Beaconia vigilantes document bare facts

CHRIS PURDY
Courts Reporter

The battle over nudity at Beaconia Beach may be getting out of hand now that area residents 
have taken the matter into their own hands.
Grand Marais RCMP are investigating an allegation that four residents patrolled the beach 
yesterday with a video earnera.
They allegedly started arguments with nude sunbathers, telling them to leave, and in one 
case a punch was thrown, said Cpl. Tom Coohey.
"There has been talk of vigilantism," said Cooney. "Hopefully it won't get to that."

Charges considered

Although it's unconfirmed who hit who, charges of assault and possibly causing a disturbance 
are being considered, he said.
Last week, the RCMP decided not to lay public nudity charges against live people who bared it 
all at Beaeonia earlier this summer.
Beaeonia resident Sue Denorer is less than pleased that the nudists won't face charges.
But she's choosing to continue her fight with the municipality.
"The municipality should stand by their residents. It's not just me, there are a lot of 
residents who don't agree with (nudity.) It's not right in front of young children," she said.
But the number of visitors has only increased, with about 40 nudists taking to the beach 
last Saturday after the RCMP's decision to nix public nudity charges.
Although no one was charged, Cooney said police will keep investigating complaints.
Charges depend on the circumstances of each case, said Rob Finlayson, assistant deputy 
attorney general.
"It's not open season," said Finleyson. "It's not legal to go and exhibit your nudity."
The Crown recommended no charges against the five people because there was no extreme 
behaviour or indication of harm, he said.
But if the behaviour of nude sunbathers is lurid or offensive -- or if there are children 
nearby -- they could be charged, he said.