Launch Your Burnaby Security Guards and Patrol Services Today
This page helps you plan and launch a security guards and patrol services business in Burnaby under NAICS 561612. You’ll get a practical, six-step roadmap from idea to active service, including the licenses and permits you’ll need, upfront costs, and a realistic timeline. It’s designed to be approachable and action-focused so you can move forward with confidence.
Learn the six requirements you must meet to operate legally in Burnaby: business registration, a provincial Security Services license, a Security Worker license, a criminal record check, adequate liability insurance and bonding, and the necessary training and compliance measures. We outline where to apply, typical costs, and how long each step takes—from filing the first application to approvals—so you can budget and plan milestones.
Burnaby’s growing local market and proximity to Vancouver make it a strong place to launch a trusted security service. With clear steps and local compliance front and center, you can start strong and grow confidently.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a security guards and patrol services business in Burnaby is BC Security Worker Licence. This licence is mandatory for anyone performing security duties in British Columbia, and you cannot legally operate or employ guards without ensuring each guard holds a valid licence. It is non-negotiable and must be in place before you start providing services.
Beyond the licence, there are mandatory operational requirements that focus on health, safety, and permits. Make sure your team is properly trained and that every guard on the roster holds the required licence. Maintain clear safety policies, incident reporting, and ongoing compliance with WorkSafeBC. Having WorkSafeBC coverage and registration protects workers and your business, and helps you meet provincial safety standards.
For business registration and taxes, you’ll need to secure a Business Number (BN) and handle provincial registrations appropriate to your structure. If you’re operating as a sole proprietorship or partnership, register your BC business name. In addition, plan for tax registrations: GST/HST registration if you meet the threshold, and payroll deductions registration if you have employees. These steps ensure you can legally collect taxes, remit payroll amounts, and stay compliant with federal and provincial rules.
If you’re ready to move forward, start by confirming licensing for all guards and setting up your safety programs, then register your BN and BC business name, and file the necessary GST/HST and payroll registrations. You’re taking solid, practical steps toward a compliant, thriving security service in Burnaby—with clear, non‑negotiable foundations and a path you can follow.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a security guards and patrol services 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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BC Security Worker Licence RequiredProvincial licence required for security guards, private investigators, and armoured car personnel in British Columbia Security Worker Licence from BC Security Programs. Fee: $60 (1-year), $120 (2-year), $180 (3-year), $240 (4-year). Training required: Basic Security Training (BST). Criminal record check required. Apply through Security Industry Licensing Centre. Processing: 4-6 weeks. Contact: 604-660-5228 or 1-888-891-5556.
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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 security guards and patrol services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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