Launch Your Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings in Burnaby
This page guides Burnaby entrepreneurs who want to start a 561790 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings) business. It offers a practical, step-by-step overview of the five requirements you’ll need to meet, plus the permits and licenses to apply for, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to launch.
What you’ll learn: the five core requirements you must satisfy to operate legally in Burnaby, including business registration, a Burnaby city business license, provincial tax registrations, insurance, and safety/compliance. You’ll also get a clear tour of the permits and licenses you’ll likely need, rough costs, and a sensible timeline so you can plan your launch with confidence.
Why Burnaby works: Burnaby’s growing property market and proximity to Vancouver create steady demand for building maintenance and related services. A local-friendly regulatory environment and strong support for small businesses make it a great place to start and grow an Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings business.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier lets you interact with federal and provincial programs, including taxes and payroll. You cannot legally operate without a BN, and most other registrations—such as GST/HST, payroll deductions, and WorkSafeBC coverage—rely on having one.
Mandatory operational requirements include health and safety compliance and any necessary permits. You must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your workers to meet provincial safety rules. Depending on the type of service you provide to buildings and dwellings, you may also need local permits or approvals from Burnaby for certain jobs (like building, electrical, or plumbing work). Plan to keep safety records and provide up-to-date training for your team.
Business registration and tax numbers go hand in hand with starting your business. In British Columbia, register your BC Business Name if you’re using a specific trade name and operate as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You will also need a BN from the federal government to obtain GST/HST registration and to handle payroll deductions. Consider GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies are expected to exceed the $30,000 threshold in a 12-month period, and set up payroll deductions if you hire employees (including CPP and EI remittances).
Next steps: start with the BN application and BC name registration, then tackle GST/HST and payroll registrations as your business grows. Use official resources from the CRA, BC Registry, and WorkSafeBC, and consider a quick consult with a local business advisor to map out timelines. Taking these steps now will help you launch your Burnaby service smoothly and stay compliant as you grow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other services to buildings and dwellings 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 services to buildings and dwellings:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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