City reacts to letter threatening beaches from Toronto to North Bay

'I have spoken with the Chief of Police and at this time we are not aware of any credible threat to our beaches but it is being monitored'

Marathon beach on Lake Nipissing. File photo by Jeff Turl.

The OPP is investigating a letter claiming to be from the Islamic Revolutionary Force which threatens to “destroy your beaches from Toronto to North Bay.”

Back on May 11th Hunstville OPP was informed about a suspicious letter that stated a group had threatened to contaminate beaches in the Muskoka area and threatened the tourism industry.

Reports indicate the letter has been sent to a handful of media outlets in the province. BayToday.ca was not a recipient.

“We have started with the Muskoka’s and other tourist destinations. Your Northern towns are extremely easy targets, unlike cities. We do this because you reject Islam and follow the Great Satan. Infidels you allow your women to disgracefully, shamelessly parade around your beaches all but naked!” a portion of the letter states.

North Bay Mayor Al McDonald says the the city takes all threats seriously.

“I have spoken with the Chief of Police and at this time we are not aware of any credible threat to our beaches but it is being monitored,” McDonald said in an email to BayToday.ca.

“We have not been contacted by the OPP regarding the letter or any concerns, ( if any), they may have,” McDonald continued.

“We have seen and we are aware of social media posts and our staff are always on the look out for any suspicious acts or activity. The public can assist as they always do and are encouraged to call the Police if they see any suspicious activity near beach, a waterway or anywhere in our city for that matter.

McDonald says Parks and Recreation staff have reached out to other parks organizations along the Highway 11 corridor.

“We will immediately update the public if there is any change in this information.”