Ville de Longueuil (City of Longueuil) - conviction information for 2025-06-12

Corporation details
Corporation name: Ville de Longueuil (City of Longueuil)
Address: 4250 De la Savane Road
City: Longueuil
Province/territory: Quebec
Postal code: J3Y 9G4
Country: Canada
Sector or industry: 913 - Local, municipal and regional public administration
Case details
Location of offense: Sorbiers Park, Longueuil, Quebec
Case summary:

On 10 July 2024, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) received a public complaint alleging the destruction of a Bobolink (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) nesting site as a result of a vegetation mowing operation in Parc municipal des Sorbiers, located in Longueuil, Quebec.

Following receipt of this complaint, wildlife enforcement officers with ECCC initiated an investigation pursuant to their authority under the Species at Risk Act (SARA). The investigation established that the City of Longueuil conducted the mowing on 9 July 2024, which resulted in the damage or destruction of at least one Bobolink nest.

Based on the evidence gathered, it was determined that the City of Longueuil contravened section 33 of SARA by causing the destruction or disturbance of a component essential to the survival of this listed species.

Accordingly, legal proceedings were initiated against the City of Longueuil for an offence under the Species at Risk Act.

Charges:

Count 1

On or about 9 July 2024, did damage or destroye the residence of one or more individuals of a threatened species, namely the Bobolink, in contravention of section 33 of the Species at Risk Act, thereby committing the summary conviction offence set out in subparagraph 97(1.1)(b)(ii) of that Act.

Enforcement notification: The Ville de Longueuil (the city of Longueuil) ordered to pay $30,000 for damaging or destroying at least one bobolink nest
Conviction
Result: Guilty Plea
Date of conviction: 2025-06-12
Court level: Federal Court
Nature of offense(s):
  • Other,
  • None of the above
Additional details about the nature of the offense: It is prohibited to damage or destroy the residence of any individual of a wildlife species listed as endangered or threatened, or of a wildlife species listed as extirpated from Canada for which a recovery strategy has recommended reintroduction into the wild in Canada.
Legislative details
Act Regulations Section(s)
Species at Risk Act 33, 97 (1.1)(b)(ii)
Sentencing
Date of sentencing: 2025-06-12
Location of sentencing: Longueuil, Quebec
Sentence(s):
  • Fine
Amount of fine(s): $30,000
Sentencing details:
On 12 June 2025, following a guilty plea, the provincial court of Longueuil (Quebec) found the City of Longueuil guilty of contravening subparagraph 97(1.1)(b)(ii) of the Species at Risk Act. Under the judgment rendered, the City was ordered to pay a fine of $30,000 to the Receiver General for Canada within the prescribed time frame.
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