Launch a Lethbridge Security Guards and Patrol Services Company
Thinking about launching a security guards and patrol services business in Lethbridge? This page gives you a practical, step-by-step guide to starting up under NAICS 561612. You’ll find a clear requirements overview, including the nine essential steps, plus what permits and licenses you should expect, typical startup costs, and a realistic startup timeline to get you through the door. Plus, we highlight provincial permits and city-specific steps.
You’ll learn exactly what the nine requirements cover—from business registration and company licensing to staff training, background checks, insurance, and bonding. We’ll unpack ongoing compliance, equipment standards, scheduling, and how to price services. You’ll also see a practical cost snapshot and a realistic timeline from planning to your first patrol, so you can budget confidently.
Why Lethbridge? The city’s growing commercial zones, campuses, and events create steady demand for trusted security partners. With local regulations and a straightforward licensing path, you can start lean, win contracts, and scale thoughtfully.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a security guards and patrol services business in Lethbridge, Alberta is Alberta Security Services Worker Licence. This license is legally required for anyone providing security services in the province, and you cannot legally operate the business without it. It is non-negotiable and shows you meet the minimum professional standards to work in this field.
Beyond licensing, you’ll need to cover health, safety, and permits. Plan for a safe workplace and compliance with general health and safety rules. You’ll also need the necessary permits to operate in the community, including a municipal Business Licence from Lethbridge. If you hire staff, you’ll typically register for Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) employer coverage and you should be aware of payroll-related duties for deductions and reporting.
Business Registration & Tax: Your Business Number (BN) with the Canada Revenue Agency ties together your federal and provincial accounts. If you’re operating as a sole proprietor with a trade name, register the Alberta Business Name (Trade Name) and decide whether you’ll incorporate (Alberta Corporation Registration) or form a partnership (Partnership Registration). GST/HST registration depends on your revenue and needs; it’s part of the BN setup and will affect invoicing and credits.
Next steps and encouragement: Start by securing the Alberta Security Services Worker Licence, then take care of municipal licensing and your chosen business structure. Set up your BN and any required trade name or corporate registrations, apply for WCB and GST/HST as needed, and establish payroll processes. If you’d like, I can outline a simple checklists with exact government links to help you get everything in place smoothly.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a security guards and patrol services in Lethbridge:
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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 Lethbridge. Apply to City of Lethbridge 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 Lethbridge Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Alberta Business Name Registration (Trade Name/Sole Proprietorship) RequiredRegistration of business names (trade names) for sole proprietorships and partnerships with Alberta Corporate Registry (CORES) Register through authorized registry agent. Fee: $10 government + ~$50 service fee. Complete Declaration of Trade Name form (REG3018). Requires government-issued photo ID. Cannot use "limited", "incorporated", or "corporation". Registration does not grant name ownership. Contact: Service Alberta registry agent.
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Alberta Security Services Worker Licence RequiredLicence to work as a security guard in Alberta under the Security Services and Investigators Act, issued by Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services Apply to Security Programs. Fee: $100 (2-year licence). Complete Alberta Basic Security Training (ABST), pass exam (80%+). Requirements: fluent English (Level 5), Canadian citizen/work permit, no serious criminal record. Processing: 6-8 weeks. Get criminal record check (~$76). Contact: Security Programs at 1-877-462-0791.
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Alberta WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees or contractors in Alberta. Workers' Compensation Board employer registration for workplace injury coverage in Alberta Register online at wcb.ab.ca. Most employers required by law. Minimum premium: $200. Premium rate based on industry classification per $100 assessable earnings. File annual return with worker earnings. Some industries exempt but can apply voluntarily. Contact: WCB at 1-866-922-9221.
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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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Alberta Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating a business in Alberta. Registration to incorporate a business in Alberta. Incorporate through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search ($30-40) 2. Prepare Articles of Incorporation 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay incorporation fees Government fee: $275 + ~$100 service fee. Annual return required ($50 government fee + ~$25 service fee). Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration for general or limited partnerships in Alberta. Register through Alberta Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Complete Partnership Registration form 3. Submit through registry agent 4. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships require registration. Government fee similar to trade name registration. Service fees not regulated - compare agents.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your security guards and patrol services:
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Three-stream grant program for Nunavut-based artists, businesses, and organizations: (1) Getting Started/Arts Creation/Training — supports education, training, art supplies, equipment; (2) Arts and Culture Development — supports collaborative arts initiatives, exhibitions, shows, and touring; (3) Infrastructure Development — supports studios and cultural tourism infrastructure. Annual call for proposals.
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Provided contributions to settlement, employment, and community organizations delivering programs addressing employment barriers for racialized newcomer women, including work placements, mentorships, job counselling, and support for gender- and race-based discrimination. Program renewal ended in 2025; no new open call as of early 2026. Over 2,200 racialized newcomer women were served …
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