Nunavut Parks and the City of Iqaluit are teaming up to crack down on illegal off-roading this summer.

They have been co-operating since last year to educate the public and issue warnings, but from here on in, both fines and vehicle seizures are possible.

Cameron DeLong, manager of parks, planning and operations for Nunavut Territorial Parks, says off-roading is not permitted within the boundaries of Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park and people who are caught can be fined. (CBC)

"We've seen vehicles as large as 4X4 trucks, ATVs come through here,” said Cameron DeLong, manager of parks, planning and operations for Nunavut Territorial Parks.

“We're really trying to educate the public that this type of activity has a place, and it's not within the boundaries of our park."

Last weekend a young man towed his snowmobile into Sylvia Grinnell park near Iqaluit to hydroplane back and forth over a small lake used by swans and Canada Geese.

He did extensive damage to the sensitive wetland area.

"It takes several years for this to come back," said DeLong, pointing out the deep mud tracks and churned-up tundra.

"When you're clipping along the top of the water at 50, 60, 70 kilometres an hour, you're not going to notice that, either — if you do, it's going to be too late,” he said.

DeLong said, after receiving a tip, parks staff visited the snowmobiler and delivered a warning but, where warranted, they will also report violators.

Kevin Sloboda, Iqaluit's chief bylaw officer, said people should expect that they could be charged if they get caught.

DeLong says Nunavut Parks will install new signs to show the city's off-roading bylaw covers snowmobiles and trucks, along with four wheelers, and people are asked to call bylaw if they see illegal off-roading anywhere within the city limits.

The maximum fine under the bylaw is $500 and seizure of the vehicle.