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Cottage Life

Wild Profile: Meet the tiger swallowtail butterfly

By Maria T Hoffman/Shutterstock

Nothing brings spring cheer like the sight of tiger swallowtail butterfly flitting about and fluttering its wings as it drinks nectar from its favourite plants. The tiger swallowtail isn’t quite as recognizable as the monarch or the luna moth, but it’s certainly eye-catching with its black-and-yellow markings. There are actually several North American species of these tiger-striped insects; the eastern tiger swallowtail is the most widespread.

Do male and female butterflies look different from each other? 

Everyone knows that the males and females of plenty of bird species have different plumage, and different body sizes, in some cases. Male and female butterflies have differences too. In some species, males have a thinner abdomen, for example, or differently-shaped forewings. But, in the southern reaches of their range, eastern tiger swallowtail females are, in many cases, nearly pitch black. Why? It’s likely an evolutionary adaptation. In areas of North America where the tiger swallowtail occupies the same habitat as the all-black pipevine swallowtail, this form of mimicry helps the lady tigers. Pipevine swallowtails taste nasty to bird predators, so a black outfit tricks birds into also avoiding any tiger swallowtails.

What does the tiger swallowtail eat? 

Along with nectar—which the butterfly identifies and samples using taste buds on its feet—butterflies drink the water from mud puddles. (This is why you might notice groups of them hanging around wet roadsides in the spring.) Males are especially fond of the salt they can suck up from the muddy side of the road. They need sodium, along with amino acids that they get from animal droppings and carcasses, to build up nutrients in their sperm capsules in time for mating. (The tiger swallowtail only produces one generation of offspring per year, so it has to count.)

What does a tiger swallowtail caterpillar look like? 

Tiger swallowtail babies aren’t pretty: they’re tiny and look like black-and-white bird droppings. As they get older, the caterpillars turn green, with yellow or orange black-dotted spots positioned behind their heads. This is another mimicry strategy. The spots look like eyes, which makes the caterpillar appear a little like a fat green snake. (At least to a predator.) But the caterpillars also have a defence strategy if an ant, spider, or parasitic wasp attacks. A tiny fork-shaped appendage springs out from behind the caterpillar’s head, and produces a gross smell to deter the potential predator. It must work—who would eat something attached to a stinky fork?

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Cottage Life

10 events happening in Canadian cottage country this Easter

Photo by Yuganov Konstantin/shutterstock

The arrival of spring means for many families, Easter is just around the corner. If you plan on spending the long weekend at the cottage, hop to it with these ten events for kids and adults that are happening in cottage country across Canada over the Easter weekend.

Easter Egg Hunt

When: April 15
Where: Bracebridge, Ont.

Hosted by the Bracebridge Agricultural Society, the third annual Easter egg hunt is back for Muskoka cottagers. Don’t forget to BYOB (bring your own basket). Click here for more details.

Nutty Chocolatier Egg Hunt

When: April 17
Where: Huntsville, Ont.

Another fun community event with free admission, Muskoka Heritage Place is where to be for this egg hunt, especially if you have kids 10 or younger. Thousands of eggs are up for grabs, including rare golden eggs which come with a prize courtesy of the Nutty Chocolatier.

Click here for more details.

Easter Art Walk

When: April 17
Where: South Pender Island, B.C.

Perfect for the artsy cottage-goer, this South Pender tradition is back for its 23rd year. The Easter Art walk is a great opportunity to check out South Pender’s talented artists and their work. Revel in the different art mediums including hand-crafted jewelry, and unique stained-glass pieces on your self-guided tour.

Click here for more details.

Easter Quiplash

When: April 16
Where: Gibsons, B.C.

Kids aren’t the only ones who get to have some fun this Easter. If the traditional egg hunt isn’t your jam, head to Gibsons Tapworks for a side-splitting game of Quiplash.  Tickets are $10 a person for the event or join in on the fun for free as an audience member. Click here for more details.

Lions Egg Hunt

When: April 17
Where: Sechelt, B.C.

Join in on the annual Easter egg hunt in Sechelt. There are around 2,000 eggs hidden in Porpoise Bay Provincial Park. All that eggs-ploring calls for some food and refreshments, which you can find at the concession stand on site. Click here for more details.

ECO-EGG Event

When: April 16
Where: Lindsay, Ont.

Cottaging in Kawartha Lakes? Gamiing Nature Centre is putting on a kid-friendly event with tons of activities. Spend the day enjoying the fresh air while your kids learn more about nature, the signs of spring, and, you guessed it, an egg scavenger hunt. Click here for more details.

Easter on the Farm

When: April 15
Where: Little Britain, Ont.

Calling all Paw Patrol fans, this is the event for you. This farm event gives kids the opportunity to take part in a Paw Patrol-themed scavenger hunt and a meet and greet with characters. There are plenty of other activities to do on the farm like going for a pony ride or indulging in some sweet treats from the bake sale. Click here for more details.

Easter at the Eddie

When: April 17
Where: Prince Edward County, Ont.

Enjoy a delicious Sunday brunch at the Eddie Hotel and Farm. The Eddie is an iconic venue situated in the heart of Prince Edward County. Reserve your spot now for an egg hunt with gorgeous scenery and a hearty meal afterwards. The Easter Egg Hunt gets underway at 10:30 a.m. Click here for more details.

Easter at the Mountain

When: April 15-18
Where: Eastern Townships, Que.

If you’re looking to stay active this Easter, there’s still time to hit the slopes before the seasons are over. One of Québec’s popular ski resorts, Mont SUTTON, is holding an Easter event perfect for sports lovers. Click here for more details.

Easter Movie Screening

When: April 16
Where: Annapolis Royal, N.S.

Last, but certainly not least, kick back and enjoy a movie that’s perfect for the whole family. King’s Theatre will be screening Zootopia with free admission in the spirit of Easter. Zootopia is a critically acclaimed film that won an Academy Award in 2017 for Best Animated Feature. Mark the date now, movie-lovers. Click for more details.

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Cottage Life

5 ways to spend less on gas

Photo by Syda Productions / Shutterstock

With fuel prices escalating of late, now is the ideal time to revisit fuel efficiency with a few helpful tips on how drivers can spend less on gas by making fewer trips to the pump.

Tip #1: Do your maintenance

A properly maintained vehicle will consistently outperform a neglected unit, and therefore use less fuel. Regular service is essential but there are several do-it-yourself tasks which owners can, and should, perform on a weekly or, at a bare minimum, monthly basis. If possible, set a regular scheduled day for this, perhaps the 1st weekend of every month.

First, check the fluid levels under the hood (oil, coolant etc.). Also, this is the perfect time to top off that windshield washer fluid.

Second, monitor your tire pressure—underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of poor fuel economy. In fact, a drop of just a few pounds (lbs) of air pressure could reduce your fuel economy by as much as 10-15%. It is also a serious safety issue which can lead to accidents. Typically, recommended pressures are to be found on the decal inside the driver’s door or on the driver’s door pillar. Failing that, they can be found in the owner’s handbook.

This task should be performed when the tires are cold and, if possible, refrain from using gas station gauges as they are notoriously inaccurate. Personally, I use a quality dial style pressure gauge (available at any good automotive store) and my advice is don’t cheap out.  A quality brand product might cost a little more but it will supply years of service. I also carry a small portable compressor in my vehicle, just in case. Again, I would recommend purchasing quality (I carry a cordless battery-pack DEWALT unit). Should you go this route, a rather accurate pressure gauge is already built into the unit.

Tip # 2: Learn to drive smoothly & efficiently

Drivers tend to believe that it’s their accelerator pedal which burns all the fuel, yet unnecessary use of the braking system can certainly waste fuel. Why use up all that forward energy by hitting the brakes unnecessarily?

So keep your eyes up and read the road ahead—if that traffic light has been green for a while now, there’s a very good chance that it will soon turn red. Be prepared for this. In fact, a quick glance at the pedestrian countdown numbers used on many intersections today is a great indicator of when that change might happen. Coasting smoothly to a stop will not only save on your fuel bill, but also the wear and tear costs of your braking system.

When pulling away, try to roll gently onto the accelerator pedal rather than stab at it. Smoothness truly is the key to greater fuel economy. In fact, master the art of smooth driving and you could realize savings of as much as 20 per cent or more, depending on the size and type of your vehicle.

Many years ago, I was trained as a chauffeur and this is what I was taught during that training; visualize your grandmother sitting in your back seat sipping on a glass of sherry and drive accordingly. Try it, it works!

Tip # 3: Declutter your vehicle

We all do it! Throw items in the trunk and forget about them. I had a friend once who carried a full set of golf clubs, just in case! That’s like constantly carrying an extra person in your vehicle! So it’s a good idea to go through your vehicle every now and then with the mindset of decluttering and discarding unnecessary weight.

This particularly applies to racks and roof-mounted storage boxes. While useful when you need them, if you’re using them less than once a month, I‘d suggest that the few minutes required to remove them is well worth it. The wind resistance/drag alone from these can easily cause a drop of between 5-10 per cent in fuel economy, again depending your car’s size and type.

The best roof racks for cottagers on the market, according to experts

Tip # 4: Don’t be idle

Sitting in an idling vehicle gets you nowhere, but it does burn fuel. So whenever possible, the golden rule is, 60 seconds or more, switch off your engine. I’m particularly mindful of this when it comes to drive-through restaurants. My own rule is, more than 3-4 vehicles in the lineup, I simply park up and go inside.

Idling a vehicle is possibly the greatest waste of fuel. When you truly think about it, it is 100 per cent inefficient in fuel terms, so there are considerable savings to be had by reducing this.

Tip # 5: Use the tools you’ve got

Most modern vehicles have a host of features designed to assist drivers (eco mode etc.) and one of my favourites is the instant fuel economy display. Drive utilizing this feature and you’ll soon learn how to save fuel.

In town, it will teach you the foolishness of being heavy footed and, on the highway, you will learn precisely where your vehicle’s sweet spot is (all vehicles have a “cruising sweet spot”). The difference of a few kph can produce a huge change to fuel economy, especially over a long distance trip.

Make use of this display and watch those numbers for just a few weeks and you will most certainly become a far more fuel efficient driver.

Safe driving tips for Canada’s varied landscapes

For your drive: Reader picks for where to find Ontario’s best butter tarts

 

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Cottage Life

Cottage Q&A: Can I save my dying tree?

By menegue/Shutterstock

At my cottage, there is a mature cedar tree standing on the shoreline. My father built the original cottage in 1961, and from old photos, I can guess that this tree was just starting to grow back then. Today it must be more than 50 feet tall. Over the past few years, the top branches have lost their foliage. It appears that these branches are dead with some moss growing on them. Is this a sign that the tree is at the end of its life? Is there anything I can do to prevent or slow this process down, for example, provide nutrients to the tree to better its health?—Eric Hintermueller, Lake Labelle, Que.

A 60-year-old cedar isn’t old, so it shouldn’t be at the end of its natural life. “Cedars can live to 200 years,” says Sylvia Greifenhagen, a research forester with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Natural Resources and Forestry. “Some, even longer.”

So something’s obviously wrong, and “if there’s moss growing on the dead material, that suggests that it has been dead for some time.” That said, pruning away the dead parts of the tree could help, says Greifenhagen. “It may stimulate more buds to form on the living branchlets and produce more new foliage.” Of course, 50 feet is tall. “Pruning might not be feasible,” Greifenhagen admits.

Knowing what has caused the dieback would help you figure out how to rehab the tree. But that’s impossible to diagnose without close inspection of the tree. It could be a problem with the roots or the soil. It could be a disease. It could be a pest, which would leave cankers, exit holes, or webbing one could see “if one feels like taking out a magnifying glass,” says Leilak Anderson, an arborist in Wakefield, Que. Or it could be the weather, something as simple as a hot, dry summer. Often with trees, it’s a combination of factors that lead to demise. “A tree can become weak from a stressful environment of foot traffic and soil compaction, and then be attacked by pests, causing a quick decline,” says Anderson.

None of this information is actually helping you save your tree. You probably need an expert to investigate in person. Anderson suggests looking for an arborist near you, in your case, through the Société internationale d’arboriculture Québec. Meanwhile, try helping your cedar in the same way that you’d help any stressed tree. Give it water during times of drought—long, deep, once-a-week soaks to mimic rainfall. “Use a hose with low water pressure near the base of the tree and move it around within an hour’s time,” says Anderson. And mulch: do a layer two to four inches deep, fanned out so it’s covering the tree’s roots, not mounded around the trunk.

This article was originally published in the Winter 2021 issue of Cottage Life magazine.

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

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Cottage Life

Dremel rotary tool review: add this to your cottage arsenal

Photo by Amazon

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Rotary tools, known generically by the brand name Dremel, are common in the craft world, but they are a great addition to your cottage tool box. When tackling a project that requires the finesse of small hand tools but the oomph of a power tool, a rotary tool is the perfect fit. Here are a few jobs that will be a breeze with one:

 1. Refinish a peeling railing instead of replacing it. Regular sanders can deal with large, flat areas but are a pain in tight spots. Fit a rotary tool with an abrasive disc or bit to make detail sanding less painful. 

 2. Replacing a broken tile? Try spinning a carbide bit to make quick work of removing hard-to-reach grout.

 3. Snapped the head off a screw? Use a small cut-off wheel to grind a slot in the remaining shaft and remove the screw with a flathead screwdriver.

An entry level Dremel tool will run about $50, and the price goes up for additional features such as variable speed or more power for heavier work. There are also cordless models available for increased convenience and mobility. If you’re only going to use your tool occasionally, there are a ton of inexpensive, lesser-known brands, just make sure the one that you choose has a universal chuck that will accept bits from different manufacturers. That way, you can pick up new attachments from a variety of sources.

a dremel rotary tool on a yellow background Photo by Amazon
tools

Dremel 7760-N/10 Lite Cordless Multi-Purpose Rotary Tool Kit

Buy from Home Hardware
$59.99

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$50.80

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Bathe in the temperate rainforest on Haida Gwaii at these cabin rentals among the trees

Photo courtesy of VRBO

Known as the Canadian Galápagos, Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the west coast of British Columbia teeming with wildlife. The islands are home to unique sub-species not found anywhere else in the world, including the saw-whet owl, hairy woodpecker, steller’s jay, and Peale’s peregrine falcon.

Beyond the unique wildlife, Haida Gwaii introduces visitors to British Columbia’s rugged wilderness with isolated beaches and scenic hikes through the area’s temperate rainforests. If you’re interested in taking in some culture, the archipelago, which resides in Haida territory, features totem poles and longhouses from some of the oldest examples of coastal First Nations’ villages.

Regardless of your interests, Haida Gwaii is the ultimate wilderness retreat, allowing you to relax and reset from city life. Be sure to check the Council of Haida Nation’s website for updated COVID-19 protocols before booking your trip.

Cottage Exterior

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

Masset Beach House

Cottage Living Room

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

Masset Beach House

Cottage Dining Room

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

Masset Beach House

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

Masset Beach House

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

Masset Beach House

Cottage Deck

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

Masset Beach House

On a clear day, you can see Alaska from the balcony of this Haida Gwaii cottage rental. The oceanfront property is a short drive from the Delkatla Nature Sanctuary, Naikoon Provincial Park, and Tow Hill—a massive, volcanic plug on the north tip of Graham Island.

Location: Masset, B.C.

Price: Averages $375 per night

Sleeps: 5

Bedrooms: 2

Notes:

  • Ocean view
  • Beach access
  • Internet included
  • Laundry on site
  • Outdoor fire pit
  • Pets welcome

Click here to book

 

Cottage Exterior

Photo by VRBO/Rachel Houston

Sunrise Cabin

Cottage Patio

Photo by VRBO/Rachel Houston

Sunrise Cabin

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by VRBO/Rachel Houston

Sunrise Cabin

Cottage Dining Area

Photo by VRBO/Rachel Houston

Sunrise Cabin

Cottage Living Room

Photo by VRBO/Rachel Houston

Sunrise Cabin

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by VRBO/Rachel Houston

Sunrise Cabin

This newly built Haida Gwaii cottage rental offers sunrise views from anywhere in the house. Enjoy easy access to some of the area’s best river fishing; play a round at nearby Willows Golf Course; or check out the rugged wilderness of Grey Bay’s beach, a 30-minute drive away.

Location: Sandspit, B.C.

Price: Averages $180 per night

Sleeps: 4

Bedrooms: 2

Notes:

  • Private beach access
  • Ocean view
  • Internet included
  • Laundry on site
  • BBQ available for use
  • Outdoor fire pit
  • $30 pet fee

Click here to book

 

Tent Exterior

Photo by VRBO/dsfds

Rainforest Tent

Tent Bedroom

Photo by VRBO/dsfds

Rainforest Tent

Tent Deck

Photo by VRBO/dsfds

Rainforest Tent

Tent Bathroom

Photo by VRBO/dsfds

Rainforest Tent

Tent Hot Tub

Photo by VRBO/dsfds

Rainforest Tent

Tent Boardwalk

Photo by VRBO/dsfds

Rainforest Tent

Commune with nature at the Haida Gwaii Glamping Co. Rent a 300 sq. ft. deluxe tent with a queen-sized bed, washroom, and cooking appliances. This suite has a private en-suite bathroom including a shower, sink, and flushing toilet. Take a walk along the boardwalk, soak in the outdoor hot tub, or relax with a continental breakfast in the Social Dome.

Location: Tlell, B.C.

Price: Averages $388 per night

Sleeps: 6

Bedrooms: 1

Notes:

  • Beach access
  • Outdoor hot tub
  • Outdoor fire pit
  • Internet included
  • BBQ available for use
  • Kayaks available for use
  • Boardwalk hiking trails

Click here to book

 

Cottage Fire Pit

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

South Beach Cottage

Cottage Dining Area

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

South Beach Cottage

Cottage Kitchen

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

South Beach Cottage

Cottage Bedroom

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

South Beach Cottage

Cottage Living Room

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

South Beach Cottage

Cottage Koi Pond

Photo by VRBO/Jody Grange

South Beach Cottage

Offering an ocean view, this Haida Gwaii suite comes with an outdoor fire pit and its own koi pond. The rental provides a private path to the beach and borders the quiet serenity of Naikoon Provincial Park.

Location: Masset, B.C.

Price: Averages $375 per night

Sleeps: 4

Bedrooms: 1

Notes:

  • Beach access
  • Internet included
  • Laundry on site
  • Outdoor fire pit
  • Can also rent out the entire house which accommodates 9 people

Click here to book

 

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Cottage Life

Cobourg man ensures future of fragile ecosystem with land donation to NCC

Photo by Chelsea Marcantonio/NCC

The Hazel Bird Nature Reserve is expanding its hectarage thanks to a land donation made by a nature-loving southern Ontario man to the Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC). The donation expands the reserve by one-third, or by 40 hectares, to more than 150 hectares.

In 1996, when John O’Neill and his late partner Colin Jones purchased their property, they did not understand its ecosystem, O’Neill says. 

“We knew next to nothing about tallgrass prairie or oak savannahs.”

It was only after talking with local and provincial naturalists, including Hazel Bird herself, that the pair began to appreciate the rare and special ecosystem on their land in southern Ontario. Hazel Bird was a Canadian naturalist known for her work in restoring the bluebird population of Northumberland County.

“We observed firsthand how this rare ecosystem was threatened by expanding resource development and creeping urban sprawl, and by invasive non-native plant species,” O’Neill explained.

Rare tallgrass prairies are the result of wildfires, ensuing nutrient-rich soils and large mammals grazing, and the ecosystem is characterized by wildflowers and two-metre-tall, grass-like bluestem and switchgrass. An oak savannah is an open-canopy ecosystem, featuring fire-resistant oak trees.

“We agreed that we should somehow find a way to preserve it and protect it from development.” In 2011, when the NCC created the Hazel Bird Nature Reserve just south of  Jones and O’Neill’s land, the idea of gifting the land to the conservation group came to them.

The Rice Lake Plains, where Hazel Bird Nature Reserve is nestled, covers more than 40,000 hectares of land, stretching from the eastern end of Oak Ridges Moraine and southeast of Peterborough.

Loss of this cornerstone habitat means biodiversity loss impacting already-threatened species like the monarch butterfly, the red-headed woodpecker, the Karner Blue and the milkshake. 

“After Colin’s death in 2013, the issue of what to do with the land became more urgent for me,” O’Neill says.  The degree of degradation from invasive species became more pressing, particularly when he compared his land to that of the Hazel Bird reserve.

“The defining moment for me,” O’Neill says, “was the day I walked to the highest point on the land, and my panoramic view of Rice Lake was completely blocked by [invasive] Scots pine.” 

Man stands on top of cut Scots pine trees
NCC Ontario Board Chair Paul Genest stands next to a pile of non-native Scots pine trees that were removed from a property donated to NCC. Photo by Chelsea Marcantonio/NCC.

Historically, the Rice Lake Plains are home to tallgrass prairies and oak savannah, dominated by massive black and white oak. 

Today, the oak savannah and tallgrass prairie of the Rice Lake Plains are badly fragmented and overgrown with non-native species, like Scots pine, the European Buckthorn and Giant Hogweed.

“Donating the land to the NCC during my lifetime seemed a logical solution,” says O’Neill. The contribution would allow the NCC to begin rehabilitation sooner, rather than later, letting O’Neill watch the ecosystem’s restoration unfold before his eyes.

The Nature Conservancy of Canada aims to accelerate conservation initiatives across the country, developing solutions to both biodiversity loss and climate change.

“I am very pleased that the NCC will be managing this land and bringing it back to something like it was before the settlement of southern Ontario,” O’Neill said.  

With the NCC’s permanent and large-scale conservation efforts, the gifted land will always serve as a reminder of Colin Jones’ and John O’Neill’s long-lasting love of nature.

“The land will be protected forever from development and the native plants and animals will thrive on it.”

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Cottage Life

Features that make your deck the ultimate living space

These days, thanks in part to flexible schedules and remote work, many of us are spending more time than ever at our cottages. So it’s only natural that some of us are looking to modernize and improve our properties—renovations and updates can make rooms and spaces significantly more comfortable and enjoyable, all while adding to a cottage’s value and potential rental rate. 

One of the best ways to increase your cottage’s living space is to expand to the outdoors. Building a new deck or replacing an existing one with Voyage Composite high-performance decking by Deckorators, available at Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Building Centre stores, instantly upgrades your outdoor living space and allows you and your family to spend even more time together in nature. 

Deckorators Voyage Composite mineral-based decking offers a comparable look and feel to wood, but requires almost no maintenance. Unlike with wood, you won’t have to worry about issues like splinters, cracks, or water absorption. Voyage also comes with a limited 50-year structural warranty and a 25-year warranty against stains and fading. Additionally, the embossed texture provides good traction and is easy to clean, and it’s available in a variety of colours and board widths. But it’s what you build with a material that really matters, so here are five must-have features to incorporate into your new dream deck. 

Multi-level spaces

Multi-tier designs can help you make the most of your outdoor space, and take your deck from standard to exceptional. A multi-level deck complements the topology of your property, enhances the exterior look of your cottage, and creates dedicated spaces for your favourite outdoor activities, whether they include outdoor yoga, sunbathing, or dining alfresco. 

With Deckorators Voyage Composite Decking, you’ll have your choice of colours and board widths, so you can design a stylish, custom deck that truly fits your cottage. Then you can add details like picture-frame deck edging, contemporary railings, and decorative screen panels to complete the look.

Built-in seating

You never know when your weekend guest list will overflow, but you can reduce the need for buying and storing extra patio furniture by adding some built-in seating that welcomes guests and encourages outdoor lounging. This could take the form of simple benches or more comprehensive built-in elements that offer natural conversation nooks—and could even include built-in storage for your outdoor seat cushions and pillows. Set in the right spot, the seating could become a cozy reading corner or your new favourite spot for watching the sunset. 

A grilling and serving space

Serious about entertaining and outdoor dining at the cottage? Consider adding a dedicated grilling and serving space on your deck, complete with outdoor appliances, countertop space for food prep and presentation, and even some sun coverage for the grill master. To enhance the look of this dedicated space, you can use Voyage Composite Decking in a contrasting colour or pattern to highlight its boundaries and draw attention to the borders. 

Overhead coverage

For spaces that get a lot of direct sun, adding an overhead structure or deck cover over one or more parts of the deck can significantly improve its general usability. The overhead cover, made with Voyage Composite Decking in a matching or complementary colour, should fit the overall look and proportions of your deck whether you go for a small, open arbour; a flat-roof pergola; or a full-coverage gazebo. 

A screened-in dining area

From quiet breakfasts to big dinners that celebrate life’s milestones, eating outdoors is an important part of life at the lake. For your new dream deck, consider building a covered, screened-in dining area to fit groups big and small. You’ll be able to enjoy the sights and sounds of the lake without having to worry about insects and other pests or exposure to sun or rain, and your dining furniture and tabletop accessories will also be better protected from the elements. 

Ready to take the next step in building your dream deck? Learn more about the benefits of building with Voyage Composite Decking, available at Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Building Centre stores.

 

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Cottage Life

Ontario cottage regions with the biggest and lowest price jumps in 2021

Illustrations by Taylor Kristan

Real estate company Royal LePage has released its 2022 Recreational Property report. The company’s prediction: Cottage prices will continue to increase at a dizzying pace.

According to the report, the average price of a recreational property in Canada, which includes secondary properties, such as cottages, chalets, cabins, and waterfront properties, will increase by 13 per cent in 2022 to $640,710.

“The factors challenging Canada’s residential real estate market—chronic low supply and growing demand—are amplified in the recreational property segment,” said Phil Soper, president and CEO of Royal LePage, in the report. “Demand for recreational properties continues to vastly outstrip inventory in many cottage regions across the country. Waterfront and mountain-top locations near cities are limited by nature, even in a vast land like Canada, forcing buyers into multiple-offer scenarios.”

Ontario led the charge in 2021, recording the country’s highest recreational property price appreciation with a 34.6 per cent increase from 2020. The average price for an Ontario recreational property in 2021 was $653,000. Royal LePage predicts that number will jump to $737,890—a 13 per cent increase—in 2022.

A cottage on the water will cost you even more. In 2021, recreational waterfront properties in Ontario sold for an average of $888,000, second only to British Columbia, which saw prices soar above $2 million.

YOY increase of waterfront property price in Ontario

All of Ontario’s cottage regions saw a price hike in 2021, but some more than others. When it came to waterfront properties, the Land O’ Lakes, an hour north of Kingston, saw the biggest jump with a 60.7 per cent increase, the average price rising from $450,000 in 2020 to $723,000 in 2021. This was followed by Orillia, with a 51 per cent increase from $788,000 in 2020 to $1,190,000 in 2021–making it the most expensive cottage market in Ontario.

Even with international travel expected to pick up this summer, cottage demand continues to be strong as buyers look for a vacation property to escape the city. “It’s early days, but we are seeing absolutely zero impact, given the ability to travel, on the market so far,” says Susan Benson, a real estate broker in Muskoka.

Who are the buyers?

Millennials are out in full force, she says, in both the residential and cottage markets. With the ability to work remotely, many are looking for options outside of the city. Baby boomers are also having a significant impact on cottage real estate.

“The thought people had was that baby boomers were going to quietly downsize and head off into the sunset. Well, that’s not happening,” Benson says. “They are typically approaching, or into retirement and…they are cashing out of wherever they are, coming to this market, and buying their dream home, which may very well be on the water.”

According to the Royal LePage report, 36 per cent of Ontario’s boomers are considering purchasing a new residence within the next five years. Fifty-six per cent of that group is considering buying in a cottage region. That means that over the next five years, Ontario could see an additional 729,000 people enter the cottage real estate market.

Low inventory continues to drive up prices

A second factor driving up cottage prices is the low inventory rates. Out of the 151 real estate professionals surveyed in the Royal LePage report, 84 per cent said that their region has fewer recreational properties for sale this year than last year.

According to Benson, as of the end of March, there were 95 waterfront properties available in the Lakelands Real Estate Board North area, which includes Algonquin Highlands, Bracebridge, Dysart et al, Georgian Bay Township, Gravenhurst, Highlands East, Huntsville, Lake of Bays, Minden Hills, Muskoka Lakes, Parry Sound, Severn, and The Archipelago. That inventory is down 39.9 per cent compared to the same time last year, and down 73.9 per cent compared to March 2020.

Cottage owners have held onto their properties during the pandemic rather than selling. This has caused multi-offer scenarios, with the selling price often eclipsing the asking price. According to the majority of real estate agents surveyed in the Royal LePage report, 75 per cent of recreational properties in Ontario are selling above asking price.

What isn’t selling and why

As long as you implement the right strategy, there are few cottages that won’t sell right now, Benson says. “We are seeing some properties not sell, but it’s where the price they’ve selected is misaligned with what they’re offering.”

Not all Ontario cottage regions saw major price jumps in 2021. Haliburton County recorded the smallest change with the average waterfront price rising 14 per cent from $700,000 in 2020 to $801,000 in 2021. Anthony vanLieshout, the broker of record for Royal LePage Lakes of Haliburton, says you should take this number with a grain of salt.

“If you have one or two high-end, big sales, all of a sudden those numbers become a portion,” he says. “I’m not of the mindset that Haliburton wouldn’t have seen similar appreciation to any other cottage area. It’s exceedingly robust.”

vanLieshout has, however, started to notice some hesitation on high-end properties, particularly the ones listed for over $1.5 million.

“Low inventory, that’ll probably keep the prices where they are, but interest rates may be going up and gas prices…Now it’s $100 to go to the cottage back and forth,” he says. “I think we’re going to see a stabilization. It’s maybe already started.”

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Cottage Life

How to avoid falling victim to a bad cottage real estate deal in a hot market

Photo by fizkes/Shutterstock

Low inventory of recreational property is forcing buyers to compete against multiple-interested parties, often driving the cottage’s price well above asking.

With cottages forecasted to remain a hot commodity this year, according to Royal LePage’s 2022 Recreational Property Report, inventory across the country is expected to remain low, driving up the average price of a Canadian cottage by 13 per cent to $640,710.

“What we are seeing in this market is, generally speaking, fewer buyers are competing for the same property, but those buyers are highly qualified, very serious, and highly motivated,” explained Susan Benson, a real estate broker in Muskoka. “In almost all cases, they have lost out in a previous competing situation. So, by the time they get to one that they really want, they’re invested.”

To make themselves more appealing to sellers, many buyers are presenting firm offers, forgoing property research to close the deal fast and eschewing conditions, such as a home inspection. The issue with skipping these steps is that you could end up paying over asking price only to discover major problems with the property that will cost you extra.

No matter how badly you want a cottage, there are certain steps you shouldn’t compromise on. Here’s everything you need to do, to avoid falling victim to a bad real estate deal in a hot market.

Work with a local realtor

It may seem wise to save some cash by handling real estate negotiations yourself, but without a realtor there is a lot you can miss. “They will surround you with a team of experts and resources that can help guide you through what is a really challenging time [in the cottage market],” Benson says.

In particular, you want to partner with a local realtor, someone who knows what’s available in the area and can help you find the type of cottage you want. Knowledge of the area’s geography and nearby services makes a local realtor better equipped to brief you on any foreseeable issues with the property, whether the property’s overpriced, and whether it’s worth engaging in a bidding war.

Use a home inspector

The last thing you want is to purchase a cottage only to find out it has a cracked foundation, a rotting boathouse, or a long list of other problems that could require further investment. The best way to avoid any surprise renovations, Benson says, is to hire a home inspector.

“We’ll have a home inspector look online at the listing pictures just to see if there are any obvious red flags,” Benson says. “If our buyers really like the place, and we’ve gone to see it, we will try to arrange a second showing for the home inspector.”

The issue with this is that COVID has affected showing times. Previously, potential buyers routinely had an hour to look over the property, but in many cases, this viewing window has been shortened to 30 minutes.

“That’s a real challenge,” Benson says. “But [a home inspector] has a critical eye that can pick up on unanticipated maintenance costs, such as a boathouse and docks, to get a sense of the condition they’re in, and the condition of the crib or structural supports. If something’s wrong, that can be a really expensive unanticipated cost.”

Speak to neighbours

As a realtor, Benson says she often speaks with cottage neighbours on behalf of the buyer. “Now that we’re two years into COVID, there are many, many more people actually living full time in cottage country. So, it’s usually very easy to find a neighbour, and they’ll give you all kinds of insights.”

By speaking with neighbours, not only will you get a sense of what the area has to offer, but you’ll also get a better idea of who you’ll be residing next to. There’s always a chance that the neighbouring property could be a cottage rental known for hosting large, rowdy groups.

Research the property

Your prospective cottage may look great during the summer, but without proper research you could have no idea that it sits in a floodplain. Or, if buying during the winter, you may be won over by the four-season access, but what happens when the ice melts and you’re left with a weedy shoreline.

Neighbours can help provide this information, but Benson also suggests looking at a topographical map of the area to see if flooding could be an issue. While you’re at it, you should also research the property’s zoning information.

“You might think your cottage is in the middle of nowhere, but in fact, you’re near a proposed or approved development, particularly in proximity to places that are zoned under a resort zoning, or in proximity to a marina,” Benson says. “You want to make sure it’s the right location.”

Having a solid grasp of the property’s zoning will let you know whether you’re allowed to rebuild, renovate, or add any new structures. It’ll also avoid any nasty surprises, such as having to purchase the cottage’s shoreline or road access from the municipality.

Should you purchase the shoreline road allowance when you buy a waterfront property?

Choose a reliable mortgage broker

Similar to your realtor, a good mortgage broker should know the cottage market. That way, they can help you pick a financing plan that fits both you and your property’s needs.

“What you don’t want is to pay a premium price for a property and then have after-the-fact money problems that turn what was supposed to be a dream into an absolute nightmare,” Benson says.

This is particularly true for foreign buyers or anyone looking to use the cottage as a rental, she adds. “You really have to understand the tax implications of that.”

When choosing a mortgage broker, Benson says you need to make sure their focus is on you as a client. “What I would say about a really good broker is that they’re very responsive to questions and are willing to take the time to educate a buyer about the implications of what they may be borrowing…and are willing to look at options beyond a very specific portfolio of lending options. The broader the better.”