An individual from Northern Ontario has been fined $1,500 for the following camping and public land violations:
Raymond Rheaume of Elliot Lake was convicted of unlawfully occupying public lands for more than the permitted 21 days. He was fined $1,500 and received a two-year probation order prohibiting him from camping on any public lands in Ontario, except those associated with his mining claim.
The Ontario Court of Justice heard that in July 2025, an investigation by conservation officers determined that Rheaume had unlawfully left his camping trailer at a public land campsite near the Little White River, north of Elliot Lake, from March 2024 to July 2025.
Rheaume claimed that, as a prospector, he was entitled to occupy the campsite in connection with mineral exploration activities on his mining claim. While mining claim holders may occupy public lands to conduct lawful mineral exploration activities, they must do so within their claim area and in accordance with the provisions of the Mining Act and the Public Lands Act.
Further investigation revealed that Rheaume’s registered mining claim was located more than two kilometres from the campsite and that he had no right under the Mining Act to occupy the site.
Canadian residents may camp on Ontario public lands free of charge for up to 21 days at a single site within a calendar year. After 21 days, they must vacate the site and move their camping equipment. This requirement helps reduce the environmental impacts of long-term occupancy and ensures fair access to public lands for other campers.
Justice of the Peace Diane Lafleur heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Elliot Lake, on August 17, 2026.
To report a natural resource problem or provide information about an unsolved case, members of the public can call the ministry TIPS line toll free at 1-877-847-7667. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS. For more information about unsolved cases, please visit ontario.ca/MNRTips.
