Saskatchewan expands SCAN Act, empowering authorities to rehab or seize crime-ridden, abandoned properties.

Saskatchewan is expanding the SCAN Act, granting the SCAN Unit new powers to tackle nuisance properties linked to crime, abandonment, or unsafe conditions. Officers can now seek court orders for rehabilitation—where owners retain land but pay for repairs—or forfeiture, transferring ownership to the government for demolition, restoration, or sale to recover costs. The move targets properties involved in vandalism, squatting, drug activity, or theft, focusing on cases not addressed by municipalities. The goal is to improve community safety and neighborhood stability, with officials emphasizing proactive intervention to protect residents and support safer living environments.