Elliot Lake Mayor Dan Marchisella says he is aware of an incident alleged to have taken place in front of a lakefront home in Elliot Lake Wednesday night.
It came to light after a property owner complained on social media that men approached her property on a boat taking pictures. In another subsequent social media post Elliot Lake City Councillor Ed Pearce says he was asked by a City of Elliot Lake Waterfront Commission employee to accompany him by boat to verify illegal clearing of shoreline property.
Mr. Pearce says the boat was no closer to shore than 150 yards at the time. But he says a man in another boat later approached their craft in a threatening manner swearing loudly and blowing an airhorn. In the post, Mr. Pearce says he told the man to “procreate and leave” – in his words. He also says he reported the incident to the OPP.
Mayor Marchisella says he is aware of the situation and that “proper authorities have been made aware of this (situation) also.” The mayor continues, “No one owns the water, so anyone can pass. That being said, waterfront owners should all be aware of the MOE (Ministry of the Environment) and MNRF regulations when it comes to these properties and what you are and are not allowed to do to the shoreline.”