SASKATOON — People who purchase bear spray will now be entered into a buyers’ registry, as one of the key changes to the Business License Bylaw 9746, which implements regulations for the sale of wildlife products such as bear spray.
“Bear spray incidents in Saskatoon have more than doubled in recent years with youth-related offences increasing by over 500 per cent since 2021,” says Mark Wilson, Licensing and Permitting Manager. “These changes are intended to reduce the availability of the product to minors, reduce the number of bear spray incidents and provide records that could assist in an investigation.”
The buyers' registry is mandatory not only for people who purchase them, but also for businesses that sell bear sprays. Businesses that do not comply can be fined, lose their business license, or be suspended.
The buyer must present two IDs, one with a photo, with their name, address, and phone number to be recorded in the registry. The date of birth is also a requirement, as bear sprays can only be sold to individuals 18 years old or older. The sale of bear spray will not be allowed to anyone who fails to give proper identification.
The manufacturer, model, serial number, and other product details will also be documented, and the records will be kept for at least two years.
Under the amended bylaw, approved by the city council and enforced starting on Wednesday, July 30, bear spray products are now required to be stored out of the public’s view, and only modified and clearly labelled products can be sold.
The City of Saskatoon and the Saskatoon Police Service had already notified businesses that sell bear spray of their obligations under the bylaw amendments, which aim to curb the misuse of bear sprays, particularly among youth.
An increase in bear spray-related incidents in the last three years was the reason behind the amendments. As of May this year, 235 incidents had already been reported, compared to 367 in 2024, 364 in 2023, and 180 in 2022.
Wilson, on behalf of the city, thanked businesses for their support, with some sporting goods stores voluntarily doing their share by asking for IDs from people who are buying bear spray even before the proposed bylaw amendments and enforcement.
