Launch a Parking Lots and Garages Business in Toronto Today
This page offers a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Parking Lots and Garages business in Toronto (NAICS 812930). It breaks down the eight requirements you’ll meet, the permits to secure, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline from site selection to opening day.
You’ll learn the key requirements and the permits you’ll need, including zoning and site-plan approvals, building and occupancy permits, fire code compliance, signage permits, accessibility rules, environmental considerations, and insurance and licensing. We’ll cover startup cost ranges for site, construction or renovation, equipment (lighting, security), and ongoing fees, plus a practical Toronto timeline so you can budget with confidence.
Toronto’s dense core and growing mobility needs create steady demand for well-run parking facilities, with events, sports venues, and a high office population driving steady traffic. Clear city guidelines and a receptive market make this a practical, scalable opportunity for investors and operators who plan carefully and stay compliant.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a parking lots and garages business in Toronto is Occupational Health and Safety Act Compliance. This is a non-negotiable, legally required standard that keeps workers and customers safe. In practice, it means you implement safety plans, train staff on hazard recognition, conduct regular site inspections, and have proper reporting and incident procedures in place. You cannot legally operate without meeting OHSA obligations, so this is where you start.
Beyond safety, you’ll need the right permits and protections to run day-to-day operations. That includes obtaining a City of Toronto business licence for parking activities and ensuring your workers are covered under WSIB in case of injury. You should also align with Employment Standards for your staff—things like fair wages, breaks, and hours—so your operation runs smoothly and stays compliant.
On the business and tax side, open the proper accounts and registrations. Register for a Canada Revenue Agency Business Number (BN) to handle taxes and payroll. If you’re operating under a business name, register it with ServiceOntario (Ontario Business Name Registration). Consider GST/HST registration if you hit the threshold or choose voluntary registration, and set up Payroll Deductions registration if you have employees. These registrations streamline payments and reporting.
Next steps: verify OHSA requirements with a quick safety assessment, contact the City of Toronto about a parking licence, and line up BN, GST/HST, and payroll registrations. If you’d like, I can help map out a practical checklist and an implementation plan to get from here to compliant, confident operation.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a parking lots and garages in Toronto:
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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 Toronto. Apply to City of Toronto 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 Toronto 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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