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Commercial Security

News and updates from Alarm Systems about business security, video cameras, access management, and alarm monitoring for your business.

Feature Image-biometric access control

Biometric Access Control For Your Business

While an access card or password can be misplaced, stolen, or cloned, Biometric access solutions ensures that the only people accessing your facility are the ones who have permission. Today’s Biometric access control solutions help businesses increase security by better controlling access credentials and protecting user privacy.

What is biometric authentication?

Biometric authentication is a security process that uses your unique biological characteristics to verify that you are who you say you are. This involves a complex mathematical formula to verify you based on your physical metrics.

Simply, biometric authentication allows you to better protect secured areas. The most common types of biometric authentication are fingerprints, iris scanners, and facial recognition.

Biometric Access Control For Your Business

Is Biometric Access Control Right for My Business?

Facial biometrics for authentication offer the highest grade of security and the best user experience while protecting the privacy of users.

Biometrics are inherently more secure and convenient than keys, cards, and PIN codes. They are becoming increasingly popular as a security solution of the digital age, especially in the workplace. Facial recognition is perfectly suited for physical access control: unlocking doors, safes, and turnstiles for authorized personnel because it is quick and secure.

What doors are best suited for Biometric Access?

Biometric access solutions can be used for just about any door. Our solution seamlessly integrates with many leading enterprise access control systems. However, it is not always practical to replace all access points with a biometric reader. Here are 3 types of doors that may be the best fit:

High Security Doors

These doors may require 2 factor authentication for added security. Using biometric data as one factor makes spoofing these entrances more difficult. They are also more secure because critical credentials such as pins and key cards can be shared whereas biometric data can not.

For Example: Cash rooms, evidence rooms, security rooms, data storage.

What if I don’t want to have my image included in a database?

Up until now, facial biometric authentication would compare your individual data against a database of collected images or video stills. While this is still how most facial biometric verification works, updates in facial recognition technology allow for the elimination of a picture database providing a more private experience for the user.

Stonelock, for instance, uses near-infrared technology to capture reflectivity data that is not visible to the naked eye. Mapping data points on your face but not storing any images or data such as gender, ethnicity, or age. This allows them to protect users’ privacy better than any facial biometric product on the market has before. 

Speak to an Access Control Specialist Today

StoneLock delivers a frictionless, trusted, and revolutionary approach to secure facial authentication. Speak to a member of our sales team and discover how easy it is to integrate StoneLock GO.

camera maintenance

Should You have Your Security Cameras Serviced?

Security Camera maintenance may not be a top priority for many business owners, after all, ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it’? But regular maintenance is important to the longevity and reliability of your cameras. Without regular and diligent maintenance – both ‘digital’ and physical – the quality of video images will start to erode, and the risks of failure increase.

Why Does My Camera system need maintenance?

The need for the ‘digital’ maintenance of surveillance cameras – specifically through the timely application of firmware and software upgrades – is well understood as being necessary to sustain and monitor performance, and for effective cybersecurity. However, the physical maintenance of surveillance cameras, which is no less important for peak performance, is often less rigorous. This can lead to degraded quality of video which can impact post-incident investigations and be costly.

Human operators can cope with views of scenes that are ‘good enough’ but necessary details may be lost when it is most critical. For today’s A.I.-powered cameras, the images are being ‘viewed’ in an entirely different way. Processing units look at data – whereas humans look at images – and the impact of unclear images can be huge. There’s no way for a processor to ‘see around’ a partially obscured view.

A.I. Powered cameras do more than record, they can identify and notify of of suspicious or unexpected activity in real time.
A.I. Powered cameras do more than record, they can identify and notify of of suspicious or unexpected activity in real time.

Make cameras part of your infrastructure maintenance plan.

You should add your cameras to your maintenance plan. This could include cleaning them as regularly as you have your windows cleaned to ensure a clear view, especially important for exterior cameras. Dirt build-up on a cameras’ casing can obscure details and spider webs, invisible during the day can become a problem at night when the camera’s infrared sensors hit them.

Regular reviews of your surveillance system are also important, especially if you don’t have someone assigned to review your cameras daily. There is nothing worse than an incident occurring and when you go to check the footage you discover the camera has been obscured or offline.

Things you should check for:

Are they operational & recording?

Are they still pointed in the right place?

Is anything obscuring their view?

What is your storage capacity?

A security camera maintenance plan will help maintain the quality of your system. It may also be worth speaking to your supplier about a service plan. Have a technician inspect your cameras annually, to check cabling and other components are in proper working condition. This will help identify potential issues early and allow for pre-failure intervention. 

Speak to a Security Consultant Today

Surveillance cameras represent a significant investment for any organization. Regular and effective physical maintenance is essential to ensure your investment remains reliable for the longest possible time. Speak to a security consultant today to learn about our camera service plans.

The Power of Access Control feature: A woman opens the secure area with a keycard, generating a notification

The Power of Smart Access Control

An Access Control Solution creates transparency about who is accessing your business and when. Digital access tools such as pin codes, key cards, and FOBs can be individually programmed ensuring every employee only has access where and when they need it.

Generate reports around who accesses your business & when.
Check in real-time to see who is in the building.
Receive notifications on unexpected activity.
Eliminate the risk and cost of lost keys.
Control access from one simple interface.
The Power of Smart Access Control

Reporting

With digital access control, all access is logged, including failed attempts. This provides business owners with insight into who is accessing your building and what happens after hours.

Your Access Control system can even be used as a secondary punch clock. Because each access card or pin can be linked to a specific employee it is easy to pull reports on when they entered the building.

Awareness From Anywhere

Alarm systems Access Control app alerting business owner when an unexpected person unlocks a door on a mobile phoneSmart Access Control gives you the power to monitor access to your business in real time. You can easily see who has access and when they accessed. Your system can also send alerts, so you know if the office was opened on time and by who.

Smart Access Control also allows you to remotely secure or grant access. This reduces frustration and time if an employee forgets to lock up properly or gets locked out.

Security

Physical keys create several unintended risks, the leading one being: what happens when a key is lost or stolen?

Rekeying doors is expensive and having an unaccounted-for key is a major security risk. With an Access Control System, you have complete control of who has access to your business and when. You can deactivate devices at any time. If a key is lost, stolen, or never recovered from a former employee, you can remove its access and protect your business.

Automation

Create custom rules that provide access for delivery drivers or service professionals at specified times or restrict access to personnel after hours. Access can be customized based on schedules or what parts of your business an employee needs access to.

Smart Access Control can be linked to other systems as well like lighting and your thermostat to automatically optimize your business’ energy efficiency.

The Power of Smart Access Control

Managed Access (Leave it to Us!)

Controlling access to your business is even easier with Managed Access Control. Avoid the hassle and investment of expensive specialized hardware by leaving it to us.

Alarm Systems both hosts and manages the database, server applications and hardware infrastructure. We provide all functionality and needs of the account and components.

You can perform day-to-day operations from the secure web client or app; no training or specialized knowledge is required. This is a wonderful solution for businesses that want to leave security to the experts and focus on what they do best.

Our team is here to manage your access control solution, so you don’t have to. Contact us for a free security audit today.

IOT-Q

TechTalks: IOT – Wireless Temperature Monitoring & Reporting

Alarm Systems presents Tech Talks, a regular webinar on Smart Security. This month we featured wireless temperature monitoring. Learn how smart wireless monitoring can save time & money and protect you from unnecessary losses. With Special Guest Speaker, Shawn German Vice President, WatchNET Inc.

Watch the edited webinar below:

Request a Free Audit of Your Facility 

What is IOT?

IOT or The Internet of things is a term that describes digital devices with sensors that can process and transmit data via a network These devices are capable of monitoring a condition, such as temperature and providing both real-time and historical data.

This data can be used to make more informed business decisions such as predicting the failure of a device such as a fridge be tracking declining efficiency. Or providing real-time alerts when a device detects an abnormality such as a sudden change in temperature.

IIoT Technology can be configured for almost any industrial application. Wireless sensors can record events and report over long distances. Run detailed reports, and improve operational efficiency.

Request a free audit of your facility.

Case Study: Rideaucrest Kingston

Alarm Systems integrated wireless temperature monitoring and reporting for the Rideaucrest Long Term Care home in Kingston. We installed devices both in their foodservice fridges and vaccine storage fridges with unique conditions for notifications for each.

Challenges:

  • Existing dietary temperature monitoring system aging and unreliable
  • Difficulty with vaccine storage as temp recording inconsistent – staff shortages
  • Tight budget for equipment upgrades

Solutions

  • New wireless temperature sensors in all dietary fridges and freezers
  • New wireless temperature sensors in Vaccine and specimen fridges
  • Text and email alerts to dietary for kitchen fridges
  • Text and email to nursing for specimen fridges
  • Escalating phone call and audible alarm for vaccine fridge
  • Live dashboard with ability to pull reports from each fridge/freezer
Request a free audit of your facility.

Q&A

Are there other industries that could benefit from IOR solutions?

WatchNET has hundreds of wireless sensors and solutions for virtually any monitoring need.

Alarm Systems can work with you to understand what your business needs and design a unique solution for you.

Motion
Air Quality
Light
Temperature
Moisture
Many More

What is the Wireless range of WatchNET IOT devices?

WatchNET transmitters utilize LoRa technology to transmit long-range signals. Our devices can cover about 5km in an open area or through 10-12 concrete barriers. That could represent coverage over several floors in a typical building. They effective in most commercial applications

What does an integration of a wireless temperature monitoring system look like?

Integrating these wireless sensors is very simple. The sensors and gateway are plug-and-play. Place the sensor in your fridge, connect the gateway to an ethernet cable and they are preprogrammed to find one another and begin syncing the WatchNET cloud.

For integrations where there is increased digital security, we also have a gateway that can use a cellular transmitter to bypass your network.

Do you have any IOT solutions for agriculture?

This is an industry that WatchNET is very focused on. They have dozens of sensors for agriculture applications such as farms or vinyards.

Soil PH
Soil Acidity
Ambient Moisture
Temperature
light
Many More

How can notification be customized for wireless temperature monitoring?

Notifications are highly customizable.

  • Send notifications by text and/or email
  • Set notifications for specific temperatures or times of day
  • Set a specific temperature range to account for fluctuations
  • Set delays on alerts to minimise unnecessary notifications
Request a free audit of your facility.
retail security feature image demonstrating the people counting feature with article title

It’s time to upgrade Your Retail Security System?

What if your security system could do more than simply notify police or passively record events? Smart Security is transforming the way we do business. Turning our security systems into essential devices that not only secure the property but also improve efficiency.

Remote Access

Whether you have multiple locations, or a single property Smart Security gives you the ultimate control over any business. Access, cameras, temperature can all be controlled from your online account.

Remotely arm /disarm your system or lock/unlock doors. Set schedules to automate your security and limit when specific users have access. View live and recorded camera video from anywhere. Remotely export incident footage for sharing and easily view your video system’s operating status.

Your system can also send alerts directly to you when it is disarmed or about unauthorized activity. If an alarm is triggered, you can receive a video alert and quickly verify whether it’s an emergency or false alarm with one touch on your mobile app

It’s time to upgrade Your Retail Security System?

Automation

Reduce energy bills with smart thermostats and energy management technology. Your Smart Security system can be programmed to respond to events or time of day. Don’t waste money heating or cooling a property when no one is there; smart away mode automatically adjusts the temperature when the security system is armed. Lights and heating can be activated automatically when the system is disarmed in the morning.

Business Intelligence from security automationLocal devices can be locked, to restrict employees from cranking up the AC or blasting heat outside your preferred range. Meanwhile, you will still have full control. Check current temperatures and make adjustments from your app quickly and easily.

Protect critical assets by monitoring the temperatures of freezers/refrigerators, server rooms, medical supplies, and more. Receive alerts if temperatures exceed a set range and retrieve historical reports summarizing temperature conditions for compliance.

Create reports that include summaries of key information such as open/close times, access history, or walk-in freezer temperatures.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Now more than ever, understanding how people move through your business is vital. AI transforms your security cameras into powerful monitoring devices that help optimize your operations—saving you time, money, and frustration.

With video analytics, you can create occupancy management rules to help protect your business and better understand customer traffic patterns.

Make informed decisions to keep your customers and employees safe with features like:

Occupancy Tracking

People Counting

Heat Mapping

Crowd Gathering

Queue Monitoring

Pro Tip: Use heat maps to see where you have the most foot traffic and help boost profits by moving high-value products into those areas.

These tools help you track and visualize where people spend the most time within an area during a specified date and time range. Allowing you to easily determine occupancy, crowding, or when lines are exceeding your targeted wait times.

Is it time to upgrade your business’ security system? Speak to one of our Security Consultants today about Smarter Commercial Security. 

mircom fire panel

DVAC System Sunset 2022

Unfortunately, carriers are only offering limited support for this legacy system after May 13th, 2022.

To avoid disruptions with your service in the future, we recommend upgrading your system.  This will ensure continued support for your panel in the years to come.

Common Questions About DVAC Sunset

What is DVAC?

DVAC or Digital Voice Access Control Systems – is a form of communication used in fire alarm monitoring and security and intrusion alarm monitoring. DVAC is an analog circuit, run by your telephone service provider (Bell Canada) which acts as a dedicated line for your security system or fire alarm monitoring system to communicate alarms to your monitoring company. This technology is typically used in high-risk situations and for properties that need to maintain a ULC certificate.

Why are you discontinuing DVAC support?

DVAC is no longer a viable option for your alarm panel. Manufacturers are no longer making certain parts making some repairs impossible. The increasing costs to maintain this out-of-date technology is leading providers to shut down their DVAC lines.

What are my options?

The most common alternatives for replacing legacy DVAC systems are Dual-path or supervised cellular communication. The system that is right for you may depend on your location and type of system. Our technicians will discuss the best options for you. 

Dual-path:

The system can use both internet protocol (IP) communication and cellular communication to connect with a monitoring platform. This is called “dual path” because the system has two (2) unique pathways for sending and receiving signals. This creates a redundancy that acts a fail-safe for your signal and can increase reliability and speed of the signal. Dual-Path is the preferred method. 

Supervised Cellular: 

Fire Alarm monitoring is now more commonly handled through cellular communication. The cellular connection only requires one path and is also supervised much like a DVACS system. Upgrading to a supervised cellular system is relatively easy requiring a simple one-for-one panel upgrade.

How do I update my DVAC System?

Contact us to open a ticket with our service team. This will help our team assess what is required to transition quickly and with as little disruption as possible. 

Feature Image-powerg

PowerG: The Power of Wires, Without The Wires

,

Cut out the wires and plug-in peace of mind with PowerG, the leading wireless security technology for today’s homes and businesses. PowerG offers all the benefits of traditional wired security, without the hassles and vulnerabilities of wires.

Secure

PowerG devices use ultra-reliable, two-way 128-bit AES encrypted communication. This iron-clad protection blocks interference delivering unparalleled cyber protection – ensuring reliable performance with minimum false alarms.

PowerG Sensors take proactive measures against malicious attacks like Radio Frequency (RF) jamming by using a practice known as Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS). This process involves splitting the RF bandwidth into multiple channels.

The transmitter (the PowerG Sensor) and the receiver (the alarm panel) both agree on a set of channel hopping sequences that will take place and they can switch between channels rapidly. A potential intruder would never be able to adjust a RF jamming device quickly enough to effectively block a signal.

They are also certified with ULC Wireless Commercial Burglary Listing 1, 2 and 3 – an industry first in Canada! The approval means these products have been certified under the highest level of requirements for commercial applications.

Did You Know:

RF jamming is any malicious technique that prevents wireless signals from reaching their intended destination. This is accomplished by blocking the receiver with a stronger signal at the same wireless frequency as the device that is legitimately trying to communicate with it.

When this is done on an alarm system, the system doesn’t receive the incoming signals from sensors, and no action is taken during a security breach or an unfavourable environmental condition. Early wireless sensors did not take this into account, and this made RF jamming an effective way to defeat an older wireless system.

Convenient

The Long-range wireless transmission enables easy, quick wire-free and repeater-free installations. Adaptive transmission stretches time between battery changes and reduces service costs.

Extended Range

Devices communicate up to 2km/1.24 miles line-of-sight, which is 4X the distance of traditional wireless.

Long Battery Life

Adaptive Transmission Technology automatically adjusts transmission power & maximizes battery life.

Easy to Install

PowerG Devices simplify installation by reducing the cabling that needs to be installed. 

PowerG offers arguably the best wireless range in the security industry. Its powerful signal can help you overcome the range issues that other sensor lineups may experience. It is great for use in detached garages, barns, multi-building complexes, and even large industrial buildings.

PowerG devices include a range of panels, intrusion detectors, safety sensors, and more. Speak to one of our Security Consultants to learn more.  

Man reviews heatmapping security camera footage

Security Innovations Changing the way We Do Business

Smart Security with Video Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Video surveillance has been used for years to both deter and document criminal activity. The technology powering security cameras has evolved to include powerful AI and analytics tools that help keep workplaces safer and improve business efficiency.

Cameras not only record behaviour but provide valuable insights into business operations while sending real-time notifications in response to problems. For instance, heat mapping can be used to understand customer behaviour enabling adjustments that drive revenue. Alternatively, tools like Queue management notify staff when customer waiting times are too long or there are too many people in an area.

Visual data, video analytics and intelligent alerts can streamline security and improve operational efficiency. These tools include:

People, object & vehicle detection
Abandoned or removed objects
Crowd formation & queue management
Heat maps

Greater Efficiency with IIOT

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) is connecting millions of different devices, improving efficiency and saving money. From simple wireless temperature sensors to precise reporting on humidity, light, liquid, vibration and more, IIOT is allowing businesses to monitor more devices in one central place.

IIOT Technology can be configured for almost any industrial application. Businesses can save manpower previously used reviewing measuring tools or lower costs with pre-failure intervention which reduces downtime.

Convenience with Remote Control of Video & Access Management

iphone with Alarm.com app indicating which doors are lockedSmart Security Systems are connected to secure networks that give business owners the freedom to step away from their businesses while remaining in control and being able to check-in. Networked security cameras allow you to access your surveillance system remotely. Enhanced with AI, your cameras become an active tool for monitoring your business, sending notifications for significant events.

Keeping an eye on your business isn’t the only thing you can do when you’re away. Business owners no longer have to answer early morning calls to come in to unlock the store because the opening staff don’t have a key. Digital access control allows business owners to easily manage access from anywhere with their mobile devices. That means you can update an existing key card to add or remove access to a door, unlock the door remotely, or add a time-specific pin code for a user remotely.

Smart Security Solutions no longer simply protect your business, they work for your business. Improving efficiency and giving business owners the data they need to make better decisions. Whether you are a small business that wants to keep an eye on your shopfront or an enterprise business that needs to monitor millions of square feet, our security consultants can create a custom solution to meet your unique needs. Get in touch with a specialist today to learn how.

False Alarms Feature Image

False Alarm Programs, What Are They?

With the continuing growth of the use of security alarm systems in homes and businesses, police services in many jurisdictions are faced with the challenge of responding to false alarms in huge numbers. Police are reporting as much as 97% of alarms are false creating a significant impact on police resources.

police car graphic with police offer standing next to itThe Belleville Police Service reports that False Alarms are “one of the most significant misuses of police resources” and since the implementation of their False Alarm Reduction Program they have reduced the number of False Alarms they report to by 47%

In response, Police departments across Canada have begun implementing programs to reduce the number of false alarm calls their officers are being dispatched to. By reducing the financial costs associated with attending false alarms departments can reallocate resources where they would be more beneficial.

Large jurisdictions such as Toronto, York Region, Hamilton, Niagara, and Waterloo are disregarding intrusion alarms without proof of a criminal event. Local jurisdictions such as Belleville, Kingston, & Ottawa have as well. 

What is a False Alarm?

A false alarm is defined by the Belleville Police Service as “any alarm the activation of which results in police attending the premises at which the alarm is located, where there has not been any unauthorized entry into the premises and includes the activation of the alarm by testing, malfunction or by accident.”

What Triggers False Alarms?

There are a few common causes of false alarms for both fire and security systems, although specifics are variable across industries. They include the following:

table Common Causes of False Alarms

The majority (nearly a third of all false alarms) originate from employees who have not been properly trained or have triggered an alarm by accident. Faulty equipment, pets and weather are also common causes of false alarms. 

What is the Penalty for a False Alarm in Belleville?

The Security Alarm System Response Policy from Belleville Police Service outlines the fees for both home and commercial false alarms.

1st False Alarm: $0

2nd False Alarm: $50.00

3rd False Alarm: $100.00

4th & Subsequent False Alarms: $200.00

How can I avoid False Alarms?

Training

Make sure you and your employees are familiar with your security system. Familiarize yourself with your panel’s user manual, memorize and practice your security code, and ensure adequate training for anyone responsible for arming or disarming the system.

Secure

Close all windows and doors securely before arming your system. Windows or doors that are not properly closed may open after the system is armed triggering an alarm.

Upgrade Your System

Consider upgrading your system to include AI technology. Invest in cameras that leverage smart analytics to differentiate between animals, people, vehicles or debris.

Consider Your Pets

Understand how your pets may impact your system. Invest in pet-friendly motion detection or don’t install motion in areas where pets are secured while the system is armed. Newer cameras use AI to differentiate between pets and people to help avoid false alarms.

Regular Service

Ensure you are changing device batteries regularly where required. Wireless devices are designed to operate for years without requiring new batteries but will eventually need to be changed.

What is Video Verification?

Our monitoring center can vet an alarm signal by tapping into on-premise video and identifying the cause of the alarm. They are then able to dismiss false alarms or notify the police a crime is in progress with real-time updates for the police responding.

An increasing number of Police Departments have adopted verified alarm programs in the past few years. These programs are designed to reduce misuse of police resources and free up officers for legitimate calls. Video Verification platforms create a level of service from a live monitoring center agent that deters crime, reduces false alarms and increases the police response time during a critical event.

Stop False Alarms with
Video Verification

Learn More
feature Image - Access Control for Businesses, business man using keycard on door

How a Smart Access Control Solution Will Benefit Your Business

Improved Awareness

An Access Control Solution creates transparency about who is accessing your business and when. Digital access tools such as pin codes, key cards, and FOBs can be individually programmed ensuring every employee only has access where and when they need it.

Generate reports around who accesses your business and when.
Check in in real-time at any moment to see who is in the building.
Receive notifications on unexpected activity.
Easily manage access for multiple locations.

Better Reporting

With digital access control, all access is logged, including failed attempts. This provides business owners with insight into who is accessing your building and what happens after hours. 

Entrepass by KantechYour Access Control system can even be used as a secondary punch clock. Because each access card or pin can be linked to a specific employee it is easy to pull reports on when they entered the building.

How is Access Control Better than the Keys I am using?

Physical keys create several unintended risks, the leading one being: what happens when a key is lost or stolen?

Rekeying doors is expensive and having an unaccounted-for key is a major security risk. With an Access Control System, you have complete control of who has access to your business and when. You can deactivate devices at any time. If a key is lost, stolen, or never recovered from a former employee, you can remove its access and protect your business.

Access Control also allows you to remotely secure or grant access. This reduces the frustration and wasted time if an employee forgets to lock up properly or gets locked out.

Smart Business Automation

Many businesses are looking for ways to improve operational efficiency and one of the best is automation. Integrating an Access Control system into your security helps automate simple everyday functions such as unlocking the doors at 9 am.

Tie in your lights and temperature into your access control system. That way lighting, heating, and air can turn on at designated times when employees and customers are in various parts of your facility. This level of automation can make things simpler for your business while also reducing energy costs.

Keycard access for internal Access ControlCustomized Access

Create custom rules that provide access for delivery drivers or service professionals at specified times or restrict access to personnel after hours. Access can be customized based on schedules or what parts of your business an employee needs access to.

What is the Solution?

Controlling access to your business is even easier with Managed Access Control. Avoid the hassle and investment of expensive specialized hardware by leaving it to us.

Alarm Systems both hosts and manages the database, server applications and hardware infrastructure. We provide all functionality and needs of the account and components.

You can perform day-to-day operations from the secure web client or app; no training or specialized knowledge is required. This is a wonderful solution for businesses that want to leave security to the experts and focus on what they do best.

Our team is here to manage your access control solution, so you don’t have to. Contact us for a no-cost security audit today.

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Belleville

260 Adam Street
Belleville, ON  K8N 5S4

613-969-5100
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Kingston

336 Barrie Street
Kingston, ON, K7K 3T1

613-969-5100
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Brockville

15 Central Ave E.
Brockville, ON  K6V 1W5

613-342-5126
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Monitoring Station

Five Diamond Certified Monitoring Station.

1-800-361-6052