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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.