New & Noteworthy

ACADIA GROUP OF COMPANIES GETS PROTECTED BY REED SECURITY


When Acadia Group of Companies broke ground on their state‑of‑the‑art building at 120 Prospect Road in Saskatoon’s BizHub Industrial Park, they knew their security needed to keep pace with growth.

To meet this challenge, Acadia Group of Companies partnered with Reed Security to deploy a unified security solution - combining smart alarmsaccess control, and video surveillance into one intuitive platform.


Project Overview

Client: Acadia Group of Companies

Location: 120 Prospect Road, BizHub Industrial Park, Saskatoon

Scope: Smart alarm, access control, and video surveillance, all managed via Alarm.com


Objectives:

- Seamless integration of alarms, cameras, and door/gate control

- Centralized management via desktop and mobile

- Easily manage security for 150+ employees

- Scalable platform to support future expansion


Our Solution

1. Smart Alarm System

   - Door sensors and smart motion detectors

   - Real‑time alerts via desktop and mobile app

   - Remote arm/disarm functionality for added convenience


2. Access Control

   - Electronic door locks and gate control using smartphones

   - Customizable user profiles and schedules for yard, shop, and office areas

   - Comprehensive audit trail of every entry and exit


3. Video Surveillance

   - High‑definition cameras covering all access points and critical zones

   - AI person and vehicle detection

   - Continuous recording with secure cloud backup

   - Instant playback and clip sharing through Alarm.com


With Alarm.com's unified interface, Acadia’s facility managers can monitor alarms, manage access, and review video footage - all from a single dashboard.





About Acadia Group of Companies

The Acadia Group of Companies, founded in 1982, is a Saskatchewan‑owned and operated family of construction firms delivering turnkey solutions for large‑scale, complex projects. It encompasses Acadia Construction Inc., Acadia Paving Ltd., Acadia Pumping & Dewatering Ltd., and Integrated Engineering Inc., bringing together expertise in earthwork & civil infrastructure, civil engineering, mining & industrial, railway, environmental remediation, paving, concrete, fluid handling, and water resources. With over 150 skilled professionals, Acadia is dedicated to excellence, safety, and community engagement - values that made them a perfect partner for this project. Learn more at acadiagrp.ca.





How Acadia Leverages Alarm.com

User Management: Quickly add, modify, or remove access for up to 150 employees - no more physical keys. New smartphones simply require new mobile credentials.  

Zone‑Specific Permissions: Define access levels for yard gates, the shop floor, and the office with tailored schedules.  

After‑Hours Monitoring: The system auto‑arms every evening at a specified time, sends confirmation when armed, and alerts on any non‑typical activity - like an HVAC service door opening at 5:10 AM or unexpected entry at 8:56 PM.  

Video Verification: Link alarms to live camera feeds to verify incidents remotely. If a false alarm occurs, Jason can disarm the system and clear the event from his phone within seconds.  

Remote Control: Arm or disarm the system and unlock doors via the Alarm.com mobile app to ensure authorized personnel can enter without delay.





Why Choose Alarm.com on a Unified Platform?

Efficiency: One login, one app, one vendor—streamlining support and training.

Reliability: Enterprise‑grade hardware backed by 24/7 monitoring options.

Scalability: Easily add sensors, cameras, or doors as your facility grows.

Cost‑Effectiveness: Bundled services lower installation and maintenance expenses.


Testimonial

“Working with the team at Reed Security utilizing the Alarm.com platform has been a game‑changer for our business. The system seamlessly integrates building security, surveillance cameras, and employee access control into one simple, user‑friendly interface. Whether we’re at a desktop or on the go with the mobile app, we have full control and visibility at our fingertips. It’s efficient, reliable, and has made managing our facility’s security effortless.”

-Jason Horner, P.Eng., President & CEO, Acadia Group of Companies


Ready to Secure Your Facility?

At Reed Security, we customize each installation to your unique requirements and back it with responsive support and maintenance plans. Whether you’re planning new construction, an expansion, or a security upgrade - let’s discuss how we can elevate your security.


Contact us at 306.653.3200 or visit reedsecurity.com to schedule your no‑obligation consultation.




STAR PHOENIX INTERVIEWS REED SECURITY ABOUT BREAK-IN'S

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Brody Langager

Saskatoon StarPhoenix

Published Jan 9, 2025


Concerns about break-ins at homes and businesses are circulating online as Saskatchewan’s cold winter weather coincides with a homelessness crisis.

The province’s two largest cities don’t have the capacity to house everyone who lacks permanent shelter. Saskatoon recently reported a count of almost 1,500 people experiencing homelessness, while Regina reported at least 824.

Crime maps published by the Saskatoon Police Service and the Regina Police Service show break and enters to residential and non-residential properties in every neighbourhood.

Virgil Reed, owner and CEO of Reed Security, said cold weather increases the number of break-ins at multi-unit homes, businesses and unoccupied buildings.

“Often, it’s homeless people looking for a place to stay warm and a place to sleep,” Reed said.

Unlocked vestibules are the preferred location during late night and early morning hours, he noted.

Another method of entry is “tailgating” — an intruder following an unsuspecting tenant into a property through a main entrance or parking garage.

Reed said the company has seen an increase in demand for keyless entry systems and video surveillance with artificial intelligence.

“Access control systems restrict access to the property and require a credential such as a keytag or a smartphone to unlock a door. This limits the opportunity for unwanted visitors.”

Security cameras with AI can recognize trespassers, identify what a person is wearing and ask intruders to leave directly from the camera.

Reed said reducing property crime comes down to common sense and creating awareness.

“Always make sure your doors are locked — including vehicles. Ensure adequate lighting in parking lots, stairwells and entry points. Evaluate the security measures at your property annually and proactively implement the latest crime reduction technology.”

Based on statistical data, Saskatoon Police said break-ins don’t necessarily trend with the weather, noting the peak of break and enter crimes reported in 2024 was in August, while the highest number reported in 2023 was in May.

However, the force noted that break-ins to common areas of apartment buildings could be recorded as suspicious persons reports — which are common and can represent a variety of incidents.

In the case of a break-in to a parking garage, vehicles can often be the target, and sometimes only one of those incidents gets reported to police.

If someone got into a private building only to escape the cold outside, there likely wouldn’t be an associated charge unless there was a criminal offence, Saskatoon police noted in a statement.

“If the person is open to it, we can and would refer them to other supports. We recognize the uneasiness that might come from seeing someone unfamiliar in an apartment building, and we would encourage people to report suspicious persons if they have concerns.”



MARTENSVILLE CANADIAN TIRE GETS PROTECTED BY REED SECURITY


Congratulations!

Congratulations to Lindsay Ullathorne and team on the grand re-opening of Canadian Tire 912 in Martensville, SK! 

With 50,000 square feet of retail space and over 50,000 products, Canadian Tire is your home for all the everyday things that help you work, play and live better.  


Project goals and requirements

For a retail location like Canadian Tire, security isn’t just about protecting assets; it’s about peace of mind and maintaining a safe, welcoming environment. Lindsay Ullathorne, the owner, had two primary objectives in mind:


1. Increase Deterrence: Visible security measures act as a powerful deterrent, discouraging potential thieves from attempting any unauthorized activity.

2. Reduce Losses Due to Theft: Effective video surveillance allows for immediate investigation and response to any suspicious activities, ultimately reducing the financial impact of losses.





ReedHD
™ video surveillance

To meet Canadian Tire's needs, we installed a comprehensive video surveillance system designed for both wide coverage and detailed monitoring. Here’s an overview of the equipment and technology we implemented:


90+ High-Definition Security Cameras: Strategically positioned both indoors and outdoors, these high-definition cameras provide crystal-clear imaging day and night. Whether monitoring the aisles, entrances, or parking lot, these cameras offer complete visibility, leaving no blind spots.

Network Video Recorder (NVR) with 30-60 Days of Storage: This powerful NVR offers extended video retention, ensuring footage is available for review weeks after an incident. From theft prevention to employee safety, this extended storage feature is invaluable for ongoing security.

Desktop and Smartphone Apps: Both desktop and smartphone apps allow Lindsay and her team to monitor live feeds and playback past footage. This mobile functionality ensures they can keep an eye on the store anytime, anywhere, reinforcing security even when they’re off-site.






Testimonial

At Reed Security, we pride ourselves on a seamless installation process that prioritizes customer satisfaction. Here’s what Lindsay Ullathorne, the owner of Canadian Tire 912, had to say about the experience:


“Our Account Executive Geoff was professional, informative, and clear with his communication. Our Techs Ty and Brendan were friendly, paid attention to detail, and were tidy. Overall, Reed Security made things easy and would recommend them to others.”

-Lindsay Ullathorne, Dealer, Canadian Tire 912


Reed Security is dedicated to providing customized security solutions that meet the unique needs of every client. With a team of professionals who prioritize clear communication, friendly service, and attention to detail, we aim to make the installation process simple and effective.


Get a free quote

If you’re looking to enhance security at your location, don’t hesitate to reach out to Reed Security for a free quote. Our solutions are designed to give you peace of mind, minimize losses, and make your business a safer place for everyone.

inquire by email: sales@reedsecurity.ca

inquire by phone: 306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233



FIGHT BACK WITH SMART CAMERAS


Deter crime before it happens

Our smart cameras can detect unwanted visitors and send you instant alerts.

Perimeter Guard™ helps deter suspicious and unwanted behavior with attention-grabbing sound alerts* and a flashing LED light.

To dissuade any uninvited guests you can set up tripwire or ground zone-based recording rules that include customizing the sound alert tone and volume, as well as sound and LED flash duration.

Smart Cameras start @ $28.99 a month. Pro install included.



Vehicle detection alerts

Our smart cameras can also recognize vehicles and pets and send you instant alerts.

Say goodbye to false alerts.

Smart Cameras start @ $28.99 a month. Pro install included.




Don't just record crime, prevent it

Our video doorbells don't just alert you when a delivery arrives - it proactively protects packages. 

When the camera spots someone trying to take a package, it activates an attention-grabbing LED light and a speaker, letting the potential thief know they’ve been caught on camera.


Doorbell Cameras start @ $18.99 a month. Pro install included.



Expert design & installation


Experienced: Our security consultants are experts and have personalized solutions for 5000+ homes and businesses. Our certified technicians have 200+ years combined installation experience.

Neat and Tidy: We promise professional installation and will clean up after ourselves when completed. You won’t see any ugly wires.

Friendly and Helpful: We pride ourselves on creating great experiences. We will make sure you are comfortable with your new system. 


REED personalizes security solutions for your needs and budget.

Contact Us today for a FREE QUOTE for your Home or Business.

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233

www.reedsecurity.com







$0 COLORVU CAMERA SALE - GET 4 MONTHS FREE*


The problem with most security cameras is that the quality at night is poor!

Take a look for yourself:


EXIR NIGHTVISON: THE INFRARED ILLUMINATOR ALLOWS THE CAMERA TO SEE IN THE DARK, BUT THE IMAGE QUALITY IS POOR. THE IMAGE IS CLEAR HD QUALITY DURING THE DAY.


REEDHD™ ColorVu uses an ultra low light sensor and a built in spotlight to see in full color at night.

Take a look at the same scene with REEDHD™ ColorVu:



REEDHD
 COLORVU NIGHTVISION: THE BUILT-IN SPOTLIGHT ALLOWS THE CAMERA TO SEE IN FULL COLOR AT NIGHT AND THE IMAGE QUALITY IS IMPROVED. THE IMAGE IS CLEAR HD QUALITY DURING THE DAY.


And, here's same
 REEDHD™ ColorVu security camera during the day: 



$0 EQUIPMENT + 4 MONTHS *FREE

Our ColorVu camera packages protect your home or business 24/7 with cutting-edge crime fighting technology.
 
✅ HD ColorVu cameras with built in spot light - ideal for driveways, front entrances and yards
✅ Person Detection video analytics
✅ Instant Alerts to your smartphone 
✅ Recording of all events - up to 30 days
✅ Pro Installation
✅ Warning Signage
✅ Parts & Labour Warranty
✅ Great Local Service!

Packages start @ $38/month.

Personalize the perfect system for your home or business today!

306.653.3200 or 1.844.384.7233


THE FINE PRINT:

*Conditions apply.
*3 or 5 year subscription required. 
*$99 professional installation fee.
*High speed internet and 120 VAC power supplied by you. 
*
O.A.C. On Approved Credit.
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*Termination charges may apply for subscribers on existing plans.
*Taxes additional.

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LOCATIONS

SASKATOON SECURITY
Reed Security Group (HEADQUARTERS)
14-1724 Quebec Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9
Ph: 306.653.3200
1.844.384.SAFE (7233)

Sure Innovations
1701 Saskatchewan Avenue
Saskatoon, SK S7K 1P7
Ph: 306.974.0888

Nine Yards Technologies Inc.
Ph: 306.341.2477

 

REGINA SECURITY
ViboPulse Services
Ph: 306.206.0700

WINNIPEG SECURITY
Guardian Advanced Solutions
Ph: 204.250.7510 or 204.878.0061

PRINCE ALBERT SECURITY
Thor Security Ltd.
1-243 South Industrial Drive
Prince Albert, SK S6V 7L9
Ph: 306.922.7200

 

NIAGARA REGION SECURITY
Alltech Smart Security
Ph: 289.990.3234

KAWARTHA LAKES REGION SECURITY
Dot Communications
54 Lindsay St S
Lindsay, ON K9V 2L8
Ph: 1.833.368.2666

GREATER TORONTO AREA SECURITY
Link Secure Canada Inc.
15 Victoria Crescent
Brampton, ON L6T 1E2
Ph: 647.262.7460

Pride Security
102-100 Matheson Blvd East
Mississauga, ON L4Z 3P8
Ph: 647.506.0002

 

CALGARY SECURITY
Oxford Security Systems
#501, 2903 Kingsview Blvd SE
Airdrie, AB T4A 0C4
Ph: 587.393.2800

EDMONTON SECURITY
Digitech Security Systems
Ph: 780.444.4449