Start Your Recreational and Vacation Camps in Richmond Today
This page guides you through launching a Recreational and Vacation Camp (NAICS 721214) in Richmond. You’ll find a practical, step-by-step path from business registration to safety planning, licensing, and site readiness. We break down the six essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, and the upfront costs to plan for in your opening months.
Key six requirements you'll meet include: 1) business registration, 2) municipal/provincial licenses, 3) a comprehensive safety and supervision plan, 4) liability insurance and waivers, 5) zoning, health, and fire-code compliance, and 6) staff hiring and training with proper certifications. You’ll also learn the typical costs—licensing fees, insurance, facility upgrades, equipment, and ongoing safety programs—and a practical timeline from planning to opening (about 3–6 months, depending on approvals).
Richmond’s family-friendly appeal and thriving local tourism make this a strong fit for recreational and vacation camps. With a clear six-step plan, realistic permits, and a sensible budget, you can move confidently from idea to opening.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Richmond is the Business Licence. This is a legal prerequisite from the City of Richmond to run a recreational and vacation camp, and you cannot legally operate without it. Securing the licence shows you meet local rules for safety, zoning, and consumer protection, and it is non-negotiable if you want to run camps in Richmond.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, permits. Health and safety come first, so you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration to protect staff and campers. If you hire employees, you’ll also manage payroll deductions and keep required records. Depending on the activities you offer, you may need local permits or approvals from the city or provincial authorities—check with City of Richmond guidelines to ensure your program complies with all safety and permitting requirements.
Business Registration & Tax. You’ll need to line up several registrations to keep things official and compliant. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor or partnership, you must register your BC Business Name. You’ll also need a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency to handle tax accounts and program registrations. GST/HST registration may be required if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold, and if you have employees, you’ll need to set up payroll deductions through the appropriate tax authority.
Encouragement. Getting these registrations in place is a solid, step-by-step process. Start by clarifying your camp concept and structure, then apply for the City of Richmond Business Licence, followed by BC Business Name registration and a BN with the CRA. Add GST/HST and payroll-related registrations as your program grows, and arrange WorkSafeBC coverage early. With a clear plan and timely steps, you’ll be on solid footing to launch a safe, compliant camp in Richmond.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) in Richmond:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond 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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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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