The Ontario government is safeguarding public lands and aggregates from abuse and illegal development.
Jason Cyr of Sturgeon Falls pleaded guilty to unlawfully constructing a road without a work permit and was fined $20,000 and was issued a court order for remediation. Cyr was also fined $2,000 for unlawfully depositing things on public lands, and $3,000 for operating a pit or quarry without a licence.
The court heard that on May 17, 2022, conservation officers were conducting a patrol in Janes Township, North of River Valley. After observing what appeared to be heavy traffic on a dead-end road, officers investigated and uncovered a new road being built on Crown land. It was determined the road was being built without permits issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, as required by the Public Lands Act.
Further investigation determined there were two sites where aggregate material was being removed for the illegal road. There were also several personal items, vehicles and pieces of construction equipment left on nearby public lands.
Conservation officers returned to the site on May 31, 2022, and located Cyr actively working on the construction of the road using a backhoe. It was determined that Cyr was building the road to access a parcel of private land.
Justice of the Peace Ruby Beck heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, North Bay, on January 25, 2024.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.