Three men fined for camping

MNR News Release

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Three men from the Temiskaming Shores area have been fined a total of $1,500 after leaving their camper trailers on Crown land for an extended period of time.

Henri M. Lafond and Aurel M. Lafond of New Liskeard, and Ronald G. Lafond of Haileybury, pleaded guilty to the charges under the Public Lands Act. In addition to the fines, they were ordered not to deposit any material on Crown land in South Lorrain Township for a period of one year.

The court heard that in the fall of 2010, Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officers received a complaint about camper trailers that had been parked all summer at one location along the Montreal River, south of Cobalt. When officers investigated, they found the campers were gone, but “Private Property – No Trespassing” signs had been placed on two campsites on Crown land.

In 2011, conservation officers checked the site and found that the camper trailers were left on the Crown land campsites for more than a month. The officers interviewed the owners of the campers, who admitted that they knew it was illegal to camp in one spot for more than 21 days. They also admitted to placing the signs to keep other people from occupying the sites.

Justice of the Peace Michel J. Moreau heard the cases in the Ontario Court of Justice, Haileybury, on September 8, 2011.

The ministry reminds members of the public that in order to allow equal access to prime campsites, camping on Crown land at one location for more than 21 days per year is prohibited.

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).

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