A northern Ontario prospector has been fined $1,500 and barred from camping on most public lands in Ontario for two years after leaving his trailer at a public land campsite for more than a year. Investigation and claim The Ontario Court of Justice heard that in July 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources investigated Raymond Rheaume’s use of a public land campsite near the Little White River. “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,” the MNR wrote in a recent court bulletin. 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. According to the ministry, further investigation determined 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. Convicted, fined and banned Rheaume 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. Justice of the Peace Diane Lafleur heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice in Elliot Lake on Aug. 17, 2026. Camping limits 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,” said conservation officer Ron Arnold in a related social media video. 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, visit ontario.ca/MNRTips.
