Canada May Now Allow Entry To Visitors With One DUI

For many years, some hunters and fishermen looking for adventure in Canada may have been heartbroken to find out at the border they were denied entry due to a single drunk driving charge (DUI/OWI/DWI) or other misdemeanor, no matter how far back in their past it occurred.

However, as of March, 2012, the Canadian Border Services Agency  CBSA was directed to follow a new, more forgiving policy which may allow one-time offenders to enjoy a Canadian fishing or hunting adventure. Visitors should keep in mind Border Services Agents always have the final call on admissible entry into Canada and may consider how recently the offence was committed.

The new policy enables visitors to receive a free, one-time only Temporary Immigration Permit in lieu of the usual $200 fee, though until a permanent policy is approved it is unclear if this permit will only allow one entry or is good for a certain period of time. For repeat visits, sportsmen with an offence on their record will probably have to explore Canada’s “rehabilitation” process, which will require a fee.  You will find additional information on this by clicking on this link.

This new entry policy was reportedly approved in response to protests from outfitters and lodge owners, particularly from northwest Ontario, who were tired of seeing sportsmen and tourists denied their vacation of a lifetime, often at the last minute, for offences deemed misdemeanors in the U.S. that could have happened 20 years earlier.  

Mike Loewen, executive director of a regional tourist council that represents more than 200 resorts, lodges and outfitters in northwestern Ontario, told the Minneapolis Star Tribune, "The restrictions have cost millions of dollars just in northwestern Ontario over the years. People are being turned away who shouldn't be. We're not saying let criminals in, but someone who made a minor indiscretion years ago shouldn't be prevented from coming here to fish."

The Countdown Begins ...

The Countdown Begins…

As the days get longer, the snow drifts smaller, the annual ritual of prepping Delaney Lake Lodge for another season of first class fishing adventures begins.

Once the ice is out in early May, the crew’s first job is to remove the sheets of plywood  that have protected all doors and windows from the ravages of the Canadian winter. Since all seven cabins have full baths, the next task is to restore the running water system.

Bulk food for a summer of Delaney Lake’s famous home-cooked dinners, hearty breakfasts, and shore lunches is delivered to a marina on the English River System, barged to a portage, and then lugged over the portage to a pontoon boat for the final leg to the lodge. Just this step is an all-day job for a crew of ten!

Next, all the Lund boats in the lodge’s fleet are brought out of dry dock and outfitted with their new Yamaha four strokes, which have to be flown in.  The unloading, mounting, and testing of the motors is another full day’s work for six staffers. Delaney Lake Lodge replaces all its motors with new models each year to insure trouble-free excursions all summer long, and our staff carefully inspects the boats to insure the comfort and safety of our guests.

Fuel for the generator supplying electricity for the lodge and cabins has to be flown in from Nestor Falls starting in May and continuing throughout the summer. The diesel is transported in 25 gallon drums which are rolled in and out of float planes; the fuel is then pumped into a holding tank. All cabins at Delaney Lake offer 110 volt power and heat.

By the walleye opener May 18, Delaney Lake Lodge will be open for guests, and by the time the musky season opens the following month, the summer season will be in full swing.

The Delaney Lake Staff is looking forward to the best season of creating lifetime memories yet. For more information about Delaney Lake Lodge fishing trips, call 800-401-9281 or email fishing@delaneylakelodge.com.

We've Been Busy!

Though the lake may be frozen and the woods may be silent, we here at Delaney Lake Lodge are busy making our annual upgrades to equipment to insure a “hit the beach running” start to the 2013 fishing season.  

First, all guide boats are getting new motors. Delaney Lake Lodge replaces all of its outboards every year with new, 60 horse four stroke Yamahas. The reliability and safety of these units is legendary, with some owners reporting 15 years of use without downtime, and this enables our guests to spend all their time with us doing what they came for: enjoying the singular excitement and beauty of northwest Ontario.

 We are also fitting out two brand new 18 foot Lund boats. Delaney Lake Lodge only uses Lunds since their time-tested reputation makes them the boat-of-choice among wilderness guides, lodges, and outfitters. Not only are the Minnesota-made Lund boats renowned for their strength and performance, but all Lunds meet and exceed U.S. Coast Guard flotation regulations. Delaney Lake Lodge boats also feature Lund’s Pro Ride Pedestal Seats for all-day comfort and ease of fishing.

As we here at Delaney Lake Lodge start counting the days to ice out and opening day, rest assured the boats will be rigged, the motors will be humming, and the fish will be waiting once again to provide our guests with more once-in-a-lifetime adventures.