GORE BAY—An Alberta company has been fined $25,000 for shoreline work that affected fish habitat in Lake Manitou. Alberta Corporation No. 866321 pleaded guilty in court to the charges.
Court heard that in January 2013, conservation officers with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) became aware of shoreline work on Lake Manitou. Through an investigation, it was determined that the president of the Alberta company had contracted an excavating firm to dredge the lake bottom and create a sheltered harbour attached to the lake. Prior to court, the company rehabilitated the shoreline and dredged the area back to its natural state. The company also donated $60,000 to Manitoulin Streams for future fisheries management work on Lake Manitou.
Justice of the Peace Michael Kitlar heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Gore Bay, on February 10.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 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).
