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Contractor fined $13,500 for violating Regulation

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Calling first can avoid delays, unnecessary costs, and even fines.

 

Contractor is fined $13,500 for violating Conservation Authority Development Regulation

A local contractor undertaking development activity, without required permits from Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority (ABCA), was fined $13,500. Richard Webb pleaded guilty to constructing shoreline walls in front of four properties along the shoreline of Lake Huron in the Beach O’ Pines subdivision. Webb pleaded guilty to five charges under the Conservation Authorities Act and received the fine of $13,500.

There were also landowners charged in connection with the work. One landowner has already pleaded guilty. Charges on two other landowners are still before the court.

“Any development activities within a regulated area require permission from the Conservation Authority,” said Daniel King, ABCA Regulations Coordinator and Provincial Offences Officer. “Regulations are in place and permits are required to ensure development such as shoreline walls do not negatively affect erosion, dynamic beaches, flood control, pollution, or the conservation of land,” he said.

Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority said the prosecution and fine send a strong reminder of the obligations that contractors and landowners have to ensure they abide by environmental protection laws. “This case is a reminder that service providers and property owners need to ensure any proposed development they intend to undertake has the required legal permissions before proceeding,” said Geoffrey Cade, ABCA Water and Planning Manager. “Anyone who is considering development activities such as construction of seawalls should contact us first to verify if a permit is needed or not,” he said. “Our staff members work very hard to ensure anyone who contacts us receives a timely response with the information they need.”

Calling first and getting the best information is always a good idea, he said, to avoid potential delays, costs, or even fines.

Permits are required by Province of Ontario enabling legislation including, but not limited to, Ontario Regulation 147/06: Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority: Regulation of Development, Interference with Wetlands and Alterations to Shorelines and Watercourses under Conservation Authorities Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. C.27.

Details regarding Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority’s Planning and Permits are available online on the abca.ca website at this web page link:

Property owners or agents are encouraged to contact the following staff at ABCA at 519-235-2610 or toll-free 1-888-286-2610: Meghan Tydd-Hrynyk, Planning and Regulations Officer, extension 258, email mtydd-hrynyk@abca.ca; or Daniel King, Regulations Coordinator and Provincial Offences Officer, ext. 224, email dking@abca.ca.

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