CCTV Installation Cost in Canada 2025

CCTV Installation Cost Guide: How Much Does a Home & Business Security System Cost in Canada? (2025 Definitive Breakdown)

For homeowners and business managers across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Canada, the most pressing question is the cost of professional video surveillance. The price depends heavily on equipment choice, installation complexity, and property type (home vs. business).

Based on current national averages and professional quotes, a fully installed, reliable 4-camera residential system in Canada typically costs between $1,495 and $1,795 CAD.

This definitive guide breaks down the three main cost pillars: Equipment, Labour, and Ongoing Fees, to help you set a clear and accurate budget for your security camera installation.

Pillar 1: Equipment Costs—The Breakdown by Camera Technology

The largest variable in your final CCTV installation price is the hardware itself. Deciding between a basic analogue camera and an advanced 4K video surveillance system with AI analytics will define your equipment budget.

A. Camera Technology: Analog vs. IP (Digital)

Camera Type	Best For	Price Range	Key Features
Analog CCTV	Budget-focused projects or integrating with older systems	$25 – $100	Lower resolution, generally less secure
IP/Network Camera	High-resolution, modern data security, remote viewing	$50 – $250	Digital signal provides 4K capability and better integration with smart features
PoE Camera	Maximum reliability and simplicity in wiring	$75 – $350	Power and data run on one cable (PoE surveillance camera), reducing the need for multiple outlets

B. Cost of Advanced Features That Increase Price

To match top-ranking competitors, you must understand the features that significantly raise the cost per camera:

Resolution (4K/8MP): Professional 4K video surveillance cameras cost more than older 1080p models but provide the necessary clarity for positive identification—a critical requirement for reliable evidence.
PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom): A PTZ camera can remotely move and zoom, covering vast areas, but the equipment cost is significantly higher ($400+ for commercial grade) than fixed cameras.
Night Vision: Colour Night Vision (Starlight) or thermal imaging requires superior sensors and lenses, increasing equipment cost but dramatically improving nighttime performance.
Vandal Resistance: Commercial CCTV camera systems require reinforced dome cameras to prevent tampering, which adds to the material cost.

Pillar 2: Professional Labour and Installation Costs

The labor component of the CCTV system installation cost is highly variable. Professional rates average $100 to $200 CAD per camera for basic runs, but job complexity can drive this up quickly.

A. Wired vs. Wireless Labour Breakdown

Wired System Labour (Higher Cost): Technicians must perform detailed work: drilling, feeding cables through walls, attics, and conduit, and terminating the run at the NVR/DVR. This is the most labor-intensive part but guarantees a reliable, permanent system.

Wireless System Labour (Lower Cost): Requires minimal installation time, reducing the total labor cost. However, wireless systems may require additional labor to install network extenders or boosters for reliable performance over distance.

B. Structural Complexity and Remote Properties

The time spent on site is the largest cost driver. Factors that increase labor time include:

Factor	Impact on Cost	Details
Concealed Wiring	Major increase	Running wires inside finished walls requires specialized tools and patch work, significantly increasing labor hours
Access Difficulty	High	Installing cameras on high eaves, complex roofing, or exterior surfaces like brick/stucco adds time and safety requirements
Pre-Wiring Status	Low	If your home or business is already pre-wired for low-voltage (e.g., during construction), installation is fast and inexpensive
Rural Acreage	High	Long cable runs for detached garages or remote gates require specialized long range security camera systems and repeaters

Dedicated Commercial Installation Costs (Small Business & Corporate)

Business security systems always have a higher security camera installation cost due to necessary equipment upgrades and compliance standards. Businesses are not looking for simple deterrence; they need reliable footage for insurance, litigation, and internal theft prevention.

Equipment Grade: Corporate security camera systems demand industrial-grade recorders (NVRs) with substantial storage (TB) and professional-grade commercial CCTV camera hardware that includes tamper-resistant casings.
Integration Complexity: Commercial installations often require linking the surveillance system with access control (key fobs, alarms) and Point-of-Sale (POS) software to monitor transactions and prevent internal theft.
Warranty and Service: Higher costs include premium service agreements and warranties, which are non-negotiable for business continuity.

Business Size	Coverage Areas	Total Cost (CAD)
Small Office/Retail (8-10 Cameras)	Front entry, cash desk, back office, inventory	$3,500 - $6,000
Mid-Size Warehouse/Retail (12-24 Cameras)	Loading docks, floor coverage, data centres, secure entry points	$6,000 - $15,000+

Pillar 3: Ongoing Fees and Local Canadian Regulatory Costs

Professional security camera installation is a one-time fee, but budgeting for ongoing costs is essential for long-term security.

A. Monitoring and Storage Fees

Professional Alarm Monitoring: If your system includes alarms systems for home or business with police dispatch, fees typically range from $25 to $50 per month. This service is vital for verified emergency response.

Cloud Storage: Off-site video backup fees generally cost $5 to $15 per camera per month or a flat rate for the entire system. This protects footage even if the NVR is damaged or stolen.

B. Local Permit Fees and False Alarm Fines

This is a critical, unique section that competitors often miss. Local regulations in the GTA and other Canadian cities significantly impact the long-term cost:

Alarm Permits: Major jurisdictions (like Toronto, Peel, York Region) require an alarm permit to minimize false dispatches. Fees can be $20 to $70 per year for renewal.
False Alarm Fines: Police services across the GTA impose hefty fines for multiple false alarms. Professional installation is the best defense against these fees, as technicians properly calibrate motion sensors to avoid triggering the alarm for pets or wind.

Conclusion: Making the Investment Worth It

The total CCTV installation cost is an investment in peace of mind. While the price range is wide, choosing a professional installer ensures your system is reliable, compliant, and defensible. If you are ready to secure your property, an accurate quote tailored to your specific needs is the best next step.

Ready to secure your property? Contact 1-800-466-3348 to speak with a security specialist today and get a custom quote for your CCTV installation.

Frequently Asked Questions about CCTV Installation Costs

We've answered the most common questions about CCTV installation costs in Canada. Tap a question to reveal the answer.

The average total cost for a fully installed, mid-range 4-camera residential CCTV system in Canada ranges from $1,495 to $1,795 CAD. This figure includes both the equipment (cameras, NVR/DVR, hard drive) and the professional labor required for cabling and configuration. Costs can drop for DIY kits or rise significantly for advanced features and commercial properties.

Professional installation labor typically adds between $100 and $200 CAD per camera. This cost is highly dependent on the complexity of the job. Factors that increase labor hours and cost include concealed wiring, working on high eaves or complex surfaces (like stucco/brick), and running cables over long distances (e.g., to a detached garage).

Wired (PoE/CCTV) systems are generally more expensive to install due to the higher labor costs required to run and hide cables through walls and ceilings. However, a wired system is more reliable and often cheaper in the long run. Wireless systems have lower initial labor costs but may require additional equipment like network extenders, increasing the total equipment price.

4K (8MP) cameras cost more than older 1080p models. Expect the equipment cost per camera to be at the higher end of the range, often starting from $150 to $250 CAD (equipment only). This increase is justified, as 4K resolution provides the clarity necessary for reliable evidence (such as license plate or facial recognition).

Commercial installations are significantly more expensive. A small business (8–10 cameras) can expect to budget $3,500 to $6,000 CAD, while a mid-sized warehouse (12–24 cameras) can exceed $15,000+ CAD. Commercial systems require more cameras, industrial-grade NVRs, vandal-resistant equipment, and complex integration with POS and access control systems.

Yes, there are two primary ongoing costs to consider: 1. Cloud Storage: Off-site video backup generally costs $5 to $15 per camera per month. 2. Alarm Monitoring: If the system is linked to a central station for police dispatch, monitoring fees typically range from $25 to $50 per month.

While you don't typically need a permit for the cameras themselves, many major municipalities (including Toronto and Peel Region) require an alarm permit if your security system is connected to a central station for emergency response. This incurs a small annual fee (usually $20–$70) and helps avoid costly fines for excessive false alarms.