Expectations of cottaging have changed over the course of the pandemic, with a new wave of cottagers wanting an internet connection and all of the amenities they have at home. Connectivity at the cottage comes with a world of opportunity for tech lovers to embrace all of the devices and gadgets that connect to the internet to protect your cottage from theft, monitor inclement weather, control the temperature, or even check the expiry dates of food inside of your cottage fridge. For those looking to link up to the internet at your home away from home, we’ve curated a list of the best Amazon Prime Day deals for SmartHome devices for the cottage.
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Whether you’re spending a night camping under the stars or a weekend paddling around the lake, chances are you’re going to need some outdoor gear to do it. We’ve found the Amazon Prime Day deals that will help you have the best time at the cottage. From hammocks to bikes to grills, here’s the outdoor gear you need on sale:
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If you choose to purchase any of these products through the links provided, we may earn a small commission. Read more about our Editorial Policy here.
We know you spoil your pooch all of the time, but Amazon Prime Day is an especially good chance to stock up on pet essentials, like food, treats, and toys. Lugging everyday items back and forth to the cottage is exhausting and takes up precious cargo room, so we scoured through the thousands of deals going on July 12 and 13 to find the best ones for you and Fido. Take a look at the deals below, ranging from 15 to 40 per cent off, and grab a treat to keep at the cottage for your pet:
On June 9, 2022, the Underused Housing Tax (UHT), a new bill that levies an annual one per cent tax on foreign-owned residential properties considered underused, received royal assent.
Similar to B.C.’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax, the UHT is designed to prevent non-Canadian residents from buying Canadian real estate and driving up housing costs without actually living there.
When the tax was first proposed in August 2021, the Federation of Ontario Cottagers’ Associations (FOCA) was concerned that secondary property owners, such as cottagers, might be unintentionally caught in the crosshairs. If cottages fell under the definition of underused properties, owners would have to pay the tax.
“Without absolute clarity (being worked out currently in Committee hearings for Bill C-8) there was the fear that absentee [and] part-time, non-Canadian cottage residents would be subjected to a tax that was actually intended to address urban affordability and housing shortages,” said Terry Rees, president of FOCA.
The UHT legislation clarifies that the tax doesn’t apply to any Canadian residents, regardless of the number of properties they own within the country. The tax only applies to foreign owners. This means the bill could still impact Americans who own cottages in Canada.
However, when defining a “residential property,” the legislation’s language specifically targets detached homes, duplexes, triplexes, semi-detached homes, rowhouse units, and residential condos. It doesn’t mention cottages or recreational properties. Read the final version of the bill here.
The bill also exempts properties that aren’t suitable for year-round use. This means that if a cottage is zone residential but not winterized and can only be used for a portion of the year, it is exempt from the tax. Properties being rented out to someone on a long-term basis at a “fair rent” price are also exempt. Otherwise, the owner is expected to occupy the property for a minimum of six months a year.
For foreign owners who are required to pay the tax, an annual declaration for each residential property owned must be filed by April 30. The first filing would happen on April 30, 2023. The tax is then calculated as one per cent of the property’s taxable value.
Disclaimer: We didn’t consult any design or real estate experts for this article. That should become immediately obvious.
Thinking of selling your cottage? Thinking of renovating to sell it in the future? Then you should think about paint colours. At least, according to a new survey by real estate marketing company Zillow you should. Zillow surveyed more than 3,000 “recent or prospective Canadian home buyers” to gather feedback on their reactions to images of different rooms painted different colours. How interested were they in touring or buying the place? How much would they pay? The results were…confusing. Still, what lessons can cottagers take from all this? We’ve broken it down.
Survey says: Canadian buyers were willing to pay more—about $6,500 more—for a place with charcoal grey kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas.
Lesson for the cottage owner: Charcoal grey the hell out of everything. Paint the porch grey. Paint the closets grey. Got a bunkie? Grey it up. Buy a grey dog, and include it in the listing photos.
Survey says: Even though green kitchens and bathrooms are trendy—wait, they are?—buyers would pay less for them. And don’t even think about painting your kitchen sunshine yellow. According to the results, yellow kitchens, and for that matter, living rooms, were “generally unpopular.” Well, obviously. Why would anyone pay for sunshine when they can get the real thing for free? Blue kitchens and white kitchens scored higher.
Lesson for the cottage owner: Paint your kitchen blue and white. Better yet, paint your kitchen ceiling blue with white puffy clouds, like the ceiling in the Venetian hotel in Las Vegas. You’ll be bringing the outside inside!
Survey says: Burgundy is big in bathrooms—for people who speak French. Apparently, buyers from Montreal would be willing to pay up to, roughly, $4,400 more for places with burgundy bathrooms.
Lesson for the cottage owner: If you can’t source a paint called Burgundy, go with Bordeaux, Merlot, Berry, or, in a pinch, Maroon. Just don’t paint your cottage powder room the colour of fresh blood. That smacks of serial killer.
Survey says: Contrary to the results suggesting that people don’t like green, buyers from Calgary would pay several thousand more for a mint green kitchen.
Lesson for the cottage owner: According to Zillow, “When study participants thought the homeowner had similar tastes to them, they perceived the home more positively and were also more likely to make an offer more than $2,000 higher.” So, give prospective buyers from Calgary mint chocolate chip ice cream as soon as they enter your mint-green kitchen. Double the mint, double the offer! Unless, like many people, they think mint chocolate chip is gross because “it tastes like toothpaste.” In which case, you’ve shot yourself in the foot. And now you’re left with a mint-green kitchen and a freezer full of polarizing ice cream. Sorry.
A cottage visit turned deadly on the weekend on Burnt River. A 56-year-old man drowned after he and a companion went swimming in the river on Saturday evening, say Ontario Provincial Police who responded to the incident.
Police say neither person was wearing a lifejacket at the time when they got caught in moving water and struggled with the current. A person in a nearby boat rescued his companion, but the man was missing for 10-15 minutes before he was taken from the water and transported to the hospital where he was later declared dead.
The man has been identified as Kingston Ferdinands, 56, of Scarborough. OPP is reminding the public about best practices to prevent drowning.
always swim with a buddy
let someone know when and where you’re going for a swim
test the waters with your feet, don’t dive right in
don’t swim while under the influence of alcohol/drugs
With a trip to the cottage costing you $100 in gas (give or take, depending on your vehicle) heading north is becoming cost-prohibitive for cottagers and renters alike. To help combat the soaring gas prices, Ontario Premier Doug Ford cut the gas tax by 5.7 cents per litre on July 1. The tax cut will remain in effect until December 31, with the possibility of an extension if prices remain inflated.
“People and businesses are feeling the pinch of high gas prices and grocery bills,” says Peter Bethlenfalvy, Ontario’s Minister of Finance, in a statement. “Our government is cutting the gas and fuel tax rates to put money back in people’s pockets and help keep costs down.”
On July 1, when the Ontario government implemented the gas tax cut, prices dropped 11 cents overnight to an average of $193.9 cents per litre. This came as much-needed relief for drivers after gas prices hit a record high of $2.15 in early June.
The province’s dizzyingly high gas prices are the result of low supply and high demand. “We’ve got crude oil inventories down 13 per cent—according to the last U.S. government report—which is not good,” says Roger McKnight, chief petroleum analyst for En-Pro. “That’s why prices went up.”
The reopening of the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has put constraints on the global supply of gas and oil, driving up inflation rates.
Gas prices in Canada have also been hiked by the federal government’s carbon tax, which was bumped up to 11.05 cents per litre on April 1.
Despite concerns over Ontario’s record-setting gas prices, McKnight says they aren’t likely to last. As of July 7, gas prices in Ontario dropped another 12 cents per litre to $1.79. Again, a relief to drivers, but the underlying cause for the price drop is concerning. Economists are predicting a recession, McKnight says. “Unless there’s some glimmer of hope or some optimism on Wall Street that this recession will not happen, then prices will continue to fall in the short term.”
A recession is a possible outcome that people need to be prepared for, McKnight says. But for the time being, if he were a consumer watching gas prices drop 12 cents per litre or more, “I’d hop in my car and get on with this driving season. I don’t know how long it will last…I can’t see prices spiking or reversing anytime in the immediate future. So, have some fun.”
On-set art direction: Jackie Shipley; Food Styling: Carol Dudar
These biscuits are incredibly easy to whip together at a moment’s notice and use ingredients you’ll likely already have on hand. Try them as a side for our flavourful soup, or split them open and top with ham and softly scrambled eggs for a delicious brunch option. You can use any hard, aged cheese and herb combination you like. Makes 10 biscuits.
In large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Using pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs with a few larger pieces.
Stir in cheese, green onions, rosemary, and pepper. Using fork, stir in milk to form a ragged dough.
Drop dough by ¼ cup, 1½ inches apart, onto parchment paper–lined cookie sheet. Bake in 425°F oven until lightly browned, 13–15 minutes.
Present day wolverines, which emerged during the ice age, have been declining globally despite their many adaptions to live in challenging, rugged environments.
These large land-dwelling weasels evolved to scramble up trees and climb steep, snowy mountains. Wolverines’ snowshoe-like paws, heavy frost-resistant fur and powerful muscles let them thrive in some of the coldest places on Earth. Their sharp claws and strong jaws allow them to feast on carcasses and hunt species of all sizes from ground squirrels to elk.
Our 20 years of synthesized research about wolverines shows that the best ways to protect remaining wolverine populations are to reduce trapping, minimize predator control pressures, and connect the large blocks of intact habitat they need to survive.
Not as resilient as you might think
Wolverines are private, generally solitary, species. They are slow to reproduce and have an average of two cubs, or kits, every two to three years.
They are naturally low in number and defend territories as large as 500-1,000 square kilometres, or sometimes more. These traits make them vulnerable to human impacts around the world.
Since the Europeans colonized North America, fur trapping and landscape development shrank the wolverine range drastically. South of the wide Arctic range, wolverines can be found only in the western boreal forest and mountains. But they used to live from coast to coast and as far south as New Mexico.
All this human activity makes life better for wolverines’ competitors—coyotes. Where coyotes exploit developed landscapes, they come into conflict with wolverines, and in these fights, wolverines lose.
Piled on those problems is the impact of climate change on wolverine habitat. The cold, snowy refuges that wolverines have sought south of the Arctic are now thawing. Wolverines need snow to cache food, to raise their vulnerable kits safely and to keep lowland competitors away. The one-two punch of landscape change and climate change are making matters worse for wolverines.
Wolverines need large, connected blocks of intact habitat to survive. The only way to protect them in the long run is to help protect and connect their fragmented blocks of habitat.
Prime wolverine habitat near Revelstoke, B.C. in summer. Wolverines need large areas of intact, connected habitat to survive. (Mirjam Barrueto/WolverineWatch.org), Author provided
Creating more protected areas and managing human activity within and next to them will help. Protecting “climate refugia”—the last bastions of cold wolverine habitat—is an important priority. Landscape planning to connect mountain refuges across busy degraded valley bottoms is sorely needed, especially in southern Canada and the United States
Roads and industrial development cut up major sections of prime habitat. We can fight habitat fragmentation by making better decisions about road-building, including when to decommission roads built for resource extraction and mitigating the effects of traffic on wolverines and other wildlife. Habitat protection, connectivity, and restoration are critical for wolverines.
We also need transboundary co-ordination. We need to think across larger landscapes, especially regions that still support wolverines on both sides of a border—like between Canada and the United States or between Norway and Sweden.
No longer ignorant nor blissful
Globally, governments have insufficiently protected wolverines.
Otherwise, large-scale wolverine conservation has been on the back burner. In the U.S., a petition to list wolverines on the federal Endangered Species Act was thwarted. Canada lacks a federal management plan and British Columbia’s most recent wolverine plan is from 1989, while Alberta lists the species in the “data deficient” category.
A wolverine at a research station in southeastern British Columbia. We know a lot about wolverines. All we have to do is use the knowledge and act fast. (Mirjam Barrueto/WolverineWatch.org), Author provided
For years it seemed like not much was known about wolverines, and policymakers have rested on wolverines’ mystery to excuse inaction.
The truth is, science knows a lot about wolverines. Research from around the world clearly shows what we need to do.
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Lululemon’s latest drop has officially landed. The Hike collection includes men’s and women’s apparel and accessory options that are both functional and performance-focused. The collection features versatile items that are designed to be convertible, packable, and water-resistant. Take a peek at the lululemon Hike collection’s highlights as well as the must-have pieces you need to gear up for the outdoors.
Collection highlights
Designed to fit your outdoor, active lifestyle, the brand’s newest apparel and accessories are made for storing and exploring, where convenient characteristics are integrated into each piece in order to help you keep up with changing conditions. As a result, built-in details such as extra pockets and zip-on and off features allow for a hands-free experience and custom climate control capabilities, so you’re prepared no matter where your next adventure takes you.
We’ve taken the guesswork out of what you need to sport during your next outdoor adventure by rounding up some of our favourite pieces from the new lululemon Hike collection below. These are the elevated apparel and accessories you need to take your exploration to the next level.
Hiking will be a cinch in this tee. Featuring grid-textured mesh fabric that’s breathable and sweat-wicking, you can also control airflow by cinching the attached drawstring cord. Since this piece is treated with No-Stink ZincTM, you’ll feel fresh throughout the duration of your outdoor adventure. A convenient hidden zippered pocket is also the ideal place to store small items such as cards or keys.
This high-neck bra offers supportive coverage thanks to an integrated four-way stretch that moves with your body. Now, you can take on the hiking trails in confidence, since this bra features Smooth LuxtremeT—a fabric crafted to wick away sweat—as well as pockets, which give you the ability to remove the cups for a more custom fit.
Layer up your look with this hiking overshirt, it’s grid-textured mesh fabric is sweat-wicking, quick-drying, and naturally breathable. Stashable features take this piece to the next level in terms of keeping everything you need easily accessible. For instance, the hand pockets feature a hidden phone sleeve, and another zippered sleeve pocket allows you to keep personal cards or keys on hand.
Complete your outdoor outfit with this ultra-functional hiking skirt. Not only does it have built-in storage to help you carry around any small trekking supplies, but it’s also stretchy and features LuxtremeTM, which is a built-in liner that’s sweat-wicking and feels cool against the skin. To ensure this piece can handle everything from morning mist to unplanned precipitation, it also features water-repellent fabric.
This is a must-add-to-cart for any outdoor enthusiast looking for a fashion-forward yet functional piece to add to their activewear collection. Built with the storage capacity of cargo pants, these hiking tights are made from abrasion-resistant fabric that has a four-way stretch. They are a stylish closet staple designed to fit your active, outdoor lifestyle.
These shorts are extremely versatile because they’re specially designed to go in and out of the water with you. Details such as a fabric that offers four-way stretch; is abrasion-resistant, and water-repellent, you can make any detour a welcome one. These shorts also feature a waistband drawcord (that can be tucked inside), as well as secure cargo and zippered pockets.
Say hello to your new favourite hiking essential that will keep you cool and dry no matter the trail conditions. If you’re looking to get outdoors, look no further than this four-way stretch and an abrasion-resistant, short-sleeve shirt, designed with large mesh underarm panels that ensure you don’t overheat as you climb.
What makes this hiking anorak the ideal outerwear for hiking is its packability. It can tuck into its own mesh fabric pocket to ensure easy transport when conditions change. Plus, convenient zippered exterior pockets help hide your phone.
Style and comfort become one in these classic-fit hiking pants. These are a must-have for any outdoor occasion because they feature five useful pockets, and include integrated panels of stretchy, abrasion-resistant fabric. They’re also water-resistant and have a back yoke that is perforated for thermal regulation.
Designed to keep you warm during cooler outdoor hiking adventures, this long-sleeve is made with stretchy fabric that’s both sweat-wicking and fast-drying. If you’re travelling with any baggage, the shirt’s flat, strategically placed seams also help keep backpack straps from causing friction on the skin, while the mesh underarm gusset offers mobility and ventilation.
If you only take one accessory on your next hiking trip, let it be this one. Lululemon’s innovative backpack features LiftOS technology, which feels like a helping hand by recalibrating weight distribution and relieving pressure points.
This crossbody bag is lightweight, water-repellent, and has adjustable shoulder straps to help you customize the fit to your desired length. An exterior zippered pocket also secures all your valuables, while an easy-access exterior pocket lets you reach all your essentials quickly and efficiently.
Stay hydrated during your next hiking excursion with this portable crossbody designed to keep your water bottle secure and hands-free. Featuring fabric that is water-repellant, this crossbody can also be cinched closed to allow to ensure your water bottle is secure. Plus, it has exterior pockets to store any additional valuables.
Stay cozy and comfortable all hike long thanks to these Power Stride Hiking Crew Socks. They have fabric that is knit in a mesh gradient at the top of the foot to ensure increased micro ventilation at the sole. As well, cushioning at the base of the arch helps create a shaped fit.
