I was just reviewing some great, simple rules to follow to enjoy and use money well. These are rules shared by Brian Buffini. I follow these rules to the best of my ability.

I have found that Brian Buffini is a great coach. What makes a great coach? In my view, it is someone who has been there and is now sharing ideas and methods to be able to replicate the success that they have had.

Brian is someone who started out poor and broke and quickly realized that broke is a state of your bank account and can be temporary. Poor is a state of mind and one needs to change that with education.

So here are some ideas to secure your financial future:

1. Understand yourself and understand that you are not alone. Over 80% of people avoid thinking and talking about money. They are afraid of managing money and afraid to look at where they stand because they don’t have a plan and are afraid of losing their money. Trust me – it ends up being much scarier not to look.
2. People worship money. They spend a lot on lottery tickets – and the odds are so much better betting on yourself.
3. Change how you feel about yourself. Your status is who you are, not what you have. So that takes some internal work. But trust me, it feels great to nurture yourself in the right way. Fill the hole with good thinking, not money. Feel good about yourself.
4. Secrecy – embarrassment and shame. You have made mistakes. Your biggest mistake is thinking that you are alone. People in the Financial Services industry say that you would be surprised at how many people avoid looking at their financial situation and taking the reins. You are definitely not alone! And not embracing your finances creates conflict with your partner, if you have one.
5. Confusion. How much advice is out there? And how many sources are credible. You have to think of what the net worth of the person who is providing advice happens to be. Are they just making money from writing the book, or do they have a healthy and thriving net worth?
6. Follow a high performance mindset – Knowledge is power and ignorance is bankruptcy.
7. Money is a tool to be respected. It is just a tool, but you need to know how to take care of it, and how to use it.
8. You need to have a grounded identity. Money cannot buy character.
9. Clarity and alignment – what do you want money to do for you and is it aligned with your values? How are you spending your time and what do you believe. Take the time to figure this out, so you don’t end up in the wrong destination.
10. You need a path to follow. Run on the right track.

STRATEGIES FOR STABILITY

Defensive and Offensive

Defensive:

1. Working home budget to pay down debt, will, automatic savings and one month reserve.

Offensive:

1. Invest in yourself, build equity in your home, establish your retirement fund.

The former stability strategy stays in place for the rest of your life, no matter how wealthy you become. It is your platform for stability and security.

STRATEGIES FOR SUCCESS

Defensive and Offensive

Defensive:

1. Go from reducing your consumer debt, to having no consumer debt, automatic savings, and three to six months reserve. Fully fund your retirement fund.
2. Learn to live on 70% of what you make, save 10%, give 10%, invest 10%.

Offensive:

1. Get to 50% equity in your home at least.
2. Increase your revenue. Figure out how to make more money. Promotion at work, a side gig, real estate investments, (67% of millionaires made their money investing in real estate), stocks and bonds.

STRATEGIES FOR SIGNIFICANCE (Giving back)

Defensive and Offensive

Defensive:

1. All real estate holdings paid off. Your real estate is safe from repossession if it is paid for.
2. Establish a trust.
3. Have passive income to support you until you are 100 years old.

Offensive:

1. Give money and time to charities and causes that you are passionate about. Time first, money second.
2. If you own a business, set it up so that it is true legacy.

I think Brian Buffini has some great, tried and true ideas. What do you think?

A good accountant can help you set this up. Please let us know if you need a referral to an accountant.

The post MONEY MAKES YOUR WORLD GO ROUND IN MUSKOKA appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Courtesy of the Muskoka Lakes Association

Welcome to March 2015 NewsBites

The MLA is pleased to inform our members that we will be presenting the MLA’s 2014 Water Quality Initiative Report to Bracebridge, Sequin, Gravenhurst, and Township of Muskoka Lakes councillors over the next two months. Water Quality Director Andrew Watson presented our report to District Council on February 17^th.  “Our water is in very good shape. I think we should be proud of the water quality in Muskoka,” said Watson. But he noted a slight increase in phosphorus levels and E. coli bacteria spikes in some areas, especially near the community of Minett on Lake Rosseau. MLA representatives will be investigating this further with stakeholders. The full Water Quality Initiative Report can be found here . The MLA heartily thanks all of our 100 plus volunteers who make time on precious summer days to take water samples. Without you, the MLA could not continue this important activity.

DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA

Muskoka Mayors Meet with Minister of Health – Brcebridge Mayor Graydon Smith, Huntsville Mayor Scott Aitchison and TML Mayor Don Furniss met with Minister Eric Hoskins on February 24^th to discuss hospital services in both Bracebridge and Huntsville. The Mayors stressed the importance for continued support for the delivery of a full range of emergency, inpatient and surgical services at both hospitals. See the following story here . The MLA has had, and will continue to have, discussions with Mayor Graydon Smith on this important topic. While discussions are ongoing, the MLA is endorsing the Mayors’ position that both hospitals continue to operate as at present.  

Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) is asking for your input – MAHC is currently drafting a long-term, sustainable model for health care in Muskoka and wants your input. As part of this planning work, different models for future service delivery are being considered. Can MAHC continue to operate two acute care sites in Bracebridge and Huntsville? Could one brand new hospital at a new Muskoka location replace both? Can services be provided at one site or the other, but not both? These are the models that MAHC is grappling with. They will be holding 3 community information sessions on March 23^rd, 24^th and 25^th to engage Muskoka residents, both permanent and seasonal, in this long-term planning process. The Board of Directors welcomes all constructive input to help inform the final report that will be brought to the Board recommending the future model of health care in Muskoka. For more information on these sessions click here. To read MAHC’s letter to residents, click here. The MLA encourages all our members to try to take part in one of these important sessions. As our population ages, hospital services will be in greater demand.

Bala Falls Entrance Permits Update – At the last District Council meeting Council heard delegations from Bala Falls’ activist Peggy Peterson and Swift River Energy Ltd.’s (SREL) Vice President Frank Belerique regarding Swift River’s request for entrance permits in Bala. Council adopted District Public Work Committee’s recommendations to grant Swift River entrance permits which will allow SREL, once all their conditions are met, access to construction areas for their proposed hydro project. The MLA will attempt to keep our members apprised of any construction ‘start-up’ dates. 

MTO Winter Maintenance Falls Short in Muskoka-   If you’ve driven in and around the Muskoka area this winter you’ve probably noticed poor road conditions at times, especially on Highways 11 and 400. At the last District Public Works Committee meeting the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) Maintenance Superintendent Tom Lumley admitted there are issues with Carillion – Muskoka’s roads service provider. Concerns with poor service during the winter months include slow deployment, circuit time and getting out in advance of a storm. MTO representatives left District Council with a resolution to take immediate action to improve winter maintenance on Highways 11 and 400. They have also been asked to look at statistics concerning motor vehicle collisions in Muskoka to determine whether winter maintenance under Carillion is impacting safety on the roads. For more information on the meeting click here. The MLA is pleased the District is pushing for better maintenance of Muskoka roads. Safety is always a prime concern as is value for our tax dollars.

TOWN OF BRACEBRIDGE 

Live Streaming of Bracebridge Municipal Meetings – On March 3^rd at 9 a.m. the Town of Bracebridge began its one-year trial webcasting of municipal meetings at www.bracebridge.ca. Meetings will be streamed live and are available to be viewed at a later date if you missed one. The media release can be found here. The MLA is pleased that Bracebridge has undertaken this important step in keeping their residents informed of all municipal issues. The MLA looks forward to viewing their meetings on-line. Thank you for providing this new service!

2015 Draft Budget – According to a local newspaper, “Bracebridge council is tapping into their reserves to avoid tapping into taxpayers’ wallets. In 2014 council started tapping into their reserves taking their reserves from $9.4 million to $8.6 million and they intend to do the same thing in 2015”. Infrastructure funding appears to be the main area of concern. The full story can be found here. The 2015 draft Budget can be found here. The MLA will be reviewing the draft Budget and may be providing comments to the Town. 

TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

‘Mayor’s Minute’ Video – This ten minute video with Mayor Paisley Donaldson is well worth a listen. The Mayor covers topics such as the 2015 Budget, Gravenhurst Winter Carnival, funding for the Muskoka Airport and the search for a new Town CAO. The video can be found here. The MLA congratulates Mayor Donaldson and Town staff on this new initiative. The Mayor provides a friendly, personal update on local events and council issues. The MLA is always supportive of increased communications from our Muskoka elected officials to their permanent and seasonal residents. Well done! 

2015 Draft Budget – The 2015 draft Budget was presented to Gravenhurst Council on February 17^th. The Town’s press release states: “Tax rates on residential property are projected to increase by 5.2%. The increase on non-residential properties is projected at 3.2%. The estimated financial impact on the ‘average’ Gravenhurst rural residential property tax bill will be an increase of $100 per year based on a median assessment of $217,250. The urban residential property tax estimated increase on a similar assessment will be $133 per year.” Council is welcoming your input. Budget deliberation meetings take place in Council Chambers throughout March with an expected adoption date of March 27^th. For details on the budget and a list of special budget deliberation meeting dates, please click  here and here. The MLA will be reviewing the draft budget and may be providing comments to Gravenhurst Council.

Gravenhurst’s Economic Development Team is looking for Your Input – Gravenhurst and the Muskoka Region offer a unique work-life balance with opportunities for home-based businesses or telecommuting. Gravenhurst is currently designing new creative branding for the town and are asking for your feedback. This new branding program is designed to reach out and remind individuals of the benefits of living in Gravenhurst. The Market Research survey can be found here. If you complete the survey, your name will be included in a draw for prizes. Deadline is March 16^th, 2015. The MLA is pleased to pass along this survey to our members and hope you take the time to fill it out. Helping our local towns grow is important for all of us. 

Rick Mercer Attends the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival – TV celebrity Rick Mercer attended this year’s Gravenhurst Winter Carnival. For the local news story and some fun pictures click here. Note -‘Rick Mercer Report’ aired the Gravenhurst Winter Carnival segment on Tuesday, March 3^rd at 8 p.m. on CBC. To visit his website click here.

SEGUIN TOWNSHIP

Seguin Councillor, Jack Hepworth’s Monthly Report – Councillor Hepworth’s March 2^nd report contains the following:  request for feedback regarding your internet usage for a funding opportunity; the MTO is currently reviewing their ATV statutory regulations and would like your input – note deadline is April 13^th, 2015; waste and recycling management 2014 Year-end Report; and links to Seguin Township’s meeting agendas. All this can be found here . Once again the MLA thanks Councillor Hepworth for providing his report and allowing the MLA to forward it to our members. In addition, the MLA wishes Councillor Hepworth a quick recovery from his surgery. 

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES (TML)

TML Hires both a Treasurer and an Interim Director of Public Works– Mr. Len Troup, previous TML Director of Public Works, has been rehired by TML on an interim basis until a permanent Director of Public Works can be hired. TML has hired Ms. Shannon Johnston as their new Treasurer. The MLA is pleased TML has finally hired a Treasurer to replace Mr. Steve Rettie, who moved to Bracebridge in late 2014 to become the Town’s new Treasurer. The MLA would like to welcome Ms. Shannon Johnston and wish both Len and Shannon much success in their positions.

New TML Meeting Schedule – In January TML Council had proposed a new meeting schedule. At the February Council meeting this new schedule was voted down. Although the April and May meetings will return to the old regular meeting schedule, March meetings will occur in the proposed January format. It is understood that this issue will be coming back to council in May for further discussion with the hopes that the new schedule proposed in January can be adopted. For clarity, the March schedule is as follows: Committee of Adjustment (COA) – Wednesday March 11^th, Planning Committee of the Whole (COW) and COW – Thursday March 12^th, and Council – Friday March 13^th.  The MLA had previously requested that allowances be made in the meeting schedule to easily allow the seasonal population to attend and delegate at TML meetings. It is hoped that this issue can be settled soon to avoid further confusion to its citizens. 

TML Comprehensive Zoning By-Law 2014-14 – TML’s new Zoning By-law 2014-14 was passed at the February 13^th Council meeting. MLA Director Al Moran, acting as a private citizen and not on behalf of the MLA, spoke about the need to bring TML into conformity with the District and Township Official Plans regarding the 100 foot septic setback from the water. MLA Director Anne McCauley also spoke stressing the need for this. On a vote of 6 to 3 TML Council passed the by-law without making this much needed change. Any person or agency may appeal this By-law 2014-14 to the Ontario Municipal Board by filing a notice of appeal setting out the objection to By-law # 2014-14 and the reasons in support of the objection with the Clerk of The Corporation of the Township of Muskoka Lakes not later than 4:00 p.m. on the 17th day of March 2015.  See here for details. The MLA will be reviewing all our previous submissions to TML and will be deciding whether or not to appeal this by-law.

Bala Falls Update / New ‘Working Committee’ – At the February 13^th TML Council meeting TML Interim CAO Clayton Harris had prepared a staff report for Council’s consideration regarding establishing a ‘Working Committee’ with Swift River Energy Ltd (SREL). SREL’s VP Frank Belerique was present to request the approval of this committee in order to have dialogue regarding widening Hwy 169 to provide a construction lane and leasing TML lands for staging in lieu of using Margaret Burgess Park. Council determined that staff could deal with entrance permits on TML property. Some councillors disagreed entirely with the formation of this working committee. After a spirited debate, TML Council voted 5 to 4 in favour of establishing a working committee comprised of TML Interim CAO Clayton Harris, 2 members of SREL – Karen McGhee and Frank Belerique, 3 TML council reps – Deputy Mayor Jean-Ann Baranik (Ward C), Sandy Currie (Ward A) and Linda Barrick-Spearn (Ward B), a rep from MNRF and an independent Chair – Bracebridge lawyer Mike Fitton. The MLA continues to follow this issue. At a special meeting on February 5^th, the MLA board confirmed its opposition to the proposed hydro plant at Bala Falls. A letter communicating our opposition was sent to our membership, interested stakeholders, such as the Wahta Mohawk community, Williams Treaty Nations, and local cottager associations, local municipal governments, local media and the Ontario Minister of Energy and the Premier of the Province.

Proposed Solar Farm for Windermere – This is a reminder to all interested parties that Skypower Global will be hosting two public meetings – Wednesday March 11^th and Thursday March 12^th at the Windermere Community Centre from 6 to 8 p.m. to receive public input regarding their proposed solar  farm. The proposed development would occupy approximately 77 acres of land and produce about 8 megawatts of electricity at 1691 Windermere Road.  The solar farm would consist of a substation as well as a 30 metre tall communication tower and eight pad mounted transformers set amidst the solar panel area. A 50 metre buffer is proposed along the two creek beds that are located on the property. The MLA has identified some potential concerns with this project and will be attending one of the public meetings.  

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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 companies in the area that would be pleased to attend to your property.

DISTRICT OF MUSKOKA

Infrastructure Funding – It was announced at the December 15^th Council meeting that the Muskoka region will be receiving about $1.6 million over the next 3 years through the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund.  These funds help municipalities maintain critical infrastructure needs by providing long-term support for rehabilitation and repairs. The funds are to be used only for roads, bridges, water, sewer or storm water projects. District staff will be putting forth spending recommendations in the 2015 budget for Council’s consideration. The MLA is pleased to hear of this important funding being made available to maintain and update the area’s services. The MLA is aware of the District budget coming up soon and will be reporting further on this once our team reviews it.

Long-Term Development Plan for the Muskoka Airport – At the December 18^th Planning and Economic Development meeting, committee passed a motion to recommend to District Council that a long-term plan for the Muskoka Airport be developed. The airport is an important economic driver for the region and has the potential to substantially increase tourism through the addition of a second runway. This motion will come before District Council at the January 19^th meeting. The MLA will be interested to see what the District’s future plans are for the airport and what impact it will have on our area.

Bala Falls Update – Last month Swift River Energy Limited was again before District Public Works Committee. Swift had not fulfilled all the conditions requested by the District prior to acquiring the entrance permits needed to begin construction in Bala. District Public Works Commissioner Fred Jahn stressed the need for a performance bond from Swift River as it relates to the Hwy 169 bridge. The bridge is part of the main transportation corridor through Bala and is a critical District asset. Committee agreed all conditions must be met prior to the issuance of any entrance permits. Staff will report back to Committee later this month with their specific concerns and recommendations. The MLA is pleased that the District is taking extra care to ensure District assets are protected. The MLA has always been concerned that sufficient performance bonds are secured when private companies, such as Swift River Energy, are undertaking major development projects.

Recreation ‒ The Muskoka Snowmobile Region and local snowmobile clubs are starting to groom the trails in Muskoka. While access is limited at this point, it is expected that groomers will be working around-the-clock in order to have the trails open for the upcoming weekend. Click here for up-to-date Muskoka snowmobile trail conditions.

Several cross country ski trails are now open as well. For a complete list and maps click here

TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

Taboo Resort Temporarily Closed – Taboo Resort closed in early December after the main building sustained more than $350,000 in damages from an October fire. According to Anne White, Director of Marketing for the resort, the resort is shutting down for an undetermined length of time with no plans to reopen in 2015. However the Taboo and Sands golf courses will be operating in the spring. Taboo will continue to operate the shared facilities for the condominium owners. The MLA is concerned that yet another resort will not be operating in 2015. This is not good news for the resort industry in Muskoka.

Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society Receives FED-NOR Funding ‒ Parry Sound/Muskoka member of Parliament Tony Clement announced that FED-NOR funding in the amount of $78,750 will be forthcoming for the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society. The funding will go towards developing a strategy for a major expansion of the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst. The Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre is an important cultural and heritage site that draws many tourists. The MLA is pleased that this site has received this funding. Former MLA Board Directors were instrumental in ensuring that this funding was obtained, and several current Board members support this organization.

New Treasurer for the Town of Gravenhurst – On November 28^th Mr. Ken Watson retired as the Town of Gravenhurst’s Treasurer after 27 years of service. The new Treasurer and Director of Corporate Services is Mr. Val Sequeira. The MLA wishes Mr. Watson all the best in his retirement and welcomes Mr. Sequeira. 

SEGUIN TOWNSHIP

Seguin Councillor, Jack Hepworth’s Monthly Report – Many thanks to Councillor Hepworth for allowing the MLA to distribute his monthly newsletter to our members. His latest report can be found here. Of note is the 2015 Budget Binder. Council and the Finance Committee began discussions of the 2015 Preliminary Budget, Strategic Plan and Community Development Plans Monday January 12^th. The MLA recommends that you take some time to read this preliminary budget document. It’s a thorough, easy-to-read report detailing Seguin’s 2015 Strategic Plan, 2014 Successes, Community Development Plans and the 2014 Financial Update. Seguin provides an excellent roadmap that could benefit all municipalities in Muskoka.

TOWNSHIP OF MUSKOKA LAKES

TML Comprehensive Zoning By-Law – TML has received several submissions outlining various concerns with this new by-law. Three individuals delegated at the December 15^th planning meeting; MLA’s Anne McCauley being one of those people. Lengthy and detailed discussions took place with the resulting modifications to be made to the zoning by-law: (1) the restriction concerning the reconstruction of legal non-complying/non-conforming structures stating that the structure must be deemed damaged or unsafe before allowing it to be rebuilt will be removed from the by-law, as will the previous completion date limitations; (2) limited development (via a percentage to be determined) will be allowed in Minett subject to the existing holding zone; (3) gazebos will be required to be set back at least 1 metre (3 feet) from the shoreline; (4) saunas will be allowed in the lower level of a boathouse but within the cumulative limit of 100 square feet allowed for a sauna, washroom and utility room; and (5) a definition of a pump house will be added into the by-law in order to restrict its use. The by-law is scheduled to return to Planning Committee on January 19th. The MLA will continue to follow the progress of this important by-law.

Delegations Regarding Swift River Energy’s Power Plant Project at Bala Falls – December 16^th saw several delegates in TML council chambers expressing their concerns over the proposed Bala Falls hydro plant. Swift River Energy’s VP, Mr. Frank Belerique, and Swift’s project architect, Mr. Karl Stevens of Stevens Burgess Architects Ltd., were also present to give council an update on their progress and to provide sample architectural sketches and elevations of the power plant. Mr. Belerique stated he hoped that Swift River would be able to begin fresh discussions with this new council. Presenters were asked to provide committee members with a list of their specific ‘asks’ from the Township. TML Interim CAO Clayton Harris was instructed by committee to prepare a staff report which will be presented to committee in January. The MLA will be present at the upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting on January 20^th.

Bala Heritage Conservation District (HCD) – The previous TML Council passed a by-law which established an HCD in Bala. TML has received appeals from CP Rail, Swift River and from 7 property owners along Bala Falls Road. TML staff is currently putting together a package to be submitted to the OMB. It is expected an OMB pre-hearing will be set for late 2015. Representatives of the MLA have sat on TML’s Heritage Committee and we are following this latest development of an OMB appeal with interest.

Ontario Community Infrastructure Funding – TML will be receiving close to $130,000 from the Ontario government for infrastructure projects. TML will receive $43,016 in 2015 and again in each of the following two years. The purpose of the fund is to provide annual funding to build and repair critical infrastructure in municipalities with 100,000 or fewer residents. Eligible infrastructure projects include roads, bridges, and water and wastewater projects. The MLA is pleased that TML will be awarded this funding to maintain TML’s necessary infrastructure. We will be looking to see what projects this funding will be applied to in the TML budget. 

TML Committee Positions Available – TML is  advertising for community members to volunteer their time to sit on the following committees: Budget Committee, Community Centre Hall Boards, Grants Advisory Committtee, Heritage Advisory Committee and the Parks and Trails Committee. To view the bulletin regarding how to appy please click here. The MLA encourages you to think about donating some of your time and expertise to give back to your local community. The MLA usually has a number of members who volunteer to serve on one or more TML committees. This is one of the ways the MLA can continue being relevant and provide up-to-date information to our members. 

Turtle Jack’s Tribunal – The Residents of Port Carling Association (RAPC) have recently received the news that the Alcohol and Gaming Association of Ontario has denied Turtle Jack restaurant’s request for extended hours of outdoor patio music. As previously reported, the MLA took a position that outdoor noise, as per Turtle Jack’s request, was excessive. RAPC, along with support from the Township of Muskoka Lakes council, the MLA and the MRA, was able to persuade the tribunal that Turtle Jack’s request would ruin nearby people’s enjoyment of their properties. The RAPC sent a note of appreciation to the MLA for our help in this matter. MLA congratulates RAPC on their win. This is a perfect example of what can be achieved if we all work together to preserve the Muskoka we love.

———– The MLA wishes you all a very Happy and Healthy 2015 ————-

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The Age of Elegance – Saturday August 9, 2014 from 10 am to 4 pm.

Old photographs of life in Muskoka are irresistible. Whether you see them at the Muskoka Boat and Heritage Centre in Gravenhurst or are lucky enough to have peaked into to a friend’s old family album, the images take you back to a dreamy time – graceful old cottages, beautiful mahogany launches, sporty little gentlemen’s racers, and men and women dressed in their finery. What was it like to live in the “Age of Elegance”?

A few of the cottages in those photos have been maintained and can be seen today on parts of the Muskoka Lakes. Not so visible are many wooden boats, several approaching their centennial, hidden away in boathouses around the lakes. Mostly they were built right here in Muskoka for Muskoka cottagers. They may have been bought and sold, but they stayed in Muskoka accumulating history as integral parts of summer life for the generations that interacted with them.

The MLA Antique Boat Show is a bi-annual event held in Port Carling and sponsored by the Muskoka Lakes Association.  It was started in 1971 by the late Bob Purves to honour boats that have been built in Muskoka or have spent most of their life in Muskoka Waters.

Come out and enjoy a day with these fine craft and their owners along with displays including vintage outboard motors, seafleas and antique Buicks from the 1920’s. One of our presenting sponsors will also be bringing a brand new Bugatti Vitesse that will be on display for all to see.  It’s not very often a million dollar car comes to Muskoka!

The Show is on Saturday August 9 and runs from 10 AM until 4 PM at the Port Carling locks. Admission is free.

This event would not be possible without our presenting sponsors; Grand Touring Automobiles, Northfield Capital, Purves Redmond Insurance Brokers and Walker’s Point Marina.

The post The Age of Elegance. Muskoka Lakes Association Antique Boat Show – This Saturday appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Here’s the message from the MLA and the linked .pdf below it.

To: steve@cottageinmuskoka.ca:

As promised, the MLA continues to monitor water levels throughout our catchment area.
The attached freshet update, issued yesterday afternoon, details current watershed conditions throughout Muskoka/Parry Sound.
We encourage you to review the attached document, which provides significant detail, and to take action to protect property if your residence is located in one of the affected areas.

Muskoka Lakes Association

2546_MNR_Update_-_Parry_Sound_Muskoka_-_April_25_2014

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We’ve been asked a few times actually, just in the past three or four days: “How thick(thin) is the ice on the big three?” Well we can tell you, as of today it is still very solid. Visibly on Lake Jo, there are no signs of open water except around bubblers and moving water. We have a way to go in Muskoka before break-up.
Below, even right beside the boathouse, the ice is very sound.

We can’t show you the boathouse, the cottage, or anything identifiable on the property yet, as it’s not listed. But, here’s an image I made of the point while waiting for the snowmobile to return to pick me up.

The post Lake Joseph. Out on the April ice. appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

It looks like temps will be above freezing for … well, after tomorrow.

But, the ice is still very thick; hope so – we have to go price an island property on Lake Jo tomorrow, and we have to go by snowmobile. I might wear a CO2 lifejacket I got as a sailboat gift at Xmas … just for warmth of course.

The post Spring in Muskoka? Nice, but still waiting. appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The function of the buffer zone is to act as a filter for water flowing to your lake, and studies show that they greatly reduce water pollution. The plants and soil absorb runoff water laden with sediments, nutrients and pollutants harmful to the lake. Turf grass does not do an adequate job filtering water runoff, and is very attractive to geese and other nuisance species.

Native Plants … and lots of them!       “Ideally the buffer area is thickly covered with native vegetation. The higher the percentage of the ground that is covered, the better your buffer can work. A landscape made up of native plants is low maintenance. Once established, they can survive without extra watering, and without application of pesticides and fertilizers. Native plants are adapted to deal with local bugs and diseases and can get all the nutrients they need from existing soil.”

You can pre-order native plants from the Muskoka Lakes Association.

“The Annual MLA Seeding Day is scheduled for Saturday May 18, 2013 at the Port Carling Community Centre from 9 am to 12Noon. The emphasis this year will be on Muskoka native species. An order form (with pricing) is available from the MLA website here. We have a lot of seedlings available in some of the most wanted species including White Birch, Balsam Fir, White Spruce, Dogwood and Nannyberry among others.”

Order soon as quantities are limited.  Orders can be emailed to info@mla.on.ca, faxed to (705) 765-3203 or mailed to Box 298, Port Carling, ON, P0B 1J0

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