The province has officially banned fishing at one of the more popular local fishing holes, in part to protect a species of turtle.
The two ponds on the former Guelph Correctional Centre lands off York Road, also known as the OR (Ontario Reformatory) Ponds, are off limits for fishing, says a spokesperson for the provincial government.
New signs were recently erected at the location detailing a number of activities that aren't allowed, including boating, swimming and fishing.
In fact it has been that way since early 2016, said Sofia Sousa-Dias, a spokesperson for the provincial Ministry of Infrastructure.
"These signs were first placed on the property in early 2016 as part of the proactive property management strategy taken by Infrastructure Ontario," Sousa-DIas said.
"We are allowing the plants in this area to re-grow naturally and we have placed new signage on the property to inform the public that they are to refrain from certain activities on the property, including fishing in the ponds."
She said the main reasons are environmental and safety.
The ponds are within a designated flood plaine and are part of the storm water management for the City of Guelph, she said.
They are also home to a threatened species: the Blanding's Turtle.
"The area is also believed to be the habitat of an endangered species, the Blanding's Turtle, and is identified as a ‘significant natural area’ in the City of Guelph’s Official Plan," Sousa-Dias said.
"In order to fish in these ponds, individuals would have to cross through this protected area and within the habitat of the Blanding's Turtle."
The province lists the Blanding's Turtle as “threatened,” It is not endangered, but is likely to become endangered if steps are not taken to address factors threatening it, says www.ontario.ca.
Originally built by prisoners 100 years ago to help manage flooding on the surrounding farmland, the ponds have been a popular fishing spot for years in Guelph, both on the banks in summer and ice fishing in the winter.
Pike, perch and bass are found in the ponds, which have also hosted fishing events such as Take A Kid Fishing Day and the Guelph Legion Family Fishing Derby.
Sousa-Dias said that the ministry is also worried about potential accidents.
"We are also concerned that swimming or fishing in the ponds could result in an accident, as the ponds are not monitored for safety related to such activities," she said.
