Two Windsor men have been fined a total of $800 for violations under the Public Lands Act.
Douglas and Ryan Patillo pleaded guilty and were each fined $400 for constructing a building on Crown land without a work permit.
Court heard that in August 2017, a conservation officer received a complaint about a structure located on public land, close to a popular campsite on Lake Anima Nipissing near Latchford. An investigation revealed that the Patillos built a treehouse between April 1, 2013, and August 21, 2017, as part of mineral exploration and recreational use in the area. The Patillos voluntarily removed the structure and other material from the site.
Justice of the Peace Diane Lafleur heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Haileybury, on Sept.13, 2018.
To report a natural resources violation, call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry 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). And visit Ontario.ca/mnrftips to view an interactive, searchable map of unsolved cases. You