As of June 1, non-members of Walpole Island First Nation will require a pleasure craft license to access the bays and channels of Walpole Island First Nation.
Walpole Island officials say the purpose of implementing the license is to ensure the protection of sensitive ecological areas such as, fish habitat and to recover costs of enforcement and administration.
Starting June 1, 2021 a required pleasure craft license will be available to purchase in person at the Walpole Island Governance Building (117 Tahgahoning Rd.) and also available at the following locations; Chematogan Camp, Willow Beach Post, Gary’s Taxidermy & Tanning, and Bkejwanong Gas & Convenience.
The cost of the annual license is $100.
Licenses can also be purchased over the phone at 519-627-1481 as well as by email at finance@wifn.org.
“Certain areas are restricted and may only be accessed by non-members for the purpose of fishing with a valid Walpole Island fishing license,” Walpole Island officials said in a media release.
“Walpole Island First Nation defines pleasure craft as: a boat, a ship, a vessel, or any other description of watercraft that is used exclusively for pleasure and does not carry passengers or goods for hire, reward, remuneration or any object of profit.”
U.S. pleasure craft are restricted from entering all Walpole Island channels and bays, Walpole Island officials say.
“Once border restrictions loosen Americans will be required to purchase a WIFN pleasure craft license, Walpole Island officials say.
“WIFN waterways are patrolled by Walpole Island resource protection and Walpole Island Police Services as well as other Canadian Provincial Police services and RCMP patrol.”
