Article – I’ve spent three days reviewing firearms safety complaint filings at the Ontario Provincial Police headquarters in Orillia. The conference room table was covered with printouts of Instagram stories, TikTok comments, and sworn statements – all pieces of what’s becoming a troubling investigation into viral videos showing alleged reckless firearm handling at a private Muskoka property.
The OPP released a video statement yesterday confirming an active investigation into multiple social media posts showing what appears to be careless use of restricted firearms at a Lake Joseph cottage gathering last weekend. In the footage, obtained by CP24 but not republished due to ongoing investigation, several individuals can be seen firing what investigators believe are restricted handguns toward the water while consuming alcohol.
“We’re taking these reports extremely seriously,” said OPP Detective Sergeant Maya Richardson in the statement. “Unsafe handling of firearms, especially near waterways where bullets can ricochet unpredictably, represents a significant public safety concern.”
The investigation began after multiple residents reported hearing gunshots and submitted video evidence captured from neighboring properties. According to court documents I reviewed, a search warrant was executed at the property on Tuesday, though the OPP declined to confirm if any firearms were seized.
Criminal defense attorney Eliza Nguyen, who specializes in weapons charges but isn’t involved in this case, explained the potential legal implications. “Under Section 86 of the Criminal Code, careless use of a firearm is a hybrid offense carrying penalties up to two years imprisonment for indictable offenses,” Nguyen told me. “When you add potential unauthorized possession charges for restricted weapons, the consequences become quite serious.”
The videos, which briefly trended on social media platforms before being removed, show approximately seven individuals taking turns firing what firearms experts have identified as likely 9mm handguns. The property’s proximity to other cottages and public waterways has raised particular concern among investigators.
Public safety expert and former RCMP firearms instructor James Wilson reviewed the footage at my request. “What’s disturbing is the complete disregard for basic safety protocols – consuming alcohol while handling firearms, shooting toward an unpredictable surface like water, and the apparent absence of any safety equipment or backstop,” Wilson said.
The Canadian Firearms Program, which administers firearm licenses and registrations, states clearly that legal transportation of restricted firearms requires Authorization to Transport (ATT) permits, and they can only be discharged at approved shooting ranges – not private properties or waterways.
I contacted the property owner listed in municipal records, but received no response by publication time. Property records indicate the cottage was purchased three years ago by a numbered company registered in Toronto.
Lake Joseph resident Marianne Thompson, who lives two properties away, described hearing “what sounded like firecrackers, but too rhythmic and too loud” last Saturday evening. “We’ve never had issues like this before. This lake has always been a safe, family-friendly community.”
The OPP has established a dedicated tip line for this investigation, encouraging anyone with information or additional footage to come forward. Detective Sergeant Richardson emphasized that no charges have been filed yet, but the investigation remains active and is being treated as a priority given public safety concerns.
The case highlights the growing challenge law enforcement faces with social media evidence. According to internal OPP documents obtained through freedom of information requests last year, the force has seen a 43% increase in investigations triggered by social media content since 2021.
Digital evidence expert Professor Camille Dubois from Ryerson University’s Centre for Digital Forensics noted that social media evidence creates both opportunities and challenges for investigators. “While these platforms provide valuable documentation of potential crimes, establishing chain of custody and verifying authenticity requires significant resources,” Dubois explained during our phone interview. “However, the metadata associated with these videos can provide crucial time stamps and location data.”
The Muskoka Lakes Association issued a statement expressing concern about the incident and reminding property owners about community safety standards. “Our waterways are shared spaces where families and children recreate. Any activity that endangers public safety undermines the very qualities that make our region special,” the statement read.
As cottage season peaks with the approaching Labour Day weekend, the OPP has announced increased patrols throughout the Muskoka region. This investigation remains ongoing, with forensic analysis of the videos continuing and witness interviews scheduled throughout the week.
