Property Owner and Contractor Fined $3,000 For Illegal Shoreline Work
Two men were fined for unauthorized shoreline work on a Twelve Mile Lake property.
John Stewart of Mississauga, the cottage owner, and Andy Baur of West Guilford, the contractor, pleaded guilty to filling shorelands without a Public Lands Act work permit. They were fined $2,000 and $1,000 respectively.
The court heard that, in the process of constructing a crib, river rock was deposited on the lake bed, covering approximately 360 square feet. The maximum footprint allowed to cover the bed of a lake, without first obtaining a work permit is 160 square feet or 15 square metres.
Justice of the Peace Diane Jackson heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Minden on September 2, 2010.
The ministry reminds cottagers and other shoreline property owners to contact the nearest ministry office before starting any shoreline work so staff can determine if a work permit is needed. Publications are also available from the ministry to assist waterfront property owners in determining how to do shoreline work with minimal impact on the environment.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry officer during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
Kevin Hoare, Bancroft District, 705-286-5219
Mike Ladouceur, Bancroft District, 613-332-3940, Ext. 238
