Some people in the Sudbury area are upset over what they call a ‘blatant disregard for the environment.’
They're talking about the trash left behind this weekend after some ice fishing huts were removed from Whitson Lake.
One ice hut was burned and two were partially dismantled, leaving behind a big mess.
A resident that lives on the lake, didn't want to appear on camera, but tells CTV News that people draw drinking water from the water body that is home to several fish species.
Sudbury City Councillor Bob Kirwan says he received several complaints about the huts.
The deadline to remove them was March 31.
“A lot of the residents are understandably upset. This is disrespectful, not only of the environment, but to the people living in the area. Whitson is a beautiful lake. It's used all year long.” said Kirwan.
People had this to say to CTV News about the incident:
“They don't think about the fish, we are going to lose our fish.”
“There is a lot of junk going into the lakes as well. On top of that, I know there is salt run off and there is sewage run off, so this just adds to the problem with the lakes and eventually the drinking water, which is compromised because of things like that.”
“It should be done properly. What about the next generation coming up?”
Councillor Kirwan says most people do respect our area lakes.
“Hundreds of people use that lake. Hundreds of people had ice huts out there and they go ice fishing. A few people are doing this. It's like putting rubber boots on with a tuxedo. You don't see all of the good things that are being done, but you notice when people do something disrespectful.” said Kirwan.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry says it wasn’t aware of this problem on Whitson Lake, but says conservation officers will be looking into the matter.
MNRF officials remind ice fishing enthusiasts that leaving garbage and not removing a hut properly can result in a fine of up to $25,000.
