People warned to stop stomping on canola crops to take selfies
Two "serious instances" involving people endangering crops to take selfies at a southern Ontario canola farm over the Canada Day long weekend have prompted police to warn the public about the potential consequences of trespassing into crop fields.
The Dufferin Detachment of the OPP says it has seen an increase in trespassing incidents at canola fields in the county, with the most recent happening last weekend in Melancthon Township, located more than 100 kilometres northwest of Toronto.
Police said people stopped their vehicles on the side of Highway 10 and entered canola fields to take photos.
In a news release issued on Monday, police shared a photo showing cars lined up on the side of the highway as several people were seen taking pictures in a canola field.
The plant is in peak full bloom at this time of the year, colouring vast fields yellow, making it a summer attraction for some who want Instagram-worthy photos.
“While Canola is beautiful at this time of year, it is a crop. It is a large part of plant-based diets and a source of income for our farmers,” the OPP said.
“The potential damage to this crop is valued at $2,000 if only one acre is damaged. It will increase if there was a larger area affected.”
Police reminded the public that under the Trespass to Property Act, crop fields are not required to have fences or signage to warn people not to enter. So entering a canola field by foot or on an off-road vehicle is still considered trespassing, even if there are no signs.
"If a person damages crops, then a criminal charge of mischief could be considered by a responding police officer," the OPP said.
Police added that they will continue to monitor the situation but asked for help. The incidents last weekend were not reported immediately, which was why police weren't able to respond on time.
Police urge anyone who sees a similar situation to call 1-888-310-1122 instantly.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Trudeau acknowledges charges in Nijjar killing, calls for commitment to democracy
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the charges laid Friday in relation to the murder of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Bodies recovered in Mexico likely 2 Australians, 1 American who went missing: officials
Three bodies recovered in an area of Baja California are likely to be those of the two Australians and an American who went missing last weekend during a camping and surfing trip, the state prosecutor’s office said Saturday.
Princess Anne lays wreath at B.C. veteran's cemetery; receives 21-gun salute
Princess Anne paid tribute to veterans buried at a cemetery in British Columbia today, laying a wreath to honour the more than 2,500 military personnel and family members buried there.
Mystik Dan wins the 150th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in a three-horse photo finish
Mystik Dan won the 150th Kentucky Derby in a photo finish, edging out Forever Young and Sierra Leone for the upset victory.
'I just can't believe that it took so long': Body found in wreckage 3 months after deadly fire
A man accused of arson in a January Old Strathcona apartment fire is expected to be charged with manslaughter after a body was discovered in the burned building late last month.
Quebec police hand out hundreds of tickets to Hells Angels and other bikers before 'first run' meeting
Quebec provincial police handed out hundreds of fines to Hells Angels members and other supporting motorcycle clubs who met for their 'first run' in a small town near Sherbrooke, Que.
Work stoppage possible as WestJet issues lockout notice to maintenance engineers' union
A lockout notice issued by WestJet to a union representing aircraft maintenance engineers could result in a work stoppage next week.
London Drugs begins 'gradual reopening' on 7th day after cyberattack
Almost a week after all London Drugs stores across Western Canada abruptly closed amid a cyberattack, they began a "gradual reopening" on Saturday.