Photo provided by ABCA
Unauthorized shoreline work has cost property owners over $100,000 in restoration expenses, plus $15,000 in fines.
On September 11th fines were issued in Provincial Offences Court for unapproved work in the Beach O’ Pines area near Grand Bend. One person was fined $10,000, while two other received $2,500 fines each. These fines are in addition to the restoration costs already paid by the property owners.
The defendants had admitted guilt in December 2022 for completing shoreline work without the necessary permits and in an area where such work is not allowed. Despite being told to stop, they continued the work, directing their contractor to proceed after receiving warnings.
The Justice of the Peace stated that the defendants showed clear disregard for the rules and the environmental impact of their actions by starting and continuing the work without approval. However, since their guilty plea in 2022, they have taken responsibility and made efforts to address the situation.
The court noted that the financial burden could have been avoided if the defendants had followed the proper steps and stopped the work when instructed.
In addition to these fines, the contractor on the project was previously fined $13,500 in December 2021 for his involvement in the project.
Most property owners follow the rules, but legal action is sometimes necessary when unauthorized work occurs.
Ontario’s updated Conservation Authorities Act has raised the maximum fine for violations to $1 million. The ABCA urges property owners to contact them before starting any development to avoid fines, legal issues, and restoration costs.
For assistance, property owners can reach Daniel King at the ABCA by phone at 519-235-2610 or toll-free at 1-888-286-2610, extension 224, or via email at dking@abca.ca
Written by: K. Milhomens