In an effort to give police more enforcement authority on trespassing laws, the province is changing regulations on what is considered trespassing.

Officers will also be able to enforce trespass laws in businesses and spaces like libraries and parks. The province says the changes are part of its ongoing work to protect communities from the impact of illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine production, transportation, trafficking and street use.

“Under The Trespass to Property Amendment Regulations, 2025, activities such as public intoxication and drug use will now be automatically considered trespassing in public spaces or businesses. This will allow police to immediately enforce the Act against individuals who are causing a public disturbance or threatening public safety, without seeking further information from owners and occupants of the premises,” a news release from the province said.

Police will also be able to immediately remove someone from a space and charge them if necessary if they are threatening to cause harm to persons and property through verbal, physical or other means, public urination or defecation, causing damage to premises or personal property located on the premises and any other activity that constitutes an offence pursuant to the Criminal Code, according to the province.

“We continue to explore avenues that will provide police with additional legal tools to address harmful items and activities in public spaces, creating safer communities across the province,” Justice Minister and Attorney General Tim McLeod said in the release. “These regulations will ensure that police can act quickly to remove individuals who pose a threat to themselves and others, ensuring our public spaces and businesses remain safe and accessible.”

According to the province, the regulatory changes are another step in Saskatchewan’s ongoing work to address the negative results of addictions and protect businesses and public spaces from illicit drug use and other dangerous activities.

The Saskatchewan NDP said while law enforcement should be given the legal tools to enforce the law, the move won’t fix ongoing gaps in mental health and addictions supports.