Launch Your Other Building Equipment Contractors Business in Burnaby
This page is your practical starter guide for launching an Other Building Equipment Contractors business (NAICS 238290) in Burnaby. You'll get a clear overview of the seven requirements, the permits and registrations you'll need, and what it costs to get up and running. Expect a realistic timeline from setup to first project, plus a simple checklist you can start using today.
What you'll learn: the seven key Burnaby requirements, which permits and licenses apply to an equipment contractor, and typical startup costs—from registration and licensing to insurance and basic bonding. We'll map the timeline from initial registration to securing your first contract, with practical tips to stay compliant, competitive, and confident in bid decisions.
Why Burnaby works: a growing construction market, proximity to Vancouver, and a supportive local business climate make Burnaby a smart place to launch an equipment contracting business. The city’s resources, suppliers, and demand for reliable contractors give you a strong footing to build credibility fast and grow a solid local reputation.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification. This credential is legally required to perform regulated skilled‑trades work in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate a building equipment contracting business without it. It is non‑negotiable — you must have this certification in place before taking on jobs or advertising services.
Beyond this core credential, there are mandatory operational elements to keep your team safe and compliant. If your work involves elevator systems, you’ll also need an Elevator Contractor Licence. In all cases, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage for your workers and stay compliant with their rules and reporting. Build a solid safety foundation with proper training, protective equipment, and processes to prevent injuries, because safety and regulatory compliance go hand in hand with reliable service.
For the business to run smoothly and be traceable to the government, you’ll handle registration and taxes. You need a Business Number (BN) for your dealings with federal agencies, and you should register a BC Business Name if you’re using a name other than your own for a sole proprietorship or partnership. GST/HST registration is required for most contractors who cross the revenue threshold or choose to register, and payroll deductions registration is needed if you have employees. These registrations help you bill customers correctly, remit taxes, and manage payroll properly.
You’ve got this — take the next steps with confidence. Start by confirming your SkilledTradesBC certification, then check any Elevators work licensing needs, set up your BN and BC business name registration, and get GST/HST and payroll registrations in place. Finally, line up WorkSafeBC coverage and a solid safety plan. With these steps, you’ll be on solid footing to grow a compliant, successful building equipment contracting business in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other building equipment contractors in Burnaby:
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Elevator Contractor Licence RequiredLicence required to install, maintain, or repair elevating devices in BC. Apply to Technical Safety BC for Elevator Contractor Licence: 1. Register with BC Business Registry 2. Ensure qualified mechanic on staff 3. Obtain required surety bond 4. Submit application through Technical Safety BC Annual renewal required. Must comply with Safety Standards Act. All elevator work requires permit from Technical Safety BC.
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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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SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification RequiredMandatory certification for designated skilled trades in British Columbia through SkilledTradesBC Skilled Trades Certification required for designated compulsory trades. Workers must be registered apprentice, certified journeyperson, or designated Uncertified Experienced Worker. First 7 electrical/mechanical trades implemented Dec 1, 2023. Three automotive trades added 2024. Employers must maintain 2:1 apprentice to journeyperson ratio. Experience pathways: Level Challenger (1-4 years exp), Trade Qualifier (5+ years), or Uncertified Experienced Worker (5+ years, 5-year authorization). Contact SkilledTradesBC: 778-328-8700.
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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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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 other building equipment contractors:
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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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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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