‘We need to do something’: Saskatoon police considering bear spray bylaw

The Saskatoon Board of Police Commissioners meets on April 17. (Keenan Sorokan/ CTV News)

Saskatoon’s police chief says a bylaw is being considered to stifle the growing number of bear spray attacks.

Chief Cam McBride says a new bylaw, or changes to an existing bylaw, are both under consideration as the nuisance spray meant for protection against wildlife is readily available at a number of stores.

“The presence of bear spray in our neighborhoods only exists because it’s readily and easily available. So how do we stop that? How do we change that?”

McBride also wants there to be added accountability for people who are purchasing bear spray and then “losing track of it.”

“That’s probably one of the most significant things. We may have individuals who are lawfully purchasing it, but as soon as it leaves the store, it transfers into the hands of those who use it for a criminal purpose,” McBride said.

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The number of bear spray incidents have been rapidly growing in recent years. Last year, police recorded 367 incidents where bear spray was the most serious weapon present. That number is up from 256 in 2023 and more than double 2022 data of 176 incidents.

So far in 2025, there have been 103 bear spray incidents.

“Whether or not a legislative change or, municipal bylaw will give us the authority we need to curb that activity, it’s too early to tell right now, but definitely it’s top of mind and we know we need to do something,” McBride said.

Last week, the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan introduced house amendments to the Safe Public Spaces Act.

The expansion now lists fentanyl, hypodermic needles and methamphetamine as street weapons. The province expects the act to be passed during the spring sitting of the Legislative Assembly and come into force later this summer.

The Act will enable municipalities to opt in to new rules to regulate the possession, transportation and storage of items potentially used as street weapons, such as bear spray.

City administration is also doing its part to help enforcement.

A proposal to the city from Saskatoon police outlines what the service believes it needs to address bear spray. An update on that request is expected before a city committee in June.

“We’ve been really pushing for some tools that we can provide the police service just to make sure that they have what they need to be able to deal with these issues,” Coun. Jasmin Parker said.