Province investigating tree clearing on environmentally significant land in LaSalle
Town officials and environmentalists say they have questions why trees were removed from a property west of the Todd Lane and Malden Road Roundabout.
LaSalle Mayor, Crystal Meloche, said it came to the attention of administration in March 2022.
“At that time, there was both private and public property being cleared,” she said. “The Town made a site visit and met the individuals doing the work and requested that their work stop until they obtained all appropriate approvals.”
Meloche added the town proceeded to inform various government agencies about the activity.
“To the Town’s knowledge, the owner still hasn’t secured any of the formal approvals, etc. for their property,” she said.
Environmentalists point out the property was designated as a critical habitat for the Massasauga rattlesnake by the federal government.
“The ministry’s Environmental Investigations and Enforcement Branch is investigating alleged violations of the Endangered Species Act at a privately owned site near the Ojibway Provincial Nature Reserve,” said Gary Wheeler, ministry spokesperson for environment, conservation and parks.
Neither the town nor the ministry would provide further comment as the investigation continues.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NDP motion regarding Palestinian statehood passes after major Liberal alterations
A motion from the federal New Democrats initially calling on Canada to recognize the 'State of Palestine' passed amid widespread acrimony on Monday, after the Liberals drastically altered its wording to see the government simply work towards that aim as part of a two-state solution.
'He didn't want to die': Family of Calgary man killed in standoff speaks out
Family of a Calgary man killed after a 30-hour standoff with police last week are speaking out, sharing details of the tense and heart-wrenching experience.
Toronto family doctor who called patient's body 'perfect' suspended for 3 months: tribunal
A family doctor in Toronto has been suspended for three months after a disciplinary tribunal found that he failed to follow proper protocols while examining a patient's breasts and made inappropriate comments about her body.
Ohio mom who left toddler alone 10 days when she went on vacation pleads guilty to aggravated murder
An Ohio mother whose 16-month-old daughter died after being left home alone in a playpen for 10 days last summer while she went on vacation was sentenced Monday to life in prison with no chance of parole.
Retired teacher pleads guilty to paying for sex with 15-year-old in Collingwood, Ont.
In a Barrie courtroom on Monday, a retired high school teacher from the Niagara Region pleaded guilty to sexual touching and obtaining sexual services from a 15-year-old boy in Collingwood in 2021.
Hertz CEO out following electric car 'horror show'
The company, which announced in January it was selling 20,000 of the electric vehicles in its fleet, or about a third of the EVs it owned, is now replacing the CEO who helped build up that fleet, giving it the company’s fifth boss in just four years.
5 charged in Calgary kidnappings that targeted women
Calgary police have charged five men in a pair of kidnappings last year that targeted innocent victims.
Demand soars for solar eclipse glasses in Canada. Are they worth buying?
The demand for total solar eclipse glasses used to safely view the rare celestial event has been ramping up as sellers, along with astronomy and eye-care experts in Canada, warn that viewing the eclipse with the naked eye is dangerous.
Canadian commander of volunteer fighter group dies in Ukraine
A Canadian-born commander of the so-called Norman Brigade, a volunteer fighting group in Ukraine, has died.