Starting a Food Business in Port Coquitlam

1. What you need to operate legally

To sell food commercially in Port Coquitlam, BC, you need two things:

• A business license from the City of Port Coquitlam
• Food safety approval from Fraser Health Authority

You also need to produce your food in a licensed commercial kitchen — not at home. This is a requirement from Fraser Health for anyone selling food to the public.

2. City of Port Coquitlam Business License

Every business operating in Port Coquitlam needs a business license from the City. This is a straightforward application form.

What you'll need to submit:

• Your legal business name
• Your business type (food production, catering, etc.)
• The address of your commercial kitchen
• Basic contact information

If you're producing at Sincerely Kitchen, you'll use our address: 1140-551 Sherling Pl, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 0J6. We confirm zoning compliance and review your application before you submit.

3. Fraser Health Approval

This is the main step in the process. Fraser Health Authority is responsible for ensuring all food sold to the public is produced safely. Their approval involves submitting several documents and passing a site inspection.

What Fraser Health requires:

• A completed food safety plan for your specific products
• Your FoodSafe certificate (Level 1 minimum)
• Details about your production process
• Information about your commercial kitchen facility
• A site inspection of the kitchen where you'll be producing

The full application and review process typically takes 6–8 weeks. Fraser Health reviews your documentation, may ask follow-up questions, and schedules an inspection of the kitchen facility.

4. FoodSafe Certification

FoodSafe is a food safety training program recognized across British Columbia. You need at least a FoodSafe Level 1 certificate before Fraser Health will approve your application.

What to know:

• FoodSafe Level 1 covers safe food handling, storage, preparation, and hygiene
• The course can be taken online or in-person
• It typically takes one day to complete
• The certificate is valid for 5 years

If you don't have your FoodSafe yet, you can take the course while your other applications are in progress. Just make sure it's completed before Fraser Health finalizes your approval.

5. Your Food Safety Plan

A food safety plan is a document that describes how you'll handle food safely during production. Fraser Health needs to see that you've thought through every step of your process.

Your plan should cover:

• A list of all products you'll be making
• Ingredients and potential allergens
• Your production process from start to finish
• How you'll store raw ingredients and finished products
• Temperature controls for cooking, cooling, and storage
• Cleaning and sanitation procedures
• How you'll handle labelling and packaging

6. Timeline: What to expect

Here's a realistic timeline for the full process:

A quick form submission with the City of Port Coquitlam. Can be done in a single sitting.

Submit your food safety plan, FoodSafe certificate, and production details. This is the main step and involves document review and a site inspection.

Once approved, Fraser Health notifies the City of Port Coquitlam.

The City issues your business license. You can start operating once you've submitted your license application and have Fraser Health approval.

7. Costs breakdown

Here's what you can expect to pay when starting a food business in Port Coquitlam:

Government fees:

• City of Port Coquitlam business license: $350
• Fraser Health permit: $150 (if needed — only required for high-risk products sold directly to customers)
• FoodSafe Level 1 course: Varies by provider (typically $90–$130)

Commercial kitchen:

• Sincerely Kitchen packages start at $490/month for 10 hours of kitchen time
• Includes prep stations, commercial ovens, induction burners, storage, and all utilities
• Permit assistance is included free — other kitchens charge $200+ for this

Compare that to building your own kitchen:

• Build-out cost: $50,000 – $100,000+
• Equipment, maintenance, utilities, and insurance: all on you
• Construction timeline: 6–12 months before you can even start

8. Why you need a commercial kitchen

In British Columbia, if you want to sell food to the public, you need to produce it in a commercial kitchen that meets Fraser Health standards. Producing at home is not permitted for commercial sale.

A commercial kitchen gives you:

• A facility that meets health and safety regulations
• Commercial-grade equipment for efficient production
• Proper food storage (dry and cold)
• A compliant address for your business license
• The ability to scale production as your business grows

What's included at Sincerely Kitchen:

• Commercial convection ovens
• Prep stations with stainless steel surfaces
• Induction burners
• Dry and cold storage
• 24/7 access with key fob
• All utilities (electricity, water, gas)
• Building insurance, cleaning, and pest control
• Online scheduling system
• Free permit assistance
• A community of 200+ food entrepreneurs

9. Next steps

You've read the guide. You know what's involved. The process is simpler than most people think — especially with the right support.

Here's what to do next:

Come visit Sincerely Kitchen at 551 Sherling Pl in Port Coquitlam. We'll show you the space, the equipment, and answer all your questions. No commitment, no pressure — just an honest conversation about your plans.

We'll recommend the right package based on your production needs. Most new members start with our Starter 10 at $490/month.

From your business license application to Fraser Health approval, we walk you through every step — included free with your membership.