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
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.