How to Compare Security Companies in Victoria, BC
Six things to check when you compare security companies in Victoria: licensing, pricing, guard quality, local presence, reporting, and reputation.
By Akash Sidhu
Owner and Managing Director, Onward Security · Updated September 1, 2026
Victoria has national chains, regional operators, and local independents, and all of them say they are the best. These are the six things I would check if I were hiring.
1. Licensing and insurance
This is not negotiable. The company needs a security business licence, and every guard needs a valid BC Security Worker Licence.
Ask for proof of:
- commercial general liability insurance (venues and general contractors usually want at least $2 million)
- WorkSafeBC coverage for every guard
- the current business licence
If a company hesitates to show you any of these, stop there.
2. Pricing
Red flags:
- a low base rate with separate charges for insurance, uniforms, or admin
- rates that change by time of day without explanation
- no written quote
Green flags:
- a written quote that lists exactly what the hourly rate includes
- insurance, WorkSafeBC, and reporting built into the rate
- a price-match guarantee
3. Guard quality
Ask:
- what the guards earn (living wage means lower turnover)
- how long the longest-serving guards have been with the company
- what training goes beyond the licensing minimum
4. Local presence
National chains have deep benches but often send guards who do not know Victoria and route your calls through a call centre. Local companies know the venues, the sites, and the neighbourhoods, and you can usually reach the owner.
5. Reporting
At minimum, expect:
- shift logs with a summary of the shift
- incident reports within 24 hours
- a direct number for urgent issues
- supervisor check-ins during shifts
6. Reputation
Check:
- recent Google reviews, not just the overall rating
- BBB accreditation and complaint history
- references from local clients in your industry
- how the company responds to criticism
Making the call
Rate each company on the six points. For most Victoria businesses, licensing and insurance come first, then pricing clarity, then guard quality. Everything else is secondary.
Where Onward stands
We quote in writing and list what the rate includes. We pay guards a living wage. We are BBB A+ accredited, based in Victoria, and when you call, you reach the owner. Request a quote and compare it against the list above.