Category Archives: Muskoka Lakes

Lake Rosseau, Muskoka Lakes

Balancing Growth and Preservation: The Future of Development in Minett, Muskoka

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Hey there, Muskoka friends and family! Big things are happening around Lake Rosseau… again! The Minett Muskoka development discussions range from a concept drawing of a giant concert venue discovered online, to the planned redevelopment at Clevelands House. While growth can be exciting, it’s also got many of us wondering: at what cost? How can we grow while also preserving what makes Muskoka, Muskoka? Let’s talk about what can be done, and why your voice in this is more important than ever.

The Heart of Muskoka: What’s Changing in Minett?

Minett is no stranger to change, but recent development rumours are turning more heads than usual. First up, there’s talk about a ‘HotelLIVE!’ concert venue that’s aiming to be a big deal – think bigger than Toronto’s Budweiser Stage! Yep, that means potentially 20,000 concert-goers right here in the heart of Muskoka Lakes, based on the concept drawings the company posted online. Add to that the makeovers at Clevelands House and the new Legacy Cottages, and it’s clear the vibe in Minett is about to change.

To be clear, the 20,000 capacity concert venue is not something that has been approved by the Township of Muskoka Lakes yet. All that has been approved so far is are some summer outdoor concerts. I think the would-be developer may have gotten a little ahead of themselves posting the concept drawings online for the public to see before even seeking approval from the Township. But, at least they were nice enough to give us extra detail… like marking the ponds along Five Bridges Path “ponds to be filled.” Umm, environmental assessment please!

Big Plans, Big Concerns:

Let’s break down some of the concerns that have been echoed by the Muskoka Lakes community in the comments of our recent posts:

  • Traffic Jamming on Peninsula Road: Imagine 20,000 people trying to leave a concert at the same time. Peninsula Road doesn’t exactly measure up to Highway 401, and traffic coming over the bridge at Port Sandfield is already a fun little challenge during peak season, isn’t it?

  • Noise, Noise, Noise: Ever wonder how far the sound from a massive concert goes? According to a good ol’ Google, sound from a concert can be heard up to a few miles away… and when 20,000 fans are rocking out, that’s not just background noise for a quiet evening by the lake. Speaking of a quiet evening by the lake – water doesn’t absorb sound as effectively as land does, and areas with less ambient sound (like a quiet lake at night) make it easier to hear sound from further away. 

  • Night Moves: Picture it—thousands leaving a concert, potentially a bit tipsy, navigating our roads and lakes in the dark. A little anxiety inducing, no? Especially on top of the extra anxiety we’ve all felt after an increase in boating accidents over the last few summers. What if there’s a fire somewhere during this traffic mayhem? Or what if there’s an emergency at the concert venue itself? Emergency services aren’t exactly nearby. Not to mention the strain already facing our hospital… 

  • Environmental Worries: Remember when Wallace Bay had its own drama, like that unfortunate sewage spill from JW Marriott The Rosseau? It’s been sorted, but it’s a reminder that our environment needs TLC, not more stress. Between Legacy Cottages, Clevelands House, and the JW Marriott The Rosseau, By the way – the Official Plan Amendment that designated Minett a ‘Resort Village’ does include rules about being connected to municipal services.

And on the same environmental angle – according to the neighbours, who used to walk Five Bridges Path regularly, the field that was just cleared was teeming with wildlife. Milkweed for butterflies, regular deer sightings, breeding frogs, a turtle in the pond (that I’m told the Marriott had even named!). Check out the before pictures below, some submitted by the community (thank you!) and some from social media. You can check out current pictures here.

  • Overdevelopment Concerns: Minett’s charm is in its quaintness. Yes, it’s been designated as a resort area… but if we let developers go too far, it will lose what made it desirable to begin with. Luckily, the Official Plan Amendment regarding Minett aims to ensure new development respects the area’s natural beauty and environmental sensitivity. Let’s make sure they stick to that. 
  • Property values: This project actually coming to fruition could certainly harm property values in the area. But there’s no cause for panic. First of all, Clevelands House redevelopments aren’t even slated to start yet (The Ontario Land Tribunal hearing doesn’t start until May). Second, if this concert venue concept is even approved (BIG if), between approvals, permits, and construction, it would be years off. So no need to look at selling yet! Now’s the time to get involved and make your voice heard, but it’s far too soon to be anxious from a real estate standpoint.

What Can You Do to Help?

Here’s the thing: it basically just comes down to speaking up! Community engagement has a huge role in shaping development outcomes in Muskoka – just look at Clevelands House, and the work done by the MLA and the community to change the number of allowed units from 4000 to 1700. Love the idea of more attractions in Minett or worried about losing the quiet beauty of our lakes? Either way, it’s time to get involved.

  • Stay Informed: Knowledge is power. Keep up with local news, attend town hall meetings, and read up on what we know about the concept so far. Any new information we find will be shared here and on our Instagram account @cottageinmuskoka. Should the need for a petition arise, we will make sure to inform you. The MLA (Muskoka Lakes Association) does a fantastic job at keeping the community informed. If you aren’t a member yet, it’s worth looking into.
  • Speak Up: Got something to say? Social media, community forums, and public meetings are great places to share your thoughts. We started covering this topic because of the neighbours in the area causing a stir. A massive “thank you” to them!
  • Engage with Decision-Makers: Send your feedback to the folks making the calls. Writing to the Township of Muskoka Lakes would be a great start. For example, the trailers on the field property behind the Marriott are not on the site plan – I’m told that could potentially subject the owner to a fine, so I’ll be emailing the Township to confirm. Note – this is not a by-law infraction, so please don’t use the form below for this.
  • Report Concerns: Notice someone breaking a by-law? The Township of Muskoka Lakes has a webform for reporting by-law infractions, which can be used to make an official complaint. 

Wrapping Up

The direction we take in Muskoka Lakes depends on all of us. Whether you’re excited about the prospect of more to do in Minett, or protective of the peace, staying engaged is key. After all, Muskoka has a lot worth protecting… and its future is in our hands. Let’s make sure it’s a future we all can love.

Got thoughts on the Muskoka Lakes development? Comment here, join the conversation on our recent instagram posts (you’ll have to be signed in), or email me at len@cottageinmuskoka.ca.

Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling

A Weekend in Port Carling – Quintessential Experiences

Looking for things to do in Port Carling and Muskoka Lakes? Here are the essential experiences, laid out in order by time of day. You may want to plan out a few weekends to visit, or talk to us about getting yourself a cottage, because you’ll need lots of time for the most essential experience of all – relaxing by the water and forgetting that time even exists.

Early morning mirror magic, at Mirror Lake in Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario

Wake up in time for a sunrise (at least once!)

View the sunrise from wherever you choose – but I’d highly recommend picking a bay or smaller section of lake. It’s not just about the sunrise itself – it’s the mirror-like reflection of the morning clouds on the lake that really make early Muskoka mornings magical.

Check out the Port Carling Wall

The Port Carling wall is a local icon. I recommend grabbing a coffee at Beveragino before walking over to the wall. From there you can enjoy the sun and views on the docks, or walk downtown to do some shopping.

Don’t forget to find the blue and red Muskoka chair while you’re there – the wall is part of the View the Lakes tour, said to showcase the best views in Muskoka.

The Port Carling Wall, Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario

Visiting the Muskoka Lakes Museum

The Muskoka Lakes Museum is set on James Bartleman island, between the locks. It houses a collection of artifacts and interactive exhibits showcasing the way life was in Muskoka. I’ve been to a lot of museums around the world, and believe me when I say this is a special one.

Lunch on the Waterfront Patio at Turtle Jack’s

You can walk or drive there of course, but the best way to go is by boat! Turtle Jacks is a classic choice, but there are a few great waterfront restaurants to check out. Or, grab takeout from York & Mason, Portside Fusion, or one of the many other choices in Port Carling and bring it down to the docks for a picnic.

Turtle Jack’s and Duke’s at sunset, Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario

Going out for ice cream

Check out Mooskokas right in Port Carling, or go by boat to Silver Streams Market on Lake Rosseau. It’s located right across from Port Sandfield Marina. Pro tip: they make amazing sandwiches.

Visit Stone Cottage Antiques (Little Red Barn Antiques)

Or visit one of the many antique stores in the area – there is another along Hwy. 118 that opened this year – just look for the red, white, & blue ”antiques” sign (before you hit Windermere nursery on your way into Port Carling).

Visit the LCBO by boat

The LCBO in downtown Port Carling is located right at the water – park your boat outside and head in for some drinks. This is a unique Muskoka experience and a definite must! Just remember the golden rule – water on the water, and beer on the pier!

My favourite? Jumping off the boat a few minutes before we dock at home, so I can swim in for a drink. Passengers only, of course…

Boating through the locks and up to Lake Rosseau and Lake Joe

Boat from Lake Muskoka up the Indian River to the Port Carling locks, then through to Lake Rosseau. From there you can head toward Port Sandfield, and under the bridge to Lake Joe. Interested in checking out some interesting builds in the area? Message us and we’ll give you a list of must sees!

Taking a friend and her pup out to see Lake Joe, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario.

Visit the Sherwood Inn on Lake Joseph

Visit the spa, have a few drinks, have dinner, or do all 3! I highly recommend having dinner out on the patio – watching the colours change with the sunset over Lake Joe while surrounded by all those big tall trees is just lovely. And the food is amazing, which certainly doesn’t hurt.

Catch a Sunset at Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail

Huckleberry Rock Lookout Trail is one of the absolute best places to catch a sunset in Muskoka. Watch closely for the white marks on the rocks to follow the trail up to the lookout point – some of the oldest rock in the world at well over a billion years old. The exposed rock dotted with lichens and moss is gorgeous to begin with, but the view is out of this world. You can see right across Lake Muskoka.

This is a favourite of mine year round, but I think fall is the best time to visit. Be warned – there is a small portion of the trail which is steep, and the trail can be very icy in the winter.

Just after a Fall sunset at Huckleberry Rock, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario

So there you have it – lots of things to do in Port Carling and Muskoka Lakes! If you need a few more (or ideas for an area we haven’t covered yet), give me a shout at Len@cottageinmuskoka.ca!

Muskoka Lakes, Port Carling

Muskoka History – The Port Carling Wall

A couple checking out the Port Carling Wall, Port Carling, Muskoka Lakes, Ontario. Fall 2021.

The Port Carling is 9,028 pictures pieced together into a 111ft. x 45ft. mosaic of the RMS Sagamo passing through the Port Carling Locks in 1922.

There are 906 individual photographs, which depict life in Muskoka Lakes between 1860 and 1960. They can be viewed in the nine foot lower portion of the mural – from there up the photos are replicated.

Don’t forget to find the red and blue Muskoka chair while you’re there – the wall is part of the View the Lakes chair tour, said to showcase the best views in Muskoka.

Happy exploring!

Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka Real Estate Market

Wearied Buyers, Your Time Has Arrived – Muskoka Spring Real Estate Report

We are starting to see the Muskoka real estate market shift. From the frantic 2021 cottage market season right up until recently, holding offers until a specific date has been a popular strategy for sellers to drive up competition for listings. Listings were seeing a large number of offers and disappearing from the market quickly. Now we’re seeing more of a mix – some listings are seeing multiple offers, and some are quietly removing their request for offers when the day comes and passes with nothing.

One factor in the shifting market we’re experiencing is the Bank of Canada raising policy interest rates by 0.5% in April, one of the major goals of which was to bring inflation levels back to their target 2% (vs. the 6.7% reported in March). This is the first time it has raised rates by more than 25 basis points in more than two decades. Higher interest rates mean higher borrowing costs, which lowers demand. We expect interest rates will continue to be increased until borrowing costs are back to pre-pandemic levels of 3%. The next announcement is on June 1, 2022.

The 2022 Federal Budget also puts a few factors into play that could effect Muskoka’s real estate market moving forward. It focused heavily on housing initiatives, including (among others):

  • A foreign ban on buyers for two years
  • An anti-flipping tax that removes the principal residence exemption for properties that were purchased and sold within the same 12-month period (with some exceptions). The proposed anti-flipping measure would apply to residential properties sold on or after January 1, 2023.
  • Sales tax on all assignment sales. Starting May 7, 2022, anyone selling their agreement of purchase and sale to a new buyer will be subject to a tax of up to 26%

Does this mean the bottom will fall out and prices will go way down? Highly unlikely. Historically, we still have quite low inventory. It’s gone up from 2021, but properties are limited – especially waterfront. Plus, the already strong desirability of living in Muskoka has only increased after the pandemic. On top of that, there is still a large portion of the population approaching retirement age, who are looking to relocate to somewhere like Muskoka for their golden years.

If you’re a buyer, it’s time to shake off the fatigue of last season and get back to your cottage search – with less competition.

I have posted the relevant stats for overall waterfront market activity and waterfront market activity by location below, for our more analytically minded friends.

If you’re looking for non-waterfront stats or anything else that I haven’t included please email me at len@cottageinmuskoka.ca. I’d be happy to send it to you!

Overall MLS Waterfront Market Activity

Muskoka Real Estate Market information on waterfront properties for all of Lakelands North, which includes Muskoka and surrounding areas. Real estate sales activity, dollar volume, months of inventory both actual and year-to-date.
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Muskoka Waterfront Market Activity by Location

Muskoka Lakes

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Huntsville

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Bracebridge

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Gravenhurst

Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors
Source: The Lakelands Association of Realtors

Lake Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes

Lightning Leaps over Lake Muskoka

I’ve been loving hobby photography lately, but I’d never thought to capture a lightning storm before. As a child I remember being told that lightning came up through the ground (which is only partially true), so I was surprised to check my pics and see the horizontal lightning bolts.

Horizontal lightning bolt over Lake Muskoka in Port Carling, ON.

First: a short explanation of how lightning works, then I’ll explain what I learned about my horizontal lightning strikes! 

Lightning is all about the charges – nature always wants to find equilibrium. It’s a natural static discharge where different areas of the atmosphere equalize in charge. Think of it like when you get a static shock from something – it’s the same process taking place.

The most common type of lightning is cloud-to-ground (CG). Generally CG is negatively charged. This channel of negative charge, called a stepped leader, is invisible to the human eye. When it approaches the ground, positively-charged “streamers” reach up to meet it – which explains the “lightning comes from the ground” misconception! These streamers tend to travel up through tall objects like trees, and when they reach the oppositely-charged leader electric current begins flowing – which is why you’re supposed to avoid standing near trees or tall objects during storms.

Cloud-to-ground lightning via lightningmaster.com

Occasionally, an exceptional amount of positive charge builds up in the upper levels of the cloud. This too must be balanced out, and since the lightning has a longer way to travel it is much more powerful. Usually these bolts travel vertically to the ground, but because of the high difference in electrical potential they can also travel horizontally before going to the ground. This means that these positive cloud-to-ground lightning bolts can strike from a blue sky many miles away from the storm – a “bolt from the blue.” Since positive lightning has higher peak currents and longer continuing currents, it is capable of heating surfaces to higher levels… which also makes it the type of lightning most likely to start a forest fire.

Positive cloud-to-ground lightning, via the Washington Post

So anyway, onto our horizontal lightning strikes! The explanation for these bright horizontal strikes is actually pretty simple – differently-charged areas in the atmosphere are simply seeking equilibrium, this time it happens to be two clouds with opposing charges (cloud-to-cloud lightning). As we learned earlier, clouds can be either negatively or positively charged, and nature always seeks equilibrium.

Cloud-to-cloud lightning over Lake Muskoka in Port Carling, ON
client activities, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka Properties

Muskoka Watershed Council’s 2021 Natural Edge Program

Looking for an edge to protecting your Muskoka property? We endorse this excellent program being delivered in Muskoka this summer. Please call us if you have any questions or need any help.

2021 Natural Edge Program


MWC has received funding through Watersheds Canada to deliver The Natural Edge Program in the Muskoka area this summer!

The Natural Edge Program guides landowners through every step of the shoreline re-naturalization process, from planning to planting. It empowers property owners to restore their shoreline, protect their water quality, and create habitat for wildlife and pollinators using native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.

Participants in The Natural Edge Program receive:A free site visit to discuss shoreline concerns, provide recommendations, and assess planting conditions;
A personalized planting plan, including photos of selected planting areas and ideal plant species;
Free resources to ensure that the newly planted vegetation thrives in the first few years of establishment and growth; and
Follow-up and support with your new plants.
And for landowners wanting to get a jump on planting their shoreline, there are a limited number of Shoreline Re-naturalization Starter Kits available for a low cost, which include:50 native plants including trees, shrubs, ferns and wildflowers
Coconut fibre mats to deter grass from growing around new plantings
Tree guards for all deciduous trees
Mulch for the wildflowers and ferns
Plant Care Guide with instructions on how to take care of your new plants
Habitat Creation Guide
Wildflower Garden Guide
If you would like to receive a site visit this summer, you can sign up at  https://www.muskokawatershed.org/programs/the-natural-edge/.
cottage life, Muskoka cottage life, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka News

Is Slow Cottage Internet About to Become a Thing of the Past?

We all know the frustration. You’re trying to open an email attachment with a photo of your grandkids, look at a real estate listing, get some work done, or even just check the weather… and you’d like to not spend all day doing it! While newer internet technologies like fibre are trying to make that a thing of the past, the coverage is majorly lacking. In many areas the fastest high speed internet is just across the street from near-dial-up speeds, and due to the cost and difficulty of rewiring it doesn’t look like that will be changing any time soon. 

Should we just give up and disconnect? No way! Enter SpaceX, with their new Starlink Satellite Internet service. This satellite service will operate via a satellite constellation of at least 12,000 satellites, with more pending approval. According to SpaceX, Starlink will offer speeds up to a gigabit per second – a far cry from rural cottages which often max out at a speed of up to 5Mpbs (a 995Mbps difference!). During the beta testing phase, customers are expected to experience speed variations from 50 – 150Mbps. Even places that currently have no internet availability at all will finally be brought into the 21st century. 

This is not traditional satellite service – Starlink’s satellites are in low earth orbit, which will not only make the service more reliable, but will also help keep down space debris. Each satellite is fitted with an onboard propulsion system to deorbit at the end of its life, and in the unlikely event that system becomes inoperable the satellite will burn up in the Earth’s atmosphere within 1-5 years. At the higher altitudes used by traditional satellite services, this could take hundreds or even thousands of years. Satellite service also means that unlike fibre, you won’t have to have anything wired to your home to receive the fastest speeds available.

Though it is not fully ready for consumers yet, it is operational! Check out this tweet from Elon Musk, sent in October 2019 via Starlink internet!

He followed up with a second Starlink tweet – “Whoa, it worked!!” According to SpaceX, “Starlink is now delivering initial beta service both domestically and internationally, and will continue expansion to near global coverage of the populated world in 2021.”

While we truly do look forward to being able to work online at less molasses-like speeds, I, for one, will be celebrating laser-fast internet with a good ol’ Netflix marathon in my PJs!

Muskoka cottage life, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka Lakes Association, owning a cottage

Muskoka Lakes Association January NewsBites

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As a cottager, I always found news from Muskoka warming this time of year. So here from the Muskoka Lakes Association is January NewsBites.

Courtesy of the Muskoka Lakes Association

Welcome to January 2015 NewsBites

The MLA reminds everyone to check their cottages and homes regularly during the winter season. The Muskoka area has received well over four feet of snow in the last few weeks and we encourage you to ensure your roofs are shovelled. It’s always good to routinely check your property. If you are unable to make the trip to Muskoka, there are many service Continue reading Muskoka Lakes Association January NewsBites →

cottage life, Muskoka cottage life, Muskoka Lakes, Muskoka Lakes Association, safety, water quality

Muskoka Lakes Association AGM

This Friday, the Muskoka Lakes Association will hold its AGM in Port Carling. Details below and here.

2008_logo_HD

The 121st Muskoka Lakes Association Annual General Meeting will be held on July 25th at the Port Carling Community Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Come and enjoy some refreshments and snacks and have to opportunity to meet other members.  You’ll hear about new MLA programs and updates on activities we’ve undertaken on your behalf.  You’ll also meet incoming President Michael Hart and hear about his ideas for the coming years.

We hope you’ll come out and enjoy an evening with your fellow MLA members.

Please reserve your space by emailing info@mla.on.ca or calling 705-765-5723.