Alarm Systems

False alarms are costly to the City. From 2006 to 2012, there were over 1,100 false alarm calls per year. In 2012, false alarms cost the taxpayers more than $98,000 (dispatcher and operational support time, RCMP officer time and program administration costs). Since the implementation of the new Alarm Bylaw in 2013, calls for service (false alarms) have dramatically decreased by approximately 75 per cent. This reduction in calls allows valuable police resources to be used in other ongoing initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I submit an alarm permit application?

Download and complete the Alarm Permit Application Form. Then, submit the form using one of the following methods:

In-Person

The RCMP Detachment Front Counter Services are available during business hours.
St. Albert Place (City Hall) main floor front counter services are available Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed for holidays.

Email/Mail

Send completed applications via email (mes@stalbert.ca) or mail:
Municipal Enforcement Service
Maloney Place
96 Bellerose Drive
St. Albert, AB T8N 7A4

2. What information does the City of St. Albert need to keep the alarm permit current?

We need your most recent information on file to keep your permit current. Please contact our office if you require changes to the following:

Name
Address
Contact information
Alarm monitoring company
Business/Residence ownership

A new permit application will need to be completed if there is a change in ownership and/or address. Permits are issued in the name of the applicant (permit holder) at the alarm address and are not transferable to other residential and/or business owners or addresses.

3. Is a fee charged for false alarms in St. Albert?

There is no charge for the first false alarm per permit (where the RCMP is dispatched to your home/business for the purpose of attending a possible crime in progress) as a result of your alarm system being activated. The second and subsequent false alarms per permit will result in an invoice for a response fee:

Fees

Permit Fees - GST Exempt	2023 Fees - Total
All Buildings	$36.00

Reinstatement Fee - GST Exempt	2023 Fees - Total
All Buildings	$337.00

Response Fee	2023 Fees - Total
First False Alarm Associated to a Permit	No Charge
False Alarm in a Residential Building (including GST)	$96.00
False Alarm in a Commercial or another type of building or property up to 500 square metres in size (including GST)	$125.00
False Alarm in a Commercial or another type of building or property over 500 square metres in size (including GST)	$185.00

4. What happens if the response fee is not paid?

Payment is requested within 30 days of the incident as per Section 9(b) of the Alarm Systems Bylaw. If this amount is not paid, your alarm permit will be revoked. If your alarm permit is revoked and your system is activated, you will be issued a ticket under Section 4 of the Alarm Systems Bylaw for using an alarm without a permit.

5. What is the process for reinstatement of the alarm permit?

A permit may be reinstated upon application and payment of any outstanding response fees and the reinstatement fee.

6. What happens if there are more than two (2) false alarms?

If your alarm system generates three (3) or more false alarms within a six (6) month period, your alarm permit will be revoked (as per Section 9(a) of the Alarm Systems Bylaw). See above for reinstatement procedures.