Start an Other Residential Care Facility in Burnaby
This page provides a practical roadmap for launching an Other Residential Care Facility (NAICS 623990) in Burnaby. You’ll get a clear overview of the five regulatory requirements, the permits you’ll need, and what costs and timelines to expect from planning to licensing. We cover municipal and provincial licensing, site readiness, and the steps to turn a space into a compliant, safe care setting.
What you’ll learn: a step-by-step guide to the five requirements, where to apply, and what reviewers want to see. We’ll break down permits, fire and safety compliance, zoning checks, staffing and background checks, and business licensing. You’ll also receive realistic cost ranges and a practical timeline to budget and plan confidently.
Why Burnaby works: this city blends growth with solid community services and a supportive business climate. Its proximity to Vancouver, access to skilled workers, and clearer permit pathways can help you open a high-quality facility efficiently while serving local families with care and compassion.
Requirements Overview
In Burnaby, the most critical requirement for operating a care facility is obtaining a Business Number (BN) registration. This government-issued ID is needed to handle taxes, hire staff, and run financial accounts. Without a BN, you can’t legally open business banking or file returns, so securing this registration is a non-negotiable first step for any operation in British Columbia.
Beyond getting registered, you’ll want to focus on health, safety, and proper approvals. This means putting resident and worker safety measures in place, such as clear safety policies and staff training, plus securing any necessary permits or approvals (including local zoning, fire, and building safety). It’s important to have WorkSafeBC coverage for your employees and to establish practical safety and emergency procedures to keep everyone protected.
On the business-registration and tax side, plan for BC Business Name Registration if you’ll operate under a name other than your own, and pursue GST/HST registration if your taxable sales meet the threshold. If you employ people, you’ll also need a Payroll Deductions registration to handle withholdings and payroll taxes. These steps tie back to your BN and ensure your financial operations stay compliant.
Next steps: map out your business structure, confirm which registrations you need, and start the applications with the CRA and BC registries. Gather the required documents, set up payroll, and coordinate with WorkSafeBC and local authorities as needed. If you’d like, I can tailor a simple, Burnaby-specific checklist to keep you on track without feeling overwhelmed.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other residential care 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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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 residential care 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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