A Winnipeg area man has been fined a total of $3,000 for violations under the Public Lands Act while two others were given suspended sentences.

Garth Steek pleaded guilty and was fined $1,500 for erecting a structure without a permit, as well as $1,500 for disobeying a stop work order.

He also was issued a court order to remove the structure from the property.

Amory Steek and Jeritt Story also pleaded guilty to erecting a structure without a permit and disobeying a stop work order as part of the same incident.

They were given suspended sentences by the court.

Court heard that Garth Steek is the owner of a cottage property at Clearwater Bay on Lake of the Woods, which is within the boundary of the Clearwater Bay restricted area order.

During the summer of 2016, Garth Steek, Amory Steek, and Jeritt Story erected a bunkhouse on the property.

An inspection that fall by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry revealed the bunkhouse was illegally constructed without a work permit.

A stop work order was issued until a work permit was obtained.

In June, 2017, a subsequent inspection revealed the work on the structure had continued without a work permit, in violation of the conditions of the stop work order.

Justice of the Peace John Guthrie heard the case May 1 in Kenora.

The public is reminded to contact the local Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry office prior to starting work on cottage properties.