the GST/HST threshold, register with the Canada Revenue Agency. You’ll also set up Payroll Deductions Registration so you can withhold and remit taxes and employee contributions on time. These items are ongoing obligations that keep your facility compliant and protect both residents and staff.
Business Registration & Tax: To operate legally, you’ll obtain a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) for taxes and payroll. A City of Calgary business licence is required to operate locally. If you’re using a trade name or have a sole proprietorship, register Alberta Business Name (Trade Name). For a corporation or partnership, complete Alberta Corporation Registration or Partnership Registration as applicable.
Next steps: map out a practical timeline, gather the required documents, and begin applications for licensure and registrations. Consider getting help from a regulatory advisor if you’d like. Take it one step at a time, and you’ll move from planning to a compliant, ready-to-operate facility that prioritizes residents’ safety and well-being.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) in Calgary:
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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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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Calgary. Apply to City of Calgary 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 Calgary Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Alberta Business Name Registration (Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship) RequiredRegistration of business names (trade names) for sole proprietorships and partnerships with Alberta Corporate Registry (CORES) Register through authorized registry agent. Fee: $10 government + ~$50 service fee. Complete Declaration of Trade Name form (REG3018). Requires government-issued photo ID. Cannot use "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation". Registration does not grant name ownership. Contact: Service Alberta registry agent.
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Alberta Continuing Care Home Licence (Type A/B/C) RequiredLong-term care homes (nursing homes) providing 24-hour nursing care must be licensed by provincial health ministries. Licensing ensures comprehensive regulatory oversight for vulnerable residents requiring significant medical and personal care. Requirements include facility construction standards, nursing and physician coverage requirements, staff-to-resident ratios, medication management systems, and infection control programs. Homes must implement resident care protocols, dietary standards, recreation programs, and family involvement policies. Licensing standards address resident rights, restraint use, falls prevention, and skin and wound care. Long-term care homes undergo regular inspections (scheduled and surprise), resident quality indicator monitoring, and complaint investigations. Staffing includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and personal support workers with mandatory training. Violations result in compliance orders, administrator penalties, public postings of inspection results, fines up to hundreds of thousands of dollars, and potential license revocation. Apply to Alberta Health for continuing care licence under Continuing Care Act (April 2024). Submit application with insurance, corporate documents, environmental health inspection, fire inspection. Meet accommodation and health service standards.
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Alberta WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees or contractors in Alberta. Workers' Compensation Board employer registration for workplace injury coverage in Alberta Register online at wcb.ab.ca. Most employers required by law. Minimum premium: $200. Premium rate based on industry classification per $100 assessable earnings. File annual return with worker earnings. Some industries exempt but can apply voluntarily. Contact: WCB at 1-866-922-9221.
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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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Alberta Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating a business in Alberta. Registration to incorporate a business in Alberta. Incorporate through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($30-40) 2. Prepare Articles of Incorporation 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay incorporation fees Government fee: $275 + ~$100 service fee. Annual return required ($50 government fee + ~$25 service fee). Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration for general or limited partnerships in Alberta. Register through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Complete Partnership Registration form 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships require registration. Government fee similar to trade name registration. Service fees not regulated - compare agents.
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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