Launch Surrey Nursing Care Facilities: Navigate 7 Requirements
This page walks you through starting a nursing care facility (skilled nursing facility) in Surrey under NAICS 623110. It breaks down the seven requirements you’ll need to meet, the permits and licenses involved, and the practical steps to move from idea to opening day. You’ll find a concise overview of the regulatory landscape, cost ranges, and a realistic timeline you can plan around.
You’ll learn the seven requirements at a glance, including licensing by the BC Health Authority, facility certification, zoning and occupancy permits, building code and fire safety compliance, business licensing, insurance, and a robust staffing plan. We also cover typical start-up costs—licensing fees, construction or renovation, equipment, and ongoing operating expenses—and a practical 6–12 month timeline from planning to opening.
Surrey’s growing senior population and a collaborative healthcare ecosystem make it a practical, high-potential location for a skilled nursing facility. With careful planning, clear timelines, and smart budgeting, you can build a trusted community resource.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a nursing care facility in Surrey is BC Community Care Facility Licence (Residential Care). This licence is issued by the provincial regulator and you cannot legally run a residential care facility without it. It sets the care standards, safety rules, and resident protections that facilities must meet, so obtaining and maintaining this licence is non-negotiable for any Surrey operator.
Beyond licensing, there are mandatory operational steps for health, safety, and permits. Make sure you have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect staff from on‑the‑job injuries. You’ll also need to secure the necessary permits to operate: a BC Business Licence from the City of Surrey and, if you’re a sole proprietor or partnership, BC Business Name Registration to use your chosen name.
On the business registration and tax side, you’ll want your numbers in place early. Register for a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to open essential tax accounts. You’ll typically set up GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration to handle sales tax and employee withholdings, along with payroll remittances for your staff.
Next steps: start with the care facility licence application, then line up municipal licensing, name registration, and your BN with CRA. From there, add GST/HST and payroll registrations and ensure WorkSafeBC coverage is active. If you’d like, I can help you create a practical 60‑day action plan to get everything in place smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a nursing care facilities (skilled nursing facilities) in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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