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| NEWS RELEASE - 14 SEPTEMBER 2009 NEW LEGISLATION IS GOOD NEWS FOR VALLEY HOME CHECK When Richard Watkins of Valley Home Check Ltd was first contacted by the Justice Institute of BC with regard to new legislation requiring any ‘house sitter’ to hold a Security Business and/or Security Work license, he felt it was just more bureaucracy and an extra expense for his house monitoring and maintenance company.
Under the regulations a ‘house sitter’ is defined as any individual who resides or visits a private residence to maintain the property or pets for remuneration or fee. As such, a business is required to hold a Security Business License, while an individual must hold a Security Work License. Failure to comply with the regulations and necessary licensing is an offence; a business may be liable to a penalty of $50,000 and individuals are liable up to a fine of $5,000. The new government regulations came into force on 1 September 2008, with licensing requirement deadlines occurring between September and November 2009. The Act enhances public safety by ensuring consistent and appropriate standards across the security industry. Having successfully completed the Basic Security Training course, Watkins was then able to apply for both the Security Work License and Security Business License. As part of the application process Watkins had a further police check, including finger prints to satisfy all the specific requirements. For details of the regulations go to the PSSG website (Ministry of Public Safety & Solicitor General) – www.pssg.gov.bc.ca/securityindustry Contact Michael Taylor at Excel Career College for course details, tel: 250 334 2452. Valley Home Check Ltd – www.valleyhomecheck.com
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Now having successfully completed 40 hours of training and written the exam, Valley Home Check is now fully registered and certified with a Security Business Licence issued by the Registrar of the Security Programs and Police Technology Division. Watkins commented,” This has been a very worthwhile exercise for us. It gives us much more credibility as a company but also gives me more confidence in dealing with any situation which may arise in our daily work monitoring homes for owners away on vacation or extended periods of time.” 
