Launch Your Richmond RV Parks and Campgrounds Business Today
This page guides you through starting an RV parks and campgrounds business in Richmond (NAICS 721211) with practical, bite-sized steps. You’ll find a clear overview of the six core requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, upfront costs, and a realistic timeline—so you can move from idea to opening with confidence.
What you'll learn: a concise overview of the six core items you’ll need to secure before launch: land use approval and zoning, a business license, a site plan or development permit, environmental and wastewater clearances, fire safety/building permits, and utility hookups. We'll also cover typical costs (land, site work, utilities, licensing fees) and a practical timeline from planning to first guests.
Richmond’s location near Vancouver, plus its access to outdoor recreation and supportive local services, makes it a strong place to launch an RV park. With growing demand for stays and a business-friendly vibe, you can attract campers and generate steady, repeat visits.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Richmond is the Business Licence. This is a legal obligation from the City of Richmond, and you cannot legally run an RV park or campground without it. Securing the licence and keeping it current is non-negotiable—it's the foundation that all other registrations and operations rely on.
Beyond licensing, there are mandatory operational steps that affect health, safety, and permits. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and register for payroll deductions. You’ll also need to meet local health and safety expectations and any required inspections or permits for campground operations (fire safety, sanitation, waste management, and related zoning or land-use considerations). Even if you don’t hire staff right away, plan for these obligations as you grow.
Business Registration & Tax: You’ll need a Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency to handle taxes and dealings with federal programs. If you plan to operate under a name other than your own, register a BC Business Name (for sole proprietorship/partnership) with the BC Corporate Registry. GST/HST registration is required if your annual taxable revenue exceeds the $30,000 threshold; Payroll Deductions Registration is needed if you hire employees, so map out these steps early.
Next steps: Start by applying for the City of Richmond Business Licence, then tackle BN and BC Business Name registration as needed. Monitor GST/HST and payroll obligations as your business grows, and don’t forget WorkSafeBC if you hire staff. Consider reaching out to a local business advisor or the Richmond Chamber of Commerce to build a simple, compliant rollout plan—taking these steps now will help your RV park grow smoothly and sustainably.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a rv (recreational vehicle) parks and campgrounds in Richmond:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Richmond. Apply to City of Richmond 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 Richmond Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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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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