Start Toronto Refrigerated Warehousing and Storage the Right Way
On this page you’ll find a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a refrigerated warehousing and storage business in Toronto (NAICS 493120). We outline the 12 requirements you’ll meet, the permits you may need, and the upfront costs and timelines, so you can plan with confidence. Whether you’re leasing space or building out, this is your fast track to cold storage success.
Here’s what you’ll learn: a practical overview of the regulatory requirements and where they fit in your plan. We cover likely permits—building and occupancy permits, fire code approvals, refrigeration system inspections, and environmental rules—plus licensing and insurance. You’ll see cost categories for facility build-out, cold‑chain equipment, permits, and working capital, plus a sensible timeline from site choice to first shipment.
Why Toronto works: strong demand for food and pharma storage, robust logistics, and access to industrial space make it a promising market for cold storage operators ready to scale.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a refrigerated warehousing and storage business in Toronto is Warehouse Safety and Operations. This is legally required and you cannot operate without it. It means having clear safety policies, trained staff, and procedures for safe handling, temperature control, equipment use, and incident reporting. Strong safety practices protect workers and product quality and keep you compliant. Start with a safety plan and training before you open.
Mandatory Operational Requirements cover health and safety compliance and day-to-day permits. You must meet the Occupational Health and Safety Act requirements, maintain a safe workplace, and provide training. You should have WSIB coverage for your employees and follow hazardous materials storage rules if you handle chemicals. Employment Standards compliance ensures fair pay and work hours. Some projects may trigger environmental assessments, but typical warehousing focuses on safety and storage compliance.
To operate legally, you need a Business Number (BN) from the CRA and a business licence from the city. If you use a trade name, register the Ontario business name with ServiceOntario. Depending on your revenue, you may need GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration. If you plan to store goods as a bonded warehouse for customs, you will need a CBSA Bonded Warehouse Licence.
Next steps: do a quick regulatory review, talk to a licensed advisor, and set a timeline to complete registrations. Reach out to City of Toronto licensing, the CRA for BN and GST, ServiceOntario for name registration, and a customs broker if you plan bonded storage. With a clear plan, you’ll have a solid, compliant foundation for success.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a refrigerated warehousing and storage in Toronto:
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Warehouse Safety and Operations RequiredWarehouses must comply with OH&S requirements for material handling, forklift operation, racking safety, and worker training. OHSA and regulations apply. Bill 190 (Oct 2024): electronic posting now allowed, telework covered, virtual JHSC meetings permitted. July 2025: washroom maintenance + records. Jan 2026: detailed washroom records. Material handling hazards = MLTSD inspection focus 2024-2025. Heat stress: Bill 222 proposed. Employer duties: address hazards, train workers. JHSC for 20+ workers. Contact MLTSD: 1-877-202-0008.
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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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CBSA Bonded Warehouse Licence RequiredCBSA Bonded Warehouse Licensing requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Apply to CBSA for licence to operate bonded warehouse for storing imported goods before duty payment.
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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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Environmental Assessment (Resource Extraction) ConditionalRequired for projects with environmental impact. Resource extraction operations must undergo environmental assessments, obtain approvals, and implement monitoring and mitigation measures. Environmental Assessment Act may apply to resource projects. Class EA for routine activities. Individual EA for major projects. Indigenous consultation required. MECP administers. Federal Impact Assessment Agency for larger projects. Contact MECP: 1-800-565-4923.
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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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Hazardous Materials Storage Requirements ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Facilities storing hazardous materials must meet Ontario Fire Code requirements for storage, handling, and emergency planning. May require fire department approval and inspections. MECP regulates hazardous waste under EPA. Environmental Compliance Approval (ECA) for storage >25L liquid or 25kg solid. WHMIS 2015 compliance required. Fire Code requirements for flammable storage. TSSA requirements for fuels. RPRA hazardous waste registry since Jan 2023. O. Reg. 347 waste management. Spill reporting. Contact MECP: 1-800-565-4923.
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