Grading & Landscaping Business in New Brunswick
Low operating costs with historically low WCB rates
New Brunswick Quick Facts
Tax Rate: 15% HST
WCB: Optional (need 3+ workers for mandatory)
Business Registration: ~$142 via Service NB
One-Call: Info-Excavation — 1-866-344-5463
Season: April–November
Renewal: Every 5 years ($112)
Lowest WCB Rates in NB History
WorkSafeNB's 2026 average rate is $1.10 per $100 — the lowest in New Brunswick history. This significantly reduces operating costs compared to Nova Scotia's higher rates.
New Brunswick Grading Rates
| City | Hourly (Low) | Hourly (High) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moncton | $80/hr | $120/hr | Largest NB market |
| Saint John | $80/hr | $120/hr | Port city, industrial |
| Fredericton | $80/hr | $115/hr | Capital |
| Edmundston | $75/hr | $110/hr | Northern NB (French) |
NB has the lowest operator wages in Atlantic Canada ($20–$34.50/hr), enabling competitive pricing.
WorkSafeNB
WCB coverage is optional for sole proprietors (mandatory with 3+ workers).
Average Premium Rate:
$1.10 per $100
Lowest in NB history (2026)
Max Assessable Earnings:
$85,800
Starting Your New Brunswick Business
1. Register Your Business Name
Register via Service New Brunswick (snb.ca). Cost: $100 + $12 Royal Gazette + ~$30 NUANS = ~$142. Renewal every 5 years ($112).
2. Register for HST
Single CRA registration covers both federal and provincial portions.
3. Get Insurance
$200K minimum TPL for commercial auto. $2M CGL recommended.
New Brunswick Market
Low Operating Costs
Lowest operator wages and WCB rates in Atlantic Canada make NB attractive for competitive pricing strategies.
Bilingual Opportunity
Northern NB is predominantly French. Bilingual operators can serve the full province effectively.
Cross-Border Work
Proximity to Maine and Nova Scotia creates cross-border opportunities. Some operators serve clients in multiple provinces.
Info-Excavation
Coverage is relatively new in NB. Verify member coverage before relying on locate data. 60-day validity since March 2025.
New Brunswick Resources
Other Atlantic Provinces
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