False alarm prevention
A false alarm means RCMP were dispatched, attended and found no evidence of criminal activity or imminent threat to personal safety. These may occur due to testing, malfunction or human error. The Security Alarm Systems | Bylaw No. 1546 aims to reduce false alarms by requiring a permit renewed biennially and applying penalties for repeated false alarms, creating less strain on protective services.
Program Benefits:
- Creates efficiencies: Security system holders who take responsibility for their alarm systems can help reduce policing impacts and operate their alarms more effectively.
- Cost Savings: Alarm permit holders avoid fines associated with repeated false alarms (first one’s free and then reduced cost over unpermitted alarm systems)
- Enhanced Community Safety: A more efficient use of emergency resources contributes to overall community safety.
Get an alarm permit for a security system
In the Central Okanagan, if you have a security alarm system in your home or business you must have an alarm permit and renew it every two years. You will receive a renewal invoice approximately four weeks before the expiry date. You can register online or in-person.
Manage your alarm permit
You must keep information on your alarm permit current. Security alarm permits are non-transferable, they are attached to a location and permit holder. They cannot be transferred to a new address or new property owner. You can update alarm or monitoring company information, mailing address and/or responsible party information.
Alarm permit fees
| Alarm type | Registration fee (valid for two years) | Renewal fee* (valid for two years) |
|---|---|---|
|
Residential |
$40 |
$30 |
|
Commercial |
$80 |
$60 |
* Renewal rates are only offered before an alarm permit expires.
False alarm fees
For those with an alarm permit, false alarm fees are applied on the second false alarm.
For those without an alarm permit, false alarm fees are applied on the first false alarm.
See Security Alarm Systems | Bylaw No. 1546 for a detailed fee schedule.
Note: Security alarm permit applications are processed within two business days. Once your application is processed you will receive an email with payment details (e.g. account number and PIN) to use in our online payment system.
Appeal a false alarm fee
You can appeal a false alarm fee within 90 days of the invoice being issued. Complete the false alarm appeal form, and provide any evidence to support your appeal, including a police file number.
Additional resources
- Security Alarm Permit Changes Fact Sheet
- Canadian Security Association (CANASA) – a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the security industry. See their page for home and business owners.
- False Alarm Reduction Association (FARA) – an association that serves members in the US and Canada with information and resources for false alarm reduction programs. See their page for alarm users.