Launch Your Burnaby Security Systems Services Business Today
This page is your practical starter guide to launching a Security Systems Services business (NAICS 561621) in Burnaby. It lays out the five essential requirements, the permits you’ll need, upfront costs, and a clear timeline to get up and running—without unnecessary jargon.
You’ll learn exactly what the five requirements cover, how to apply for Burnaby municipal business licensing and any provincial registrations, which permits may apply to installing and servicing security systems, the typical startup costs (equipment, insurance, and licenses), and a realistic 4–8 week timeline from registration to your first service call.
Burnaby’s strong business climate and growing mix of residential and commercial properties create steady demand for security system installation, integration, and monitoring. With a convenient location near Vancouver and a supportive small-business network, starting a security systems services business here is a smart move. Burnaby's strong business parks, ongoing construction, and safety-conscious communities create steady opportunities for recurring service contracts and long-term client relationships.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a security systems services business in Burnaby is Business Number (BN) Registration. This is the official federal identifier you need to handle taxes, payroll deductions, and interactions with government programs, and you cannot legally run your business without it. It is non-negotiable — without a BN you won’t be able to open tax accounts or properly remit payroll or file returns, so start here and get it done before you do anything else.
On the operational side, health and safety requirements are essential. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and registration and maintain safe-work practices, training, and incident reporting. In addition, depending on your exact installations, you may need local permits or regulatory approvals related to electrical or building work; plan for proper compliance and keep records of safety training and procedures.
Next comes Business Registration & Tax. If you operate under a trade name in BC, you’ll need BC Business Name Registration (for sole proprietorships or partnerships). You’ll also consider GST/HST registration if your revenue crosses the relevant threshold (or you may register voluntarily). If you hire employees, you’ll need Payroll Deductions Registration to remit payroll taxes. These registrations tie back to your BN and keep your business compliant.
Ready to move forward? Start by applying for your BN, then register your BC business name if needed, and set up GST/HST and payroll accounts as soon as you have taxable sales or employees. Don’t forget to arrange WorkSafeBC coverage for your team. If you’d like, I can help map out a simple 60-day Burnaby-specific checklist so you can tackle these steps one by one with confidence.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a security systems services (except locksmiths) 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 security systems services (except locksmiths):
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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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