Ontario’s Trespass to Property Act addresses prohibited entry, prohibited activities and failing to leave after a lawful direction from the occupier or an authorized person.
At a glance
- Entry can be prohibited by notice or, in some circumstances, by the nature or enclosure of the premises.
- A person who does not leave immediately after being directed to do so by the occupier or an authorized person may contravene the Act.
- Security personnel act within property authorization and applicable law; they do not receive general police powers.
What this means in practice
The official rules establish a baseline, but a workable security assignment still needs property-specific decisions. The client and provider should turn general requirements into clear instructions about what is checked, who can authorize exceptions, what must be documented and when another authority takes over.
Questions to confirm
- Who is the occupier or authorized person for this property?
- What notice or property rule applies?
- Is the person being asked to leave, denied entry, or accused of a separate offence?
Picture this at your property
A person enters a private loading area through a marked gate. The correct response starts with the property’s authority, posted notice and site procedure—not an assumption that every unauthorized entry is automatically the same kind of offence.
The value of the example is the decision process: identify what is known, what remains uncertain, who has authority, and what information should be preserved for follow-up.
Practical takeaway
The strongest security process is usually the one that makes responsibilities, observations and escalation clear. That creates a service that can be understood and reviewed without overstating what security can guarantee.
Official sources & verification
1. Trespass to Property Act — Ontario e-Laws
2. Section 8: Legal authorities — Government of Ontario
3. Private Security and Investigative Services Act, 2005 — Ontario e-Laws
Last reviewed: 2026-08-08. This resource provides general Ontario information and is not legal advice. Legal authority and obligations depend on the facts, the property, the applicable law and current official guidance. Confirm current requirements with the responsible government authority or qualified legal counsel when a decision has legal consequences.