Ninety charges were laid and 450 ice shacks checked during a three-day OPP enforcement blitz of area waterways over the Family Day weekend.
Ontario Provincial Police with the North Bay detachment partnered with the Ministry of Natural Resources to ensure motorized snow vehicle (MSV) laws, fishing regulations, and public safety measures were being followed.
A half dozen locations were patrolled, including Lake Nipissing, Trout Lake, Callander Bay, Turtle, Pine and Talon lakes
The OPP says half of the charges were laid on Callander Bay on Saturday, including liquor violations, helmet infractions, exceeding catch limits and more.
The next day on Talon Lake, officers responded to a missing 60-year-old sledder, who was found in deep slush at the opposite end of the lake.
Police say the person was cold, soaked, and unable to move their snow machine.
Officers rescued the sledder, recovered their snowmobile and returned them safely to their group.
On Monday, the OPP says a number of abandoned snow machines and side-by-sides were found on Lake Nipissing, due to extreme cold and blowing snow.
Owners were contacted and advised to remove their vehicles.
Throughout the weekend, officers identified several recurring issues, including failure to wear helmets on snowmobiles and ATVs and the consumption of alcohol inside portable ice huts.
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.
