Start Your Kelowna RV Parks & Campgrounds: Practical Guide
This page offers a practical, step-by-step overview for starting an RV parks and campgrounds business in Kelowna (NAICS 721211). It outlines a six-step path with six essential requirements—zoning and land-use, development and building permits, campground licensing and operating approvals, environmental and site planning, fire and safety compliance, and business licensing with ongoing compliance. You’ll get clarity on the permits you’ll need, typical startup costs, and a realistic timeline to plan with confidence.
You’ll learn the action-ready steps: how to prepare a site plan, navigate municipal zoning, apply for development and building permits, and satisfy inspections and safety codes. The guide also covers upfront costs, financing options, and what a practical timeline from concept to opening looks like. Simple checklists keep you on track and help you forecast budgets and milestones.
Kelowna’s lakeside appeal, year-round recreation, and strong tourism create a welcoming market for RV parks. A well-planned campground can attract weekenders and seasonal guests alike, supported by local regulations that favor outdoor hospitality and a growing demand for staycations in the Okanagan.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating an RV park and campground in Kelowna is the Business Number (BN) Registration. This is a legal requirement from the Canada Revenue Agency, and you cannot legally run your park without it. The BN is how you handle taxes, payroll, and dealings with government agencies, and you’ll need it to open a bank account and file returns. This is non-negotiable.
Beyond the BN, there are mandatory operational basics to keep you compliant and safe. Obtain a City of Kelowna business licence to operate within the municipality. If you’re using a trade name (not your personal name), you also need BC Business Name registration for a sole proprietorship or partnership. If you hire employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and set up payroll deductions as required. These items cover health, safety, and local permits essential for running a campground.
On the tax and registration side, you’ll want to complete GST/HST registration and payroll registrations as needed. GST/HST registration is required if your revenue hits certain thresholds (or you can register voluntarily to claim input tax credits). Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is tied to your BN and employee payroll. Keeping WorkSafeBC coverage current is also important if you have staff.
If you take these steps, you’ll be well on your way to a compliant, functional operation. Next steps: contact the CRA to confirm your BN, check Kelowna’s licensing requirements, decide your business structure and register your BC name if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll processes. A quick chat with a local business advisor or the Kelowna Chamber of Commerce can make these steps smoother and less overwhelming.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a rv (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds in Kelowna:
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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 Kelowna. Apply to City of Kelowna 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 Kelowna 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 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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