Ontario Crown land

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.

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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