Changes to Sask. trespassing laws come into effect Jan. 1, will require permission to access land
CBC
Two previously announced provincial trespassing amendment acts are about to come into effect in Saskatchewan, which could affect people who use private rural property for recreational activities like hunting, fishing, hiking or snowmobiling.
The legislation will ensure consistency in established rules regarding trespassing, the province said in a news release Thursday, which noted the new rules come into effect on Jan. 1.
Most importantly, it moves the onus of responsibility from rural landowners to people seeking to access their property.
That means anyone who wants to participate in any recreational activity on private property in Saskatchewan must first get permission from the owner.
Many Saskatchewan residents already do that, the province said in its news release, but the legislation changes "formally support that best practice."
Under earlier legislation, landowners had to put up postings if they wanted to limit the public's access.
As of Jan. 1, those wishing to access a rural landowner's property for recreational purposes will need written, electronic or oral consent from the owner, the new legislation says.
Signage allowing for access on the property will also be accepted as permission.
"This government has worked hard to balance the rights of landowners in rural Saskatchewan with those of recreational land users," Justice Minister and Attorney General Gordon Wyant said in the release.
"I'm pleased to see the legislation come into force and I want to thank everyone who has worked and consulted with us in its development."
The province first announced in 2018 that it was reviewing its trespassing laws.
The new legislation will provide legal protection to landowners against property damage and the risk of agricultural diseases, the province says, and also limits any liability that may come from a trespasser's presence on their property.
The legislation is a response to concerns expressed by Saskatchewan rural landowners about individuals who trespass on their property, according to the province.
The government says police and provincial enforcement officers will still be responsible for laying charges related to trespassing.