Hiring security guards in British Columbia requires understanding provincial regulations, knowing what to look for in a provider, and asking the right questions. Here's a practical guide for businesses and event organizers in Victoria and across BC.

BC Security Guard Licensing Requirements

In British Columbia, all security guards must hold a valid Security Worker Licence issued by the Registrar of Security Services under the Security Services Act. This means:

Guards must complete approved training through a certified provider
They must pass a criminal record check
Licences must be renewed regularly
The security company itself must hold a valid business licence

Why this matters to you: When hiring a security company, always verify that their guards are provincially licensed. Unlicensed guards put your business at legal risk and may void your insurance coverage.

What to Look for in a Security Company

Not all security companies are created equal. Here's what separates professional providers from the rest:

Licensing and insurance: Verify they carry commercial general liability insurance and WorkSafeBC coverage. Ask for proof — reputable companies provide it readily.

Guard wages: Companies that pay living wages retain experienced guards. High turnover from minimum-wage operations means you'll get different, less experienced guards every shift.

Reporting and communication: Professional companies provide shift logs, incident reports, and regular supervisor check-ins. If a company can't tell you how they'll report to you, that's a red flag.

Local presence: A security company based in your community can respond faster and understands local conditions better than a national franchise.

BBB accreditation: Better Business Bureau accreditation indicates a company has met standards for trust, transparency, and customer responsiveness.

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Before signing with any security provider, ask:

Are all your guards provincially licensed in BC?
What insurance coverage do you carry?
What is your guard turnover rate?
How do you handle incidents and reporting?
Who is my primary point of contact?
What is included in your hourly rate?
Do you have a price-match guarantee?
Can you provide references from local clients?

How Onward Security Meets These Standards

At Onward Security, every guard holds a valid BC Security Worker Licence. We carry comprehensive liability insurance and full WorkSafeBC coverage. We pay living wages because better-paid guards deliver better service. And when you call us, you reach the owner directly — not a call centre.

We're BBB A+ accredited, locally owned in Victoria, and committed to transparent pricing with no hidden fees.

Ready to Hire?

Contact Onward Security for a free quote. We'll walk you through exactly what you need and provide a clear, transparent proposal.