Despite higher security, Saskatoon Ex has another bear spray incident

Following three bear spray attacks at last year’s Saskatoon Exhibition, Prairieland Park looked into ways to help prevent similar incidents from happening at future events.

One of the solutions was to have walk-through metal detectors at every public entrance into the Ex this year. The other major security solution was to have more security around the park.

Despite those efforts, there was a reported bear spray attack Wednesday night on the Exhibition grounds.

The Saskatoon Police Service issued a statement Thursday about the attack.

“We did respond to an incident of bear spray being deployed but the victims were unwilling to provide statements or information, and our officers were not able to locate any suspects,” the statement said.

650 CKOM reached out to Prairieland Park for an interview, but didn’t hear back before the time of publication.

Prairieland Park put out a statement about security over the first couple days of the Ex.

“Once or twice over the last few days, a few fairgoers have attempted to cause mischief with items that are not allowed on the park,” the statement said. “However, these situations have quickly been quelled by a responsive security force at the Ex.

“Safety is of utmost importance to us and we remind patrons to refrain from bringing in prohibited items which include: Professional photography equipment, laser pointers, scooters, skateboards, and bicycles, weapons of any kind, lawn chairs, gang-affiliated colours and clothing, illegal drugs, and recreational cannabis.”

It’s still unknown how the perpetrator managed to get bear spray into the park Wednesday.