Ontario law addresses a person who remains after being directed to leave by the occupier or an authorized person. How a security guard responds still depends on authority, safety and the circumstances.
At a glance
- The Trespass to Property Act makes failure to leave after a lawful direction relevant to trespass enforcement.
- The Code of Conduct requires professional, lawful behaviour and prohibits unnecessary force.
- Site procedures should define when to contact management or police instead of improvising.
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
- Has a clear direction to leave been given?
- Is the person creating an immediate safety risk?
- What escalation process has the property authorized?
Picture this at your property
A visitor is told the building is closed and refuses to leave the lobby. The response should remain calm, documented and within authorized procedure, with police involvement when appropriate.
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. O. Reg. 363/07: Code of Conduct — 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.