KENORA – Crime News – A Kenora contractor has pleaded guilty to illegally building a garage on a Clearwater Bay cottage property.
Michael Klassen was fined $5,000 for erecting the structure in a restricted area without a work permit, contrary to the Public Lands Act.
Court heard that on March 13, 2013, a Ministry of Natural Resources technician inspected the property, located on Lake of the Woods. The area is restricted under the act to maintain water quality and protect the lake trout population. This requires all construction work, including improvements, to be authorized by a permit.
Klassen was also convicted on April 2, 2013, for building a cottage without a permit at the same location.
Justice of the Peace Robert McNally heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on March 4, 2014.
The Public Lands Act provides for measures to create restricted areas. Within a restricted area, permits are required to build or renovate buildings and structures on public and private land. The ministry may establish a restricted area order to ensure that development does not threaten significant resources, such as natural heritage values, fisheries or wetlands.
To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (847-7667) toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
