Launch Recreational and Vacation Camps in Surrey: A Practical Plan
This page offers a practical, six‑requirement roadmap for starting a Recreational and Vacation Camps business in Surrey (NAICS 721214). It shows you how to get licensed, set up safely, and open with confidence. You’ll find a concise overview of the six requirements, the permits to secure, estimated startup costs, and a realistic timeline from planning to your first season.
What you’ll learn: the six key requirements to launch in Surrey, plus where to file for permits and how costs add up. Expect guidance on business registration, zoning and land-use approvals, local and provincial permits, fire and safety compliance, health and safety policies, and insurance and waivers. Costs vary by size and services, with common budget items like licensing, facility readiness, safety equipment, insurance, and initial staffing. We also outline a practical timeline to move from concept to ready-to-serve camp, with actionable tips to speed approvals.
Why Surrey works for this combo: family-friendly neighborhoods, abundant outdoor spaces, and proximity to Vancouver create strong demand for camps. With clear steps and local guidance for NAICS 721214, you’ll be positioned to build a memorable, safe program that families trust and return to year after year.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a recreational and vacation camp in Surrey is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This government identifier is legally required to run your business, handle taxes, payroll, and government filings. You cannot operate without a BN — it is non-negotiable. Start your BN application with the Canada Revenue Agency and keep it up to date, because you’ll need it to register for GST, hire staff, and manage payments.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health, safety, and permits are essential. Secure WorkSafeBC coverage for all staff and maintain a clear safety plan and training for camp activities. You’ll also need a City of Surrey business licence to operate legally. If you’re using a name that isn’t your legal name, register the BC Business Name for a Sole Proprietorship or Partnership to ensure your business is properly identified.
Business Registration & Tax: In addition to the BN, register for the BC Business Name if your setup requires it (when not using your legal name). For taxes, register for GST with the Canada Revenue Agency (HST does not apply in BC). If you have employees, set up Payroll Deductions with the CRA to withhold income tax and contribute CPP and EI as required. Keeping these registrations current will simplify finances and compliance.
Encouragement: Take these steps one by one and build a simple plan. Start with Surrey’s licensing requirements, gather your business details, and begin registrations. Set up a practical compliance calendar and lean on local resources (like Small Business BC or City of Surrey guidance) to stay on track. With steady, stepwise planning, you can launch your camp confidently and legally.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recreational and vacation camps (except campgrounds) in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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