Start Your Zoos and Botanical Gardens in Surrey Today
Here you'll find a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a Zoos and Botanical Gardens business in Surrey (NAICS 712130). This page outlines the seven essential requirements you must meet—from zoning and site permits to animal care and safety standards. You’ll also get a clear sense of the permits you’ll need, typical startup and ongoing costs, and a realistic timeline from concept to opening.
Learn exactly what the seven requirements cover, how to prepare strong permit submissions, and where to budget for facility build-out, exhibits, and animal care. We walk through licensing, insurance, staff training, and visitor amenities, plus the approvals process and expected timelines—so you can move from plan to opening with confidence.
Surrey is a smart fit for Zoos and Botanical Gardens thanks to a growing audience, family-friendly communities, and strong tourism potential near Vancouver. The city’s support for cultural and educational attractions—along with local suppliers and partners—creates solid opportunities for partnerships, grants, and sustainable growth under NAICS 712130.
Requirements Overview
In Surrey, the most important first step is obtaining a Surrey Business Licence. This licence from the City is required to legally operate a zoo and botanical garden, and you cannot run the facility without it. If you plan to operate as a sole proprietor or in a partnership, you’ll also need BC Business Name Registration; if you later choose to incorporate, you’ll register the corporate name separately.
For day-to-day operations, focus on health, safety, and regulatory permits. If you have employees, you must have WorkSafeBC coverage and set up payroll deductions with the Canada Revenue Agency. Some activities may involve additional regulatory checks, such as Cultural Property Export Controls if you ever plan to export cultural items; otherwise these controls are not an everyday burden but could apply to specific projects. It’s wise to align these items with your planned activities so you’re not caught off-guard.
On the business and tax side, you’ll want to establish your business structure and tax numbers. A Business Number (BN) from the CRA will be your central ID for GST/HST, payroll, and corporate taxes. For a sole proprietorship or partnership, BC Business Name Registration is required; if you operate under a company, you’ll register the corporate name accordingly. GST/HST Registration may be necessary if your revenue crosses the threshold or you choose to register, and Payroll Deductions Registration with the CRA is required if you have employees.
You’ve got this. Next steps: contact the City of Surrey for your Licence, decide your business structure (sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation), and start the name and BN registrations. Create a simple compliance calendar, and consider speaking with an accountant or business advisor to keep everything aligned and on track.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a zoos and botanical gardens in Surrey:
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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 Surrey. Apply to City of Surrey 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 Surrey 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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Cultural Property Export Controls ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Museums and dealers must comply with cultural property export permit requirements and Canadian Cultural Property Export Review Board regulations. Cultural Property Export and Import Act. Export permit for cultural property over 50 years old. Review process. Designation criteria. Contact Canadian Heritage: 1-866-811-0055.
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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 zoos and botanical gardens:
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The City of Castlegar's Grants in Aid program accepts applications from community organizations four times per year. The program supports non-profit and community groups delivering programs and services in Castlegar, including arts and cultural organizations. Applications are reviewed quarterly by City Council.
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The Municipality of Pictou County provides Municipal Grants to non-profit sector and charitable organizations that offer community-based programs and services that replace, supplement, or complement the municipal mandate. Grants benefit one or more council districts or the entire municipality. This includes support for arts, culture, and heritage organizations and initiatives.
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The Major Events Grant from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg encourages new or expanding large-scale events that create positive economic impact in the community. This includes arts and cultural festivals and events that drive tourism and community engagement in Lunenburg County.
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The Community Recreation Program Grant from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg helps with the delivery of new or expanded cultural, social, heritage, and/or recreation programs. The maximum grant is $1,000. The program supports non-profit and charitable organizations delivering community-based cultural and recreation programming.
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The Major Recreation Capital Grant from the Municipality of the District of Lunenburg supports the development, expansion, or improvement of outdoor cultural, social, heritage, and/or recreation facilities and equipment. The grant is for projects valued at $10,000 or more, with a maximum grant of $15,000. Applications are accepted annually with …
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