Bear spray, wrapped in black electrical tape, has become a common item seized in Prince Albert. (Prince Albert Police)

By Susan McNeil

Street Weapons Act

City will investigate opting in to Street Weapons Act

Dec 18, 2025 | 8:00 AM

Staff at Prince Albert city hall have been told by council to bring back a report on the benefits of opting into a new provincial law regarding street weapons in public spaces.

The law, which came into effect in August 2025, allows police officers to seize and impound anything considered a street weapon without laying charges although the person can apply to have it returned.

A street weapon can be anything ranging from a hammer, axe, sword, fentanyl and meth, bear spray or other prescribed items. It also includes defaced items.

“Street weapons certainly are something that are a concern amongst our police force, but also residents,” said Coun. Darren Solomon.

A week ago, Prince Albert Police said they had seized a record 192 guns between January and the end of November. While over half came from vehicles and residences, 18 were seized on the street or out in the open.

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“Ten, 15, 20 years ago, you wouldn’t hear one and it’s quite amazing that this is the society we’ve become,” said Solomon.

Some public spaces in the new legislation are obvious such as parks, buildings and playgrounds but it also includes any land or building entered without consent of the owner, common areas of apartments/condominiums, unoccupied land or buildings and vehicles travelling in public spaces.

Because people sometimes carry items like hypodermic needles or bear spray for legitimate purposes, people carrying them are exempt from the application of the act.

Breaches of the new law can lead to a fine of up to $5,000 or a maximum of one year in jail or both. First Nations can also opt in to the act and any local government that is opted in can choose to change the knife ban of a 30 cm blade to a shorter length if they want.

City council has expressed interest in opting in to the law before now but first sent it to the police commission for review before moving forward.

Coun. Blake Edwards, who is on the commission, said Chief Patrick Nogier has stated that he is in favour of opting in as well.

The report and draft bylaw will likely be in front of council in January.

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susan.mcneil@pattisonmedia.com