Launch a Parking Lots and Garages Business in Markham Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step path to launching a Parking Lots and Garages business in Markham under NAICS 812930. You’ll find a clear eight‑requirements checklist, plus guidance on permits, licensing, and registrations. We outline typical startup costs—from site prep to equipment and signage—and provide a realistic timeline so you can move from idea to opening with confidence.
What you’ll learn here: the eight essential requirements and how to meet them efficiently. You’ll get a rundown of required permits (zoning, building, fire and safety), insurance basics, and ongoing regulatory compliance. We break down costs in practical terms and share a practical timeline from planning through opening. By the end, you’ll have a ready-to-use checklist to navigate Markham’s process with clarity and reduce surprises.
Why Markham makes sense for parking ventures: strong demand from commuters, malls, and business hubs, steady growth in development, and good transit access. The Markham market pairs well with a well‑run facility, smart accessibility, and reliable revenue streams.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a parking lots and garages business in Markham is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a legal mandate you cannot ignore or operate without. It protects workers and customers, guides safe work practices, training, and incident reporting, and non-compliance can lead to penalties or the business being forced to close.
Beyond safety, you need essential operational permits and workforce rules. You must secure a municipal Business Licence to legally run a parking facility in Markham. For your staff, ensure Employment Standards Compliance and make sure you have WSIB Registration and Coverage, along with Payroll Deductions Registration where applicable. Grouping these together helps keep your daily operations compliant and prepared for inspections or audits.
Business Registration & Tax: You also need the core administrative pieces that identify your business and handle taxes. Set up a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency, register your Ontario Business Name with ServiceOntario, and enroll for GST/HST registration. If you hire employees, arrange Payroll Deductions Registration as part of your payroll setup. These steps keep your business legitimate with the authorities and simplify tax reporting.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by contacting Markham’s business licensing team to confirm exact licence requirements and timelines. Gather needed documents (proof of identity, property details, safety plans) and begin the BN, Ontario name, and GST/HST registrations online. Consider a quick chat with an accountant or business advisor to set up payroll and compliance timelines. With a clear plan, you’ll move from compliance to smooth, focused operations.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a parking lots and garages in Markham:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Markham. Apply to City of Markham 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 Markham Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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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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