Start Your RV Dealership in Burnaby: A Practical How-To Guide
This page helps you plan and start an RV dealership in Burnaby, tied to NAICS 441210. It offers a clear, actionable roadmap: a five-item requirements overview, the permits and licenses you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to get you selling vehicles. Whether you’re expanding a current business or launching anew, you’ll find practical steps you can act on today.
Key things you’ll learn include a concise checklist of the five requirements, what each permit entails, and where to apply in Burnaby and British Columbia. We break down costs you should expect—from licensing fees to basic site setup and insurance—and outline a practical timeline from planning through to opening your showroom. With these basics in hand, you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
Burnaby’s strategic location near Vancouver, strong outdoor recreation culture, and growing consumer demand for RV travel make it a smart fit for an RV dealer. Tap into a thriving market with fewer barriers and more opportunity.
Requirements Overview
The most critical starting point for operating a recreational vehicle dealership in Burnaby is obtaining a Business Number (BN) Registration. The BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally run your business without one. It acts as the central government ID for taxes, payroll, and other filings, and you’ll need it to open supplier accounts, file returns, and manage your finances smoothly.
Mandatory operational requirements focus on health, safety, and permits. Make sure your workplace is covered by WorkSafeBC and that you follow occupational health and safety rules for employees and customers. If you hire staff, you’ll also need to set up payroll practices in compliance with the law. In addition, verify any local permits or licenses Burnaby requires to operate a storefront or showroom, and keep these up to date as your business grows.
Business registration and tax are the next essential steps. If you plan to operate as a Sole Proprietor or Partnership, register your BC Business Name. You’ll also need GST/HST Registration if your taxable revenue crosses the threshold (generally $30,000 in a year, or you anticipate reaching it). And if you have employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration. Together with the BN, these registrations keep you compliant with federal and provincial tax and labor rules.
Next steps and encouragement: start by checking name availability with the BC Registry, then set up your BN with the CRA, register your BC Business Name if appropriate, and enroll for GST/HST and payroll as your team grows. Don’t hesitate to seek a quick consult with a local accountant or business advisor to map out timelines and keep you on track. You’ve got this—taking these steps will set a solid, compliant foundation for your Burnaby RV dealership.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a recreational vehicle dealers 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.
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