Dec 22, 2008 - 09:37 AM

By Chris Hall

NORTH DURHAM -- An intensive search along the northern end of Lake Scugog to locate a missing snowmobiler who last seen late Friday night has been called off by police.

Ontario Provincial Police scoured the north end of Lake Scugog throughout the day on Saturday in search of Grant Turner, 46, who hasn't been seen since Friday evening after setting off for his Gilson Street home across Lake Scugog on his snowmobile.

The extensive search, which included officers on the ground as well as the OPP helicopter and fixed-wing aircraft, turned up no signs of the Little Britain man, said authorities on Monday morning.

"We have conducted a search but it has been called off. Mr. Turner is now listed as a missing person," said Staff-Sergeant Mike Reynolds of the Kawartha Lakes OPP detachment.

He added that it's "too dangerous for our own patrols" to head out onto the lake to look for the missing man, but stressed police will still be keeping an eye out for Mr. Turner.

The OPP have "no further leads" on Mr. Turner's disappearance, but add it has been considered unusual for him to not return home.

Police first received word of Mr. Turner's absence when they received a missing persons complaint around 11 a.m. on Saturday.

It's believed Mr. Turner vanished late Friday evening after he left a McGill Drive address in Janetville and was making his way home across Lake Scugog while travelling on a yellow, 1996 Bombardier Skidoo MXZ.

Mr. Tuner is described as a white male, six-feet tall and weighing 185-pounds. He has short, black hair, a fair complexion and an average build. He was last seen wearing a yellow jacket, black snow pants, a black, blue and silver coloured helmet and black Skidoo-type boots with red duct tape on the toes.

Police are reminding the public to stay off Lake Scugog until a significant freeze-up has taken place. Authorities add that the heavy snowfall that has taken place over the past few days has created slushy and unsafe conditions, in particular areas where there is still open water. "Lakes everywhere are unstable," said Staff-Sgt. Reynolds, adding its best to check with local residents before heading out onto frozen surfaces.

Anyone knowing the whereabouts of Mr. Turner is asked to contact Ontario Provincial Police at 1-888-310-1122 or the City of Kawartha Lakes OPP Detachment at 705-324-6741.