Calgary police began investigating after getting complaints from lot owners, who lost approximately $1.5M
Calgary police have charged a man who is believed to have defrauded dozens of victims through fraudulent lot sales at an undeveloped RV park located northwest of Sundre, Alta.
Calgary police have charged Craig Douglas McMorran, 64, of Chestermere, Alta., with fraud over $5,000.
In August 2017, the suspect purchased approximately 94.22 acres of land northwest of Sundre, Alta., under the company Clearwater Cottages Ltd., intending to develop an RV campground.
McMorran began advertising and selling lots with 99-year lease terms. Prices ranged from $39,900 to $69,900, while a combined lot and cottage package was sold for $169,000. Between August 2017 and September 2020, 26 lots were sold to unsuspecting victims.
In fall 2017, the suspect began developing a portion of the land into a campground despite not having an approved development permit in place. Notices were issued from Clearwater County to cease development, however, the suspect continued construction.
In January 2022, a court order resulted in a permanent injunction for the RV park’s development and all leaseholders were required to evacuate their properties by June 30, 2022.
At this time, several of the victims, who reside in Calgary, were informed their lots were sold to them fraudulently, as the land was not approved for development or zoned for recreational use.
Calgary police received several complaints, and the Calgary Police Service Economic Crimes Unit began investigating. Throughout the investigation it was determined the 26 lot owners have suffered a combined loss of approximately $1.5 million, after believing they were purchasing legitimate RV lots.
McMorran is currently remanded in relation to an unrelated matter and will next appear in court on May 6, 2025.
McMorran and Gus Kalabalikis were found guilty in September 2024 for scamming buyers of RV sites near Lake Koocanusa, B.C. Police say the resort owner defrauded about 85 customers out of more than $2 million primarily between 2014 and 2017. McMorran was charged with two counts of fraud over $5,000, one count of money laundering and one count of theft over $5,000.
McMorran was working to develop a property called Sweetwater Resort at the lake, near Fernie, B.C.
Kalabalikis will be sentenced on April 10, but McMorran, who is in custody, is getting a new lawyer before his sentencing date is set.
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. Calgary police encourage anyone who believes they are a victim of fraud to report it so we can investigate appropriately.
Anyone with information about these incidents or who believes they are a victim of fraud, is asked to contact police by calling 403-266-1234.
