By: Lola Adebogun and Troy Baril

The Government of Saskatchewan introduced important amendments to The Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods Act (“SCAN”), significantly enhancing the province’s ability to address nuisance properties and promote safer, more resilient communities. The amendments came into force on November 1, 2025, and represented a major step forward in strengthening enforcement mechanisms available under the Act.

Under SCAN, enforcement is carried out by SCAN officers within the Provincial Protective Services (PPS) Branch, who investigate reports submitted by residents concerned about criminal or nuisance-related activity in their neighbourhoods. These officers are responsible for enforcing the legislation.

Expanded Mandate to Address Nuisance Properties

Historically, SCAN enforcement focused primarily on properties associated with criminal activity such as drug trafficking, gang activity, prostitution, child sexual abuse, and the unlawful sale or use of alcohol. SCAN officers investigated complaints related to these activities and assessed their broader impact on community safety and well-being.

The recent amendments expanded SCAN’s mandate by broadening the circumstances in which intervention is permitted. In addition to criminal activity, enforcement action may now be taken where a property has become a nuisance, even in the absence of overt criminal conduct.

A nuisance property is now defined as real property that is “unfit for human habitation, occupation or use” and that “negatively affects the health, safety or economic well-being of the surrounding community.”

This expanded definition allows SCAN officers to investigate and address situations involving abandoned or run-down buildings, as well as properties repeatedly affected by graffiti, vandalism, squatting, drug use, or other persistent conditions that undermine neighbourhood stability. The amendments ensure that intervention is available where a property has become a chronic source of harm, particularly when existing municipal enforcement measures have proven insufficient.

Provincial Investigation and Policing Collaboration

SCAN officers are based in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert, but investigate complaints across the province. They work closely with municipal police services and RCMP detachments to address illegal activities and their impacts on Saskatchewan communities.

This collaborative approach allows SCAN enforcement to complement, rather than replace, local law enforcement and municipal regulatory efforts. While municipalities retain authority over property standards and unsafe buildings, SCAN officers can intervene in cases involving persistent nuisance conditions or criminal activity where enhanced enforcement tools are required.

Enhanced Court-Ordered Remedies

The amendments also introduced new court-ordered remedies aimed at ensuring timely and effective resolution of nuisance properties.

Upon investigation, SCAN officers may seek court intervention to obtain:

1. Rehabilitation Orders, authorizing the repair or demolition of a nuisance property while ownership remains with the landowner, with all associated costs borne by the owner; and
2. Forfeiture Orders, reserved for the most severe cases, including abandonment or persistent non-compliance. A forfeiture order transfers title to the Government of Saskatchewan, allowing the property to be rehabilitated or demolished and subsequently sold to recover costs.

Rehabilitation orders are intended to be pursued wherever possible. Forfeiture is used only where lesser remedies are ineffective and community safety necessitates decisive action.

Strengthening Communities Across Saskatchewan

These amendments reflect the Province’s continued commitment to equipping residents, municipalities, and enforcement authorities with effective tools to address crime, nuisance properties, and neighbourhood deterioration. By expanding SCAN’s investigative scope and strengthening enforcement options, Saskatchewan has taken an important step toward reducing community harm, improving public safety, and fostering safer, more resilient neighbourhoods across the province.

How Procido LLP Can Help

Procido LLP has extensive experience advising Saskatchewan municipalities, property owners, and community organizations. Our municipal law team provides practical, strategic guidance to help clients navigate enforcement processes, understand compliance obligations, and respond effectively to issues involving nuisance or unsafe properties.

Whether you require assistance interpreting SCAN’s provisions, developing or updating municipal enforcement policies, or managing complex property or compliance matters, we work closely with clients to reduce risk and support informed decision-making. We also help municipalities and property owners stay current on legislative changes, enforcement trends, and best practices in addressing nuisance properties and promoting safer, more resilient communities.

For consultations or fee estimates on municipal matters, please contact Lola Adebogun (lola.Adebogun@procido.com). For general inquiries, call 1 (306) 664 1444 or email admin@procido.com.

See the published version of this article in Municipal Voice (pages page 49 and 51).

Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, Procido LLP does not warrant or guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or applicability of the information to any particular municipality or situation. Municipalities should obtain legal advice specific to their circumstances before taking action. For tailored legal advice, please contact Procido LLP directly.