Bear spray incidents plague Sask cities

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The Safe Public Spaces (Street Weapons) Act took effect in Aug. 2025 and effectively provides law enforcement with more options to charge people in possession of the product.

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From Oct. 2025 to the end of July 2026, a total of 257 charges have been laid under the province’s Safe Public Spaces Act. Of those charges laid under the Act so far, the majority have been laid in Saskatoon.

The largest fine issued to date was $500 and fines can range from $10 to a maximum provincial fine of $5,000.

Ron Chomyn, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Chiefs of Police, told paNOW there has actually been a substantial decrease in reported bear spray incidents in 2026 compared to 2025. Over 700 incidents reported in 2025 with a 43 per cent reduction in Saskatoon alone in 2026.

“Police are using the legislation primarily for its enhanced seizure powers. Police also will defer to the Criminal Code where charges involving bear spray are laid rather than the provincial statute. Charges for bear spray are also laid under the Wildlife Control regulations with over 50 laid in 2025.”

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @nigelmaxwell