Snowmobilers charged with trespassing in Goulais River-area

An Ontario Provincial Police vehicle and several police snowmobiles are pictured in this undated winter photo. (File Photo/Ontario Provincial Police/X)

Seven snowmobilers are facing charges after allegedly riding on private property in the Goulais River area, according to the Sault Ste. Marie Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) detachment.

The incident occurred at about 11:35 a.m. on Feb. 21, when officers patrolling McGaughn Road observed multiple motorized snow vehicles (MSVs) operating on private property. Police confirmed that the property was clearly marked with “No Trespassing” and “Private Property” signs.

“All riders were on land marked with ‘No Trespassing’ and ‘Private Property’ signs,” the OPP stated in a news release.

The seven individuals, from Sudbury, Elliot Lake, and Sault Ste. Marie, were charged under the Trespass to Property Act for entering a premises where entry is prohibited. Additionally, two of the riders received warnings under the Motorized Snow Vehicle Act for having modified exhaust systems and failing to display registration numbers on their vehicles.

Recently, local residents have raised concerns about ongoing issues with snowmobilers trespassing on private property owned by the Algoma Highlands Conservancy. The affected areas include trails leading to Robertson Cliffs and King Mountain from Robertson Lake Road, as well as power lines stretching from McGaughn Road to Stokely Creek Lodge. These lands are designated for non-motorized activities such as skiing, hiking and conservation efforts. For more information on the affected areas and conservation efforts, visit the Algoma Highlands Conservancy website.

“The public should be aware that trespassing signs may be obscured due to the large amounts of snow that has fallen in the area. It is up to snowmobilers to do their research and know if the land they are on is private property,” said OPP.

To avoid trespassing charges, the OPP recommends that snowmobilers stick to marked trails maintained by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC) or ride only on properties where MSV use is permitted.

“If you ride, respect the rules. If you see trespassing, report it,” said police.

To report trespassing or property damage call the OPP’s non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122 or submit a report online.