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Cottage Life

6 features every cottager needs in an outdoor camera

From increases in unpredictable weather and cottage theft to the ever-present scourge of off-season critter infestation, there are plenty of reasons why installing outdoor security cameras should be high on your opening-weekend chore list. But not just any camera will do—especially if it’s a camera built with city homes in mind. Every cottage property is different, but they all present challenges some monitoring systems simply can’t meet. 

To maximize your peace of mind when you’re not at the lake, you’ll need to install a camera (or more than one) that has these six cottage-friendly features.

Reliable solar power

Solar power might have a reputation for being intermittent and relying on the sun, but modern panels paired with long-lasting lithium batteries are more powerful and reliable than ever. Meanwhile, most cottages have a much more spotty relationship with power. For an outdoor security camera that keeps working even after fallen limbs from a storm leave power lines in tatters, solar power is a must, and it’s just one of the ways that the V300 Live View Security Camera from Vosker can be powered. And for even more reliable power, Vosker’s external Universal Solar Power Bank works with any Vosker outdoor camera to give you uninterrupted surveillance.

Long-lasting rechargeable batteries

The pathways around your cottage likely have enough roots and rocks already—the last thing you need to contend with is a mess of extension cords criss-crossing your property. That’s why battery-powered cameras are crucial for outdoor monitoring—so long as they’re long-lasting and built to endure the Canadian elements. Vosker’s outdoor security cameras store power in a long-lasting 14,000 mAh lithium battery, and for even more capacity, you can pair them with an extra rechargeable lithium battery pack.

Constant connectivity

 

Speaking of downed lines and sporadic wi-fi, true autonomy for an outdoor security camera requires cellular connectivity. So long as you have cellular reception at your cottage, you’ll be connected to your camera—and to whatever unexpected things happen while you’re away—thanks to the Vosker V300’s Live View video-streaming mode with 4G LTE cellular connection. And for low-coverage areas, Vosker’s V-ANT01 cellular antenna can boost your signal so you’re always connected.

Portable and versatile

Every cottage property is unique, and cottagers need to surveil a lot more than their sliding deck door. You have toys in your boathouse, tools in your shed, and maybe even a long laneway that encourages neighbourly (and non-neighbourly) snooping. That means you’ll want to be able to position your outdoor security camera where you need it most. Vosker’s outdoor security cameras feature autonomous power sources and cellular receptivity, so you can place them wherever your property requires, giving you peace of mind that’s customized to the lay of your land.

Able to withstand inclement weather

A camera that helps you monitor inclement weather and any weather-related damage to your property with real-time alerts is essential, but it’s just as important to choose a camera that stands up to those elements itself. Vosker cameras are built for withstanding Canadian winters, but for extra protection, they’re compatible with the V-SBOX-2, a heavy-duty steel security box that can be mounted to any surface. Not only will it protect your security camera from fallen trees and other cottage hazards, but it’s also lockable to deter theft.

Easy-to-use app for constant updates

The last thing we want is yet another app that sends updates to our phone—unless those updates are about unexpected issues at our cottage when we’re back in the city. Vosker’s easy-to-use app uses AI to give you smart notifications, and its multi-camera access, live streaming, and HD photo downloads give you complete access to your vacation property no matter where you roam.

Ready to reliably monitor your cottage property with a complete mobile surveillance system? Learn more about the Vosker V300 outdoor security camera.

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Cottage Life

Realtor.ca launches open offers in an effort to curb bidding wars and inflated property prices

Photo by Michael Vi/Shutterstock

Blind bidding has been the way of the Canadian real estate market for a long time now, but with skyrocketing property prices creating a housing market that many middle-class Canadians are unable to break into, there has been a push to make the market more hospitable to first time-buyers.

In 2022, the federal government released its budget where Minister of Housing, Ahmed Hussen, was tasked with creating a Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights. A major goal of the bill was to end blind bidding and make housing more affordable. Shortly after, the Ontario government announced it would be creating an “open offer” alternative as part of a reform to the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, 2020 (TRESA) blind bidding practice.

On April 1, 2023, realtor.ca officially launched the Canada-wide rollout of the open offer option.

Since real estate is regulated provincially in Canada, regulations differ across the country. This means the information provided in an open offer will look different from province to province, depending on local rules.

Realtor.ca explains the new option: “In certain parts of the country, you may see specific offer details, like the price on the listing page. In other regions, you may only see the number of offers presented.”

Openn, the company in charge of rolling out transparent bidding on realtor.ca, notes that the process in Canada is unique compared to how Australia and the U.S. run open offers.

“The agent selects the transparency settings based on what is applicable in their province,” says Becky Madden, the head of marketing at Openn. “Transparency settings can include the number of offers, the timeline of the offers, offer values, the number of people watching the property, and unconditional offer flags. They must comply with appropriate regulations and the sellers’ choice.”

While sellers might not like the sound of offer transparency, for now at least, open offers are an option—not a requirement. “Sellers must opt in, and based on my experience working with numerous sellers, there isn’t a compelling incentive for them to,” said Ivan Lobo, a real estate consultant at Made in CA.

“Sellers may still favor the blind bidding system, as it grants them a competitive edge by instilling a sense of urgency or scarcity among potential buyers,” says Lobo.

Critics of the blind-bidding system agree, noting that an optional transparent system does nothing to help buyers. The blind system creates a sometimes-false sense of urgency, driving buyers to place offers well above the offer actually needed to secure the bid.

A transparent bidding system therefore removes the obvious advantage sellers have in driving up the offers made on their home. “They could receive lower or fewer offers compared to what they would get under blind bidding, since buyers might become more cautious or conservative when they can see other bids,” Lobo says.

“This could eventually lead to a more balanced market with fewer bidding wars and less inflated prices.”

There is still no word from Hussen’s office on when the Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights will actually come into law, so until sellers’ hands are forced to show their cards, optional transparent offers are likely to remain a rarity.

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10-digit dialling introduced in 807 area code of northern Ontario

Photo courtesy of LittlePigPower/Shutterstock

Starting April 1, the Canadian Radio-television Telecommunications Commission is mandating 10-digit dialling across Canada, particularly for residents in the 807 area code of northern Ontario. 

Residents in the 807 area code are used to dialling seven digits for local calls but will now have to edit contact information to include all 10 digits—the area code plus the seven-digit number. Residents will still be able to place local calls with seven digits until May 31, but they will be prompted by a network message stating that calls with only seven digits will not be completed after this date. 

The CRTC is making this change to accommodate the launch of Canada’s new mental health and suicide prevention hotline in November 2023. It will adopt the easy-to-remember number 9-8-8. The hotline aims to reduce barriers and increase access to mental health resources across the country, especially in rural communities. Mandating 10-digit dialling will ensure that 9-8-8 is launched effectively for all service providers in Canada at the end of November. 

The 807 area code in northern Ontario includes the communities of Thunder Bay, Kenora, Red Lake, Deer Lake, Geraldton, and much of the northwest. Not only will residents of northern Ontario be impacted by this change, but residents in the 709 area code in Newfoundland and Labrador and the 867 area code in Yellowknife will also be affected. These are the only regions in Canada where seven-digit dialling has been standard practice for local calls; 10-digit dialling was mandated in the rest of Canada decades ago. 

Tbaytel, the primary telecommunications provider for the city of Thunder Bay, introduced 10-digit dialling for its customers at the end of March, several days earlier than other service providers in the area. Tbaytel and other providers have so far only made these changes for mobile phone customers, but the mandate will soon extend to landlines and business telephones. By fall 2023, all residents within the 807 area code—both mobile and landline customers—will need to adopt 10-digit dialling and ensure that contact information is updated accordingly. 

Long-distance calls will not be affected, and the standard “1” dialled prior to the 10-digit number will remain the same. 9-1-1 calls will also be unaffected. Tbaytel recommends northern Ontario residents update their contact information before the May 31 deadline. Be sure to update information on speed dial lists, personal stationary, cheques, security systems, and insurance policies, as well as on all phones, pagers, fax machines, and automated equipment.

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Experts predict a price drop for Canadian cottage regions in 2023

Photo by Shutterstock/Alessandro Cancian

After two years of soaring cottage prices, the real estate market is starting to stabilize. In its Spring Recreational Property Report, Royal LePage forecasted a 4.5 per cent dip in cottage prices across the country in 2023, dropping the aggregate price from $619,900 to $592,005.

“General consumer inflation combined with a severe lack of inventory has dampened sales activity. Buyers who are active in today’s market appear willing to wait for the right property—a sharp contrast to what we experienced during the pandemic,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage, in the report.

A return to in-office work has also caused the market to slow. During the pandemic, cottages offered an alluring escape from the city, especially with the introduction of high-speed internet in rural locations. But now, with many employees required to return to the office a few days per week, and shops, venues, and events back in full swing, buying a cottage has dropped in priority.

But despite the market stabilizing, buying a cottage is still expensive. Across the country, prices remain 32 per cent higher than pre-pandemic levels. To better understand the cottage market, here’s a breakdown of what’s happening in each province:

Cottages in Ontario

In 2022, the aggregate price of a waterfront property in Ontario increased by 8.9 per cent to $1,006,600, compared to 2021. Southern Georgian Bay was the most expensive region with a 7.1 per cent price increase to $1.5 million, followed by Orillia, which saw a 22.4 per cent increase to $1,377,000, and then Muskoka, which saw a 15.7 per cent decrease to $1,062,500.

Muskoka’s price drop may be indicative of a more significant trend. According to a Royal LePage survey of Ontario realtors, 52 per cent of respondents reported less demand this year than last year. The entire province is forecasted to see a five per cent decrease in recreational property prices.

“Activity in the recreational market came to a comparative standstill in the last half of 2022. Rising interest rates, buyer fatigue, and lack of inventory all played a role,” said John O’Rourke, a broker at Royal LePage Lakes of Muskoka. “Early signs this spring point to a more balanced market where inventory levels and sales are trending in line with historical norms.”

The market in Quebec

In 2022, the aggregate price of a waterfront property in Quebec increased 17.3 per cent to $480,200, compared to 2021. Memphrémagog topped the price list after a 24.6 per cent increase to $860,000, followed by Les Pays-d’en-haut with a 4.3 per cent increase to $600,000, and then Les Laurentides with a 25.3 per cent increase to $530,000.

Despite its major price jump in 2022, Quebec is forecasted to have the biggest price drop in 2023 at eight per cent. Similar to Ontario, this price drop is due, in part, to lack of demand. In a Royal LePage survey of Quebec realtors, 76 per cent of respondents reported less demand this year than last year.

“Buyers are more patient; they’re negotiating, and they’re taking time to carefully assess their needs and financial capacity before taking the plunge,” said Véronique Boucher, residential real estate broker at Royal LePage Au Sommet. “Conditional offers to purchase, which were practically unheard of during the pandemic real estate boom, made a big comeback in the latter half of 2022, a sign of a much more balanced and fair cottage market.”

Waterfront property in British Columbia

In 2022, the aggregate price of a waterfront property in B.C. increased 5.6 per cent to $1,065,000, compared to 2021. Invermere was the most expensive region with a 26.6 per cent increase to $2,025,000, followed by the Comox Valley, Denman Island, Hornby Island, and Mt. Washington areas with a 4.4 per cent increase to $1,350,000, and then the East Kootenays with a 0.2 per cent increase to $774,500.

In a Royal LePage survey of B.C. realtors, over half reported that cottage owners remained full time in the area rather than moving back to urban settings after the pandemic. This trend has caused a shortage in supply, keeping prices relatively high. But Royal LePage expects B.C. cottage prices to drop by two per cent in 2023.

“Come springtime, I anticipate that supply levels will rise as more sellers move into the market, but I don’t expect there to be a huge wave of relief,” said Frank Ingham, associate broker at Royal LePage Sussex. “Many buyers continue to wait on the sidelines for prices to fall or for borrowing costs to become more affordable, especially those purchasers who are buying for their retirement or for their adult children to enjoy. This trend is creating more pent-up demand on the sidelines and is causing properties to stay on the market twice as long as last year. However, as the spring market gains momentum, I expect more homes that have been sitting on the shelves will start to move into the hands of buyers.”

What’s happening with housing in Alberta?

In 2022, the aggregate price of a waterfront property in Alberta decreased by five per cent to $641,900, compared to 2021. Wabamun Lake was the most expensive area at $820,200, a 7.7 per cent decrease from 2021; Pigeon Lake at $674,500, a 0.7 per cent decrease; and then Lac St. Anne at $534,700, a 10.9 per cent decrease.

Alberta is experiencing a lack of turnover in its cottage markets, keeping properties in demand and prices high. That’s why, despite the decrease in 2022’s waterfront prices, Alberta is the only province in Canada forecasted to see a price increase of 0.5 per cent in 2023.

The market in the Prairies

In 2022, the aggregate price of a waterfront property in Saskatchewan and Manitoba increased by six per cent to $271,300, compared to 2021. North Central Saskatchewan topped the list with a 20.9 per cent increase to $688,000, followed by Lac du Bonnet in Manitoba with a 10 per cent increase to $550,000, and then Interlake, Man. With a 0.4 per cent decrease to $450,000.

“Business is faring as usual in our recreational markets. Demand and inventory are proportional to one another, creating balanced market conditions. Reduced supply has kept recreational property prices buoyant,” said Lou Doderai, broker and owner of Royal LePage Icon Realty in Prince Albert, Sask.

Despite a stable market, the aggregate price of a recreational property in the Prairies is forecasted to drop by three per cent in 2023.

The market in Atlantic Canada

In 2022, the aggregate price of a waterfront property in Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island increased by 17.2 per cent to $279,900, compared to 2021. Despite an 18.4 per cent decrease, Shediac, N.B., was the most expensive region in 2022 at $464,500, followed by South Shore, N.S., with a 22.4 per cent increase to $450,000, and then Cape Breton, N.S., with a 22.1 per cent increase to $427,500.

Nearly half of the respondents in a Royal LePage survey of Atlantic Canada realtors reported a decrease in demand this year compared to last year. As a result, Royal LePage forecasted that the aggregate price of a recreational property in Atlantic Canada will drop by three per cent in 2023.

“Parties on both sides of the transaction are waiting for a better deal—recreational buyers are sitting on the sidelines waiting for more inventory to become available, while sellers are holding out for higher offers and competitive bids. But the multiple-offer scenarios and homes selling over asking are not as common today as they were during the pandemic boom,” said Corey Huskilson, sales representative at Royal LePage Atlantic in South Shore, NS. “As we enter the spring market, I expect activity to pick up but prices to stay stable as supply and demand remain relatively balanced.”

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Ontario judge rules stretch of Sauble Beach belongs to Saugeen First Nation

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Sauble Beach, a sandy stretch of land parked on the eastern shore of Lake Huron, is the second longest freshwater beach in the world—behind Wasaga Beach, near Collingwood. Eleven kilometres in length, Sauble’s shallow waters and powdery sand attract millions of beachgoers each year. But the beach’s ownership has long been a point of contention, until now.

On April 3, an Ontario judge ruled that the Saugeen First Nation are the rightful owners of a 2.4-kilometre section of Sauble Beach. The piece of land in question has traditionally been open to the public, extending into Sauble Beach North and encompassing the iconic “Welcome to Sauble Beach” sign. This new section adds to Sauble Beach South, which was already part of the Saugeen reserve, granting the First Nation ownership over the majority of the beach.

“This is a huge victory for our community and our people,” said Saugeen Chief Conrad Ritchie, in a statement. “We have been fighting to have the beach recognized as part of our reserve for generations. The beach is central to our way of life and, out of all our vast traditional territory, this is the land our ancestors chose to reserve for their future generations.”

The dispute over Sauble Beach can be traced back 170 years. The Saugeen asserted that when they signed Treaty 72 in 1854, establishing their reserve, the federal government improperly surveyed the land. The feds acknowledged their mistake in the 1970s, placing their support behind the Saugeen’s claim over Sauble Beach. But the Town of South Bruce Peninsula and the Ontario government opposed the claim, forcing the Saugeen First Nation to take the issue to court in 1995.

Over its 30-year history, the legal dispute has taken combative turns, such as in 2014, when federal government officials proposed a negotiated settlement, granting the Saugeen First Nation ownership of the beach with the clause that it would co-manage Sauble with South Bruce Peninsula. The town, however, turned this proposal down, deciding to continue fighting for ownership.

The beach is the town’s crown jewel. Paid parking around Sauble, which South Bruce Peninsula operates, costs approximately $30, generating a significant portion of the town’s annual revenue. With ownership transferring to the Saugeen, that could disappear.

Parking is only one of the cliffhangers left lingering in the wake of the court’s ruling. There are several private landowners who fall within the reserve’s new boundary. The town is waiting on an additional ruling from the court to see whether these landowners will be granted life interest, allowing them to remain where they are. There’s also the question of whether the beach will be open to the public. Over the last few years, Sauble Beach South, which was already owned by the Saugeen, has been made private, fencing the land off for cottagers who lease land from the First Nation.

The Saugeen did not respond to comment on the beach’s future, but Chief Conrad Ritchie said in a statement: “While the court recognized the importance of Sauble Beach to our people, we recognize that it is important to others as well, including as a tourist destination. We look forward to working with all of our neighbours to keep it a special place.”

South Bruce Peninsula Mayor Garry Michi said in a statement that the town has yet to decide whether it will appeal the decision. “Our immediate priority is to gain clarity on beach maintenance and governance issues until the final terms of the court’s ruling are settled later this year. Town council will be reaching out to the Saugeen First Nation to discuss these matters and will be working to find a mutually acceptable interim resolution.”

A second court proceeding will be held to determine whether the federal government owes damages to the Saugeen First Nation for incorrectly surveying its reserve.

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Insight from outside: Campfire cooking with the Cottage Coach

There’s nothing like sitting around the campfire with friends and family at the cottage. But if you ever have the chance to stoke a fire alongside the Cottage Coach, Adam Holman, you’re in for a treat. Not just because he crafts a picture-perfect campfire every time, but because he’s guaranteed to cook something special over the flames. To savour his thoughts on cottage campfire cooking, we packed our OFF!® Backyard Mosquito Lamp, pulled up a stump, and enjoyed a slice of his cottage specialty, campfire pizza.

I love cooking over the fire because it’s always a challenge. With a barbecue, you can just turn down the heat and control it, but cooking over the fire is tricky. You can’t control the temperature, so you always have to be working with the coals and the flames.

Anybody can throw something on a grill and monitor the heat. Anyone can throw meat into a smoker and drink beer all day while it does the work. But having to tend to the fire, move coals around, monitor the heat, and pay attention to when to put things on and take them off—that’s what draws me to cooking over the campfire.

One of my earliest memories of cooking over the fire with my dad is putting baked potatoes into the embers. But then I thought, why not try something more difficult? I always want to try to cook the hardest things. No matter what we’re making at the cottage, my first thought is, how can I do this over the fire?

Campfire pizza is the ultimate challenge. You have to figure out how not to burn the bottom while making sure it’s crispy enough and the cheese is melted on top. It’s become one of my cottage specialties.

Once I was camping with a friend, and he was smoking ribs, slow-cooking them for the entire day over the campfire. It was an all-day effort, and around 6 o’clock, he pulled them off and ended up dropping the entire rack of ribs in the sand! That has to be the biggest campfire-cooking fail I’ve ever witnessed.

Banana boats aren’t very common at most cottage campfires, but they should be. You pack a banana full of marshmallows and chocolate and wrap it in tinfoil. Place it in the fire, and you’ll have the perfect cottage dessert.

You have to know what kind of campfire you’re dealing with before you start cooking. Give it 30 to 40 minutes, and then pay attention to how hot your coals are. Look at how fast your wood is burning and how hot it burns. Then think about how quickly your food is going to cook.

Long tongs are a must for the campfire. Your basic cottage-kitchen tongs won’t cut it. You can find extra-long ones at any decent barbecue store.

One of my main tricks is to use tinfoil. If you’re cooking potatoes, it keeps them hot on the inside when you pull them out of the coals. I use it for pizza too. You start with naan bread, then toppings and cheese, and then a tinfoil tent goes over the top to hold the heat in and melt the cheese. And for the final 30 seconds, you take it off and get it nice and crusty on the bottom.

People always ask what kind of wood I use for campfire cooking, and the answer is “whatever’s around.” In the backcountry, you don’t get to choose. That’s part of the fun.

I cooked chicken wings over the campfire once. That might have been the hardest thing I’ve tried. I probably wouldn’t do that one again.

One of the coolest tools for campfire cooking is also the simplest. It’s a metal stake with a grill welded to it, and it lets you change the height of the grill or swivel it away from the heat.

When I was a kid, finding the perfect marshmallow stick was an essential part of the fun. You had to whittle it yourself, and that was your stick for the weekend.

My mom was always obsessed with roasting the perfect golden-brown marshmallow, so my sister and I would compete to get them just right. I always won.

People debate about whether arranging the campfire wood in a “teepee” or “log cabin” structure is best, but I always use both. I start with a teepee, and then once it’s going strong and I have a bunch of coals, I break it down and build the cabin for cooking. 

No matter what I’m eating by the campfire, I won’t enjoy it if I’m also being eaten by mosquitoes. I don’t even bother gathering wood until I’ve applied bug spray. And to keep everyone around the campfire comfortable, I use the OFF!® Backyard Mosquito Lamp. Not only is it portable, but it’s scent-free and spray-free, and it creates a 15.3m2 zone of protection that repels mosquitoes for up to six hours.

Ready to embrace the outdoors this summer? Make the most of your time outside with the OFF!® Backyard Mosquito Lamp. Prevention is the best protection from mosquitoes.

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How to camp for free (and sites to visit to right now)

Photo by @natemuskoka

Looking for a camping spot in Ontario but can’t find availability atv your favourite parks? Don’t worry, there’s still a solution: Crown land camping—these sites are managed by the Ontario government and make up 95 percent of Northern Ontario. And not only do they tend to be a privacy lover’s paradise, but Canadian citizens can camp for free for up to 21 days each calendar year (non-residents will need a permit). 

Before you hit the trails and pitch your tent, remember to follow the golden rule of backcountry camping and leave no trace. Be respectful of the existing animals and ecosystems, dispose of all garbage, be cautious when making a fire, and follow local regulations set out by the local Ministry of Energy, Northern Development and Mines district office. Simply put, take only pictures and leave only footprints. 

How to find Crown land to camp on

Here’s the thing: finding Crown land can be tricky and seasoned campers are unlikely to share their hidden gems for fear that sites will become too popular. We suggest checking out the Crown Land Use Policy Atlas, and go exploring. For those looking for insider tips, we’ve rounded up ten Crown land camping spots across Ontario.  

Lake Temagami near Sudbury, Ont.

Calling all adventurers! Just east of Sudbury, Temagami Region has over 2,000 lakes and 2,400 kilometres of routes, often only accessible by portaging. Grab your best GPS system or a handy map because many points are difficult to find or maintain. Check out Lake Matagamasi to Donald Lake Loop and Wolf Lake, or Wicksteed Lake, Kenny Forest, and Marten River while you’re in the area. 

Ruth Lake in Killarney, Ont.

Ruth Lake is an ideal place to camp because it’s nestled in a network of canoe and backpacking trails. Plus, it’s close to the La Cloche Silhouette Trail for anyone wanting to embark on a short or multi-day hike. Plus, if you change your mind about the Crown land appeal of no washrooms, staff, or camping infrastructure, there are many Ontario Parks campgrounds in the area.

Fish Bay Conservation Reserve near Nipissing, Ont.

There are quite a few Crown land shorelines and islands free to camp on buried in the Fish Bay Conservation Reserve. Campers can access them by Wade’s or Chapman’s landings in the Township of Nipissing. You’ll often be greeted by fishermen in this popular fishing spot (if the name didn’t give it away).

Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park near Sudbury, Ont.

Find Chiniguchi Waterway Provincial Park just 50 kilometres outside Sudbury and near the townships of MacKelcan, Rathbun, McCarthy, and McNish. Boaters will be thrilled to know that this is a popular canoeing destination, plus it has loads of trails to hike on. This park is also the home of Ontario’s Blue Lagoon, known for its waterfalls and natural pools. 

Philip Edward Island in Killarney, Ont. 

Philip Edward Island is a backcountry access point in Killarney that is only reachable by boat. Head to the island by parking at the Chikanishing Trail and paddle across the Collins Inlet. Be prepared to sleep on rocks and have minimal shelter from trees at this camping site. 

Ahmic Forest and Rock Barrens Conservation Reserve near Parry Sound, Ont.

This conservation reserve near the hamlets of Dunchurch and McKellar is one of many camping spots in the Parry Sound area, with over 6,000 hectares of Crown land. Hunting and fishing have been permitted in the past, but it’s best to check with the local ENDM district office before engaging in any recreational activities. 

Egan Lake in Bancroft, Ont.

With no cottages and no hydro, this Crown land camping spot is a true off-grid hidden gem. Fair warning to drivers: roads are often unmaintained, and you should travel with a 4×4 vehicle. Once you get past the rocky terrain, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quiet, peace, and beautiful lake.

Harris Lake in McDougall, Ont.

Harris Lake is only about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the Greater Toronto Area, making it an easy spot for any city dwellers looking for a weekend escape. Make sure to check the map before you venture out because only about 60 percent of the shoreline is Crown land. When you’re there, grab your paddle and cruise along to Magnetawan.

Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve near Dryden, Ont.

Eagle Lake Islands Conservation Reserve is a gold mine for Crown land campers. With over 500 Crown land islands accessible by boat, you can explore 3,395 hectares just outside of Dryden and Vermilion Bay.

Big Salmon Lake in Frontenac, Ont.

Head down to Frontenac for access to Crown land camping by boat. Access points include Big Salmon Lake, Little Salmon Lake, and Little Clear Lake. The benefit of this area is that you can drive electric motor boats—just watch out for the weeds and largemouth bass in the shallow areas. 

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Ontario government proposes fines for overtaking snowplows on highways

Photo by Shutterstock/Benoit Daoust

Passing a slow-moving snowplow may cost you, if the Ontario government passes its newest bill.

On April 3, the provincial government introduced its Less Red Tape, Stronger Economy Act 2023. The bill includes 42 initiatives that, if passed, are intended to improve public services, grow businesses, and save people time.

One of the proposed initiatives is an amendment to the Highway Traffic Act. The amendment would make it an offence to overtake working snowplows in a diagonal formation on a multi-lane highway with a posted speed limit of 80 km/h or higher. The fine for passing would be between $150 and $1,000.

“The proposed amendments are intended to reduce unsafe passing maneuvers and collisions occurring by motorists overtaking snowplows performing winter maintenance activities on these roadways. Fewer collisions with snowplows will result in improved safety for snowplow operators and the travelling public, fewer snowplows being placed out of service, and less impact on snow clearing activities on these highways,” the province said in a statement.

Drivers would only be allowed to pass the snowplow if a full lane was available to complete the maneuver. This means that if plows are working in each lane of the highway, you can’t maneuver into an oncoming lane to get around them. In fact, the government says that passing a working snowplow even if a lane is available can be dangerous.

Visibility around the snowplow is often reduced due to blowing snow and the snow ridge created by the plow. And while most plows discharge snow to the right, there are some vehicles that discharge to the left, blocking passing lanes. Plus, it’s likely the road ahead hasn’t been cleared.

Instead, it’s recommended that you wait until plows have cleared your route before hitting the road. But if you do get stuck behind one, stay approximately 10 car lengths back and be patient.  The plow may pull over and let you pass.

The provincial government is asking the public to weigh in on the snow plow amendment before the new act is voted on. You can leave a comment here until May 18.

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Cottage Q&A: How to clean up after a mouse infestation

By IrinaK/Shutterstock

We had a severe mouse infestation over the winter at our Lake Michigan cottage. (Somehow, it was missed by the caretaker.) There was poop everywhere and blood in corners and closets. Most of the upstairs is cleaner now, but the basement is disgusting. The concrete floor absorbed everything. My husband, Ned, did a great job of scrubbing the floor with Simple Green, but I can still hardly stand the smell in the room. Could you suggest an alternative? Would bleach and water work?—Neva Asplundh, via email

Yikes! Maybe you should hire a new caretaker. But back to your question. You’re right about two things: One, “Concrete absorbs everything,” says EcoEthic’s Rob Davis, who has had his own struggles banishing mousey stink. And two, bless Ned for giving it the old college try but, yes, it’s time to bust out the big guns. Even Davis, who sells environmentally friendly cleaners, wouldn’t recommend one in this case. They’re not strong enough. But he suggests peroxide bleach over bleach—you can use it straight. “Mop the stains, let the peroxide bleach sit for half an hour, then re-mop with water,” says Davis. You may have to repeat the procedure. No joy? You could try a specialized cleaner designed to treat dog kennels, cat litter boxes, and chicken coops. 

As a last resort, you could hire a professional cleaning company, says Gary Ure, the owner of Second Nature Wildlife Management in Gananoque, Ont. “But in 27 years, I’ve never seen a situation where that would be necessary. I mean, they clean up crime scenes.” Yes, but there was blood, Gary!

We assume this goes without saying, but you should seriously up your mouse-proofing before next winter. The best strategy is exclusion: painstakingly search for every possible rodent entry point and seal each one up. “Mouse-proofing will always take more work than you think it will,” says Ure.

Got a question for Cottage Q&A? Send it to answers@cottagelife.com.

This article was originally published in the March/April 2023 issue of Cottage Life magazine.

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Transport Canada proposes making engine cut-off switches mandatory in recreational boats

Photo by BORIS LUKIANOV/Shutterstock

Transport Canada is asking the public to weigh in on whether it should make the installation and use of an engine cut-off switch mandatory on personal watercraft. The proposed changes would require manufacturers to install engine cut-off switches in boats that are less than eight metres in length, have a 3-hp motor or more, and have an open helm station (rather than an enclosed cabin). Through the feedback process, the government agency will also be looking at making it mandatory for boat operators to link themselves to the engine cut-off switch when using their vessel.

An engine cut-off switch links the boat’s operator to the vessel via a c-shaped clip and bungee cable. The clip attaches to a button near the boat’s controls, usually close to the ignition switch. The other end of the cable attaches to the operator through a hook-clip or wristband. If the operator is dislodged from the boat and the clip detaches, the motor will shut off.

“This is a safety feature that protects operators from the spinning propeller. The switch also stops the vessel from moving through the water without an operator controlling it,” Transport Canada said in a statement.

Engine cut-off switches have been required in the U.S. for the last few years. In 2019, the U.S. government mandated manufacturers to install engine cut-off switches in all recreational vessels. And in 2021, the U.S. Coast Guard introduced a new law requiring operators of boats less than eight metres in length to link themselves to the engine cut-off switch when the boat’s in use.

“It’s a no-brainer,” says Jim Wielgosz, executive director of the National Marine Manufacturers Association Canada (NMMA). “It harmonizes North American regulations that are already in place in the States, and it instantly improves boater safety.”

The NMMA along with several other marine industry associations has been advocating for engine cut-off switches since 2017.  While Wielgosz still plans to get input from Canadian boat manufacturers on the potential change, he doubts there will be much resistance.

“Canadian manufacturers will follow the lead of the States. It’s the same supply chain in terms of components and the same standards that we have to follow in terms of boat certification,” he says.

There’s also the fact that approximately 85 per cent of the boats sold in Canada are manufactured in the U.S., meaning they already have the engine cut-off switch installed.

You can submit your feedback on engine cut-off switches here until May 19.