Blind River man charged again in ongoing neighbour dispute

Charges are being laid for the third time in connection with an ongoing dispute between northern Ontario neighbours, police say.
Most recently, officers were called to Birchwood Circle in Blind River on Jan. 3 shortly after 10:30 a.m. to deal with complaints against a 40-year-old man, Ontario Provincial Police said in a news release Tuesday.
"Investigation determined the complainants were continually being followed, video recorded with the videos posted on social media with derogatory comments from the accused," OPP said.
"One of the complainants had their land surveyed because they were having issues with the accused removing ancillary monuments (survey markers) on several occasions."
The accused also allegedly spray-painted a rock with an "inappropriate message" directed at his neighbours.
He is now charged with four counts of criminal harassment for allegedly repeatedly following, repeatedly communicating with, watching or besetting or with threatening conduct and two counts of mischief for allegedly obstructing or interfering with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property. He is also charged with failing to comply with an undertaking.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
The accused remains in custody following a video bail hearing Jan. 30 in Blind River, police said.
OPP laid the first charges, of mischief and intimidation, in the same neighbour dispute in December 2021 against someone who was 39 years old at the time.
In that case, the accused parked a car sideways to prevent the neighbour from plowing the driveways of other neighbours with an ATV.
In September, a 34-year-old filed a false harassment complaint against their neighbour, but after an investigation was the one charged with public mischief.
"The complainant had reported being harassed by a neighbour. Police viewed numerous security camera videos from both properties in the location where the complainant reported the harassment took place. After an extensive investigation, police determined what the complainant was reporting and what was on the video footage was not consistent. The complainant was subsequently arrested and charged," OPP said in a news release.
None of the charges has been proven in court.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Walmart Canada CEO says retailer not trying to profit from inflation
Walmart Canada is not trying to profit from food inflation, president and CEO Gonzalo Gebara told a parliamentary committee studying the issue Monday evening.

Hockey Canada says 2018 junior players ineligible for international competition
Hockey Canada says players from the 2018 world junior hockey team will not be considered for international competition until an investigation into an alleged sexual assault involving members of the team is complete.
Victims identified as police reveal Nashville school shooter had drawn maps, done surveillance
The suspect in a Nashville school shooting on Monday had drawn a detailed map of the school, including potential entry points, and conducted surveillance before killing three students and three adults in the latest in a series of mass shootings in a country growing increasingly unnerved by bloodshed in schools.
Landslide in Ecuador kills at least 7, with dozens missing
A huge landslide swept over an Andean community in central Ecuador, burying dozens of homes, killing at least seven people and sending rescuers on a frantic search for survivors, authorities said Monday.
How many COVID-19 vaccine doses should you have by now?
Here is a summary of the current COVID-19 vaccination guidelines from NACI, for both children and adults who are at increased risk of serious illness and those who are not.
From silicon to brain cells: How biology may hold the future of computers
As artificial intelligence software and advanced computers revolutionize modern technology, some researchers see a future where computer programmers leap from silicon to organic molecules.
Pope Francis the fashion icon? Detecting AI images reaches 'uncanny valley,' cybersecurity expert warns
After a few altered images of Pope Francis sporting a white puffer jacket convinced the online world the Catholic leader could be a part-time fashion icon, one expert warns the rapid improvement of AI could pose larger societal problems.
Freeland's budget to include grocery rebate for lower income Canadians, here's what else to expect Tuesday
The 2023 federal budget will include a one-time 'grocery rebate' for Canadians with lower incomes who may be struggling with the rising cost of food, CTV News has confirmed.
Indigenous concert in Vancouver cancelled over questions about performer's identity claims
The Vancouver Park Board and Britannia Community Services Centre cancelled an event Sunday that had been advertised as part of an Indigenous concert series in Grandview Park.