Access Controls in Edmonton

A black rectangular card or fob reader electronic device with a green vertical line on its screen placed on a wooden surface.

What is access control?

Access control replaces keys with credentials — a fob, a card, a code, or a phone. Instead of a lock that accepts one particular cut of metal, you have a reader at the door and a list, held in software, of who's allowed through it and when.

The difference shows up at turnover. When a tenant moves out with a key you can't recover, your options are rekeying the suite or accepting that a working key is out there somewhere. When a tenant moves out with a fob, you remove them from the list in about ten seconds and the fob becomes a piece of plastic.

The same applies to a contractor who needs the mechanical room for three days, or a cleaner who should have the building between 6AM and 10AM and not at midnight. With keys, access is permanent once handed over. With credentials, it has an expiry date and a schedule. In addition, you can also grant access to tenants based on their business hours of operation. It can also follow a tenant’s hours. One building we service has three floors, one business on each, all sharing the same front entrance and elevator — and all keeping different hours. We tied the elevator into the system and programmed each floor to its tenant's schedule. A fob takes you to your own floor during your own business hours, and nowhere else.

What it doesn’t do?

Access control doesn't replace your door hardware. The door still needs a functioning closer, a strike that lines up, and a frame that hasn't shifted — an electric strike on a misaligned door fails the same way a deadbolt does. Most buildings need some door and lock repair before the electronics go on.

It also doesn't have to be all or nothing. Plenty of buildings put readers on the exterior doors and the amenity rooms, and leave suite doors on keys or a master key system. That covers the doors where access changes most often, at a fraction of the cost of doing every door.

Access control solutions we install

  • Electronic fob systems

  • Keypad and PIN code locks

  • Card reader systems (swipe and tap)

  • Biometric access (fingerprint and facial recognition)

  • Keyless entry and smart locks

  • Intercom and buzzer systems with access control integration

  • Multi-door and facility-wide access systems

Why upgrade to access control?

  • No more lost keys — deactivate a fob or card instantly without rekeying

  • Audit trails — see who entered and when

  • Time-based access — restrict entry to specific hours or days

  • Remote management — add or remove users without being on-site

  • Scalable — works for a single door or an entire building

For property managers & commercial facilities

Access control is one of the most requested upgrades from Edmonton property managers and facility operators. Ace specializes in multi-unit installations, including apartment buildings, condos, office buildings, schools, and industrial facilities. We work with leading systems including Kantech and can integrate with your existing building infrastructure.

We handle the full installation from start to finish — hardware selection, wiring, programming, and staff training — and provide ongoing service and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

What access control system is right for my building?
It depends on the size of your property, the number of users, and your budget. We offer a free on-site consultation to recommend the right solution.

Can you integrate access control with my existing intercom?
In many cases, yes. Contact us to discuss your current setup.

What happens if the power goes out?
Most systems include battery backup or fail-safe mechanisms. We'll explain the options when we assess your property.

Do you service existing access control systems?
Yes — we service and repair existing systems from most major manufacturers.

Contact Ace Locksmith at (780) 999-0456 or request a free consultation online for your access controls project.

Testimonials

  • "Fast, professional service! So very helpful! I will be recommending him going forward! Keep up the excellent work!"

    Spencer B.

  • "Competitive pricing and Joe is very professional with tenants. Appreciate making one call and knowing the issue is dealt with. Highly recommend!"

    Ehay