To hire a security company for a strata property in British Columbia, the strata council should follow a careful, strategic process that prioritizes compliance and professional standards over cost alone. Key steps include verifying that the security provider is fully licensed under the BC Security Services Act, which ensures that all guards have undergone criminal record checks and mandatory training. Councils should also verify industry credentials, such as membership with the Canadian Security Association, to ensure professional reliability.

Before hiring, it is recommended to request a comprehensive security audit of your property to identify vulnerabilities in common areas, parking lots, and entrances. When selecting a service, councils should prioritize providers that offer:

• 24/7 coverage for critical areas.
• Expertise in concierge services and mobile patrols.
• Compliance with regional privacy regulations like the Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA).
• Liability insurance and adherence to professional standards.

Finally, councils should invite qualified providers to assess their specific building layout and resident demographics to provide a personalized security quote tailored to their unique needs.