Man charged for selling $1.5M worth of unapproved RV lots north of Calgary

A man is facing fraud charges after allegedly selling more than a million dollars worth of unapproved RV lots north of Calgary to dozens of victims.

Calgary police allege a suspect bought over 94 acres of land northeast of Sundre, Alta. in August 2017 under the company Clearwater Cottages Ltd.

Police say he bought the lots with intention of developing an RV campground. He started advertising and selling lots with 99-year lease terms ranging from $39,900 and $69,900, and combined lots and cottage packers at $169,000.

The suspect allegedly started developing some of the land into a campground in the fall of 2017 despite not having an approved development permit. Clearwater County issued the suspect a notice to halt the development, but he continued on anyway, according to police.

He sold 26 lots to people between August 2017 and September 2020.

In January 2022, a court ordered a permanent injunction on the campground development and all the leaseholder had to leave the lots by the end of June of that year.

Police say several of the victims, many who are Calgary residents, were told the lots were sold to them fraudulently and the land had never been approved for development.

The Calgary Police Service (CPS) Economic Crimes Unit started investigating after getting numerous complaints. Investigators learned the 26 victims suffered combined losses of $1.5 million.

“Individuals looking to purchase real estate, property or vacation lots are reminded to research the company and have a lawyer review any documentation in relation to the transaction,” reads a release from CPS.

Police have charged 64-year-old Craig Douglas McMorran of Chestermere with fraud over $5,000. He is currently incarcerated for a separate matter and will next appear in court in May.

Anyone with additional information is being urged to contact police at 403-266-1234, or submit tips to CrimeStoppers anonymously.