Fines expanded for offences on public lands

Albertans will face 38 new and increased penalties for public land and water body offences in time for the summer vacation season.

“It’s not our intent to be heavyhanded, but (to be) firm and fair,” Environment Shannon Phillips told a news conference Monday outside the legislature.

New on-the-spot tickets will allow enforcement officers to spend less time in court and more time on patrol, Shannon said.

Occupying public land without authority will now garner a $350 fine, while the cost for operating a motor vehicle in a regulated trail was increased to $250 from $150.

One area of concern is “wheels in water,” said Phillips. “We have native trout species that are in trouble in this province — the last thing we need is people spinning their tires in their spawning grounds.”

Failure to report to mandatory watercraft inspection stations while driving a vehicle with a watercraft on it will now result in a $270 fine.

Previously, only commercial vehicle drivers could be fined for failing to stop at an inspection station.

Wilfully providing false or misleading information to an officer, causing or permitting damage to public lands, or failing to comply with an order to vacate are among nine new offences that require a mandatory court appearance.

The new procedures are part of a multi-pronged approach to address public land abuses that includes social media, increased signage and education campaigns. An additional $1.5 million has been earmarked to hire 20 seasonal park rangers as well as other seasonal positions and outreach material.

The province’s new rules take effect May 31.

The announcement comes before the May long weekend when many Albertans will take to the province’s parks and public lands to enjoy their natural splendour.

Conservation officer Austin Toly said off-highway vehicles would be one of his main concerns on the Victoria Day weekend.

It’s not our intent to be heavy-handed, but (to be) firm and fair.

“As far as garbage being dumped,” he added, “it happens all the time and everywhere.”

Alberta Wildfire spokesperson Matt Bell warned of hot and dry conditions throughout the province.

He encouraged campers to ensure they have safe campfires in legally designated areas.

Upon leaving, campers should soak fires and ensure ashes are cool to the touch.

LARRY WONG Environment Minister Shannon Phillips announced a series of new penalties Monday for people using parks and public lands, including several that involve a mandatory court appearance.