Start Your London Parking Lots and Garages Business Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a parking lots and garages business in London, Ontario, under NAICS 812930. It breaks down eight essential requirements and gives you a clear path from idea to opening day, including where to file permits, how to handle licensing, and what a typical site plan looks like. Expect straight, actionable steps you can take this week.
This page also shows what you’ll learn about permits, costs, and timelines. You’ll get an eight-point overview of requirements—legal structure, business registration, zoning approvals, safety and accessibility, insurance, maintenance, and security—plus the permits you’ll likely need (building, occupancy, signage). We break down startup costs—land or lease, equipment and software, payment systems, and ongoing maintenance—and give you a realistic timeline from planning to opening.
Why London? The city’s downtown and university corridor create solid demand for convenient parking, with supportive municipal processes and potential for smart-pay tech and EV charging. With clear steps, you can move quickly from concept to open doors.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a parking lot or garage in London, Ontario is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal must—you cannot legally operate a parking facility without it. It means putting safety first: developing a basic safety program, providing staff training, performing hazard assessments, and keeping records of incidents and safety measures. Fulfilling OHSA obligations is non-negotiable and essential to protect workers and customers.
Beyond the critical rule, focus on mandatory operational requirements related to health, safety, and permits. Ensure you have WSIB registration and ongoing coverage for all workers. Comply with Employment Standards (wages, hours, breaks) and maintain a valid local Business Licence to operate the facility. If you hire staff, these elements help create a safe, compliant workplace and reduce the risk of penalties or a shutdown.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need core registration numbers to handle taxes and filings. Obtain a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency, register your Ontario Business Name with ServiceOntario, and set up GST/HST registration. If you have employees, arrange Payroll Deductions Registration as part of your CRA accounts. These identifiers keep your finances and filings in order and ensure you can legally bill and pay taxes.
Next steps: start with a practical compliance checklist for OHSA and WSIB, then register your BN and business name, apply for your local licence and any required permits, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts. You’re on the right track—taking these steps now will set you up for a safe, legal, and smooth launch.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a parking lots and garages in London:
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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 London. Apply to City of London 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 London Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Ontario Business Name Registration (ServiceOntario) RequiredBusinesses in Ontario operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Ontario Business Registry through ServiceOntario. This includes sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal protection for the business name within Ontario and is required for banking, licensing, and business operations. Registration can be completed online through Ontario Business Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years. Register business name with Ontario Business Registry: 1. Search Ontario Business Registry (free) for name availability 2. Consider NUANS name report ($25) for thorough search 3. Register online through Ontario Business Registry 4. Pay registration fee ($60 for sole proprietorship/partnership) 5. Receive 9-digit Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN) 6. Registration valid for 5 years 7. Renew before expiry
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Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance RequiredAll Ontario workplaces must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act to ensure safe working conditions. Requirements include workplace safety policies, training, hazard assessments, and incident reporting. No registration - compliance law. Must post OHSA in workplace. JHSC required for 20+ workers (or 6+ in designated industries). Nov 2025: New administrative penalty scheme, defibrillator reimbursement. Telework now covered. Fines: up to $500K individuals, $1.5M corporations. 27 regulations under OHSA. Must conduct safety audits, maintain training records. Contact: 1-877-202-0008.
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Employment Standards Compliance ConditionalApplies if you have employees. Covers minimum wage, hours of work, vacation pay, public holidays, termination notice, etc. All Ontario employers must comply with the Employment Standards Act, covering minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, termination, severance, and other workplace rights. No registration required - compliance-based requirement. Follow Employment Standards Act (ESA) for minimum wage, hours of work, overtime, vacation, leaves, and termination. Post ESA poster in workplace (free download from ontario.ca). Keep employment records for 3 years. NEW for 2025: Employers with 25+ staff must provide written employment info to new hires by July 1, 2025. Job postings must include salary ranges by Jan 1, 2026. Call 1-800-531-5551 for help.
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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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WSIB Registration and Coverage ConditionalRequired within 10 days of hiring first employee, including family members and subcontractors. Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) registration is mandatory for most Ontario businesses with employees. Provides compensation and support for workplace injuries and illnesses. Sole proprietors and partners can apply for optional coverage. Register FREE online at wsib.ca in 15-20 minutes. MANDATORY for most Ontario employers within 10 calendar days of hiring first worker. You'll need: CRA Business Number, payroll estimate, business activity description, owner/director info. Account number issued INSTANTLY online. Construction industry has expanded compulsory coverage. Premium rates vary by industry classification. Must display WSIB safety poster in workplace.
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