Number of ‘Body Rub Establishments’ have decreased in Regina, report finds

Regina Police Service Headquarters can be seen in this file photo. (David Prisciak/CTV News)

The number of “Body Rub Establishments” (BREs) in Regina have been cut in half in recent years, according to a report from the city’s vice unit.

On Tuesday, the Regina Board of Police Commissioners reviewed a report on the Regina Police Service’s (RPS) Vice Unit, the six-person team which investigates sexual assault, child exploitation, human trafficking as well as liquor and gaming offences.

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According to the report, vice investigators, city bylaw officers, and the City Solicitor’s office have successfully prosecuted multiple BRE operators over the past two years.

The report notes that while some BREs continue to operate illegally, the number of establishments have dropped by more than 50 per cent in recent years.

“Those investigations take a long period of time to ensure you have all the evidence needed to lay a charge,” RPS Chief Lorilee Davies said Tuesday. “But it is important work, and seeing those numbers cut in half is significant.”

Since the beginning of 2024, the Vice Unit has conducted 10 human trafficking investigations. While no charges have been laid, investigators focus on removing victims from exploitation, even when legal action isn’t immediately possible.

Davies said the vice unit’s work goes beyond keeping streets safe – it’s about building trust with people in vulnerable situations.

“Oftentimes, success doesn’t result in charges, but it does mean getting someone to a place of safety,” she said. “These investigations are labour intensive, slowly building relationships and earning the trust of people being exploited.”