Start Your Burnaby Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors
This Burnaby guide shows you how to launch an Other Foundation, Structure, and Building Exterior Contractors business (NAICS 238190). It provides a practical, step-by-step path to start, including a six-item requirements checklist, the permits you’ll need from Burnaby and provincial authorities, and a realistic budget and timeline from day one to first project.
You’ll learn the six essential requirements to get licensed and compliant, such as registering the business, obtaining a Burnaby city business license, securing WorkSafeBC coverage, lining up liability insurance, considering bonding where needed, and handling tax registrations. The page also covers the permits involved for foundation, structure, and exterior work, typical startup costs, and a clear timeline for running you through the process.
Burnaby’s growing construction scene and easy access to Metro Vancouver projects make this a strong, achievable market for new contractors. With practical steps and local permit insights, you can move from idea to first job faster.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a building exterior contracting business in Burnaby is SkilledTradesBC Compulsory Trades Certification. This credential is legally required and you cannot legally operate without it. Without this certification, you cannot perform the essential trade work, bid on projects, or meet licensing and insurance expectations—the non-negotiable foundation for doing this line of work.
For health, safety, and permits, focus on getting the basics in place. You must have WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration to protect workers and comply with provincial safety rules. Maintain a solid safety program, provide necessary training, and keep jobsite safety practices up to date. Ensure you have any required permits and follow proper site procedures, including personal protective equipment and incident reporting, so every project runs smoothly and stays compliant.
On the business and tax side, you’ll need to handle several registrations. Start with a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to manage tax and payroll affairs. If you are operating under a name other than your own, register your BC Business Name for a sole proprietorship or partnership. GST/HST Registration and Payroll Deductions Registration are also part of this setup if you have employees or meet the revenue thresholds, so keep these numbers current and file on time to avoid penalties.
If you’re ready to move forward, take it step by step: confirm your SkilledTradesBC certification, set up WorkSafeBC coverage, and complete the BN and BC name registrations. Then plan for GST/HST and payroll needs. Consider a quick consult with a local small-business advisor or accountant to map timelines and ensure you have all prerequisites in place. You’re on a solid path to launching a responsible, compliant exterior contracting business in Burnaby.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other foundation, structure, and building exterior contractors 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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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 foundation, structure, and building exterior 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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