Tag: crown land

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Cottage Life

How to camp for free (and sites to visit to right now)

Photo by @natemuskoka

Looking for a camping spot in Ontario but can’t find availability atv your favourite parks? Don’t worry, there’s still a solution: Crown land camping—these sites are managed by the Ontario government and make up 95 percent of Northern Ontario. And not only do they tend to be a privacy lover’s paradise, but Canadian citizens can camp for free for up to 21 days each calendar year (non-residents will need a permit). 

Before you hit the trails and pitch your tent, remember to follow the golden rule of backcountry camping and leave no trace. Be respectful of the existing animals and ecosystems, dispose of all garbage, be cautious when making a fire, and follow local regulations set out by the local Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines district office. Simply put, take only pictures and leave only footprints. 

How to find Crown land to camp on

Here’s the thing: finding Crown land can be tricky and seasoned campers are unlikely to share their hidden gems for fear that sites will become too popular. We suggest checking out the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas, and go exploring. For those looking for insider tips, we’ve rounded up ten Crown land camping spots across Ontario.  

Lake Temagami near Sudbury, Ont.

Calling all adventurers! Just east of Sudbury, Temagami Region has over 2,000 lakes and 2,400 kilometres of routes, often only accessible by portaging. Grab your best GPS system or a handy map because many points are difficult to find or maintain. Check out Lake Matagamasi to Donald Lake Loop and Wolf Lake, or Wicksteed Lake, Kenny Forest, and Marten River while you’re in the area. 

Ruth Lake in Killarney, Ont.

Ruth Lake is an ideal place to camp because it’s nestled in a network of canoe and backpacking trails. Plus, it’s close to the La Cloche Silhouette Trail for anyone wanting to embark on a short or multi-day hike. Plus, if you change your mind about the Crown land appeal of no washrooms, staff, or camping infrastructure, there are many Ontario Parks campgrounds in the area.

Fish Bay Conservation Reserve near Nipissing, Ont.

There are quite a few Crown land shorelines and islands free to camp on buried in the Fish Bay Conservation Reserve. Campers can access them by Wade’s or Chapman’s landings in the Township of Nipissing. You’ll often be greeted by fishermen in this popular fishing spot (if the name didn’t give it away).

Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park near Sudbury, Ont.

Find Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park just 50 kilometres outside Sudbury and near the townships of MacKelcan, Rathbun, McCarthy, and McNish. Boaters will be thrilled to know that this is a popular canoeing destination, plus it has loads of trails to hike on. This park is also the home of Ontario’s Blue Lagoon, known for its waterfalls and natural pools. 

Philip Edward Island in Killarney, Ont. 

Philip Edward Island is a backcountry access point in Killarney that is only reachable by boat. Head to the island by parking at the Chikanishing Trail and paddle across the Collins Inlet. Be prepared to sleep on rocks and have minimal shelter from trees at this camping site. 

Ahmic Forest and Rock Barrens Conservation Reserve near Parry Sound, Ont.

This conservation reserve near the hamlets of Dunchurch and McKellar is one of many camping spots in the Parry Sound area, with over 6,000 hectares of Crown land. Hunting and fishing have been permitted in the past, but it’s best to check with the local ENDM district office before engaging in any recreational activities. 

Egan Lake in Bancroft, Ont.

With no cottages and no hydro, this Crown land camping spot is a true off-grid hidden gem. Fair warning to drivers: roads are often unmaintained, and you should travel with a 4×4 vehicle. Once you get past the rocky terrain, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quiet, peace, and beautiful lake.

Harris Lake in McDougall, Ont.

Harris Lake is only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area, making it an easy spot for any city dwellers looking for a weekend escape. Make sure to check the map before you venture out because only about 60 percent of the shoreline is Crown land. When you’re there, grab your paddle and cruise along to Magnetawan.

Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve near Dryden, Ont.

Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve is a gold mine for Crown land campers. With over 500 Crown land islands accessible by boat, you can explore 3,395 hectares just outside of Dryden and Vermilion Bay.

Big Salmon Lake in Frontenac, Ont.

Head down to Frontenac for access to Crown land camping by boat. Access points include Big Salmon Lake, Little Salmon Lake, and Little Clear Lake. The benefit of this area is that you can drive electric motor boats—just watch out for the weeds and largemouth bass in the shallow areas. 

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Cottage Life

5 (potentially) confusing cottage real estate terms

By Doucefleur/Shutterstock

“In my business, familiarizing buyers with what they need to know involves some new terminology,” says Chris Winney, a broker with Royal LePage ProAlliance Realty in Northbrook, Ont. Here are a few potentially confusing terms for cottage buyers.

Road access Wait, how is that confusing? There’s “road access” and “water access.” Simple! But this term can require some explanation “if part of the way into the cottage takes you from a township-maintained road to resident-maintained lanes that may criss-cross neighbouring properties,” says Winney. “That’s when using a local lawyer is beneficial; they know the area well and understand how the buyer may or may not be impacted by this situation.”

Cottage Q&A: If neighbours access their dock via our property, are we liable if they get hurt on our land?

Road maintenance fees “It’s important for buyers to understand that when they purchase a cottage that uses resident-maintained lanes for access, they need to accept that there will be an extra annual shared fee,” says Winney. Everyone who uses the road helps pay for the road: for maintenance—grading and dust control if it’s gravel, for example—insurance, and potentially snow plowing. (Even if you don’t use the cottage in the winter, your cottage association or road association may expect you to pay for winter maintenance.)

Cottage Q&A: How can we ensure everyone pays their share of road maintenance fees?

Crown land Any land, lakes, and rivers managed by the government. Is there any Crown land near the lake? “Having it facing or around your property is beneficial,” says Winney. “It’s a constant view, it probably means the lake is clean, and it provides everyone with privacy.” Not to mention trees. Everyone loves trees!

A guide to buying and building on Crown land in Ontario

Public access points This could affect how much boat traffic the lake gets. “Are there public access points on your lake or is it a closed system? On larger lakes, both residents and visitors can often put their boats in at different boat launches,” says Winney. On smaller lakes, you may need to own property to be able to boat there.

Lake level Well, duh: it’s the level of the lake! But you’ll want to investigate what controls it, and therefore, what can affect it throughout the year. “Is it spring-fed? Is it part of a river chain controlled by dams? Does the water level fluctuate to allow you to keep your dock in place in the winter?” says Winney. “Knowing this happens will reassure a buyer when the water drops at the end of October by five to six feet. Yikes if they didn’t know!”

15 real estate terms for first-time buyers

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Cottage Life

A guide to buying and building on Crown land in Ontario

Photo by Jason Empey/Shutterstock.com

Location is everything for cottagers, and choosing the spot for your home away from home is a big deal. But, no need to fret–-we have a solution for you. Have you tried exploring public land? Eighty-seven per cent of the province is Crown land, managed by the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. While there can be a lengthy process in place, it may be worth taking a peek into what Ontario has to offer. Cottagers can find Crown land location, policies, and amendments through the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas. This map represents more than 39 million hectares of land and water. 

So, you are interested in buying Crown land. Here’s everything you need to know. 

According to the ministry, it “will consider selling public land for residential and cottage development within municipal boundaries. Land is sold to the municipality or a developer working closely with the municipality.” Interested individuals would then purchase the Crown land from the municipality. 

But, wait! What’s the catch?

There may be conditions, restrictions, and prioritizations. Requests to buy Crown land are decided on a case-to-case basis. Crown land is sold at market value. Before selling, the ministry considers everything from economic advancement and environmental impact, to Indigenous consultation. Applications are subject to legislation, provincial policies, and planning direction. For those with specific questions, contact your local district office.

What is the process for buying Crown land?

A guide to cottage lot development on Crown land highlights the steps a municipality takes. It leads public consultations, often speaking with Indigenous communities, sustainable forest licensees, the public, various entities (trappers, baitfish harvesters, resources-based tourism operators, bear management area operators, etc.), government ministries, and other municipalities. An environmental assessment will follow, leading to a disposition review period, where the application will be approved or denied. 

After the municipality has acquired the land, individuals may purchase it directly from the municipality. 

What can I do with my property once I get Crown land?

You will need a Crown land-specific work permit. You’ll need one if you want to work on an erosion control structure, determine the placement of fill on shore lands, create or expand a dredge, construct a building, road, trail, or watercross, and remove native aquatic vegetation in certain areas.

There are some activities where you are not required to have a work permit. Such activities include minor road maintenance, placing a registered ice hut on ice, installing a waterline, servicing cable or heat loop for residential use, removing a dock or boat house, and constructing or placing structures that are in contact with 15 square meters or less of the shore lands.

See Crown land work permits for more information.

Let’s get to the nitty-gritty. What other regulations will I need to follow?

If a municipality chooses to sell Crown land for private use, then you’ll of course have to comply with local planning regulations, the Ontario Building Code, and potential provincial and municipal inspections.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a guaranteed timeline for these compliance measures. It’s best to speak with your local district office or municipality to better understand the process.

When you’re ready to build that cottage, don’t forget to check out Cottage Life’s Project Plans for everything from simple weekend DIYs to more detailed builds. 

 

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Cottage Life

Timmins man fined for leaving his camper trailer on Crown land

Photo by Shutterstock/dvande

Turns out storing your camper trailer on Crown land can come with a hefty price tag. On April 8, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) announced that it was fining Ralph Miller of Timmins, Ont. $7,000 for leaving his camper trailer and personal belongings on Crown land over the 21-day limit.

In January 2018, a conservation officer encountered Miller’s camper at the Pharand Lake boat launch, approximately an hour and a half southwest of Timmins. The trailer remained there over the winter, exceeding the 21-day limit for camping on Crown land. In May, conservation officers ticketed Miller and told him to move his camper. Miller neither paid his ticket nor moved his camper.

Over the winter of 2019, Miller left his camper in the same location. When discovered by conservation officers, they charged Miller under the Public Lands Act and removed his camper from the site.

Justice of the Peace Jean-Marie Blier presided over the case, but Miller failed to attend any of his scheduled court dates. Finally, on March 24, 2022, Blier heard the case remotely in the Ontario Court of Justice, in Timmins, and found Miller guilty during a trial in absentia, fining him $7,000.

In some regards, Miller got off light. According to the MNRF, failing to remove personal property from Crown land can constitute a maximum fine of $15,000, with an additional fine of $1,000 for each day the offence continues. If it’s a second offence, it can warrant up to a $25,000 fine.

Under Ontario’s Public Lands Act, all Canadian citizens are allowed to camp on Crown land for free for a maximum of 21 days. After that 21 days, you need to move your camping equipment a minimum of 100 metres from your previous site to be entitled to another 21 days. You’re then not allowed to camp on your previous site for an entire year.

Not all Crown land is open to camping, though. You can check which Crown land locations are available for camping here. The MNRF advises that you check before heading out as you could be fined for camping on prohibited Crown land.

Non-residents can also camp on Crown land, but if you’re a non-resident camping north of the Mattawa and French Rivers, you must purchase a permit through Service Ontario. It costs $9.35 per person per night. Even with a permit, non-residents are still restricted to the 21-day limit.

“As with all campers, the 21-day temporary use ensures that sites are available to others and helps reduce environmental impacts,” the MNRF said in an email.

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