The Ontario government is safeguarding Crown land by holding individuals accountable when they leave their personal property on public lands.

Ralph Miller of Timmins was found guilty during a trial in absentia for leaving his camper trailer and other personal belongings on Crown land at the Pharand Lake boat launch in Pharand Township just west of Timmins. This was Miller’s second offence and he was fined $7,000.

The court heard that on January 10, 2018, a conservation officer came across a camper trailer left at the Pharand Lake boat launch over the winter. In May of 2018, conservation officers gave Miller a ticket and instructed him to move his camper as it had been in the same location for more than 21 days. Miller did not pay his ticket, nor did he move his camper.

A conservation officer later discovered that Miller left his camper on Crown land again in the same location over the 2019 winter. Miller was subsequently charged and failed to attend several scheduled court dates. The trailer was eventually removed from the site.

Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier heard the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, Timmins, on March 24, 2022.

Conservation officers remind everyone that by respecting seasons, sanctuaries, bag and possession limits, we all help ensure our natural resources stay healthy. To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/mnrftips.