If you searched “Stewarts Island Lake Muskoka” or “Beatty Island Lake Muskoka”, you’re looking at the same island. Beatty is the historic name; modern charts typically show Stewarts Island.

Quick answers

Where is Stewarts Island?
Stewarts Island is in Bala Bay on Lake Muskoka, near the Moon River outlet area.

Is Beatty Island the same as Stewarts Island?
Yes. Beatty Island is the former name, and the cottage later appears on charts as Stewarts Island.

What about Cunningham Island?
Older maps (pre-1930) often refer to the property as Cunningham Island, tied to early ownership.

Stewarts Island, Bala Bay – why the location matters

Bala Bay sits at the outlet where Lake Muskoka drains toward the Moon River system. In higher-water years, this is one of the areas where buyers need to pay closer attention to elevation, dock/boathouse design, and the way current and debris behave near the outlet.

That doesn’t make it “bad” – it makes it a spot where smart due diligence matters.

For a lake-wide overview (including Bala Bay and the Moon River outlet), see our Lake Muskoka guide.

A short history of Beatty Island, later Stewarts Island

From the historical record in Old Muskoka: Century Cottages and Old Estates by Liz Lundell:

• Beatty Island was the summer home of John Thomas Cunningham of Allegheny, Pennsylvania.
• The cottage was later owned by the Shaw family, and it now appears on charts as Stewarts Island.
• Land registry references also show the names “Beatty” and “Belle” (from the original 1876 survey naming).
• Many maps made before 1930 refer to the property as Cunningham Island.

The cottage – what made it notable

The cottage is described as a Victorian-era Muskoka build with practical summer-living design and unusually decorative detailing for an island property.

Details noted in the book include:

• A board-and-batten exterior
• Decorative gable detailing (including sunburst-style grilles), latticework, and carved elements
• A deep verandah wrapping around the house
• Sleeping-porch style spaces in the gables (a classic Muskoka approach to hot nights before modern cooling)

The book also notes the cottage faced south, with a long view down toward Torrance Bay.

Steamers, a wharf, and the front dock

Before roads and marinas shaped how most people move around Muskoka, islands like this were built around a proper landing point. Old Muskoka notes that passenger steamers from Gravenhurst could land at a wharf on the southwest side of the island. Day-to-day supplies were delivered straight to the front dock by supply boats – including groceries, fresh bread, and butchered meats. The book also mentions the Packer family running early supply service in the Bala area, first from the Devonshire and later the Onaganoh.

It’s a small detail, but it makes the island feel more “real” – this wasn’t just a cottage, it was a working summer routine with a defined way of arriving.

Shaw era changes, then later restoration

Under the Shaw family, the book describes a series of functional improvements – including changes to interior finishes, enclosed verandah space, and updates aimed at comfort and views.

Later, the property passed through descendants, and in 1994 the island was purchased after a period of neglect. The book notes the roof was in poor condition and the original boathouse required shoring before restoration work began.

One modern detail that ties neatly back to the island’s steamer-era story: Old Muskoka notes that the present owners chose a nautical weather vane in honour of Cunningham, who is credited with inventing a steamship governor.

Buying an island cottage in Bala Bay – the practical lens

Island properties can be the dream in July, but the logistics show up year-round. Even on a central lake, buyers are committing to boats, hauling supplies, and planning around shoulder seasons.

In Bala Bay specifically, the buyer lens should also include water-level history and how docks/boathouses handle current and debris in higher-water periods.

Buyer checklist (non-legal, practical):

• Ask what happened on the property in the major high-water years (owners often have photos or clear memories).
• Look for physical clues on cribbing and boathouse posts (water lines, staining, repairs).
• Talk to an insurer early if there’s an older, low boathouse or tight elevation.
• For any rebuild plans, confirm what is realistically achievable under current rules before you emotionally commit.

If you’re early in your research, our Definitive Guide to Buying a Cottage in Muskoka is a good starting point.

Inherited an older dock or crib? Read The $50,000 Rock before you assume it’s a simple weekend fix.

Sources and further reading

• • Old Muskoka: Century Cottages and Old Estates by Liz Lundell. This is one of the best books on Muskoka – and my absolute favourite.
  • Lake Muskoka guide – our lake-wide overview, including Bala Bay and the Moon River outlet.

The post Stewarts Island (Beatty Island) | Lake Muskoka (Bala Bay) appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

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.

Building location

The first major factor is where we’ve built cottages and homes. Many of the builds in the areas that experience the most flooding in Muskoka (Muskoka River, Lake Muskoka, and Moon River) are built on floodplains. In fact, builders on Lake Muskoka have started to build with that in mind… and not just by raising docks and boathouses! I saw a post made by Corbin Patten Designs on Instagram recently where they had included a raised section in a boathouse to keep a beer fridge safe during future floods.

If you don’t know what a floodplain is, it’s an area adjacent to a river or other watercourse that is susceptible to flooding. Floodplains are typically low-lying and flat, making them ideal for the slow accumulation of water during periods of high precipitation or snow melt. While these areas provide important ecological functions like natural flood control, water purification, and habitat for fish and wildlife, unwittingly building on a floodplain can be disastrous. Ensure that you are checking floodplain maps before you build or buy!

Here’s a link to a floodplain map from Muskoka Geohub! Or just leave the pre-purchase check to your real estate agent, I know for a fact they always check (because Catharine and I are your realtors, right?).

Environmental factors

Flooding in Muskoka can be caused by a variety of environmental factors, including the amount of snow pack here and in Algonquin, the speed of thaw, and the level of precipitation. The Muskoka River watershed has its headwaters in Algonquin, and the amount of snowpack there significantly affects flooding here. When there is an above average amount of snow pack in Algonquin, it can lead to a larger volume of water entering Muskoka’s waterways during the spring thaw. The speed of thaw is also crucial in determining the severity of flooding in Muskoka. If temperatures rise too quickly, the snow and ice can melt too rapidly, overwhelming the local waterways and causing flooding. Finally, the amount of precipitation during the spring months can also contribute to flooding, as heavy rains can cause rivers and lakes to overflow their banks. All of these factors must be taken into account when predicting and preparing for potential flooding events in Muskoka.

Limitations to MNRF control

Okay, and here’s a reason that not many people seem to know… the dams along the Muskoka River Watershed are NOT flood control structures! The MNRF can draw down water to prepare for potential flooding, but beyond a certain point there’s nothing they can do to stop it. Here’s an excerpt from the 2019 Ontario Flood Report:

“It must be emphasised that dams in central Ontario, including those in the Muskoka River watershed, are not flood control structures. Flood control structures require a large lake or reservoir and associated drawdown capacity to store or hold back flood waters. Analyses have confirmed that lakes in the Muskoka River watershed that are regulated by dams have a limited capacity to drawdown water to affect flooding, and during periods of large volume rapid runoff, the available drawdown capacity is insufficient to reduce peak flood water levels. In this sense, the greater the magnitude of the flood event, the less ability the MNRF has on affecting or mitigating flooding through operation of its dams. Once the dams are fully open, the MNRF does not have the ability to increase the rate of flow, as it is then based on the amount of water in the system and the natural rate of flow and elevation as it moves through the wide-open dam sluice ways.“

There’s also a limit to how much they can draw down the water levels which has nothing to do with the dams, and more to do with the creatures we share Muskoka’s waterways with. Drawing down water levels can have a significant impact on lake trout spawning. Lake trout are a cold-water fish species that require specific water temperature and oxygen levels to successfully spawn.

In many cases, lake trout will spawn in shallower water nearer to the shoreline than their usual habitat. However, if water levels are drawn down too quickly or too far, the shallow spawning beds may become exposed to the air, causing the eggs to dry out and die. Additionally, sudden changes in water levels can cause currents and turbulence that can dislodge the eggs from the spawning beds, reducing the chances of successful hatching and survival. As such, water managers must carefully consider the impact of drawing down water levels on lake trout spawning and take steps to mitigate any negative effects.

So, what can we do about flooding in Muskoka?

Well, here’s what the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry can do:

Muskoka River Water Management Plan (MRWMP)

The MNRF is responsible for managing the water resources in Muskoka and has developed a comprehensive water management plan to mitigate the impact of flooding events and protect the local ecosystem.

The plan includes a range of measures, such as monitoring water levels and flows, managing dams and water control structures, and providing timely warnings to communities in the event of flooding. You can check out the full Water Management Plan here.

The MNRF also works with other government agencies, local municipalities, and community groups to develop and implement best practices for managing water resources in the region. These practices include promoting the use of permeable surfaces to reduce runoff, and restoring wetlands to provide natural flood control. Overall, the MNRF’s water management plan aims to balance the needs of the local ecosystem with the social and economic benefits of water use in the region.

And as for us?

Be prepared

Expect flooding if you cottage or live in certain areas – in particular the Muskoka River, Lake Muskoka, and Moon River, or on any floodplain. Prepare your property, dock, and boathouse when you close your cottage in the winter. Sign up for our newsletter – you’ll be reminded when the time comes, and you’ll be shown exactly how to close your cottage and prepare for potential spring flooding. I’ll be sure to add an additional post about bracing for a flood before the spring 2024 flood season in Muskoka.

Use a local real estate agent

Not only do we know what areas flood (and see it firsthand), we’ll make sure to review floodplain maps as part of our due diligence – something that a Toronto real estate agent wouldn’t necessarily think to do. I would not be the first person you would ask about problematic condo buildings in the city or the areas of Toronto with the best walkability, and they should not be your trusted source for information about Muskoka.

Continue monitoring the situation when the water level begins to decline

The first sign of receding water levels is not the time to stop monitoring the situation.

First of all, high levels of precipitation, additional snowpack melting and adding water to the watershed, and dams flows being reduced to relieve flooding further down the watershed can all cause the levels to start rising again.

But here’s the bit everyone seems to forget – let’s say the water level was high enough that your boat is floating around in your boathouse. I’m sure you’ve secured it carefully, and removed anything that could damage it. But what happens when the water level drops? You need to make sure the boat makes it back into the slip. Not only can you damage your boat and the boathouse, but how would you ever move it again if it ends up out of the water? A jetski could be put back in the water with help from a few friends… good luck doing that with a boat!

You also need to watch the water levels if you’ve tied your boat off somewhere higher up in the boathouse. Obviously you can’t just make the ropes long enough to compensate, because you don’t want your boat smashing around in there. But what happens if you’ve tied it normally and the water level goes down beyond the length of rope you’ve used? I’ll tell you what – damage! Time to practice your sailing knots. We’ll teach you in our flood coverage if the water level starts to get high enough.

Stay up-to-date

You can check current flood information (warnings and watches by area) from the Government of Ontario here.

We posted daily flood update stories on our Instagram this year, with up-to-date photos and location information, plus alerts about flood warnings, updates from the township, real time water level graphs from multiple water bodies in Muskoka, and other relevant info. We also stopped by a number of cottages to check on them for their owners. Follow us on instagram here to be kept up-to-date about flooding in Muskoka next time around.

We’ll also be doing our flood updates by email next year. You can sign up for our newsletter here.

The post Why do we have a problem with flooding in Muskoka? appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

And the rest of us are somewhere in between. Waterfront or not, permanent residence or not, we all appreciate being surrounded by water and granite and pine and to do a little swimming, boating, hiking and star gazing.

The privilege can be costly, especially since the pandemic.

Overall prices are up year over year, and have gone up a median value of about $350,000 for waterfront properties since the beginning of 2020.

There were 499 new listings in July and 377 sales. The average DOM (days on market from listing to sale) is 14. Last year the average DOM for July was 23. July 2019 24. July 2018 was 30. We are seeing a trend here.

In terms of dollar volume:

There were 44 sales in Muskoka Lakes. 37 were waterfront and 7 non waterfront. The total dollar volume was $95,220,518.

There were 57 sales in Huntsville. 19 were waterfront and 38 non waterfront. The total dollar volume was $41,870,436.

There were 31 sales in Bracebridge. 10 were waterfront and 21 non waterfront. The total dollar volume was $21,252,027.00.

There were 29 sales in Gravenhurst. 7 were waterfront and 22 non waterfront. The total dollar volume was $19,314,650.00.

There is only a 2.5 month supply of residential properties available currently. The definition of supply refers to the number of months it would take for the current inventory of homes or cottages on the market to sell. Historically, six months of supply is associated with a balanced market between buyers and sellers and a lower level of months’ supply is considered a seller’s market and therefore they can expect to sell faster at a better price. In any market a substantially overpriced property will linger. The key to proper pricing is listing at a reasonable price and encouraging competition. Buyers will only compete when a property is appealing both in terms of features and price.

The trend has been toward less inventory for the last few years – with the exception of a small spike this year due to sellers wanting to cash in on this crazy market.

We do not see the ‘bubble’ bursting. We do not think that there is a bubble. It is a case of supply and demand. And those demanding having a lot of liquidity right now, due to many months of not spending in restaurants, on travel, services like spas, house cleaners, clothing, commuting etc. Interest rates remain low. Cottage buyers for the most part have not been negatively impacted financially by the pandemic.

Inventory has been relatively low for the past several years and we can see why when we look at the relatively low total number of cottages versus the potential buying pool. The Golden Horseshoe has a population of over 7.8 million. Say you considered just one percent of that number – that is 78,000 people in the market for a cottage. And that doesn’t count international buyers or buyers in the rest of Canada.

Some buyers are interested in purchasing to rent their places out. There is a lot of money to be made, but buyers should beware. For those who are perking up their ears, these purchases tighten off an already limited supply. Carefully vet your renters. Property damage is a real risk, as is annoying the neighbours with loud and boisterous behaviour. Enough of that, and the townships may decide to ban rentals.

The post August 2021 Muskoka Real Estate Market Update appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

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.

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.

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.

The post Lightning Leaps over Lake Muskoka appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Here’s an opportunity to have your own Muskoka cottage on such a  large level, Lake Muskoka waterfront property, and for much less than you would expect.

Sought after Walker’s Point locale with over 600 feet of frontage, ready for your designer’s dream. Over 2 acres of level land with a south exposure  and views straight out on quiet Shanty Bay. A Muskoka cottage with a property this large and level can take on many appearances, subject only to your imagination; from a quiet private sanctuary to a sprawling family compound with lots of activities and guests.

Existing 2 bedroom year round cottage to enjoy, update or expand while you envision your dream build. Build onto the existing structure or start from scratch using this large footprint. Possible 2 storey boathouse subject to development approval. This property has excellent potential, with easy year round access, to be a great 4 season home or cottage.

For more information follow this link. For a private tour, please use the contact form to the left. We would be delighted to show you this really nice Lake Muskoka property.

Copyright © 2015 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

The post ** Now Sold!** Muskoka Cottage for sale, Walker’s Point 625’ frontage! 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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The property features a lovely historic home in downtown Port Carling, on Mirror Lake. This home was built in 1916 and pulled across Mirror Lake in the winter of 1928 – well that’s the story as we heard it. But, here’s a fascinating update on the history of the house thanks to a book given to us by our friend Ian Turnbull of Port Carling.

From Indian River Tales, Compiled by: Anne Duke Judd (ISBN 0-9698716-4-3):
The Moving of Heart’s Content

The old Heart’s Content was built around 1916 at Indian point. In early spring, around 1928 it was put onto two scows, using horses and the high water to help.
Cribwork on the scows kept it level at the old elevation; the scows were borrowed from one of the lumber companies, and Alan Dixon was in charge of the operation.
One scow sprang a leak, and since there was no electrical power at the point, it had to be hand pumped all night. Art Duke and others took turns keeping the pump going.

The next day they set off across the river, but about halfway across Mirror Lake, the steering mechanism on the Vedette broke, and she had to be taken up to Port for repairs. The wind blew the skows and house down to Arcadia point. The center timber caught on trees along the river bank and pulled out – fortunately, the two outside timbers stayed secure and the house remained level.

A second time, the men attach the scows to the Vedette, and pulled their cargo close to its new site on the eastern shore. But because the boat could not tow it from the front, the lines had to be untied while the Vedette manoeuvered to the stern to push it in.

Again, the house got away, the wind blowing it ashore at Schreibers’. By the time it was securely tied at the proper place on the shore, daylight was gone. There was electricity on this side, but it was not very reliable then, so the electric pump was left running overnight.

The next morning, Heart’s Content was moved ashore, and lowered – one crib timber at a time – onto its site at the bottom of Silver Creek Hill.

Here it remained the home of Arthur and ‘Did’ Duke (nee Elizabeth McCulley) and their sons Thomas and Reay until 1948, when the couples retirement home was built. The sign still identifies that home, now the residence of Rev. Tom Duke and his wife Charlotte.

Tom’s main memory of the house moving is the disappointment he felt that having to go to school, and missed the excitement of the move.

Walk from the property to restaurants, shopping, locks, museum. Three bedrooms, two full baths provide plenty of room.

Three unit apartment at the water allows for extra income. Each unit has one bedroom, one bath. Cabin and storage shed round out the picture. Views are lovely, and this popular location just makes it all the more appealing. Let us know when you’d like to come and see it.

You’ll find more details in the listing here, and I just added a virtual tour below.

Copyright © 2014 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

The post NOW SOLD! Cottage in Muskoka For Sale. Income waterfront. appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The property features a lovely historic home in downtown Port Carling, on Mirror Lake. This home was built in 1916 and pulled across Mirror Lake in the winter of 1928. Walk from the property to restaurants, shopping, locks, museum. Three bedrooms, two full baths provide plenty of room.

Three unit apartment at the water allows for extra income. Each unit has one bedroom, one bath. Cabin and storage shed round out the picture. Views are lovely, and this popular location just makes it all the more appealing. Let us know when you’d like to come and see it.

You’ll find more details in the listing here, and I just added a virtual tour below.

Copyright © 2014 cottageinmuskoka.ca, All rights reserved.

The post NOW SOLD! Muskoka Cottage For Sale. Income waterfront property in Port Carling. 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

The post Muskoka Lakes Association – Ministry of Natural Resources – Muskoka Parry Sound Flood Warning update appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.