In Ontario, a property owner and a demolition contractor have been fined a total of $157,000 after causing damage to the habitat of threatened chimney swifts at a site in Parry Sound. The individuals involved, Marble Arch Corporation and contractor Adam Watson, were found guilty under Ontario's Endangered Species Act due to their actions during a demolition that commenced without the necessary provincial authorization.

The damaging activities occurred at the site of the abandoned St. Joseph’s Hospital, which had been closed since 2005. A significant portion of the hospital structure included a cylindrical brick chimney that was serving as an important roosting location for chimney swifts, particularly during their annual migration. The court ruling underscores the importance of adhering to environmental regulations that protect endangered species, highlighting a legal precedent for accountability in such matters.

This case brings attention to the ongoing challenges of balancing developmental activities with environmental conservation, especially when threatened species are involved. The fine not only serves as a punishment for the offenders but also as a warning to others in the construction and demolition industry to ensure compliance with environmental laws designed to protect vulnerable wildlife habitats.