North Bay man fined for accessing a restricted lake

MNR News Release

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A North Bay man has been fined $2,000 for accessing a restricted lake and illegally leaving boats on the lake.

Dave Racicot, who did not attend his trial, was fined $500 on each of four counts of disobeying a sign contrary to the Public Lands Act. He was convicted on two counts of leaving a boat on a lake where a boat cache restriction applied and two counts for accessing a lake where an access restriction was in place from May 1 to October 31.

Racicot, the former commercial operator of Brace Lake Cabins, located 60 kilometres northwest of Nakina, committed the offences on Meta Lake during the summer of 2006.
He had been charged and warned for the same offences during the summer of 2005.

Justice of the Peace Marcel Donio heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Geraldton on October 28, 2008.

The restrictions are in place to maintain high quality fisheries and remote tourism values.

To report a natural resource violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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