(Or maybe you’ve landed on this post from somewhere else – check out our Lake Rosseau Cottage Guide to see if Lake Rosseau is right for you)

Now you’re staring at listings in Minett, Windermere, Rosseau village, Port Sandfield and a handful of islands… and wondering:

“Which part of Lake Rosseau is actually right for us?”

The lake is only one name on a map, but the bays, corridors and cottage locations all feel very different in real life. Some stretches are all resort energy and boat wakes. Others are glassy, quiet water where you hear more loons than engines. Some are set up for four-season use; others are very summer-only.

This guide is meant to help serious, high-intent buyers pre-filter:

• The best places to buy on Lake Rosseau for your lifestyle
• Tradeoffs between busy areas vs quiet bays, islands vs mainland, resort vs low-key
• Where different Lake Rosseau bays and cottage locations shine – and where they don’t

If you want the big-picture overview of marinas, hazards, public access, water levels and general lake facts, start with our main Lake Rosseau guide.

This post zooms in on one question only: where to buy on Lake Rosseau.

How to Think About “Location” on Lake Rosseau (Not Just Price)

Before we zoom into specific areas, it helps to think in terms of a few simple “axes” rather than just price or postal code.

1. Busy vs quiet

Some busy areas on Lake Rosseau function like boat highways or resort strips. Others are tucked-away, dead-end bays.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Do you like seeing boats going by all day, or will that drive you nuts?
• Does your ideal Saturday look like “people-watching from the dock”… or “reading in absolute quiet”?

If you picture glassy morning paddles with only loons for company, you’re not shopping the same corridor as someone who wants to boat to dinner three nights a week in July.

Also know this: weekdays vs summer Saturdays are two different lakes. Corridors like Port Sandfield and the Indian River can be calm on a Tuesday and feel like the 401 on the August long weekend.

2. Open exposure vs sheltered bay

Open water frontage = big sky, long views, sunsets… and more wind and wave action.

Sheltered bays = calm, protected water and safer swimming… but a narrower view and sometimes more bugs on still evenings.

If you have small kids or nervous swimmers, quiet bays on Lake Rosseau can be a better fit. If you’re more about big water and big-boat cruising, open exposure may win.

3. Sun and wind exposure (north / south / east / west)

Cardinal direction matters more than most first-time buyers expect:

• West / northwest: long afternoon sun and classic sunsets, plus more prevailing wind and chop.
• South: sun most of the day; great if you’re a sun-lover.
• East: beautiful sunrise and bright mornings, cooler and shadier by late afternoon.
• North: softer light and often cooler/ shadier overall, especially in shoulder seasons.

A lot of owners only realize after their first season why locals chase west-facing exposures – and why some north-facing lots feel darker and cooler than they expected.

4. Proximity to services vs “out there” feel

Lake Rosseau can feel wild, but you’re never that far from town. Still, there’s a big difference between:

• Walking or boating a few minutes into Rosseau village or Port Carling
• vs
• Needing a 30–40 minute boat or car run every time you need a real grocery store

Think about how often you’ll want:

• Groceries and LCBO
• Restaurants and marinas
• Access to hospital / urgent care

What feels charming the first few weekends (“we’re really away!”) can feel like a chore if you’re here all the time and you’re always running 40 minutes for screws or milk.

5. Mainland vs islands & access type

Mainland with a year-round road feels very different from a water-access-only island cottage:

• Island = privacy, views, “classic Muskoka postcard” feel, but much more logistics.
• Mainland = easier winter use, easier guests and groceries, often better for multi-generational families.

There is no single “best place to buy on Lake Rosseau”. There is only “best for how you actually live.”

One more reality check: listing photos are usually shot when the water is flat and empty. Always ask “What is this corridor like on a sunny Saturday in July?” before you fall in love with a sunrise photo taken at 6 a.m. on a Tuesday.

Now, let’s walk the main areas.

Minett & the Clevelands House / JW Marriott Corridor

Resort strip, central, very active

This is the Minett / Clevelands House corridor on the southwest side: JW Marriott on the hill, the historic Clevelands House site and the resorts and marinas around Wallace Bay up toward Port Sandfield.

It’s effectively Rosseau’s resort strip.

What it feels like

In peak summer, this corridor is lively, social and busy. You’ll see:

• Resort guests on rental boats and PWCs
• Waterski and surf boats running laps in Wallace Bay
• Cottagers boating to dinner, the spa or golf
• Constant boat movement in and out of nearby marinas

By Saturday afternoon on a long weekend, this stretch and nearby Port Sandfield feel like the main artery of the Big Three – lots of wakes, lots of energy. Mid-week and shoulder seasons are calmer, but July and August weekends are full-on cottage town.

Pros

• Huge convenience: Restaurants, spa, golf and resort services within a short boat ride.
• Central on the Big Three: Easy day-tripping to Port Carling, Lake Joe and Lake Muskoka.
• Social & “in the action”: Built-in energy and people-watching.
• Year-round road access with the JW open in winter.
• Great if you want a “Muskoka with amenities” experience, not a backwoods camp.

Cons

• High traffic and wake in summer; the water will not be still on a Saturday.
• Noise and lights from resorts, weddings, events and marinas, especially on summer evenings.
• Ongoing and future development at the Clevelands House site – more units, a large marina and years of construction and change ahead.
• Limited privacy: you’re sharing the shoreline with resorts, marinas and frequent public boaters.

If you’re considering this corridor, you’ll want to read our full blog breakdown of the Clevelands House development and what it could mean for this stretch of Lake Rosseau.

Who it suits

• Social, outgoing families who like to be “where things are happening”
• Buyers who value luxury and convenience over seclusion
• Avid boaters who want quick runs to Port Carling, Lake Joseph, Lake Muskoka
• Year-round or shoulder-season users who appreciate maintained roads and an open resort nearby
• Investors who care about being in a high-demand, “name brand” corridor

Who should probably avoid it

• Anyone who truly wants quiet
• People who are sensitive to light and sound at night
• Buyers attracted only by the pretty open-water photos, but who would hate resort noise and boat wakes when they get there

If your idea of heaven is hearing loons at dusk and almost no engines, don’t buy in the Minett corridor, no matter how good the listing photos look.

Village of Rosseau & the North End

Market days, small-town feel, quieter water

At the north end, around Rosseau village and the surrounding bays (Rosseau Bay, Morgan Bay, Skeleton Bay and nearby pockets), you get a very different vibe.

What it feels like

In summer:

• Fridays mean the Rosseau Farmers’ Market at the waterfront – boats filling the docks, live music, kids with ice cream.
• On non-market days, the docks are still active but nowhere near Port Carling levels.
• A couple of good restaurants, a proper general store, a park and beach.

In winter and shoulder seasons, Rosseau becomes calm and sleepy. A small year-round community, a few open businesses, and a lot of quiet.

Just around the corner from the public docks, bays like Skeleton Bay and Morgan Bay feel surprisingly private and calm – you’re 5–10 minutes by boat from town but in very quiet water.

Pros

• True village feel: walkable, friendly, historic, with a real sense of community.
• Generally quieter water than the south-end corridors day to day.
• Big views and sunsets from some north- and west-facing points.
• Pockets like Skeleton Bay that are consistently sheltered and low-wake, even in peak season.
• More of a year-round community feel if you’re up outside summer.

Cons

• Farther from Port Carling and the south-end “scene” – roughly 30+ minutes by boat or car either way.
• Some exposures can be windier and more exposed when weather runs the length of the lake.
• Fewer high-end amenities; it’s charming, not flashy.
• Longer drives to big-box shopping and hospitals compared with the south end.

Who it suits

• Buyers who like a mix of tranquility and community
• Families who like walking or boating into a small town with a playground and market
• Retirees or long-term users who think about four seasons, not just July and August
• Nature- and quiet-first buyers who still want some human contact and services nearby

Who may feel frustrated

• Socialites who want to bounce between all three lakes by boat every weekend
• Teens and young adults who want more nightlife and restaurant variety without 30–40 minutes of travel
• Anyone who hates the idea of driving half an hour for bigger groceries or hardware

If you want village charm + quieter bays on Lake Rosseau, the north end belongs on your shortlist.

Windermere & the East Shore

Classic resort, west-facing sunsets, quieter pockets

The Windermere / east shore stretch runs down the east side of Rosseau, centred on historic Windermere House and its marina and golf course.

What it feels like

Windermere itself has that old-school resort feeling:

• Boats easing in for lunch or fuel
• Weddings and events on summer weekends
• Kids on the public beach and people on the golf course

But step just a few minutes north or south by boat and you’re back into mostly cottage shoreline and quieter bays. You can tap into the resort when you want it and ignore it when you don’t.

Pros

• Classic Muskoka resort ambiance without the intensity of Minett
• A nice balance of amenities and privacy – resort when you want it, quiet when you don’t
• West-facing shore = great afternoon sun and sunsets
• Sheltered pockets (e.g. East Portage / nearby bays) that stay relatively calm
• Year-round road access, good for four-season use
• Sandy, kid-friendly beach right at Windermere, which is rare on these rocky lakes

Cons

• Around the resort itself, you’ll notice wedding and event noise on peak weekends
• Public access (beach, marina) adds some extra people and traffic nearby
• Parts of the east shore are more exposed to west winds and open-lake waves
• Only one main restaurant/inn right there; for more options you still head to Port Carling or Rosseau
• A few shoals and shallow spots around islands near Windermere – fine once you know them, but new boaters need to pay attention

Who it suits

• Buyers who want a “just right” middle ground – not isolated, not overrun
• People who like heritage, charm and a bit of social life, but not a huge resort strip
• Families who value a kid-friendly swimming beach and some structured activities nearby
• Sun-lovers who want long, bright afternoons and sunsets over the lake

Who might regret it

• Anyone who thought “resort” meant a full Minett-style scene and now finds Windermere too sleepy
• Ultra-privacy seekers who don’t want to see or hear any public activity
• People who get frustrated having only one dining option in walking/boating range

If you want classic Muskoka ambiance, sunsets and a softer resort vibe, Windermere and the east shore are strong candidates.

Port Sandfield, Indian River & the Port Carling Side

In the middle of everything – and everyone

At the south end, the Port Sandfield and Indian River corridor connects Lake Rosseau to Lake Joseph and Lake Muskoka through Port Carling. This is the beating heart of Muskoka’s boating network.

What it feels like

In July and August, especially on long weekends, this corridor is busy, full stop:

• Boats funneling through the Port Sandfield swing bridge between Rosseau and Joe
• Long lines of boats idling through Indian River toward the Port Carling locks
• People docking to hit restaurants, shops and grocery stores in Port Carling

On a sunny Saturday afternoon, the channels can feel like a boat version of the 401. On a Tuesday morning at 9 a.m., the same stretch can be surprisingly calm.

There’s energy, spectacle and convenience – and almost no true quiet on peak afternoons.

Pros

• Ultimate convenience: Port Carling and Port Sandfield services and shops are right there
• Best place for serious boaters who love running all three of the Big Lakes
• Tons of restaurants, marinas, shops and services in easy reach
• Strong resale demand; “close to Port Carling” is a premium location

Cons

• High, constant boat traffic and wakes – especially around channels and narrows
• Much less privacy: you’re visible to almost every passing boat
• Swimming, paddling and docking can be stressful on busy days
• Noise and light from town and marinas mean it never feels truly remote
• Navigation in the channels is not training wheels for brand-new boaters

Who it suits

• Extroverted, on-the-go boaters who want to be in the centre of the Muskoka universe
• Families with teens/young adults who will actually use the access to town and other lakes
• Hosts who see their cottage as a social hub and love spontaneous visitors by boat
• Buyers who care more about options and access than about solitude

Who it doesn’t suit

• Anyone who truly wants to escape noise and traffic
• First-time cottagers who are nervous boaters – this corridor is not the gentle starter zone
• People who aren’t really into boating; then the busyness is pure downside
• Privacy-first buyers who will resent feeling like their dock is on a parade route

If you love energy, convenience and constant boat TV, this is the place. If you’re dreaming of quiet coffee on a still morning, steer toward other Lake Rosseau cottage locations.

Island Cottages on Lake Rosseau

Maximum privacy, maximum logistics

Finally, let’s talk island cottages on Lake Rosseau – places like Tobin Island and the smaller island clusters.

What it feels like

When you’re on an island, you’re all-in on the lake:

• No road noise, no cars, just boats and nature
• Often 360° water views or at least water on multiple sides, depending on the lot
• A strong “we’re really away” feeling – in good ways and challenging ways

It’s magical when the weather is good and everyone’s organized. It’s less magical on a dark, windy night when you realize you forgot the milk.

Pros

• True privacy: no road behind you, fewer neighbours, fewer random drop-ins
• Big, open water views and a “postcard Muskoka” feeling
• A tight-knit islander community that looks out for each other
• Often better dark skies and quiet nights than many mainland spots

Cons

• Every single thing – groceries, garbage, guests – involves a boat trip
• You depend heavily on marinas for parking, slips and services
• Weather dictates your life: wind, storms, fog and ice-out all matter
• Shoulder seasons (freeze-up and break-up) can mean no safe access at all
• Emergencies and big deliveries (furniture, building materials) require more planning and cost

Day-to-day, it means:

• Doing bigger, more organized grocery runs in bins and coolers
• Hauling garbage back to marinas or transfer stations by boat
• Meeting every guest at a mainland dock and shuttling them (and their luggage) in
• Being realistic about how you’ll handle winter, kids’ friends and “I forgot X” moments

Who it suits

• People who genuinely love boats and logistics as part of the fun
• Families who want a “this is our world” island experience and are happy to be organized
• Buyers who prioritize privacy and nature above almost everything else
• Those not relying on frequent drop-in guests or quick runs to town

Who should avoid islands

• Anyone with mobility issues or very young kids where boat dependence is a real risk
• Buyers who already feel over-scheduled and don’t want more logistics in their life
• People who will resent not being able to just hop in the car if they need something
• Nervous boaters, or folks who are realistic enough to know they won’t use it in rough weather

If islands appeal, they can be the best places to buy on Lake Rosseau for the right personality – but they’re absolutely not “just like mainland but with a nicer view”.

Putting It All Together – Matching Your Cottage Style to an Area

You can’t see every part of Rosseau properly in one afternoon of showings. Use this as a simple filter before you start driving and boating around.

If you want…

Quiet + sheltered water
Look at: Skeleton Bay, Morgan Bay, Brackenrig Bay, smaller dead-end Lake Rosseau bays near Rosseau village and just off Windermere.

Social + resort access
Look at: Minett / Clevelands House corridor, Windermere village area.

“In the middle of everything”
Look at: Port Sandfield, Indian River, Rosseau-side properties close to Port Carling.

Village feel and community
Look at: Rosseau village and surrounding north-end shoreline.

Maximum privacy and “world of your own”
Look at: Island cottages on Lake Rosseau, and the more tucked-away mainland bays with longer drive times to town.

You can also sanity-check your sun and wind preferences:

• Want sunsets and don’t mind some chop? Aim for west / northwest exposures.
• Love bright mornings and cooler late-day shade? East can be lovely.
• Hate feeling cold and damp in May and October? Be careful with deep north-facing pockets.

Blunt but important:

• If you hate hearing boats, do not buy on the main Minett strip or right in the Port Sandfield / Indian River corridor, no matter how stunning the listing photos are.
• If you get bored easily and love options, you may feel trapped in the quietest back bays.
• If you know you’ll only come up a handful of weekends a year, driving 40 minutes each way to town from the north end might bug you less than it will someone using the cottage every weekend.

The right decision isn’t “what’s the fanciest bay?” It’s what will still feel right to you in year three when the novelty wears off.

Still Torn Between Rosseau, Joseph & Muskoka? Here’s When to Call Us

It’s very common to get this far and think:

“Okay, I get the Rosseau zones now… but I’m still torn between Rosseau, Joseph and Muskoka.”

That’s exactly when it helps to talk to someone who is on these lakes all the time.

We can shortcut questions like:

• “Is my family actually a Rosseau, Joseph or Muskoka family?”
• “Given our budget and lifestyle, where are we most likely to be happiest long-term?”
• “How worried should we be about flooding, boat traffic or privacy in the specific areas we’re eyeing?”

From here, your next steps could be:

• Read our main Lake Rosseau guide for marinas, hazards and lake-wide facts
• (Soon) Compare with our Lake Joseph and Lake Muskoka guides when those are live
• Reach out so we can translate your wishlist into actual bays and corridors that fit

If you’re serious about buying and you’re stuck on where to buy on Lake Rosseau, that’s literally what we do all day.

Bring us your non-negotiables, and we’ll tell you – honestly – which parts of the lake belong on your shortlist, and which ones you should cross off now, before you fall in love with the wrong listing.

Lake Rosseau Buying FAQ

Where is the best place to buy a cottage on Lake Rosseau?

There is no single “best” place to buy on Lake Rosseau. The right area depends on how you actually live: whether you prefer quiet bays or busy boat corridors, want resort access or a village feel, and whether you’re happier on the mainland or on an island. This guide walks through Minett, Windermere, Rosseau village, Port Sandfield and island cottages so you can match each corridor to your lifestyle.

Which areas of Lake Rosseau are the quietest?

If you want quieter water and a calmer feel, look at sheltered bays and dead-end pockets rather than the main corridors. Areas like Skeleton Bay, Morgan Bay, Brackenrig Bay and the smaller dead-end bays near Rosseau village and just off Windermere tend to be more protected and low-wake, especially compared with Minett or the Port Sandfield / Indian River channels.

Which parts of Lake Rosseau are closest to shops and restaurants?

For maximum convenience, focus on the south end around Port Sandfield, Indian River and properties close to Port Carling, where you’re in the middle of Muskoka’s boating network and near restaurants, marinas and grocery stores. Minett offers a resort strip with spa, dining and golf, while Rosseau village at the north end gives you a small-town feel with a general store, market and a few restaurants.

Is an island cottage on Lake Rosseau a good idea for families?

An island cottage can be incredible for families who love boats, privacy and logistics as part of the fun. You get fewer neighbours, bigger views and a strong “world of our own” feeling. The tradeoff is that everything runs by boat: groceries, garbage, guests and emergencies. It suits organized families who are comfortable on the water and don’t need to be able to jump in the car every time they forget something.

What sun exposure is best for a Lake Rosseau cottage?

It depends how you use the cottage. West and northwest exposures give you long afternoon sun and classic sunsets, but usually a bit more prevailing wind and chop. East-facing properties are lovely if you like bright mornings and cooler late-day shade. Deep, north-facing pockets can feel darker and cooler in the shoulder seasons, so if you hate feeling cold and damp in May and October, be cautious with those.

How do I choose between Lake Rosseau, Lake Joseph and Lake Muskoka?

Each lake has a different feel, mix of amenities and price profile. If you’re already focused on Lake Rosseau but still torn between Rosseau, Joseph and Muskoka, it helps to talk to someone who is on all three lakes all the time. We look at your budget, how you actually use the cottage and your non-negotiables, then point you to the specific bays and corridors most likely to make you happy long-term.

The post Where to Buy on Lake Rosseau – Best Bays, Villages & Cottage Areas appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

Most people I talk to want the same thing: a revived resort village at Minett, with restaurants, services, and cleaned-up structures – as long as the rules we change to get there don’t come back to haunt Muskoka.

If you need the big-picture background on the Clevelands House development in Minett – what Phase 1 includes, how we got here, and the full timeline – start with our overview post: Clevelands House development in Minett: full plan, timeline and what’s happening now.

On November 25th, Township of Muskoka Lakes Council held a Special Planning Committee meeting for Phase 1 of the Clevelands House redevelopment. At that meeting, the Clevelands House wetland was centre of mind for anyone who had read the Environmental Impact Study. The developer presented, staff reported, the public spoke, and Council chose to defer a decision rather than approve or refuse.

That sounds cautious. But in the process, Council also made a key change that shifts how we deal with a high-functioning wetland on Lake Rosseau.

TL;DR – What Council Did (and Didn’t) Decide on OPA 64

• No, this wasn’t an approval. Council deferred a decision on OPA 64 (policy changes for Minett) and ZBA 22-23 (zoning for Phase 1).
• Yes, they changed the conditions. They removed a staff-recommended provincial wetland evaluation (OWES) that could have confirmed whether the wetland should be treated as Provincially Significant.
• In its place, they’re asking the developer for a “wetland compensation and net environmental benefit and enhancement” plan across the developer’s landholdings, plus completion of the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) peer review.
• Phase 1 still depends on cabins and other resort uses in and beside a mapped wetland and within the floodplain, with looser shoreline protections than we have today.
• Whatever happens at Minett will be used as the measuring stick for future wetland and floodplain proposals on Muskoka’s lakes.
• You can read the unofficial full transcript of the Clevelands House OPA 64 planning meeting here: https://cottageinmuskoka.ca/clevelands-house-planning-meeting-opa-64-transcript/

Bottom line: this meeting quietly moved us from “prove this wetland isn’t Provincially Significant” to “assume the impacts and see if compensation elsewhere can make up for it.”

What Happened at the Clevelands House Planning Meeting

This was a formal public meeting under the Planning Act for the Minett redevelopment, focused on OPA 64 and the first phase of zoning (ZBA 22-23). The developer’s team walked through their vision for a revived resort village, staff and peer reviewers tested that against Township, District, and provincial policy, and residents and groups like the Muskoka Lakes Association weighed in.

Council’s final motion that day was to defer the decision – but with altered conditions that matter a lot for the Clevelands House wetland.

A quick word about the public meeting

Public meetings like this are required under the Planning Act, but it’s worth remembering: the developer’s presentation is a polished sales pitch, not neutral analysis.

Staff and peer reviewers are there to test whether that story actually lines up with our Official Plans and with provincial policy. In this case, the biggest friction point is the wetland and the micro-cabins.

What the Developer Is Asking to Change in OPA 64

In plain language: the ask is to let more things be built closer to the water, and inside areas that are currently treated as wetland and floodplain, and then rely on compensation and “net benefit” to square that with policy.

Through OPA 64, the applicant is asking to rewrite parts of the existing Minett policies (OPA 56) so that:

• Development inside wetlands can include:
  • Resort accommodation units (cabins, etc.),
  • Recreation uses (courts, amenities),
  • Resort commercial uses,
  • Plus trails and boardwalks.
• The current “no loss of wetland function” test can be softened so that if it can’t be met, “enhancement and/or compensatory measures” may be used instead.
• Floodplain rules change:
  • Right now: habitable buildings aren’t allowed in the floodplain (just boardwalks/trails).
  • Proposed: recreation and resort-related uses and resort accommodation would be allowed in the floodplain.
• Shoreline setbacks change:
  • Right now: a 20 m setback from the shoreline is required for development, with limited exceptions.
  • Proposed: resort accommodation up to 2 storeys could be allowed within 20 m of the shore in some cases.
• Vegetative buffer protections are relaxed so that flexibility that currently applies to certain amenity buildings (like a wellness centre) would be extended to commercial and residential accommodation, letting more buildings push into the 50-foot buffer.

The Wetland, the Micro-Cabins, and the Environmental Impacts

At the heart of this file is the Clevelands House wetland, where five “micro-cabins” and other resort uses are proposed inside or immediately adjacent to mapped wetland and floodplain areas.

• Five “micro-cabins” are proposed within an area identified as high-functioning wetland, built on stilts.
• Additional cabins and amenities are clustered very close to the wetland and the shoreline.

The developer’s narrative

The wetland is described as a “dense thicket” that is unsafe, unclear at the edges, and unattractive.

They argue that historically it was more of an open marsh / back bay, and that golf course grading, drainage changes, beaches, bridges, and so on have degraded it.

They say they want to “restore its historical functionality” by:

• Removing the thicket vegetation,
• Creating more open water and marsh conditions,
• Adding boardwalks and micro-cabins,
• Selling this as a “light-touch,” immersive nature experience.

The micro-cabins are marketed as:

• On stilts,
• Very small (all 5 together under 3,000 sq ft),
• “Iconic,” “affordable,” “world-class experience.”

We were told this wetland “reset” is integral to the whole concept – if they can’t do it, the plan as designed doesn’t really work.

What the Environmental Impact Study actually says

What the Environmental Impact Study (EIS) says is more sobering:

• The wetland is mapped with low, moderate, and high-functioning areas, but the criteria for those categories aren’t clearly explained.
• The proposal involves loss of multiple types of wetland:
  • Loss of 0.69 ha of low-functioning wetland,
  • Loss of 0.17 ha of moderate-functioning wetland,
  • Loss of 0.25 ha of high-functioning wetland,
  • Additional impacts on 0.96 ha of high-functioning wetland,
  • Only 0.87 ha of wetland proposed to be restored.
• The 5 micro-cabins in the high-functioning area have a footprint of about 2,756 sq ft.

Significant wildlife habitat is flagged, including:

• Bat maternity colonies,
• Turtle wintering and nesting areas,
• Amphibian breeding habitat,
• Habitat for species of conservation concern (musk turtle, ribbon snake, snapping turtle, eastern wood-pewee, etc.),
• A furbearer movement corridor (mink, otter, fisher, eastern wolf, etc.).

In the inlet, fish habitat is mapped as Type 1 (most sensitive).

• Proposed dredging would permanently alter about 93,624 sq ft of this habitat (spawning, rearing, refuge).
• This would require approvals from DFO and the Province because it is a harmful alteration of fish habitat.

Potential habitat for endangered or threatened species is identified, including Blanding’s turtle, eastern hognose snake, endangered bats, and Massasauga rattlesnake.

The EIS straight-up acknowledges that the proposal is not fully consistent with provincial wetland policy as written now.

Staff also pointed out that aerial photos back to 1987 show this area as a vegetated wetland, not clearly as open water – so the idea that we’re just returning it to some pristine open-water past (as claimed in yesterday’s meeting) is, at best, debatable.

Put simply: we’re talking about losing portions of a high-functioning wetland and permanently altering sensitive fish habitat, in exchange for a “light-touch” cabin experience.

What Staff Recommended vs. What Council Changed

Planning staff were clear that this is not a minor zoning tweak. To move forward, the proposal needs:

• Changes to the Township’s Minett policies (OPA 64), and
• Changes to the District of Muskoka Official Plan, because the District currently:
  • Requires a 20 m setback for commercial / residential accommodation, and
  • Only allows shoreline flexibility in limited cases (e.g., for amenities like a wellness centre, not for accommodation).

Staff recommended deferring the decision and requiring three key things before this comes back:

1. A formal OWES wetland evaluation by a certified ecologist, to see if the wetland should be designated as a Provincially Significant Wetland (PSW) under the 2024 Provincial Policy Statement.
2. A finalized Surface Water Impact Assessment.
3. An updated floodplain memo with a clear flood line and hard numbers on how much fill would be needed to get buildings above the hazard (and no “wave uprush” factor that the PPS doesn’t allow here).

Council kept the deferral, but removed the OWES requirement.

Instead, they now require:

• Completion of the peer review of the EIS, and
• A “wetland compensation and net environmental benefit and enhancement” plan that:
  • Addresses the impacts on the wetland, and
  • Shows an overall net environmental benefit across the developer’s landholdings, with sufficient enhancement measures and monitoring, to the Township’s satisfaction.

Surface water and floodplain work are still required. But the key shift is this:

Instead of first asking “Does this wetland meet the bar to be treated as Provincially Significant?”, the focus has shifted to “If we permit these impacts, can a ‘net environmental benefit’ package elsewhere on the site justify them?”

That shift in how we handle Lake Rosseau wetland compensation is a little worrying.

Why This Wetland Decision Matters Beyond Minett

Two reasons this isn’t just a Minett story:

1. It normalizes building in wetlands and floodplains – if you can tell a good compensation story.
2. If cabins and resort buildings in a mapped high-functioning wetland and in the floodplain are ultimately approved here, even with a compensation package, it becomes much harder to say “absolutely not” to similar requests around the lakes.

Other developers will point directly at this file. Groups like the Muskoka Lakes Association made it clear at the meeting: they support seeing Clevelands cleaned up and appreciate the reduced density, but they are concerned about the precedent of putting resort units in wetlands and floodplains and loosening shoreline protections.

“The concern for us is also any precedential value. As some of you may know, the Muskoka Regional Centre – the Province is proposing to sell that. Cliff Bay in Muskoka Bay on Lake Muskoka. And they’re proposing 31 resort units in the lake and two restaurants actually in the lake – and they’re pretty significant-sized restaurants.”
— Ken Pearce, President of the Muskoka Lakes Association

For Lake Rosseau and Muskoka cottage owners, this isn’t abstract policy. If this kind of “build in the wetland, compensate elsewhere” approach is normalized at Clevelands House, it becomes harder to argue against similar asks beside your bay, your kids’ swimming area, or the places you value most on the lake.

If the Clevelands House wetland decision in Muskoka Lakes becomes the template where “build first, compensate elsewhere” is endorsed, you can expect that logic to show up at other planning tables.

What’s Next for Clevelands House, Minett, and Lake Rosseau

This file is far from done.

Before the next major meeting (expected to be a joint Township–District meeting):

• The EIS peer review has to be finished.
• The developer must put forward a detailed wetland compensation/ net environmental benefit plan and get it past staff and peer review.
• Surface water and floodplain questions must be answered.
• The District of Muskoka will be directly involved through its own Official Plan Amendment process

We can absolutely support cleaning up Clevelands House and bringing life back to Minett without quietly shifting the line for future developments on what’s acceptable in Muskoka’s wetlands and floodplains. What Council and the District do next with the Clevelands House wetland will tell us which path they’re choosing.

If you’re considering buying or selling on Lake Rosseau or in Muskoka Lakes, Catharine can meet with you one-on-one, walk you through what OPA 64 and the Clevelands House redevelopment mean for your property, and help you plan your next steps.

FAQs: Clevelands House Wetland & OPA 64

Is the Clevelands House Minett redevelopment approved yet?

No. Township of Muskoka Lakes Council deferred a decision on OPA 64 and the related zoning by-law amendment (ZBA 22-23). Phase 1 of the redevelopment, including cabins and micro-cabins in and beside the wetland and floodplain, is not yet approved. The file now hinges on peer review, floodplain and surface water work, and the proposed wetland compensation/ net environmental benefit package.

What is OPA 64 and how does it affect wetlands at Clevelands House?

OPA 64 is a proposed Official Plan Amendment that would rewrite parts of the existing Minett policies (OPA 56). Among other things, it would allow resort accommodation and recreation uses inside mapped wetlands and floodplains, rely more heavily on compensation and “net benefit”, and loosen some shoreline setback and buffer rules. In practice, it would set the policy basis for building in and around the Clevelands House wetland.

Why does the Clevelands House wetland decision matter for other Muskoka lakes?

Because whatever is ultimately approved here will be used as a precedent. If Council and the District sign off on cabins and resort buildings in a high-functioning wetland and in the floodplain, compensated by enhancements elsewhere on the site, other developers around Lake Rosseau, Lake Muskoka, and beyond will point back to that decision. It makes it harder to insist on stricter protection for wetlands beside other cottage properties.

Can cabins be built in wetlands and floodplains at Clevelands House in Minett?

Right now, our Official Plans are more restrictive: habitable buildings aren’t supposed to be in the floodplain, and there are strong protections for wetlands and shoreline buffers. The current proposal for Clevelands House in Minett asks to change those rules so that cabins and other resort buildings can be placed in and beside the wetland and within the floodplain, as long as a wetland compensation and net environmental benefit package is provided. Whether that approach is ultimately accepted is what this OPA 64 process will decide.

The post Clevelands House Wetland: What OPA 64 Changes on Lake Rosseau appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The Clevelands House Minett development is still waiting on site-specific approvals. Phase 1 includes 48 rental cabins, a wellness and sports village, and a rebuilt 215-slip marina. Before construction can begin, Township Council must consider OPA 64 and the zoning changes on November 25, 2025, followed by District approval and a short appeal window. If everything is approved without delays, demolition could begin in 2026 and Phase 1 cabins may open as early as 2027–2028.

Update: Council has now held its first big OPA 64 meeting – and quietly shifted how the Clevelands House wetland is treated. You can see what they changed (and what it means for Muskoka) here. 

If you spend any time on Lake Rosseau, you’ve probably asked some version of the same question:

“What’s actually happening with Clevelands House?”

Since the developer’s December 2023 information sessions, cottagers and locals have had a much clearer picture of what’s proposed — but a lot of people still aren’t sure where the project actually stands, what’s holding it up, and what’s happening next for this landmark site on Lake Rosseau in Minett.

Short answer:

Nothing is being built yet. The developer needs approval for OPA-64 and site-specific zoning. The big decision point is the November 25, 2025 Planning Committee meeting — that’s when we’ll finally know what can move forward.

This post is meant to be your “start here” explainer:

• how approvals went from 4,000 units down to 1,700

• what Phase 1 of the Clevelands House development in Minett actually includes

• why everything stalled at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT)

• what OPA 64 and the new zoning application are asking for

• when construction could realistically begin
•  and what the upcoming Township decision could mean for you

If you want every word from the developer’s December 2023 virtual open house, we’ve posted the full transcript separately. You can read it here.

From 4,000 Units to 1,700 – How Minett’s Development Was Scaled Back

Quick Timeline: How Minett’s Development Permissions Changed

• 2008 — Ontario Municipal Board approves the “Resort Village of Minett” plan, allowing up to 4,000 units across the Clevelands House, Wallace Bay, and Rock Golf Course lands. (This plan was led by developer Ken Fowler.)

• 2017 — Original developer Ken Fowler passes away, leaving the large-scale 4,000 unit approvals in place but with no active buildout.

• 2018–2021 — Township of Muskoka Lakes undertakes the Minett policy review, working with MLA, Friends of Muskoka, and new landowners to reassess the 4,000 unit framework.

• 2019 — Developer Mitch Goldhar purchases the Clevelands House property, explicitly opposing the old 4,000 unit vision and aligning with the shift toward lower density.

• December 2021 — OPA 56 adopted, reducing permissions from 4,000 units to ~1,700 and adding much stricter environmental and shoreline rules.

• July 2025 — OLT dismisses appeals, confirming OPA 56 as the final governing framework and clearing the path for new site-specific approvals (OPA 64, zoning, Phase 1).

Background: The Original 4,000-Unit Plan

To understand today’s Clevelands House development in Minett, you have to start with the previous plan.

In 2008, the Ontario Municipal Board approved a “Resort Village of Minett” concept with up to 4,000 units spread across the area, including Clevelands House, The Rock Golf Course, and Wallace Bay.

The JW Marriott Rosseau was built as Phase 1. The rest of the plan stalled, but the high-density permissions stayed on the books.

Local residents, the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA), and Friends of Muskoka were understandably worried about what 4,000 units could mean for the lake, traffic, and the landscape.

In 2019, Mitch Goldhar bought the Clevelands House property (including the marina and golf course). He has said more than once that he bought it “more to stop something than to do something” — meaning to prevent someone else from building out the full 4,000-unit vision.

That purchase lined up with a bigger policy shift:

• The Township launched a Minett policy review.

• That work led to OPA 56, a special Official Plan Amendment for Minett.

• OPA 56 cut the overall cap down to about 1,700 units, and brought in stricter rules for heights, shoreline buffers, wetlands, and environmental protection.

Goldhar’s team, the Township, MLA, and Friends of Muskoka all spent years at that table. The result: a new framework where something can be built at Clevelands House, but not the 4,000-unit resort village previously allowed.

Phase 1 of the Clevelands House Development – What’s Actually Planned

So what is the Clevelands House development in Minett actually proposing to build first?

Phase 1 focuses on about 37 acres around the old resort core. It’s framed as a lower-density, cottage-style resort village with:

Cabins, not condos (for now)

• About 48 cabins are planned in Phase 1.

• They’re designed as rental units, not individually owned condos.

• Mostly wood, low-rise, cottage-scale architecture in different styles and sizes.

• The idea is a cluster of cabins in the trees, not a wall of hotel rooms.

Goldhar has said repeatedly that he doesn’t plan to condo-ize the cabins in Phase 1 — he intends to own and operate them as a resort — but he has also left himself some flexibility for the future.

Wellness and recreation “village” core

This area includes:

• indoor courts (tennis, squash, padel)

• gym, spa, yoga, wellness spaces

• retail and restaurant spaces

• outdoor courts, gathering areas, amphitheatre

Think of it as a three-season (possibly year-round) sports and wellness hub that serves cottagers as much as overnight guests.

Marina expansion and upgrades

The existing Clevelands House/Wallace Bay marina would be:

• fully rebuilt with a new main building, service area, and boat storage

• expanded to around 215 slips (up from roughly 125 today)

• Public access is not guaranteed yet — it’s an intention, not a policy.

• No boat traffic study has been released.

That number isn’t new; it’s essentially what earlier approvals already allowed. At the 2023 sessions, several residents raised concerns about congestion in Wallace Bay, and no formal boat-traffic management plan has been presented yet. Goldhar said his preference is for the marina and many amenities to remain publicly accessible “as much as possible,” but final operating details are still being worked out.

Infrastructure: sewage, water, and services

A big part of Phase 1 is invisible but crucial:

• a new sewage treatment plant

• a new water treatment plant

• road and servicing upgrades across the site

These are meant to meet modern standards and be turned over to the District. For anyone who remembers the historic sewage concerns in Wallace Bay, this is an important piece.

Why It Took So Long: OLT Appeals and the July 2025 Decision

If you’ve driven by Cleves over the past few summers, you’ve probably wondered why nothing is happening beyond boarded-up buildings and overgrown lawns.

The short answer: the Official Plan was under appeal.

After the Township approved its new Official Plan (which incorporates the Minett policies established through OPA 56), several developers and industry groups appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT).

Those appeals challenged a wide range of policies, including the rules that govern Minett and the Clevelands House lands.

While the appeals were active:

• major demolition and redevelopment couldn’t safely proceed

• the developer wasn’t prepared to rely on outdated 4,000 unit approvals

• and the outcome of the OLT could have forced redesigns or delays

Goldhar repeatedly said he would not use the old 4,000-unit permissions or jump ahead of the new rules while they were under dispute.

In July 2025, the OLT dismissed the appeals. That meant:

• the 1,700-unit cap stayed

• the Minett-specific rules stayed

• the environmental and shoreline protections stayed

• and the planning framework the developer had been working within was now settled

This cleared the way for the next step: site-specific approvals for Phase 1.

OPA 64 and Zoning Changes – What’s Being Asked For Now

Even with OPA 56 in place, the Clevelands House development in Minett needs a site-specific Official Plan Amendment and zoning changes for Phase 1.

That’s where OPA 64 and ZBA-22/23 come in.

Why the Developer Needs Exceptions

Many Muskoka and cottage country sites include wetlands + floodplain fingerprints. This is not unusual, but it requires clear justification.

What OPA 64 is asking for

OPA 56 currently takes a very strict approach to:

• wetlands

• floodplains

• shoreline setbacks (20 metres)

OPA 64 would allow some exceptions on the Clevelands House lands, such as:

• resort buildings, cabins, and sport courts in or near areas mapped as wetlands

• certain low-rise buildings within the 20m shoreline setback

• some development in floodplain areas where only boardwalks are normally allowed

In plain language: the Phase 1 layout overlaps parts of wetlands, floodplain, and shoreline buffer areas, so the developer is asking for controlled flexibility, backed by environmental studies and mitigation.

What the zoning by-law amendment would do

The zoning application:

• updates the old Resort Commercial and Environmental Protection zones

• creates site-specific zones for cabins, wellness centre, marina, and courts

• sets heights, setbacks, floor area, and permitted uses to match the master plan

• mirrors the same exceptions OPA 64 asks for

These applications are being reviewed at the November 25, 2025 Special Planning Committee meeting, where planners, the developer, and the public will all be heard before recommendations go to Council.

How the Clevelands House Development Could Affect Lake Rosseau Cottagers and Buyers

If you’re not as familiar with how Minett fits into the rest of the lake, our Lake Rosseau guide is a good place to start.

Marina and boat slips

• Slip capacity would rise to ~215.

• Key question: how many for islanders vs. resort guests vs. short-term docking?

• Goldhar has said he intends to support islander access, but the details matter.

Boat traffic and noise

More cabins, more amenities, and a bigger marina will likely mean:

• more boat traffic in Wallace Bay

• more noise and wake impacts at peak times

The long-term feel will depend heavily on how the marina is operated.

Dark sky and lighting

The developer has talked about:

• subdued, dark-sky-friendly lighting

• avoiding an overly bright “resort glow”

• keeping certain areas darker for stargazing

Details (fixtures, shielding, timing) will matter.

Jobs, services, and year-round activity

Potential benefits include:

• more local construction and resort jobs

• shoulder-season amenities

• space for wellness or professional services

Environmental Considerations (Water, Shoreline, Wetlands)

• Water treatment will be modernized, addressing long-standing concerns about wastewater impacts in Wallace Bay from the old resort era.

• OPA-64 proposes development within areas mapped as wetlands and shoreline buffers, which were tightly protected under OPA 56 — these environmental exceptions are likely to receive the most scrutiny.

• Changes to stormwater management and grading will influence runoff into Wallace Bay, especially during demolition and early construction.

• Tree removal for cabins, roads, and courts will alter parts of the forested shoreline, even though the long-term plan emphasizes a “cottage-in-the-woods” feel.

Property values and the “feel” of the area

Some buyers will see the project as a draw; others will worry about traffic, noise, and environmental pressure. How Phase 1 is built and run will shape perceptions for decades.

What’s Happened So Far – Key Dates and Milestones

• 2008 – OMB approves up to 4,000 units under original Minett plan

• 2017 – Original developer Ken Fowler passes away

• 2018–2021 – Township/MLA/Friends of Muskoka complete Minett review

• 2019 – Goldhar purchases the Clevelands House lands

• Dec 2021 – OPA 56 adopted (cap ~1,700 units)

• Oct 2022–2023 – New Official Plan approved → appeals filed

• Dec 9 & 11, 2023 – Developer open houses (in-person + Zoom)

• July 21, 2025 – OLT dismisses appeals

• Fall 2025 – OPA 64 and ZBA-22/23 applications filed

• Nov 25, 2025 – Special Planning Committee meeting

• Summer 2026 — earliest possible demolition (estimated)
  
  
• 2027–2028 — earliest possible opening of Phase 1 cabins (estimated)

The demolition and construction dates above are estimates only. Actual timing depends on District approval of OPA 64, the 20-day appeal period, site plan approval, permitting, and construction sequencing.

If you’d like to read exactly what was said during the December 2023 virtual open house, including the questions and answers, you can find the full transcript here.

Aerial view of the Clevelands House development site in Minett on Lake Rosseau, filmed by Cottage in Muskoka.

What Happens Next for the Clevelands House Development in Minett

We’ll be attending the Nov 25 meeting and will publish a full, plain-language summary by the next day.

Here’s the sequence to watch:

1. Planning Committee meeting

2. Staff report and developer presentation

3. Public comments

4. Committee recommendation → Council decision

5. District of Muskoka approval (for the OPA)

6. Appeal window

7. If approvals stand:

   • demolition

   • servicing and infrastructure

   • Phase 1 construction

The Clevelands House development in Minett will shape this corner of Lake Rosseau for decades. The policies are in place; the question now is how much flexibility the site will receive on wetlands, shoreline setbacks, and placement of buildings.

We’ll be following the November 25 meeting closely and will post a plain-language breakdown of what was decided, what changed, and what comes next.

If you want to keep up with what’s happening at Clevelands House and around Muskoka’s lakes:

• bookmark our blog

• follow @cottageinmuskoka on Instagram

• and watch for our recap of the Nov 25 meeting

Clevelands House Minett Development – FAQ

We’ve followed Minett planning files since the OPA 56 review, and we regularly track Township meetings, OLT decisions, and zoning applications so we can translate them into clear, plain-language updates for cottagers and buyers.

What will happen to the original hotel building at Clevelands House?

The historic Clevelands House hotel is not part of Phase 1 and does not yet have an approved plan. The building remains closed and secured. Demolition is expected, but it cannot move ahead until OPA 64, zoning, and all site-specific approvals are finalized. No application for a new hotel has been submitted.

Is Clevelands House being rebuilt?

Yes — but not in the form of a new large hotel. Phase 1 of the Clevelands House Minett development focuses on 48 rental cabins, a wellness and sports village, and a rebuilt marina. Any decision about a future hotel would come in a later phase and is not currently in front of Council.

When will Clevelands House reopen?

If OPA 64 and the zoning changes are approved in late 2025, the earliest possible demolition would be summer 2026. Construction of Phase 1 cabins and the wellness village would take 18–24 months.
Earliest realistic reopening: 2027–2028 (estimated).

What is OPA 64?

OPA 64 is the site-specific Official Plan Amendment requested by the developer to allow portions of Phase 1 to overlap areas mapped as wetlands, shoreline buffers, and parts of the floodplain. It does not increase the number of units; it requests flexibility on setbacks and placement of low-rise buildings, cabins, and courts based on environmental studies.

Why did development stop for so long?

The Township’s entire new Official Plan — including the Minett policies from OPA 56 — was under appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) from late 2022 to July 2025. While those appeals were active, major demolition and redevelopment at Clevelands House could not proceed without risking non-compliance. Once the OLT dismissed the appeals in July 2025, the planning framework was finally settled and Phase 1 could move forward.\

Are the new cabins private or rental?

All 48 cabins in Phase 1 are designed as rental units operated as part of the resort. They are not individual condo units for private ownership. The developer has indicated he does not plan to condo-ize Phase 1.

Is the marina staying public?

Public access is not guaranteed. The developer has said he intends to keep the marina and many amenities publicly accessible “as much as possible,” but this is not a formal policy and the operating model will be finalized later. Slip allocation between islanders, resort guests, and public docking is still unknown.

What is happening to the historic hotel?

The original Clevelands House hotel is structurally unsalvageable based on past engineering reports. While demolition is expected, no demolition permit has been issued and no replacement building has been approved. Decisions about a new hotel — if any — will come in a future phase.

Will there be a new restaurant?

Phase 1 includes space for new restaurant and retail uses in the wellness village and marina area. Specific tenants, branding, and operating plans have not been announced. A signature dining option is likely, but not confirmed.

What’s happening to The Rock Golf Course?

The Rock remains part of the broader Clevelands House lands owned by the developer, but it is not included in Phase 1. No redevelopment application has been submitted for the golf course lands. Any future changes would require separate planning approvals.

How many cabins are being built?

Phase 1 includes 48 rental cabins. No additional cabins or hotel units are proposed in this phase. Future phases may introduce more units, but no details have been submitted.

The post Clevelands House Development in Minett: Full Plan, Timeline & What’s Happening Now appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

This transcript has been lightly edited for readability, corrected for place names (for example, Minett, Lake Rosseau, Clevelands House), and structured with headings. It is not an official record. There may still be errors, omissions, or spots where the audio was unclear. Nothing here should be taken as legal advice or as a substitute for the official planning documents, OPA policies, or Township / Ontario Land Tribunal materials.

The purpose of this post is simply to provide easier access to what was said during the virtual open house. In separate posts, we’ll dig into the Minett Official Plan Amendment (OPA), what has happened at the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), and what upcoming Township meetings mean for cottagers, buyers, and the broader Muskoka community.

Below, you’ll find the full transcript of the December 14, 2023 Clevelands House Minett virtual open house.

Transcript: Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment Virtual Open House – December 14, 2023

Opening Remarks – Susan Eplett, President, Muskoka Lakes Association

Waiting for a few more minutes until more people have joined. We had over 450 people register for this event. So the numbers are climbing in the list of participants at the bottom of the screen. We’d like to give people just two more minutes before we start in and then we’ll get going. So hold tight, please. Thank you.

So we’re going to get going now. Hello, everyone, and welcome. My name is Susan Eplett. I’m president of the Muskoka Lakes Association. I’m one of the founding directors of Friends of Muskoka. The MLA is very happy to be facilitating this open house. It’s being conducted by Mitch Goldhar and his team at Penguin Group of Companies, who are the owners of the Clevelands House property in Minett.

I’d like to reinforce that this is not a township meeting, but it’s an information session being provided to the community at Mitch’s initiative. Mitch and his team will be presenting his plans for the Clevelands House property and then answering our questions. A team of people from the MLA have been working alongside Friends of Muskoka since 2017 to pause the development of the 4,000 units that had been approved many years earlier and reconsider what would be allowed.

It was a very happy day when we heard that Mitch Goldhar, Lake Rosseau cottager, had purchased the property. And in the years that followed, the MLA worked alongside his team, the township, Friends of Muskoka, and the community to significantly reduce what can be built. And tonight, we’ll finally be seeing what is being planned for this very special piece of property.

If you have questions, please type them into the Q&A icon at the bottom of your screen. I’ll be going through them and asking Mitch and his team to answer them. When you click the Q&A icon, you’ll be able to see questions asked by others. Instead of repeating a question someone else has asked, please vote up a question you like by clicking on the thumbs up icon below it. I’ll do my best to ask as many questions as possible, and we’ll focus on the ones that are voted up to the top of the list. With over 450 people on this Zoom call, I doubt we’ll have time for all of your questions.

However, after this call, we’ll send all the questions to Mitch’s team. And by the end of this week, we’ll email you a link to the recording of this open house along with a copy of the presentation and the questions and answers. We’ll also be posting all of this material on the MLA’s website.

And now, over to Mitch and his team.

Presentation on Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment – Paula Bustard, Penguin Group of Companies

Paula: Thanks, Susan. Thank you, everyone. My name is Paula Bustard with the Penguin Group of Companies, and I’d very much like to welcome you here this evening. And I thank you for taking the time to join us this evening. We had the pleasure of being in Minett on Saturday for an in-person open house, and it was great to meet so many of the community members and to share the plans.

As Susan said, just a reminder that this is not a statutory public meeting and it’s not a formal meeting through the planning process. We just know there’s been a tremendous amount of interest in this property for the last couple of years, and we’re really excited to have the opportunity to share with you the vision and the plans for the site.

We’re also going to make this material available after the meeting through the MLA and Friends of Muskoka. And there’ll also be an information email that you can send any further questions or comments that you have, and we’d be happy to get back to you at that time.

Paula: Matt, if you want to start the presentation. Just as Matt’s pulling that up, I wanted to provide a very brief background and overview of the current planning permissions. You can go to the next slide.

When Mitchell Goldhar purchased Clevelands House, there were permissions for over 4,000 units on these lands. In fact, these permissions are still in effect today. The original approvals for the lands date back to 2008 when the lands were approved by the OMB as a resort village. It’s at that time that the Marriott was developed, and in fact, the Marriott was contemplated as phase one of a much larger master plan.

Mitch then purchased the property in 2019, and since that time has worked closely with the township, the district, Friends of Muskoka, Muskoka Lakes Association, and other key stakeholders on the policy directives for the site. We participated in the Minett Joint Policy Review Steering Committee and were fully supportive of the policy changes that reduce the development permissions on the site.

The revised policy document, which is before the tribunal at present time, limits permission on these lands to 1,700 units and includes other details such as heights, setbacks, and other policies. These were done over a long period of time and with all the stakeholders involved.

The team that we have put together over the course of this process has included Sasaki Associates, WSP engineers, Baird Marine Consultants, Arcadis, BA Group. And after interviewing many, many architects, we chose Neil McLaughlin to be our architect for the site. Neil is out of the UK and is a very highly respected architect and has great sensibilities that we thought would work well for this project. He’s known for great craftsmanship and very meaningful designs, and you’ll see some of his work in a moment.

As you may know, the total land holdings of this property are over 1,300 acres, including Clevelands House, the marina, The Rock Golf Course, and the surrounding lands. Now, Matt’s just going to click here. You’ll see that the area outlined in red, excuse me, represents our phase one. There are other phases depicted here for context, but they will be subject to further considerations and are not proceeding or proposed at this time.

Phase one is comprised of 37 acres and provides areas for cabins, retail, restaurants, gathering, the marina, boat storage, wellness, and activities such as tennis, pickleball, squash, paddle, and fitness.

Next slide, Matt. Just a zoom-in of the phase one lands here. Phase one represents a total square footage of 190,000 square feet, of which cabins comprise 46,000 square feet. The indoor courts are 21,000 square feet, retail and restaurants within the village 43,000 square feet, office 27,000 square feet, and wellness and fitness 30,000 square feet. And lastly, the marina building is 24,000 square feet.

Now I’m just going to briefly just go through some of the images so you can get a feel for, obviously, what is being proposed. This is a view actually from Wallace Bay looking at the village. Next slide, Matt.

Matt’s just going to flick through right now and just show you a lot of the different cabins that have been designed. The cabins are intended to be built out of wood, and for the most part, are individual cabins. And we feel they fit very well into the master plan and are dispersed throughout the site. In phase one, there are 48 cabins proposed. And as you will see, a variety of different types and styles have been designed to create a diversity. You can just see as much. And again, we will provide this material after the meeting.

As we move from the cabins into the village, the village is where wellness, fitness, recreation, and retail will be housed. There’ll be some offices within the village as well. There’ll be restaurants, an amphitheatre, and ample opportunity for community gathering spaces. And there’s obviously a lot of activities connected to the village as well, including indoor and outdoor tennis, paddle, pickleball courts, providing fitness and recreation.

Paula: So with that, I just want to pass it on to Mitch for any further comments before we open it up for questions. Thank you very much for your time.

Prepared Remarks on Clevelands House Minett  – Mitch Goldhar

Mitch: Thank you, Paula. And thanks, everybody, for joining us.

Mostly, I guess we’re here to just show you these images and answer questions. So I’ll just maybe say a couple of things before we go on to the question period.

Basically, I am not in the resort development or management business. As a matter of fact, you know I was not really looking to get into that business or acquire these lands. I think some of you at the time, when there was an application or, I’m sorry, there were rumours, I guess, of somebody acquiring this property to develop it—like many of you, I’m sure—I was also concerned about the OP, the official plan, being implemented here in anything remotely close to what was permitted and, quite frankly, is permitted.

In going through the legislation governing this property and looking at the context and history, I guess I felt that I had exhausted that there were really no ways to oppose development of a substantial scale. And I had exhausted that. I had hired my own consultants to look at what the regulations and what the rights were at the time and had resolved that, I guess, the only way to do it would be to acquire it. And so I really acquired this property to stop something more so than to do something or to develop something.

But by ultimately entering into a contract and acquiring Clevelands House, you know I did, along with Paula and Matt and Leah and many, many other people, start to put our heads to what might be the appropriate development here in terms of scale, look, and feel. So what you’re seeing here today is the culmination of all of that time and energy in the form of a phase one on 37 of 1,300 acres, representing, I guess, a little under 200,000 square feet. The property is intended to permit 1.7 million square feet.

And I guess the phase two and the phase three will be to be determined. We will stay in touch and share, like tonight, the visions for phase two and phase three, if and when they do come about. There is no plan at the moment for phase two or phase three, but I fully expect there’ll certainly be a phase two.

I am excited about this plan, I think, as a cottager. I mean, I’ve looked at this from the point of view as a cottager. I think it does strike—or it’s an attempt at striking—a balance between having a place that serves us for all the various uses that will enhance our quality and enjoyment of Muskoka and our lake while not overstepping in terms of impact.

Maybe lastly, I’ll say I grew up with my siblings and my family on a lake in summers. And so I do think that it’s really at the end of the day, after everything we do and all the hard work we all put in to, you know, enjoy life… I think going to the cottage is probably ultimately what it comes down to, at least for a lot of us. And so I’m very, I guess, sensitive to protecting, as much as possible, the things—the ingredients—that go into us enjoying our times in the north.

So thank you all for joining us. And I guess maybe if it’s okay, we can turn it over to questions.

Question & Answer Period About the Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment

(Questions are submitted by the public; read by Susan; answers are by Mitch unless otherwise noted.)

Timing of Demolition & Ontario Land Tribunal Appeal

Question:
“To start with, can you please confirm when the demolition of the current Clevelands House will begin? It would be great to see some progress start happening with this exciting development.”

Mitch:
Yeah. I mean, believe me, no one would be more excited for that than me and, I guess, my colleagues on the line. So the answer is I don’t know. We’re really not in a position to start there.

Well, the truth is, I guess, if we wanted to bypass the new intended bylaw and regulations, we really could start, but the intention is to stick to everything that we’ve done together with the MLA and Friends and councils and many others and let these new bylaws and regulations and OP go through.

But the reason they’re not through and they’re not final and binding is because there’s an objection. There’s an appeal. So the appeal has to be heard by a tribunal, which, you know, in Ontario, it’s the process. So unfortunately, the timing is unknowable until the tribunal hears the appeal and, of course, then makes a decision—rules on the appeal.

But only then will we be able to start working there, and subject to what the tribunal says. I mean, it’s possible the tribunal could completely change what’s being approved. So subject to it being consistent with the vision here, and only then we’ll be able to start.

Sewage & Water Treatment

Question:
“What is your plan, Mitch, for sewage treatment, and how would this affect the surrounding area and lakes?”

Mitch:
It’s sort of funny that one of the things I’m most excited about is the sewage treatment and the water treatment, because I do feel that it would be appropriate here to have high standards with respect to sewage and water treatment. I think we would all agree.

And so the idea is—the intention is—to build a sewage treatment plant and a water treatment plant to municipal standards here, which will ultimately be turned over to the municipalities, you know, and operated by the municipality, at municipal standards, and by the municipality.

And the intention is, notwithstanding the phase one that you see here being pretty modest, if you will, in terms of overall permissions, that we would do the municipal services upfront. And over time, they would be expanded. So they’d be sized for phase one, probably a little bit more, and others who would be hooking up. And then if and when there’s additional phases, the sewage and water treatment plants would be expanded.

Traffic & Port Sandfield / Construction Impacts

Question:
“There’s a question about the impact of traffic and whether you’ve considered the impact to Port Sandfield of the traffic and whether you considered a bypass for residents to go around the development. And this is not just for traffic after the build, but also construction during the build.”

Mitch:
Yeah. I mean, it’s a good question. First of all, we’ve done extensive traffic studies. So, I mean, it’s available—the studies. But basically, bottom line is, I mean, it really doesn’t have very much of an effect on traffic.

It’s not a huge phase one. The original, well, the Clevelands House units were about 155 units. There’s actually fewer units day one here than the original Clevelands—original meaning the version of Clevelands House that existed when it was closed a few years ago.

But, you know, there is some traffic generated by any development, but it is really quite modest. You can read it in the study. But it doesn’t come anywhere close to straining the roads that are used. You know, Juddhaven Peninsula Road is very modestly increased by this development versus without it.

And with respect to Port Sandfield, again, we’re sensitive to all of these things. When it comes time to start construction, we will try to coordinate with the subcontractors to spread out, to minimize any additional or noticeable traffic through the bridge there. But we did study the bridge as well. So, you know, it’s all in the study and the impacts are negligible. But we are sensitive to it. And we’ll do everything we can certainly during construction to keep the roads clean and minimize truck traffic at inappropriate times.

Cabin Ownership Model

Question:
“A lot of people are wondering about the ownership of the cabins. Are they going to be condo, timeshare, rental? What will the ownership be?”

Mitch:
Yeah. Well, it’s my plan to just own them myself. I don’t plan on selling them or time-sharing them or anything like that. Just kind of keep it simple. They’ll just be for rent.

I mean, I’m hoping that some people will rent them for long periods of time and kind of make them their own, so to speak. But, you know, in terms of the minimum time period for renting them, I don’t know yet. I’m still trying to figure that out.

They’ll have kitchens. You know, they’ll be different sizes and different shapes. And I can go into that more if you want as we go. But they’ll be just rented—just like you go to a hotel or whatnot, except that these will be renting a cottage. But it’s unique. I mean, it’s not quite like renting a cottage, not quite like going to a hotel. But the intention is that you’re self-sufficient, you know, and you have your own space for the period of time that you rented.

At the moment, I have no intention of doing any condos, although you never know in the future. And I don’t have any intention of selling lots at the moment either. And these 48 cabins are definitely not condo or not for sale. They’ll all be just for rent.

Marina Operator & Boat Slips on Lake Rosseau

Question:
“A number of questions about the marina. Do you expect SWS will remain the marina operator for the long term?”

Mitch:
That’s a good question. Did Geordie ask that question? I know. Yeah. I mean, Geordie’s done a fantastic job. I think we all recognize that, and he’s a great guy, and really, really appreciate what he’s done long before I ever really even knew him that well, and his wife. So we’ve been very lucky that, you know, he’s continued to do what he can there. He’s done a lot of things there through thick and thin.

But the fact is that, you know, it is a redevelopment and it’s just not determined yet, you know, in terms of who’s going to ultimately run the marina. There’ll be a completely rebuilt marina—both the building and the docks and all the launching and whatnot. All the infrastructure around the marina will be rebuilt. I mean, the buildings are basically falling down. And so there’s no salvaging them. And it’s premature to determine exactly how and who is going to operate that. But stay tuned. Meet a few years from now.

Question:
“Now, there’s a number of questions about boats. How many boats do you expect this is going to be adding to Lake Rosseau? And, yeah, do we know the capacity for new boats at the marina and at the docks?”

Mitch:
Yeah, for sure. I mean, boats is a big thing. I don’t understand why boats still make as much noise as they do. Seems like we’ve been able to get pretty much every other machine to make less noise.

And we are increasing the number of boats, the number of docks, the slips. We’re adding slips. There’s 125 slips right now at Cleves. On completion of the nucleus, there’ll be 215. So it’s an increase. Though it’s actually not an increase over the previous approval. So it is what’s permitted there now. We’ll probably build them all and we’ll monitor, obviously, boat traffic.

There’ll be ways that we’ll be able to regulate boat traffic by not allowing, you know—or regulating—how many boats or if boats would be allowed by renters, for example. And there’s other ways to regulate it: reserving spots, and so on and so forth. So I’m very sensitive to boats and boat traffic. We need them. I mean, the place has to survive. There’s going to be many businesses there. We all like to go somewhere by boat. But at the same time, obviously, there’s people living around Cleves and on the approaches to Cleves. And so we’ll be very sensitive to respecting them as well. So that’s what the permissions are. And that’s how we’re planning to approach boat traffic.

Staff Housing

Question:
“Happy to see something great happening here. My dad would be thrilled. Will any staff accommodation be built as part of this phase one?”

Mitch:
You know, there will be staff housing with phase one in the form of some of the existing buildings and cabins. There’s some cabins there that are in pretty good shape. There’s way more that are in bad shape. But the ones that are in good shape, and some of the existing buildings where we have staff now, where we had staff there in the last year of operation, will be probably fixed up a bit for now.

But I do anticipate building staff housing from scratch probably pretty soon after phase one, maybe even during phase one—like before phase one ends. I really feel strongly about getting some good staff housing in there and updating it and having a nice place for staff to be. Something cool for everybody who works there and safe. It’s badly needed.

So it’s on this plan. I mean, you probably can’t see it. It’s on the other side of Juddhaven. It’s just not part of phase one. But it will be there and it’s a big priority.

Sports Facilities & Community Access to Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment

Question:
“And what are the intentions for the sports facilities? Will these be open to the public or on a membership basis to other cottages on the lake?”

Mitch:
I mean, I don’t know yet, actually. I mean, first of all, the phase one is tennis, pickle, and paddle, and then squash, which of course is indoors, and the golf with The Rock, which is already there. The Rock is obviously a public course.

I haven’t decided on the tennis. I mean, I just don’t know. I’ll see. I’m inclined that everyone can book. I would like it to be available for everybody and everything. I just need to think through all the implications of it being public versus being private. It could end up being sort of a little bit of both.

I would like the tennis to be a team. You know, ultimately, that there’s a Minett team. Maybe it’s a Clevelands team. Maybe it’s [another] team. I don’t know. And that we play against other clubs and things like that. So, you know, I’m not sure exactly how that will work out. But I do want it to be a really decent standard club and also good for exhibitions maybe a couple of times in the summer. I think pretty cool. I think it’s realistic. So everyone would be able to come. I haven’t completely resolved that, so I don’t want to say or commit to that yet.

Oh, I should add about that: I’m hoping that the phase two will have—again, it’s the intention, you know—that there’ll be a camp, a day camp with additional sports there for kids. So it has a lot of potential because, of course, the kids can use the courts and all the courts, as well as the golf. And we can add soccer and a bunch of other things because there’s plenty of land.

I think it’d be great for parents. I mean, you know, I could be wrong, but I think it’d be great for parents to be able to have the option of there being a camp with a lot of activities nearby. And then, of course, there’s the village. Maybe people will rent the cabins and put their kids in a camp for a week or two or whatnot. So there’s a lot of overlapping, I think, potentially, with a camp with additional sports.

Dark Sky & Lighting

Question:
“As a lifelong Muskoka resident, what type of impact will the lights from this community have on our now dark sky on Rosseau? Will the lights be turned off at a certain time or redirected to not affect the sky?”

Mitch:
I could have asked that same question. I could have written that question. I love the dark sky. I literally go out in the sky. When it’s clear, I’ll go out almost every single night to the darkest part of my property. I hope that, you know, there’ll be lots of spots here where people will be able to do that.

I’ll come back to potential phase two in that question, but, you know, we will do—you know, we have to have the lights. It has to be safe. But I mean, we will do everything… This is not going to be lit up like a Christmas tree. I mean, it’s going to have subdued lights and lights that are the most sensitive to the issue of lighting up in this area. So you can be sure that there will be the minimum amount of lighting that we can have but also be safe for people that are there.

So I can’t speak in terms of foot-candles and in terms of statistics or whatnot at the moment. But I can assure you that I’m very conscious of that. And if anyone has any complaints in the future about that, I will be responding to it. So we’ll try and strike that balance here.

Economic Impact & Year-Round Jobs Created by Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment

Question:
“What kind of economic impact will this have on Minett and the township? How many full-time, 12-month positions do you plan to offer? As you know, there’s a great deal of poverty in Muskoka Lakes and food bank use is high. Are you getting any advice that might help the ‘New Cleves’ business make life in Muskoka better?”

Mitch:
Yeah. I mean, we’re not going to be some panacea solution to the entire economic issues in the region. I mean, I think [it] will be positive. I mean, for starters, there’ll be a lot of construction jobs, and the intention is that we’ll be doing that locally. Certainly hoping that the materials will be local. And then, of course, to the extent that there’s appropriate labour, I mean, you know, it’s obviously better that it be local.

We’ll be paying taxes. And I can’t tell you how many businesses will be open there all year round. I think it’s going to be partly up to all of us, you know—how often we go up there and how often we actually patronize, you know, both the village and the cabins.

Not all the cabins are going to be winterized. I don’t think there’s going to be enough demand. I hope this is famous last words, but I don’t intend on winterizing all the cabins. I think there’ll be—well, there will be some winterized cabins. So I hope some people will like to come up there in the winter. But I really do think that there’ll be a lot of shops that won’t be open in the winter or in the off-seasons. But I actually think there will be quite a few that will be open, I’m hoping. And so it will create some additional jobs. It’s not knowable. But I hope more and more people will go there in the off-seasons and we’ll just create more jobs.

I mean, it’s all there to be had. And the more successful, I guess, it is, I mean, more jobs will be created.

Sustainability & Building Materials

Question:
“Nice low-style cabin styles. Any plans for seizing the opportunity to utilize sustainable and environmental-friendly products in the building, finishes, grounds, energy generation, etc.?”

Mitch:
Oh, yeah. I mean, the intention is that there’ll be a lot of wood in both the cabins and the village. You know, the intention is to be as close to net zero—I mean, it won’t be net zero; I don’t see it possible—but it’s definitely going to be top of mind in terms of lowest impact possible. Natural materials and local, which is very advantageous in terms of effects, you know, just getting materials there, effects on the environment.

And I actually am envisioning, you know, that the actual cabins will be wood structure. So more wood, the better as far as I’m concerned. So yes, it’s very much a theme here. And geothermal, likely, you know, for the systems, the M&E systems, the mechanical systems.

Shoreline & Naturalization

Question:
“Given your commitment to protect the environment, do you plan to do any shoreline naturalization?”

Mitch:
We have a consultant for the shoreline. It’s been very interesting, actually. So, you know, we’re still working through that, but by all means, we’ll be, you know, building near the shoreline. I mean, for sure, we’ll have a boardwalk system there. I mean, it’s nothing too much, but definitely very enhancing to the use of the village, the cabins, and connecting them, as well as just the overall use of the shoreline to protect it.

So in terms of planting and naturalizing it in this respect, you know, we don’t have any current plans to be planting necessarily on the shoreline, but, you know, obviously, very sensitive to the overall environment here and the impact. We’ll be planting enormous amounts of trees here because I would like these cabins ultimately to be, in a sense, in a bit of a forest environment. And otherwise, there’ll be a beach there where there is a beach now. And other than the docking system, [those are] the current intentions.

Historic Hotel, Boathouse & Cultural Heritage

Question:
“We understand from the Saturday meeting that this vision doesn’t see a future in the historic hotel and boathouse/dance hall. This saddens many of us to lose this culturally significant landmark. We understand these buildings are currently in a dilapidated state and not as attractive as they could be. Though demolition of this last remaining grand hotel would be a great cultural loss to the area. We feel the community in Muskoka would love you to reconsider saving the older historic sections while adapting them to modern-day use.”

Mitch:
Yeah. Anyway, it’s not my intention. I’ve looked at it. Believe me, I love it too. And I feel, yeah, I mean, I get it, but it doesn’t work. The buildings are basically dilapidated, like you said, from top to bottom. I mean, the fact is that it is not the original building. I mean, everybody, I guess, thinks about it that way. The original buildings have been completely rebuilt, if you will.

I mean, you know, we might whitewash it a little bit. They’re nostalgic. I get it. But I mean, for example, the exterior of those buildings is plastic. It’s not original. And the vast majority of all of those buildings have been over time rebuilt with modern, if you will, at-the-time materials. Like the windows are not original. There’s very little actually in the buildings that are original. There’s nothing there that’s original. To say nothing of the fact that it’s barely standing up; it’s unsafe. To use it would be, you know, I mean, it would be an enormously expensive and almost impractical, if not close to impossible, thing to do.

I’ve looked at it. So it’s not going to be part of the development. But there will be some sort of references to the building in the new development. I haven’t completely got that for you yet, but it’s the intention to do something with some of the architecture to salute and honour the original, I guess, iconic shape of some of the original building. And I hope that we’ll all be able to accept that as the reality of this situation. And I hope, without going into the details, I hope you’ll be able to recognize what that salute is and appreciate it.

Tower Behind Abby’s Bakehouse & Village Landmark

Question:
“Next question relates to the tower. Please explain the purpose of the tower behind Abby’s in the marina.”

Mitch:
Yeah. I mean, towers—it’s really just meant to be sort of a bit of an iconic beacon, if you will, you know, kind of anchoring that there’s a settlement here. You know, it’s not uncommon. There’s something kind of basic and sort of primitive about doing that. I kind of like it. Maybe it just comes down to that. I kind of like it.

I think, like, a lot of communities have over the years done that. I think it’s very successful in showing pride. It also, I guess, adds interest and some scale. You know, it also makes the majority of the settlement sort of modest—sort of sits proud and says, you know, there’s a proud community here. In this case, a little village, a lakeside village, a waterfront village.

I think it’ll look cool. I mean, I think it has some gravitas, some interest, and people gather around those types of things. I think we all consciously or not consciously go out of our way to go to such a structure. Yet it will be back, you know, it’s going to be behind Abby’s. I want to restore Abby’s—people there and Abby’s in general. I call it Abby’s; it’s the name of the restaurant, but you know what I mean.

And so it’ll be quite a bit behind Abby’s. So I think it’ll look cool too. The light on the top will be really quite natural, I’m hoping, and low-level. So it’ll be kind of appealing, just dim light in the distance. And down at the ground level, there might be like a fire pit or fireplace. Again, all subject to the details, but I think that would be pretty cool and I think very nice for all of us to be able to gather and hang out there.

Future Hotel at Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment (Phase Two)

Question:
“Is there a plan to build a hotel at some point?”

Mitch:
Yes. That’s one thing I can say definitively about phase two—that at the moment, I definitely do intend on building a hotel there. Just can’t get it together to do it with phase one. It’s just too much. I mean, kind of, I think, you know, would have done it in phase one. But I mean, with all the infrastructure, you know, all the issues with water and sewage treatment and, you know, all the other planning and architecture and whatnot, marina—it’s just too much to do all at once.

So right soon, I hope to start really focusing on that. And I do see that hotel as being, you know, again, it’s just subject to change. I mean, I don’t want to be held to this, but at the moment, I’m sort of picturing it to be quite a boutique kind of hotel. Hopefully, maybe a little bit, you know, on the upper scale and around where Cleves is—the original Cleves building is now—over there just up above where Pie was.

At the moment, thinking—I don’t know if it’ll end up being the case—but it’ll be… I’ll say 100 rooms because I don’t want, you know, people throwing tomatoes at me in a couple of years from now. But I’m sort of thinking something, you know, less than 100 rooms. So 50 to 100 rooms; we’ll see what an operator would want to do here.

Islander Access & Dock Use During and After Construction

Question:
“As an existing boat slip renter who depends on Minett for island access, are you guaranteeing continuing access? Will we be able to access docks with our cars to drop off personal belongings?”

Mitch:
Well, I mean, using the word guarantee, you know, I’m not going to guarantee, but it’s certainly the intention to continue to make the docking system here available to islanders. So I would say, you know, islanders have nothing to worry about. You know, it’s all part of it. And it’s great to have the islanders use Minett. And we would never shut them out. I mean, it’s just completely at odds with everything that we’re doing.

So yeah, we have to build something here. And there’s logistics involved and timing. And it’s going to be just a huge mess there, I mean, for a while. So I haven’t completely figured out how we’re going to keep them going during construction, but we’ll try. So we’ll keep you posted. But regardless, I think once it’s all done, you can have a high degree of confidence that, you know, if you’ve been using Minett as your launching point, you’ll be able to continue using that as your launching point in the future.

Ownership Structure (Penguin vs SmartCentres)

Question:
“What is the ownership of the project? Penguin, other corporation, Mitch personally? If personally, what’s the long-term vision for the ownership or control of the development?”

Mitch:
I’m going to ask some of these questions, I think, “Oh, who’s asking that question?” But the simple answer is I just own it. Basically, for all intents and purposes, I just own it myself privately. I don’t have any partners. It’s not part of a public company called SmartCentres. That has absolutely nothing whatsoever legally to do with Clevelands House.

Penguin Group of Companies is just the name that I use for a number of properties that I, I guess, own and operate privately because I have a private business and I have, I guess, a public business. And so for the private business, it’s just called the Penguin Group of Companies. And Clevelands House falls under that umbrella.

Demolition Artifacts & Supporting Local Charities

Question:
“In the demolition of Clevelands House, would you consider auctioning or selling off some of the artifacts to support local charities? I believe there would be great interest, and this would be an amazing thing to do.”

Mitch:
That’s a great idea. I love it. I mean, that’s great. We’ll look at it. I mean, what a great idea. I love it. I don’t know. We’ll look at it. I don’t know really how much, as I said before, is original. There may be some old beams, you know, still there. But we’ll look at it. And I guess, yeah, if there’s something worthwhile and worthy of that, I think [we’ll] take that under advisement. So great suggestion.

Emergency Services, Wellness & Medical Uses

Question:
“Are there plans for increasing the emergency services in Minett?”

Mitch:
I’m not sure what they mean by that, but what I think of when you say that—as I get older—I think we do need… well, I think it would be great if we had more medical, dental, certainly in peak season, closer to a lot of us, because it’s a long way. And veterinarian, for that matter.

So, I mean, I’m hoping that some of the tenants in the village will be, you know—and I’ll come back to that in a second—will be medical, dental, and maybe veterinarian. I should have mentioned before that I’m in discussions with some people to do wellness there and also really hoping that we’ll have physio there, you know, in peak season. So for active people, you know, we can have access to physio.

In terms of, I mean, fire—I mean, there’s a fire hall across the road. You know, we’re on the lake. And in terms of ambulances or whatnot, I mean, we don’t have any plans whatsoever to build any more ambulance facilities. I mean, it’s not that big. Phase one is not that big. So I’d assume it wouldn’t justify or warrant adding an ambulatory service because of this development.

Long-Term Ownership Vision & Potential Future Phases of Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment

Question:
“Developers sometimes build phase one and possibly phase two and then sell the project knowing that there are still approvals for many more units. What is your take on the long-term vision, your long-term vision, and commitment to the project?”

Mitch:
Yeah. I mean, it’s true. I mean, but I guess for good or ill, I’m a bit of a long-term kind of person in terms of my business. I mean, my history, I think, is that I developed things to hold them.

On the first property I developed—I mean, some of you would drive by it on your way up if you’re from Toronto and Barrie—[it’s] there on the highway at Molson Park. You know, it opened in 1994. So I’m not a big seller. I guess maybe also I would inspire the fact that there’s nothing for sale here.

So yeah, I mean, I have no current plans to sell the property or sell parts of the property. But yeah, I mean, there may be some scenarios in the future that I would. We’ll see how it goes. I mean, but that’s not my plan and it’s not my sort of history.

I want to point out that if it’s beneficial, you know, to sell, technically, I might do that. You know, for example, you know, if it warranted having a seniors facility here, maybe I would sell—if the only way to get a seniors facility up here, if it made sense, was to sell a piece of land to somebody to do that, then maybe I would do it.

But if I was ever to do that, I would put in—in addition to the regulations that are already governing the property—I would probably put additional restrictions on that to make sure it was, you know, very cohesive and in the spirit of the place. So, you know, technically, there might be some… there’s a plan on this—there’s a subdivision on this master plan that’s a future phase that you see over there off Peninsula Road. Those are intended to be houses for any locals that might want to buy a new house in the future. Those I would sell for sure. You know, that would make sense, for example.

But for the purposes of that question, I mean, I’m on phase whatever-it-is on many of the developments that I’ve owned many, many decades ago, all over the country. And I wouldn’t expect this Clevelands House development to be any different.

Future Condos on the Site Plan

Question:
“Are the condos shown on the site plan part of a future phase?”

Mitch:
Yeah. So somebody has very good eyes. Yeah. So we put that on there just to make sure that, I mean, partly to make sure that everybody understands that’s a possibility. It’s not part of phase one. It’s not the current intention. It’s up on the hill. If we were there now, behind the marina, the grade goes up quite a bit. That’s where those are.

We’ve had those on from day one, just as, I guess, a way of, you know, communicating that it is a permitted use here, even though it’s not the intention. I just don’t have any plans to do any kind of condos here. And so it’s really just a placeholder, among a lot of other things that are on future phases here, that are placeholders just to show what is permitted. So it’s full, full disclosure, transparency, open kimono. These are all the uses that are permitted here. And phase one is what is going to happen for sure. The rest of it is to be determined.

Boat Launch Rights for Cabin Rentals at Clevelands House Minett Redevelopnen

Question:
“Will each rental cabin have permission to have a boat and launch?”

Mitch:
No. No. Absolutely not. I don’t know yet what we’re going to do with that, but I mean, a canoe? Yes, for sure. Don’t know what we’re going to do yet. Have to figure it out.

I mean, I do not support—I do not want—and so I don’t see it. I don’t know how we’re going to do it yet. We’ll have to think it through. The regulations, I believe, state that—I could be wrong, Paula, you can correct me—but I think there’s something like not more than 10% of our slips can be for the people living, in this case, in those cabins or residences. So technically, you know, we could really probably only provide 21 boats for the 48 cabins.

But I’m really hoping that there’s a lot of—I’m hoping there’s at least 48 people at any one time or 41 families, if you will, or variations of all that—that just love being up here and, you know, will be fine without having their own designated motorboat.

Location of Sewage Treatment Plant & Wallace Bay Water Quality

Question:
“On your comments on the sewage treatment plant, I’m not sure if you answered this one. Where do you plan to build the sewage treatment plant?”

Mitch:
It’s out near where the lagoons are. If you look on this plan, there’s two things that look like a lake, and they sit there. Those are lagoons. That’s where the sewage goes and has gone for many, many, many years—long before I owned this property. Somewhere around there—somewhere around there—would be the general intended location of the sewage and water treatment plant.

It’s not completely designed yet. We won’t need the lagoons once we have the [new] sewage and treatment plant. But there’s a big asterisk next to that because I don’t want to go into it. But certainly, from the Clevelands House property point of view, our water and our sewage will be going into municipal services. And the treatment plant will be somewhere over by the lagoons.

Question:
“The water quality in Wallace Bay is historically among the poorest on Lake Rosseau. What is being done to ensure that this is not exacerbated by the new development?”

Mitch:
I mean, sewage and water—municipal services, municipal water and sewage treatment—[are] the highest standard for treating water and sewage. We don’t have that there now. So the standard for treating water that ultimately ends up back in our ecosystem will be the highest it could be with all of us wherever we are. That’s the Western world’s system technology for treating water and sewage. And that’s what we’re going to have up here. So it can’t get any better than that. So hopefully, you know, that will contribute, or [be] in the service of improving the water quality here.

Closing Remarks

Susan:
I’m scrolling through the questions, and I think we may have come to the end of the ones that have had multiple people clicking on them. So I think we’ve also gone over the hour at this point.

We are going to be providing all these questions to Mitch’s team. And so if I haven’t read out your question or haven’t dealt with it directly, all the questions will be compiled and sent. And then we will be having answers available to you for all of these questions.

Susan:
Mitch, Paula, Matt, any final comments?

Mitch:
I mean, yeah, I mean, hoping to, you know, get this development going at some point soon. Hope we’ll all, you know, be able to enjoy it. And hopefully, we’ll have found the balance here. And I appreciate, yeah, everybody’s input. It’s open to continue—open to everyone’s feedback. We’re in this one together. I’m a cottager up there no different than everybody else. And so I appreciate everybody’s feedback.

Susan:
Thank you, Mitch. And thank you, Paula, for your comments as well. It’s really great for you to explain your plans and answer so many questions. I think our community is really fortunate that you’re taking this time to be so transparent and engage with us about these plans to develop a property that holds a very special place in the hearts and memories of so many of us.

And for people who attended, please watch your inbox later this week for a copy of the recording of this presentation as well as the renderings and questions and answers.

So enjoy the rest of your evening, and my very best wishes to everyone for happy holidays to you and your family. Thank you.

[Recording stopped.]

If you’d like to stay updated when those posts go live, you can follow us on Instagram @cottageinmuskoka or subscribe to our newsletter.

The post Clevelands House Minett Redevelopment Transcript (Dec 2023) 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.

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.

The post Balancing Growth and Preservation: The Future of Development in Minett, Muskoka appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

The Proposed Marriott Rosseau Concert Venue: A Glimpse into the Future

Amidst discussions, an ambitious concert venue concept under the ‘HotelLIVE!’ brand emerges. With concept drawings showcasing a staggering capacity of 20,000, this venue is poised to surpass Toronto’s renowned Budweiser Stage in size. I must make clear that the Township of Muskoka Lakes has not approved this concert venue concept, and as far as I know nothing has been submitted to them. So, proper approvals and permits still stand between concept and reality. 

Environmental and Community Impacts at the Heart of Concern

This development proposition does not stand in isolation. It is part of a broader narrative of change sweeping through Minett, touching key landmarks like the redeveloping Clevelands House and the new Legacy Cottages development on Wallace Bay on Lake Rosseau – an area with a history of environmental challenges.

This Lake Rosseau concert venue concept, alongside the revitalization of Clevelands House and the burgeoning Legacy Cottages, foreshadows increased traffic through Peninsula Road. Mitch Goldhar, leading the Clevelands House redevelopment, has said he will look at potentially mitigating construction traffic… though there is no guarantee. The anticipated influx from concertgoers and the increasing development in Minett remains a concern. For more information on the plan for Clevelands House, check out the Cleves highlight on my instagram account. You can also check out a final aerial tour of Clevelands House (including some Lake Rosseau ice out shots) on my YouTube here.

A Call to Action: Empowering the Community with Information

I will also make an Instagram highlight for the JW Marriott the Rosseau as well if things continue to develop. If I’m able to get my hands on an e-copy of the JW Marriott the Rosseau site plan, I will include that in my newsletter this weekend, which you can sign up for here.

As always, I’m just doing my best to share whatever information I come across to empower our community to be well informed. Let’s advocate for balance between development and preservation in Muskoka Lakes! Your engagement is vital as we navigate these changes together, ensuring that the future of Minett, and Muskoka as a whole, reflects both our hopes for progress and our commitment to the natural beauty that defines our community.

If you have questions or comments, please feel free to join in the conversation on my instagram post about this Lake Rosseau concert venue concept here! Or, you’re welcome to email me at len@cottageinmuskoka.ca. 

The post Lake Rosseau Concert Venue Concept: Minett’s Latest Environmental Debate appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.

In future I may discuss the bumps in the road the developers and the Township of Muskoka Lakes faced along the way, Minett’s redesignation to a “Resort Village,” and some of the developer’s other projects. 

Understanding the Legacy Cottages Project:

Legacy Cottages, spearheaded by the Rosseau Group, is a development located along the shores of Lake Rosseau, one of the most prestigious lakes in Muskoka. The project aimed to create a modern and affordable retreat for individuals seeking to enjoy the natural beauty and tranquility of the region, as well as promote increased tourism. This area of Lake Rosseau is in the village of Minett, which is located in the Township of Muskoka Lakes. 

Legacy Cottages kicked up a lot of debate, especially regarding density concerns and potential environmental impact on the water quality and shoreline of Lake Rosseau. The project consists of 43 units, 9 docks, and a boathouse on 470 feet of shared shoreline – that’s approximately 11 feet of shoreline per cottage. It is located on the site of the old Lakeside Lodge, which is located next to Clevelands House Resort. 

This high density of development was allowed due to the District planners deciding that the use of a two week rental pool qualified Legacy Cottages as commercial rather than residential. We’ll talk more about this when we talk about Minett’s redesignation to a “Resort Village” and the 22 million dollar lawsuit filed by the developers against the Township of Muskoka Lakes. 

Project Concerns:

Critics of the Legacy Cottages project raise valid concerns about its potential environmental impact. The region’s lakes and forests are sensitive ecosystems that play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, water quality, and overall ecological balance. 

The proposed location of the Legacy Cottages project is a matter of concern for many. Lake Rosseau has already faced some water quality concerns attributed to the presence of other resorts and developments – namely an excess of certain nutrients such as phosphorus. 

Phosphorus is the nutrient that controls algal growth in most lakes in Ontario, which means an excess in phosphorus can lead to an algal bloom. While the natural addition of phosphorus into a lake via sediment and precipitation is necessary and nothing to be concerned about, excess phosphorus due to human inputs are of concern. Namely, septic system seepage and surface runoff from lawn fertilizer and agricultural sources. Not only can something like an algal bloom be detrimental to the ecology of the lake, it can reduce the attractiveness of the lake for tourism.

There are also other environmental concerns like the construction of shoreline structures such as docks, lack of shoreline buffer zone, the use of retaining walls, an increase in boat traffic, and an overall increase of human activity in the area. We will delve deeper into the environmental concerns surrounding the project (including a look at the water quality of Lake Rosseau and Wallace Bay) in a future part of this series, and examine if they could lead to the degradation of the surrounding natural environment.

Objectives of the Legacy Cottages Project:

Proponents of the Legacy Cottages project argue that it aims to enhance the accessibility of Muskoka’s beauty to a wider audience while contributing to the local economy through increased tourism and development. Buying a cottage in Muskoka, sometimes referred to as the “Hamptons of the North” can be extremely expensive. With units at Legacy starting at $699,000, buying a cottage there allows access to one of Muskoka’s most prestigious lakes at a far more affordable price point. 

Conclusion:

So, there it is – the concept, location, and objectives behind this contentious development in Muskoka. While some argue that the project presents an opportunity for modernization and economic growth, others express concerns about its potential impact on the area’s fragile ecosystem. It must be emphasized that the developers have not broken any laws, and while I may not agree with the rules – they have followed them. 

Let me know if you’d like me to delve deeper into the re-designation of Minett to a “Resort Village,” or turn my attention to a deeper dive on the  environmental considerations surrounding the Legacy Cottages project. This would include a look at potential alternatives or mitigations that could strike a balance between development and conservation. 

The post Unveiling Muskoka’s Legacy Cottages: Part One 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.

While it may be impossible to experience the atmosphere right now with the pandemic, Crossroads has been a leader in Muskoka in terms of COVID-safe takeout. Not only do they offer online ordering (a rarity around here), they also have contactless pickup brought right out to your car!

They are open for takeout Wednesday – Saturday from 3:00pm – 8:30pm. They also currently offer a curated “chef’s box” for $100 per person that includes hors d’oeuvres, an appetizer, entree & dessert, fresh flowers, and a bottle of red or white wine. Sounds perfect for a date night or Valentine’s Day, doesn’t it? In fact I may just send Steve the link to this blog post…

Give them a chance – you won’t be disappointed. The passion that chefs Julie and Richard Lalonde have for the business is apparent from the very first bite. 

We hope to run into you there once it’s safe to gather again!

(705) 732-4833

https://www.crossroadsrosseau.com

The post Eat, Drink, and Be Merry (at Home) appeared first on Cottage In Muskoka.