A Kingston-based marine construction company has been fined for illegally dredging and filling shore lands under the Public Lands Act. Limestone Marine Limited (Ontario Corporation # 1809497) pleaded guilty and was fined $4,000 for two counts each of dredging and filling shore lands.

Rick A. Wilson of Seeley’s Bay was jointly charged, pleaded guilty and received a suspended sentence. In a May 2013 court appearance.

Ronald B. Kyes of Gananoque pleaded guilty and was fined $1,000 for his involvement in the offence. The court heard that the Ministry of Natural Resources TIPS line received reports of dredge and fill activity on the St. Lawrence River in Leeds and the Thousand Islands Township. An investigation revealed that between January 2012 and May 2012, Ronald Kyes hired Limestone Marine Limited to replace an old retaining wall with a corrugated steel seawall. The company did not have a work permit for the job, which involved dredging and filling the bed of the St. Lawrence River.

Justice of the Peace William Stewart heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Brockville, on September 18, 2013. The public is reminded that shoreline modifications can harm fish spawning near the shore.

Dredging or filling of shore lands is prohibited without a work permit issued by the Ministry of Natural Resources. More information on work permits is available at ontario.ca/crownland.

To report a natural resources violation, call 1-877-TIPS-MNR (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)