Ontario court fines man for prolonged Crown land camping

An undated photo of a Ministry of Natural Resources conservation officer vehicle parked near water. (File photo/Supplied/Ministry of Natural Resources)

An individual from Red Lake, Ont., has been ordered to pay $2,500 after pleading guilty to violating provincial Crown land camping rules.

Jade McLaughlin was sentenced in the Ontario Court of Justice for failing to vacate a Crown land campsite after 21 days.

Charges followed extended Crown land stays

“McLaughlin occupied a campsite near Corallen Lake, north of the Municipality of Red Lake from June 2024 through to the spring of 2025,” the Ministry of Natural Resources wrote in a recent court bulletin.

In June 2025, McLaughlin moved his camper to another location and proceeded again to leave it in that location in excess of 21 days.

21-day rule

The fine relates to a specific regulation governing public land use in Ontario.

“Canadian residents may camp on Crown land for free up to 21 days on any one site per calendar year,” said the ministry.

Justice of the Peace Madeleine Paul presided over the case remotely in Red Lake on June 25.

To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, call the ministry TIPS line toll-free at 1-877-847-7667 or contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.

For more information about unsolved cases, click here.

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