Hello, my brother owned some lakefront property north of Peterborough…

The most logical step for her to take is to have her name put on title to the property. This will involve the brother consenting to the sale of the property from himself to title owned jointly by him and the mother. This way, she will be legally on title to the property as a joint tenant. If the property is not to be owned equally, they can take the property as tenants in common and specify the percentage ownership.

Even if this is not done, your mother will likely be successful in having an interest in the property under a legal doctrine known as a constructive trust. If she can show that she contributed money or money's worth to the acquisition, renovation or maintenance of the property, the courts would not allow the brother to be unjustly enriched by your mother's efforts. Instead, the court would declare that she owns a specified interest in the property and she could thereafter force a sale to recover her interest. It is therefore imperative that she maintain all documentary evidence of her contribution to the property including receipts, statements, invoices for builders, materials, etc.

Hope this helps.
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Please note that this communication does not create a solicitor-client relationship and the above is not legal advice but rather a general statement of the law for purposes of information only. For legal advice, consult a licensed legal practitioner in your jurisdiction.