Launch Your Burnaby RV Parks and Campgrounds Business
Thinking about starting an RV parks and campgrounds business in Burnaby? This page offers a practical, step-by-step path from idea to launch. You’ll find a concise overview of the five essential requirements for NAICS 721211, plus actionable tips to help you plan, budget, and map a realistic timeline toward opening day.
Here you’ll learn the five requirements you must prepare for: zoning and land-use approvals; a City of Burnaby business license; building and fire-code permits; water, wastewater, and environmental/health approvals; and ongoing safety compliance and inspections. We also cover typical costs, the permit timeline, and a practical schedule to keep your project moving smoothly.
Burnaby combines close proximity to Vancouver with strong local services, easy highway access, and vast outdoor tourism opportunities. For an RV park or campground, that mix supports steady demand, efficient staffing, and a compelling value proposition for travelers and locals alike. With thoughtful planning and the right permits in place, you can turn this city into a thriving base for adventures.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a RV parks and campgrounds business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This BN is issued by the Canada Revenue Agency and you cannot legally operate a business in Burnaby without it. It is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start accepting guests or filing any taxes.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Health and safety come first. Ensure you have proper WorkSafeBC coverage if you hire staff, plus the necessary safety practices, training, and incident reporting. You’ll also need to secure any local permits and inspections Burnaby requires for campground operations, including fire safety, sanitation, and waste management. Keeping a simple safety plan and clear procedures will help you stay compliant and protect guests and staff.
Business Registration & Tax: In BC you’ll typically complete BC Business Name Registration if you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership. You’ll also need GST/HST registration if your taxable supplies exceed the threshold (or you may choose to register voluntarily). If you hire employees, set up payroll deductions with the Canada Revenue Agency. WorkSafeBC coverage is a separate but essential requirement for employers.
Encouragement: Ready to move forward? Start by securing the BN, then complete the BC Business Name Registration, and add GST/HST, payroll deductions, and WorkSafeBC as applicable. Use government resources or a local advisor to map a simple step-by-step plan, and you’ll be on solid footing to open your Burnaby RV park or campground with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a rv (recreational vehicle) parks and 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 rv (recreational vehicle) parks and 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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