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Heading to Swift Rapids? There are things you need to know!

Trespassing fines can be issued to those who enter prohibited areas at and near the dam operated by Orillia Power Generation
2019-05-21 Swift Rapids Road
File photo. Nathan Taylor/OrilliaMatters

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO PROVINCIAL POLICE
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The Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in partnership with Orillia Power Generation, Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) and the County of Simcoe, would like to remind users of some important safety and regulatory information related to the area known as Swift Rapids Road.

Swift Rapids Road is a utility road which runs from the north end of Carlyon line to the Swift Generating Station and Lock 43 on the Trent Severn Waterway. It is maintained on behalf of the authorized users by Orillia Power Generation and is not an assumed road.

Upon entry from Carlyon Line, the first 2.4 km section of road runs through Simcoe County Forest known as Shephard Tract. Details are available on the mapping tool[1] on the County website. This area is managed by the County of Simcoe and is subject to the County Forest Recreation Policy[2] and associated by-law. In particular:

  • Motorized vehicle use is not permitted within the Shephard Tract;
  • Hunting is permitted as per provincial regulations, however any other discharge of firearms including target shooting and paintball is prohibited.

There is a gate at the entry to the Shephard Tract which has been locked during the spring for the last two years. The gate will remain locked going forward to prevent access by unauthorized vehicles. Users are welcome to enter the Shephard Tract on foot or by bicycle.

Beyond the Shephard Tract, the remainder of the land bordering Swift Rapids Road, up to the locked gate at the dam, is provincial Crown land and can be used by the public for recreational purposes. Information about permitted recreational uses on Crown land can be found here https://www.ontario.ca/page/recreational-activities-on-crown-land

There are prohibited areas at and near the dam operated by Orillia Power Generation. Trespassing fines can be issued by police and township by-law officers to anyone entering those areas.

Users are reminded that the OPP and MNRF conduct ATV patrols to educate the public and enforce proper use of the land. In addition, police will continue to conduct RIDE checks in the area as impaired driving affects us all. 

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