Start Recreational and Vacation Camps in Burnaby: Learn How
This page provides a practical roadmap to launching Recreational and Vacation Camps in Burnaby, BC (NAICS 721214). You’ll get a clear overview of the five requirements you must meet, plus the permits, typical costs, and timelines to move from idea to opening day. Use this guide to assess your concept, estimate startup needs, and map out the steps to get licensed and compliant in Burnaby.
In this guide, you’ll learn the five core requirements and how to tackle them efficiently. Expect guidance on securing a municipal business license, obtaining zoning or land-use clearance, meeting safety and health standards for camps, obtaining fire safety permits and plans, and lining up insurance and staff training. We outline typical fees, where to apply, and a realistic timeline—from initial applications through to your camp launch—so you can budget and schedule confidently.
Burnaby’s family-friendly neighborhoods, parks, and strong community programs create a favorable backdrop for camps. With the right approvals in place, you can tap local demand and build a trusted, compliant operation from day one.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a recreational and vacation camp in Burnaby is a Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal must-have to run any business in Canada, and you cannot operate without a BN. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and is used for taxes, payroll, and other government interactions, so getting it set up is non-negotiable if you want to open your camp doors.
Beyond the BN, you’ll want to focus on mandatory health and safety practices and any permits that apply. Ensure you have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration for your staff, along with a solid safety plan, staff training, first aid readiness, and clear emergency procedures. In addition, verify any city or provincial permits or licenses that may be required for camp activities in Burnaby, so your programs run smoothly and compliantly.
For business structure and tax considerations, you’ll also address BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, so your business name is properly recognized. Depending on your setup, you may need GST/HST registration, and if you have employees, Payroll Deductions Registration as part of payroll obligations. WorkSafeBC ties into both safety and payroll compliance, so align these elements as you scale from startup to ongoing operation.
Take the next steps with confidence: contact the Canada Revenue Agency to obtain your BN, check BC resources for registering a business name, review GST/HST thresholds for your revenue, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage. Consider reaching out to Burnaby’s small business support team for local licensing guidance and a practical onboarding plan. You’ve got this—with these core steps, you’re on solid footing to launch a compliant, safe, and successful camp.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) 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 recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds):
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A provincial personal and corporate income tax credit for arm's-length investors who purchase shares in certified eligible NL small businesses. The credit is 35% for businesses operating outside the North East Avalon region and 20% for businesses within the North East Avalon. Maximum annual credit is $50,000 per investor. Carry-forward: …
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The Tourism Relief Fund was a $500-million federal program administered through Canada's regional development agencies and ISED to help the tourism sector recover from the impacts of COVID-19. The fund supported eligible projects involving capital upgrades, product development, and adaptation of tourism offerings to public health measures. The program's two-year …
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The Tourism Growth Program (TGP) offered repayable interest-free contributions (up to $250,000) for SMEs and non-repayable contributions for not-for-profits in the tourism sector. Approximately 15% of funding was earmarked for Indigenous tourism. Delivered by Canada's regional development agencies. The program ran from 2023–2026 and is now fully subscribed and closed …
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Provided up to $25,000 per business to Indigenous-owned tourism businesses across Canada. Administered by ITAC through provincial and territorial Indigenous tourism organizations under a $10 million allocation from the $20 million Indigenous Tourism Fund (Budget 2022). All four rounds are completed, with approximately $8.1 million distributed to approximately 330 businesses. …
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The $108M Tourism Growth Program (TGP) funded tourism businesses, associations, Indigenous tourism organizations, post-secondary institutions, and governments to create or improve tourism offerings, invest in digitization, extend seasons, and promote active outdoor experiences. Businesses received interest-free repayable contributions up to $250,000; not-for-profits received non-repayable contributions. Applications are no longer being …
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