How to Start Saskatoon Security Guards and Patrol Services
This page delivers a practical, step-by-step guide to starting a Saskatoon security guards and patrol services business (NAICS 561612). You’ll find a concise overview of the 10 requirements you’ll need to meet, plus an actionable plan for permits, costs, and a realistic timeline to launch. Whether you’re forming a sole proprietorship or a small security firm, this guide helps you map the path from idea to operations.
What you’ll learn: You’ll walk through the exact licenses and permits required for a security provider in Saskatoon, plus registration steps for your business, insurance and bonding, employee screening and training standards, and equipment and branding basics. We break down typical costs (licensing fees, insurance, workers’ compensation, training) and provide a practical timeline from start to first client, so you can budget and schedule with confidence.
Why Saskatoon is a great fit: The city has growing demand for reliable security guards and patrol services across retail, commercial, and event spaces. A clear regulatory path, competitive start-up costs, and a supportive business climate make it a strong place to launch an 561612 service. With the right plan, you can enter Saskatoon’s security market and start protecting people and property sooner.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a security guards and patrol services in Saskatoon is the Saskatchewan Private Investigator and Security Guard Licence. This licence is legally required to practice in Saskatchewan, and you cannot operate the business without it. In addition, you will also need the Saskatchewan Security Guard Licence and a valid Business Licence as part of your baseline credentials to work in this field.
Mandatory Operational Requirements: Your day-to-day operations hinge on health and safety and proper permits. Ensure your licences are current—this includes both the Saskatchewan Private Investigator and Security Guard Licence and the Saskatchewan Security Guard Licence—and obtain a Saskatchewan Business Licence before starting work. For workers’ safety, register for Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration and implement required safety policies and training. If you have employees, you will also need Payroll Deductions Registration for payroll withholdings.
Business Registration & Tax: Register your business name with ISC and obtain a Business Number (BN). Choose your structure (Partnership Registration or Saskatchewan Corporation Registration) and complete the necessary filings. Plan for GST/HST registration if you meet the thresholds, and set up Payroll Deductions if you have employees.
Encouragement: With these steps in place, you’ll be well on your way to legally operating in Saskatoon. Start by clarifying your business structure, then secure the required licences, register your business, and set up tax and payroll registrations. Taking these concrete steps now will set you up for smooth, compliant growth.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a security guards and patrol services in Saskatoon:
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Saskatchewan Business Name Registration (ISC) RequiredBusinesses in Saskatchewan operating under a name other than the owner's legal name must register with Corporate Registry. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and business names for corporations. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations, banking, and licensing. Registration can be completed online through Corporate Registry. Business name registrations must be renewed every 5 years for sole proprietorships and partnerships. Register with ISC (Information Services Corporation) for business name. Required for sole proprietorships with trade name, partnerships. $65 registration fee, $60 renewal. Name reservation valid 90 days. Online registration also registers with Ministry of Finance and CRA.
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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 Saskatoon. Apply to City of Saskatoon 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 Saskatoon Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Saskatchewan Private Investigator and Security Guard Licence RequiredIndividuals and businesses providing private security services (security guards, bodyguards) or private investigation services must be licensed by the provincial regulatory authority. Licensing typically requires background checks, training completion, security clearance, and demonstrated good character. Security guards must complete provincially approved training programs covering relevant laws, use of force, emergency procedures, and report writing. Private investigators require demonstrated investigative experience and qualifications. Companies providing these services must also obtain business licenses. License holders must comply with ongoing requirements including annual renewals, continuing education, and adherence to professional conduct standards. Operating without required licenses can result in significant penalties and criminal charges. Obtain security licence from Provincial Protective Services: 1. Must be 18+ years old 2. Canadian citizen or legal work authorization 3. Complete SBST (Saskatchewan Basic Security Training) course 4. Pass exam with 75% minimum 5. Obtain employment with licensed security business 6. Employer submits licence application 7. Submit criminal record check (CPIC + Vulnerable Sector + Local) 8. Provide three non-family references 9. Pay licence fee ($25 new / $20 renewal)
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Saskatchewan Security Guard Licence RequiredSecurity Guard Provincial Licensing requirement for businesses in this jurisdiction. This licensing requirement ensures compliance with provincial regulations, protects consumers, and maintains industry standards. Requirements typically include business registration, professional qualifications or training, facility standards where applicable, insurance coverage, and adherence to relevant codes of practice. Specific details vary by province and business type. Businesses must consult relevant provincial authorities, regulatory colleges, or licensing bodies for complete requirements. Operating without required licensing may result in fines, closure orders, or inability to legally operate. Apply through employer to Private Investigators and Security Guards Program. Complete 40-hour SBST training, pass 75% on provincial exam (55 questions). $25 new licence, $20 renewal. Employer holds licence.
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships in Saskatchewan. Register partnership with ISC: 1. Complete partnership registration form 2. Submit through ISC 3. Pay registration fees General and limited partnerships. Annual return may be required.
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Saskatchewan WCB Employer Registration ConditionalRequired if you have employees in Saskatchewan. Employers in Saskatchewan must register with the Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) and maintain coverage for workers. WCB provides insurance for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with some exceptions for specific industries and self-employed individuals. Registration should occur before hiring the first worker or commencing operations. Employers pay premiums based on their industry classification rate and assessable payroll. Register with Saskatchewan WCB for workers compensation coverage. Required for employers in mandatory industries. 2024 average premium rate $1.28 per $100 payroll. Maximum assessable earnings $104,531. Directors on T4 excluded from 2025.
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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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Saskatchewan Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in Saskatchewan. Incorporation of a company under Saskatchewan law. Incorporate through ISC Corporate Registry: 1. Conduct NUANS name search 2. Prepare articles of incorporation 3. Submit through ISC online or registry 4. Pay incorporation fees Annual return required. Federal incorporation is alternative option.
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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