IGNACE — Two Ignace residents were handed fines for illegally spreading sand along Agimak Lake.
The province announced last week that Giovano Taddeo and Derek Patterson were fined a total of $8,000 for altering the shoreline of Agimak Lake, after the case was heard in an Ignace court in June.
The province said in August 2020, Taddeo and Patterson "spread sand along their adjoining shorelines to enhance the beach on Agimak Lake. Shortly after the sand was spread, the water level rose, eroding some of the sand into the lake.”
Taddeo was fined $6,000. Patterson was fined $2,000.
In a statement to NWOnewswatch, Taddeo claimed that he had called the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry prior to placing the sand on the beachfront property and was advised that he could, which he argued made the court decision unjust and "not based in law."
Taddeo also expressed concern with the court process taking nearly three years.
“This incident took place back in 2020 and was only now dealt with in court,” said Taddeo.
Taddeo said he has directed his attorney to appeal the court's decision.
“We are indeed appealing the decision for the fine, as we feel it is not based in law, but here say and we feel strongly that our actions to improve the beachfront area were done to improve the area around the property and not diminish either the aesthetic or disturb the natural environment in any way,” said Taddeo in a statement.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry advises that before conducting work near water that “a work permit issued under the Public Lands Act sets conditions for work being done on shore lands that will reduce or eliminate environmental damage.”
