North Bay OPP, in partnership with the MNR, conducted a three-day enforcement initiative over the Family Day long weekend to promote safety and compliance on local waterways. Officers patrolled Callander Bay, Trout Lake, Turtle Lake, Pine Lake, Talon Lake, and Lake Nipissing, ensuring adherence to MSV laws, fishing regulations, and public safety measures.
Throughout the weekend, OPP officers and an MNR conservation officer conducted enforcement and safety checks, resulting in a total of 90 charges laid and 450 ice fishing shacks inspected.
On Saturday, officers laid 45 charges on Callander Bay including:
• Liquor violations for consuming alcohol inside portable ice huts
• Helmet infractions under the MSVA and ORVA
• Documentation violations including insurance, and trail pass violations
• Owners allowing underage and unlicensed individuals to operate MSVs
• Fishing infractions for exceeding catch limits and using extra lines
Sunday, officers patrolled Trout Lake, Turtle Lake, Pine Lake, and Talon Lake, with 35 charges issued. The charges included:
• Helmet infractions
• Liquor violations in portable ice huts
• Fishing infractions for exceeding slot size limits
• Documentation violations
• Modified exhaust system
On Talon Lake, officers responded to a missing person report when a 60-year-old individual was reported missing by friends. The sledder was located stranded in deep slush at the opposite end of the lake. The individual was cold, soaked, and unable to move their MSV. Officers rescued the sledder, recovered their snowmobile with extensive effort, and returned them safely to their group.
Monday, officers patrolled an extremely cold and windy Lake Nipissing where 10 charges issued, including documentation violations, excessive fishing lines, validation and insurance offenses.
Numerous abandoned MSVs and UTVs were located due to extreme cold and blowing snow. Owners were contacted and advised to remove their vehicles promptly.
Throughout the weekend, officers identified several recurring issues, including:
Failure to wear helmets on snowmobiles and ATVs – Officers enforced a zero-tolerance policy, as proximity to home or fishing locations does not exempt individuals from safety regulations.
Consumption of alcohol inside portable ice huts – These huts do not qualify as permanent dwellings and are subject to alcohol prohibitions. Officers enforced a zero-tolerance policy for violations.
In total, over 900 to 1,100 anglers were contacted, three fish seizures were made, and 90 enforcement actions were taken to enhance safety and regulatory compliance.
The North Bay OPP reminds the public that ice safety, responsible vehicle operation, and adherence to fishing regulations are critical to ensuring the safety of all outdoor enthusiasts.
