Caledon Lake – Caledon Ontario’s Largest Lake
Posted: August 25th, 2009 under Caledon, Conservation, Orangeville, Photos.
Tags: Caledon, caledon lake, Conservation, lake, ontario, Orangeville, Photos
Comments
Comment from Matt
Time May 28, 2013 at 2:51 pm
Finally I understand the issue. I’m sorry to hear about anyone causing trouble, being noisy and disruptive, and especially doing damage to property. It seems to me that the majority here want to use the land responsibly, and not bother anyone. I guess that what has happened is that the responsible ones are being lumped together with the irresponsible and criminal ones. That’s a real shame. I am an avid camper and adventurer and practice “leave no trace” camping. Oh well, it’s too bad that there are those that have ruined things for everyone. I would just ask that the people who have been troubled realize that there are those of us who don’t want to cause any problems. This is really too bad.
Comment from for peel sb
Time May 28, 2013 at 2:59 pm
We understand that and for years would greet and talk to people on our trails (but not when students are present).We at the center are all campers, hikers,climbers,canoe trippers and the like.Thankyou for your understanding.
Comment from Rusty
Time June 7, 2013 at 3:10 pm
I would like to point out that the lands SW of the lake are conservation area lands owned by the CRCA. I believe this means it’s public property and anyone can venture on to it.
It is however, not a maintained area, meaning there’s no clear path or parking. And the boundary of this public land is not easily distinguishable from the private lands of home owners nearby.
The very narrow creek from Shaw’s Creek Rd, may be easy to follow, but you eventually still have to cut through forest to get to the actual lake. And I have no idea if that creek runs through private property or CRCA property.
Comment from Mike
Time July 11, 2013 at 12:07 pm
It’s heartwarming to see everyone getting along and sharing our lovely natural resources with each other.
I visited this location twice, once 2 years ago and again recently in June of this year. On one of the occasions I did see vandals getting up to no good, but they were young children on bikes, so they must live locally. When I approached them they were flippant and colourful with their profanity, but they fled as I expected them to. There’s no coincidence that the “trouble” in this area escalates correspondingly with when school gets out. I bet 85%+ of the problems described are from youths that live around the lake or in the immediate area.
They’ve got little else to do in that area during the summer and abundant free time. Idle hands, as they say…
The other time I was there we watched an older man with one of the residences on Cranberry Lane washing out a bucket and what I believe was used paint brushes in the water of this lake. Well done, old top.
I can see why the nimbyists in this community are upset and want to blame everything on outsiders… “Get off my lawn” and all that… Good ol’ misplaced sense of entitlement.
Comment from Joe
Time September 4, 2013 at 10:23 pm
To Peel SB,
Make Sure you take a good picture of us Duck Hunting Spet 28 on the lake, and post it on here. We have scouted the area lots of ducks and geese and very excited for the opener. Cant wait we have 3 groups of 4 men per group covering most fly ways. And there’s nothing you can do about it but watch and take pictures
Comment from Shawkat
Time September 24, 2013 at 4:25 pm
Movie Edon Lake, definitely inspired from this lake
Comment from Ted Woodard
Time January 21, 2014 at 11:55 am
Interesting blog I used to fish the area in the 1960s, yeah that long ago.Generally my efforts were concentrated to the Credit river,fishing at and around the Cataract. In those days pitching a tent and camping was a natural thing to do. I remember a group of campers [vandals] in the mid 60s who camped below the falls in the meadows. The animal act was disbanded by the fish and wildlife after the garbage which left behind by these people made the area into a dump.I discovered Caledon lake while driving by on the road a private area, using maps printed in the 50s decided access was not worth the effort. A good choice in the effort to gain public access would be the provincial fish and game clubs. Also for what its worth if anyone is familiar with the water powered mill at Baldwin Ontario, its now a house but the land below the mill pond is deeded to the mill.
Comment from Rob
Time January 28, 2014 at 6:40 pm
I know how you all feel about finding this lake… but, make no mistake… it is completely private. The PB does not even own right to the water front. Look into the “conservation” land sorrounding… you may find it interesting…. There is no public access to this lake… Even the inlets and outlets are privately owned. Go on MLS.ca… there are actually two cottages on this lake for sale right now… if you are approved by the cottage ass.
Comment from Ted Woodard
Time January 31, 2014 at 9:25 pm
It should be a no brainer,a trip to the county seat pay a fee and then a determination of who owns what. If they meaning the cottagers own the land surrounding the lake its probably impossible to access. However Ontario has a number of ways to register land meaning older registrations, as mentioned in my previous blog the land below the mill pond in Baldwin is deeded to the mill being one of two in Ontario. My feeling on this is that its in the same category as the fishing club at the Credit forks , owned operated by wealthy people who do their best to intimidate people in lower income groups. I urge others who enjoy fishing and the outdoors to persue this matter and get an answer. Ted Woodard Calgary
Comment from Rob
Time February 3, 2014 at 10:39 am
There’s a reason the Peel Board employee above said they “have permission to go to the lake”… although they work at the PB facility next to it…!?
I’ve researched it enough… to know.
Comment from JJ
Time February 8, 2014 at 3:40 am
The issue appears to come down to who owns what land around the lake. If there is a way to access the lake without crossing private property, then it should be ok. What is needed is a survey map showing the boundaries of ownership.
http://www.mnr.gov.on.ca/en/business/enforcement/2columnsubpage/198399.html#property
Question Re: Water Access and Private Property
Regarding property and ownership, if I am in a boat does a landowner have the right to refuse access to waters around their property? At what point does the landowner’s property begin?
Answer:
There is no one simple answer to this question. In some cases, yes the landowner does indeed have the right to refuse access to waters around his/her property. For instance, you may not access public waterways via private property. In many of the rivers and streams which are not normally used for navigation purposes, the owners of the property surrounding the stream can prohibit access. In a lake, there are cases where the property owner does have legal rights (for a specified distance which varies from one lake to the next) extending out from his/her shoreline. In other lakes, the landowners property extends to the shoreline and no further. My advice is that when you are fishing around someone’s dock for instance from a boat, and you see the owner along shore, you kindly ask permission to fish around the dock. Most cottage owners will respect your courtesy and allow you to fish there.
Comment from Bob
Time April 26, 2014 at 1:31 am
Hi, I saw this and I thought I should comment because I am actually a resident at Caledon lake. Now we do paya hefty fee to own property there and it is very disrespectful when people come on and ignore signs to go fishing. We are not a trout club. Its just like if I went onto your farm and took all your crops. I mean its something you shouldnt do right? So do not go to caledon lake because you willl be removed and fined. Thank you.
Comment from Bob
Time April 26, 2014 at 1:35 am
Also, people who own cabins there are not fishermen. They are famalies who use that cottage to go up and relax and go water skiing and not to be hasseled by people who have not payed to go there taking thier trout. its disrespectful
Comment from Mikey T
Time July 30, 2014 at 5:05 pm
I found this thread and thought it very interesting. I have to agree with the posts by David Bailey from back in June of 2012. Unfortunately, there have been changes to the Navigable Waters Protection Act since that time and I believe it is now more difficult to define a watercourse as navigable.
It does appear that the entire lake perimeter is privately owned. In that case, local land owners can deny access by land.
I love exploring new lakes, but this one is too contentious for me. One person posted that you could not get in there by canoe from the NW, which I agree with. People more adventurous than I may realize that the lake outlet stream is much larger and, if so inclined, a person may be able to paddle upstream from a road allowance. If you are such a person you should be prepared to deal with fines or legal action.
Which ever side of the debate you are on let’s all remember to be civil.
Comment from David Bailey
Time August 5, 2014 at 11:49 pm
Agreed, Mikey T, the changes have been made, and they are horrible. It was done in order to give corporate interests more control with less government regulation. Obviously someone has seen their Swiss bank account grow.
I have to take issue with this comment from Bob: “So do not go to caledon (sic) lake because you willl (sic) be removed and fined.” Excuse me? You can remove someone from private land, but you still haven’t established that the surrounding landowners own the water. As far as I know, that’s well-nigh impossible. If someone chooses to land there in an aircraft and fish from the floats there is nothing you can do about it.
Perhaps when drawing up legislation (I fervently hope that an incoming government will scrap the new act and reinstate the old one) it should state that any lake must have at least one public access corridor, in order to prevent the entire shoreline from being purchased and access denied.
Comment from Shawkat
Time August 21, 2014 at 11:28 am
Prospectively, People living on Lake Ontario should claim lake is theirs and refuse others access
Comment from Andrea
Time August 26, 2014 at 10:29 am
I find it odd that the postings from peelsb have improper punctuation. You would think that a school board would dot their i’s and cross their t’s so to speak, they didn’t even capitalize Peel. If you’re looking for documentation for easements, land ownership, and the like you could go to the Land Registry Office and request a title search. There is one at the Orangeville Courthouse. Also, Teranet has all the Ontario land plans online dating back to the first claims of ownership.
Comment from chris
Time August 30, 2014 at 5:41 pm
I was just reading some of these posts, i do not own any shares on caledon lake, nor have I ever been there. However it is possible to own the lake and water as the share holders have stated. it is not all that uncommon. i have friends on Lake Nippissing near North Bay that own 500′ of land into the water- yes they own the 500′ feet into the lake and i have seen the survey.
There is another large lake in Caledon called Crater lake, the owners own the lake and the water in it.
It sounds like a lot of you in this forum have some resentment to the people on the lake that maintain the grounds and pay to enjoy the surroundings and they just may possibly own the lake itself. Just reading these posts i suspect most of the people complaining are envious and have a sense of entitlement to use the lake just because its there. This lake is not a provincial park as far as i know, nor is it a public beach. its a community of people that own a large percentage of the lake front and quite possibly own the lake itself.
Personally I think the views most of you complaining about not being allowed to use the lake are ignorant and moronic. You people are posting ways to access the lake and looking for a loop hole or some means to access the lake which in itself seems coniving.
Perhaps you all should do something else that’s useful to your passion like maybe volunteer at a fish hatchery or teach a kid to fish (on a public lake)
or start a fishing club and fish waters that are not owned and easier to access. or hey! here is an idea, buy a place on the lake and fish all day and night!! then im guessing i will be hearing your views after you buy a place about all the Yahoos trying to lay claim to the lake like you use to,…
Comment from Dave Bailey
Time October 4, 2014 at 12:10 am
Chris said: “However it is possible to own the lake and water as the share holders have stated. it is not all that uncommon. i have friends on Lake Nippissing near North Bay that own 500′ of land into the water- yes they own the 500′ feet into the lake and i have seen the survey.”
Perhaps you could post that survey? In any case, you’re claiming first that your friends own both the lake bed and the water, but then imply that they own just the land, 500′ into the lake. It is possible, as far as I know, to own the lake or river bottom, but NOT the water above it.
Comment from shawkat
Time March 16, 2015 at 8:26 pm
You people only own 30% of the shore line, but don’t want others access it.
Comment from Matt
Time May 21, 2015 at 5:07 pm
This is complete and udder bullshit, couldnt there atleast be a boat ramp to allow people on the water? I understand you don’t want them on your LAND but that’s why we want the water.. I live 20 minute walk from this place and am not allowed in.. BULLSHIT
Comment from Mat A.
Time July 4, 2015 at 11:26 pm
Hi, did anyone recently fish at Caledon Lake??? please update. thanks
Comment from mike
Time July 30, 2015 at 12:28 pm
We on caledon lake will continue being vigilant towards trespassers.
I called the police just last week to apprehend one.
It’s quite simple: all land surrounding the lake is private property and can’t be accessed without trespassing.
Why would someone want to trespass and take a good chance of being arrested just for a fish. There are many good fishing areas elsewhere.
Maybe next time I’ll perform a citizens arrest and hold someone until police show up..
Comment from Mike
Time July 31, 2015 at 2:53 pm
That should read:
“We on Caledon Lake are insufferable NIMBYs that dislike our fellow man so much we want to firmly establish our protectorate around one of nature’s finest creations: a body of fresh water. When we’re not away hunting lions in Zimbabwe we prefer to utilize public safety officers at a cost to all taxpayers to harass our fellow man whenever he may try and enjoy this natural feature himself. If this was Texas, we’d shoot on site. Property ownership rights over human rights, all day long. Keep the great unwashed away from us, please and thank you.”
Yep, sounds about accurate. Muppets.
Comment from mike
Time July 31, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Yes , maybe the owners of this private property should let anyone on our property any time they like. Dozens of people could mill about our private property any time they like..
Where do you live. Maybe we’ll all come over for a visit unexpectedly. Enjoy the nature of your front lawn…
Comment from Mike
Time August 13, 2015 at 7:07 pm
If you tried to preform a citizens arrest on me you’d probably end up with a broken jaw. I’m thinking about jumping out of a plane into “your” crappy lake
Comment from Fishnman
Time September 6, 2015 at 8:36 am
Ontarios slogan is “yours to discover” I’ll adventure to any private locations regardless of the negative actions people may give me, you do not own the waterways so have fun seeing me fish 1 foot from your shoreline
Comment from Leigh
Time November 12, 2015 at 11:35 pm
You’re all more than welcome on my property if you let me fish the lake 🙂
Comment from Leigh
Time November 13, 2015 at 12:19 am
There will be pizza!
Comment from Chris
Time January 7, 2016 at 3:13 pm
Anyone do any fishing (other than land owners) this past season? Or even some ice fishing?
Was surprised there’s a lake this large and deep you can take a motor boat out so close to the city.
Would love to check out in the spring… 🙂
Comment from Andriy
Time July 28, 2016 at 1:58 pm
https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90b04
I’ve entered the lake with a kayak and exited it. I started at the public access on the road above and the exit is Credit River, clearly navigable. Therefore quit all the private lake nonsense and have basic respect for gdamn law
Comment from R.Z
Time August 28, 2016 at 12:50 am
Someone took the tips from this page and ended up causing a bit of a stir…
And to clarify the land ownership issue, the article says: “Renee Wilson, communications coordinator for the Town of Caledon, confirmed that all of the lands surrounding the lake are privately owned. “
Comment from Eric
Time August 29, 2016 at 10:21 am
i hope now that one of the home owners have been charged with assault for taking the law into their own hands understand that you can not hold by force for trespassing, you can report to the police the trespassing, you can take down the description of persons but you cannot hold by force trespassing under Ontario law. You will be charged with assault if you do hold someone by force. you have the right to ensure you privacy and that nobody is hurting what belongs to you, but you cannot use force to enforce that unless the person is actively destroying your property which is very different than trespassing,
Comment from TED WOODARD
Time August 29, 2016 at 12:32 pm
ANDRIY you seem familiar with the area, years back the fishing club at the Credit Forks had fenced the river where the property abuts the public road. Many years later the fence was removed the fishing club most likely used their political clout to claim what was not theirs for a good many years. It would be a fitting end to this tale if public access were granted to the real owners of the lake the Citizens of Ontario.
Comment from tommy
Time September 2, 2016 at 10:53 am
well all of us fishing and hunting ppl will come now and fish this amazing lake, their brook trout to catch in the winter ice fishing ppl, so just walk in and ice fish and say u live at that house, they wont know ur lieing to them LOL
I do it all the time their and get my limit on huge large mouth bass up to 8lbs and brook trout up to 5lbs!!!!
screw these rich ppl and their no access to the lake!
we will all come now to fish, and I might do some duck hunting too this fall time their!!!!
I cant wait!!!!
Comment from tommy
Time September 2, 2016 at 10:56 am
if someone comes up to u, just say they assaulted u and get them charged and then the locals around their wont bother u anymore and fish and hunt all u want!!!, cause they don’t want a criminal record, like buddy just got LOL
I put a canoe in and go up the river wearing orange vest saying im w the MNRF doing fish studies too and they leave u alone if they come and bother u!.
Comment from tommy
Time September 2, 2016 at 11:01 am
im going on the lake simcoe and outofdoors website to let them know the great fishing here and im going to tell all of my Chinese friends and we will come at night and get those crappie and perch their!!
that’s a nice large mouth bass freddy caught on his floating dock. he said we can access the lake from his property or just say ur at Freddie’s house staying their!!!!
now we all will b able to hv fun their and pay nothing!!!!!
rich asses
Comment from Johncarlo
Time September 13, 2016 at 3:55 pm
Hi guys my uncle used to own a cottage there many years ago i personaly dont know anyone there so do you guys think its still a isue to take my conoe on the lake if i keep it clean and be repectfull im just looking to do a little catch and release
Comment from Johncarlo salsiri
Time September 13, 2016 at 4:04 pm
Its a shame i was planing on going back there this weekend since i spent my summers on cranberry camping pritty crappy to see a part of my childhood ruined
Comment from Brian Mclellan
Time September 17, 2016 at 2:19 pm
For some, it is navigable waters. If you enter the water on your own property, then it is navigable. If you can float a boat or raft it is navigable, and even the bottom is the property of the province.
Comment from Anne Marie Gariepy
Time May 3, 2017 at 7:55 pm
To the people who enjoy the great out doors in Ontario.
Do your research before you go to lakes in Ontario.
Ontario has so many beautiful lakes with public access run by the Ministry of Natural Resourses and Forestry.
Pay the entrance fee and the fee will go back into preserving the beautiful lake.
Leave little Caledon lake alone
Comment from P
Time March 16, 2018 at 6:39 pm
I have fished from the shore the nicest color Bass I have ever seen and they are small mouths! You will not be arrested for being there for trespassing if the cops come they give you a warning and if the come again you get a fine
Comment from IRE
Time April 9, 2018 at 1:49 pm
Despicable behavior on the cottage-owners’ parts.
Unleash the drones, I suggest.
Comment from Chuck T
Time July 11, 2019 at 9:24 pm
just noticed this on a map. will DEFINITELY be coming to catch some of my fish on my lake. Try and stop me jerks.
Comment from Tom
Time June 4, 2020 at 10:13 am
Whenever I come across these disputes, I often feel for both sides. If I “own” property I want to be able to enjoy that property privately. As a citizen of this country, I want to enjoy and explore the truly beautiful features the land gives us.
When this type of situation exists we often turn to the law to settle what should happen. I can’t help wondering though how that “law” looks like to someone who is first Nations. I don’t mean to romanticize what it would have been like to be a member of First Nations before Europeans came to North America…it was a different form of “Might makes right”. And now we have this law, which is also a “might makes right”. I’m again on both sides of this issue and have heartfelt concerns about it. But no answers. I wonder what things might look like when we humans move to something more than “might makes right”. I look forward to a time when care less about ownership and more about…{sigh} I don’t know what to call it…but lets keep debating this kindly. We’ve got a destination to get to. I want to see you all there.
Comment from Alex Cirpliani
Time July 3, 2020 at 8:08 am
I tried following the advice of the posters in this blog and found myself getting escorted out of Caledon Forest by the police. Not a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon. I was told I would be arrested if I trespassed again. Going to try adventuring in places where it won’t lead to me getting a criminal record from now on.
Comment from Sam Mamaloti
Time August 22, 2020 at 8:41 am
The last post is a lie. You absolutely can not be escorted out by Caledon OPP, no one in Canada is allowed to own a natural body of water, it is considered Crown Land. Also a main point of access is from land owned by the school board and if you travel in by canoe or boat nothing anyone can do and the last time a resident layed a hand on someone he was charged the douche bags name you can find in a google search.
Comment from for peel sb
Time May 28, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Yes we have had equipment stollen windows broken buildings damaged and broken into,our tents have been damaged dog poop left all over our trails and play areas,beer and booze bottles left around and so we had no choice but to sign the area no trespassing and step up security.Sadly our insurance deductible is very high so the stolen and damaged property will not be replaced.