Author: Cottage Life

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Cottage Life

One hour is all it takes to salvage a busted lamp

Photo by Bradley Reinhardt

Table and floor lamps can have a long life. But as they age, their three main electrical components—socket, cord, and plug—may need to be replaced. With a few simple techniques that make sure you do it safely, about $20, and an hour of your time, you can have a like-new, rewired lamp. 

Start by unplugging the lamp and removing the shade and bulb. With a screwdriver or a strong pair of hands, remove the upper shell of the socket. The socket shell, the sleeve, and the base (which is usually secured onto a threaded rod with a set screw) can be reused if they’re in good shape. If the shell is metal, make sure that you check that the cardboard insulation sleeve inside is intact. 

If you are just replacing a damaged lamp cord, unscrew the wires from the socket terminals. It’s probably best, though, to replace the socket itself while you’re at it, since the switch often breaks over time. In that case, unscrew the socket base from the lamp, leaving the old cord attached. You can use that old cord as a pull wire, attaching old to new, to get the replacement up from the base to the socket. 

Whenever you’re wiring, it’s important to know which wire is which. The side of the new lamp cord with raised ridges or printing is the neutral conductor. That wire goes to the silver screw on the socket. The other wire, on the smooth side, is hot; it goes to the brass screw. 

With the wires identified and threaded through the secured socket base, pull the two wires apart for a few inches to create two single wires. Then tie them into an underwriter’s knot. If anyone pulls on the cord, this knot prevents damage to the wire or the terminal connections.

Strip the end of each wire, wrap it clockwise around the corresponding terminal screw, and tighten it. Everything else goes back together just as it was when you started.

You’ll save time (and often money) by buying a lamp cord with the plug already attached, but if you’re only replacing the plug, be careful that you attach the wires correctly. It’s the same principle as in the socket. The ridged, neutral wire connects to the wide prong on the plug. Those different-sized prongs mean you can only plug the lamp in one way—the safe way.

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Cottage Life

Track saw review: our expert picks

Photo by DeWalt

Our editorial team independently selects these products. If you choose to buy any, we may earn a commission that helps fund our content. Learn more.

Need to cut plywood and other sheet goods? Track saws combine the portability and flexibility of a hand-held circular saw with the precision of a table saw. Just lay down the tool’s aluminum track wherever you want to cut, then clamp it to the sheet. Interlock the saw with the track and make your cut. The saw slides wiggle-free along the track, eliminating any of the side-to-side deviations inevitable with a hand-held circ saw. A replaceable, rubbery strip on the track edge presses against the sheet right next to the blade, so even chip-prone materials, such as melamine-coated MDF, cut with a perfectly smooth edge every time.

Although you could use this saw to cut dimensional lumber such as 2x6s and 2x8s, the tool is really meant for plywood, particleboard, melamine, OSB, and similar materials. And while it can’t do everything a table saw can, a track saw is more portable and far more compact.

That’s not all. Table saws are great for multiple cuts that are parallel to one edge of the sheet, but track saws have the advantage for angled cuts. Say you need to cut a wedge-shaped piece of ply tapering from 20″ wide at one end to 10″ at the other. Place the track along the cutting line and go—no complex set-up or special jigs needed. I own two—a Festool (about $900 for a saw and track kit) and a Dewalt model (about $800 for a kit). Both work very well. Other manufacturers are bringing out less expensive versions as these saws become more mainstream.

festool track saw kit on a yellow background Photo by Festool
tools

Festool Plunge Cut Track Saw TS 55 REQ-F-Plus-FS

Buy from Festool
$899

dewalt track saw on a green background Photo by DeWalt
tools

DeWalt 60V Max Brushless 6-1/2 in. Track Saw Kit

Buy from DeWalt
$865

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Cottage Life

Port Colborne to introduce voluntary registration for cottage rentals

Photo by Shutterstock/Nathan Hutley Photography

During a city council meeting on February 22, Port Colborne councillors voted to introduce a voluntary registration program for short-term rental owners in the area. The city has been grappling with how to handle short-term rentals, including cottage rentals, since March 2020, when the issue first arose at city hall.

According to a staff report, there are an estimated 200 short-term rental properties in the Port Colborne area. Between June 1 and Labour Day 2021, the municipality received 53 complaints directly related to cottage rentals. Surrounding areas, such as Niagara, have begun introducing licensing measures, putting pressure on Port Colborne to take similar steps.

During a previous meeting, councillors tasked city staff with developing a proposal for a licensing program, one that could see rental owners lose their right to list their property if they had too many bylaw infractions.

In the staff report presented to the council, city clerk Amber LaPointe pointed out that this type of program would cost the city approximately $175,000 per year.

“What I was asking for was two staff members, one in licensing and then one in bylaws,” LaPointe said over the phone. “The bylaws staff would need a vehicle as well to be able to do that enforcement, so we estimated that would be the cost of the licensing regime.”

During the council meeting, it was also pointed out that bylaw only operates within certain hours. The police handle any complaints outside of those hours. But fire chief Scott Lawson said that bylaw can still fine rental owners off of a police report. The fine for a noise infraction currently sits at $201.

On top of stricter bylaw enforcement, a licensing program would also require city staff to continuously comb through booking sites, such as Airbnb and VRBO, to check for unlicensed cottage rentals.

“The biggest concern with licensing is that we will just be bogged down with paperwork in licensing all the ‘good guys,’ should we say, and won’t actually be able to capture the people who need to be licensed and won’t be able to enforce licensing with them,” LaPointe said during the February 22 meeting.

As a result, the licensing program was dismissed. Councillor Harry Wells proposed the voluntary registration program as an alternative. The program will include an education campaign that targets rental owners, neighbours, and the renters themselves.

“The purpose that staff feels this registration will have is building a strong relationship with those target groups, and just having that open communication with those renters, so we can provide them information and get information from them,” LaPointe said.

There will be no consequences for rental owners who choose not to register, but a rental property that appears on bylaw’s radar may be added to the list.

The voluntary registration program is set to start in mid-April. Owners who want to register will be able to do so on the Port Colborne website.

LaPointe said that city staff will monitor the program over the summer and report back to council with any findings in September.

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Cottage Life

Historic, 100-year-old Fernleigh Lodge for sale in North Frontenac

Photo Courtesy of Fernleigh Lodge

Looking back over 40 years ago, when Kevin Phillips was a young man growing up on Kashwakamak Lake, in North Frontenac, Ont., an hour and a half drive north of Kingston, there were 20 to 22 resorts in the area. Today, there’s only one: Fernleigh Lodge. And it seems even its time has come.

Phillips is the current owner and can trace the lodge’s history back to 1905 when John Ahr from Buffalo, N.Y., bought the land for a fly-in fishing camp. To build the main lodge and cabins, trees were cut by hand and floated down to the 10-acre plot on Kashwakamak’s northern shore. Many of these buildings still stand today—with some upgrades. Ahr opened the lodge to guests in the early 1920s.

Fernleigh Lodge
Photo Courtesy of Fernleigh Lodge

“Fernleigh Lodge was the first of its kind in the area and a popular one at that,” Phillips writes on the lodge’s website.

Guests could fly in by floatplane or traverse a gruelling drive from Cloyne, Ont., along a one-lane dirt road. At the time, the lodge didn’t have electricity or indoor plumbing, and there was only one motorboat—with a two-horsepower motor. When heading out fishing, the lodge’s guides would tie the boats together in a long chain, letting the motorized boat pull them all down the lake.

Initially, the lodge was open to men only, but by the 1940s, women were allowed to accompany their husbands. Even with this early prohibition, from the day John Ahr first bought the land, Fernleigh always had a strong female presence, coming from Ahr’s wife, Girt, who managed the kitchen and cleaning staff.

“She was a tough but fair boss, and everything ran like clockwork,” Phillips writes.

Fernleigh Lodge
Photo Courtesy of Fernleigh Lodge

In 1961, Ahr died. Girt struggled to manage the lodge and passed it on to her nephew, John Green. It was during this time that Phillips and his parents, Lois and Arthur, started travelling north from their home in Ohio to vacation at Fernleigh Lodge each summer.

Around 1981, Green died in a plane crash, and Phillips, who was 25 at the time, and his parents, bought the lodge and moved to Ontario permanently. Over Phillips’ 40 years running Fernleigh, he says he’s accumulated a lot of good memories, but one stands out:

“My mom found out that my wife and I kind of eloped and wanted to be by ourselves and get married,” he says. “But she was sick when she found out about it, and she knew she was gonna pass, so she said, ‘You’re having a wedding at the lodge.’ And I walked her down the aisle here, so that was a pretty precious moment.”

Fernleigh Lodge
Photo Courtesy of Fernleigh Lodge

Phillips’ father died in 1995 and his mother in 2004. He and his wife, Melissa, have been running the lodge themselves for nearly 20 years. But the pandemic hit them hard. Before the border closed, American guests were their main source of revenue. In 2020 and 2021, they had to overhaul their business strategy.

“We did fill up with Canadians, and I’m very proud of it,” Phillips says. But the lodge wasn’t generating nearly as much revenue as it had before the pandemic. And new costs associated with disinfecting the cabins and lodge, plus keeping all 24 staff members employed took its toll. Phillips struggled to pay the lodge’s $15,000 per month mortgage.

“We went into debt,” he says.

The government covered 50 per cent of employees’ wages and provided the lodge with approximately $38,000 in grants, but Phillips says it hasn’t been enough to keep the business operating.

A number of other businesses in the area that were around since Phillips first started coming to Fernleigh Lodge in the 60s have already fallen victim to the pandemic, shuttering for good.

“I do not want to sell this place. It’s my life,” Phillips says. “But I’ve done everything I can.”

The lodge, which is currently listed with Royal LePage for $7.9 million, has already received some interest. One party even claims to be buying up old lodges around Canada to save them from being demolished.

If they do end up selling, Phillips says he hopes to stay on for a few years to make sure Fernleigh continues as a lodge and is run properly.

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Cottage Life

Gear up for spring at these bike repair shops on your way to cottage country

Photo by RossHelen/Shutterstock

Biking of all kinds has grown in popularity, especially throughout the pandemic—it’s an easy way for everyone to get fresh air and exercise. While biking is convenient for zipping through cities, more of us will be taking to rural roads as the warmer months approach. Luckily, these bike shops near and in Ontario cottage country will be there to get you set up. Whether you’re a new or experienced cyclist, these bike repair and service shops have something for everyone.

The Bike Asylum in Stouffville

The Bike Asylum is a great one-stop-shop for all bike needs, not just repairs; you can browse adult and children’s bikes, mountain bikes, and more. The staff also keep a regular blog on their website with tons of useful bike-related information if you’re headed out on a day ride with the kids or going on a multi-day adventure.

Ancaster Cycle Ltd. in Ancaster

This highly rated, widely reviewed shop in Ancaster provides extensive bike services and information. You can also join their classes and events and register your new bike with them for any ongoing service needs.

Total Sports: The Bike Shop in Midland

Don’t let the name throw you off; you don’t need to be a sports or even bike fanatic to take advantage of the great service at this place in Midland. They conduct repairs and offer advice about what to purchase if you’re new to biking or sport-related biking.

Parry Sound Bikes in Parry Sound

This shop is about more than just repairs—they offer all-season support for things like winter fat biking or even cross-country skiing—acting as a hub in the area for all kinds of activities. Of course, they’re also experts in bike repair, maintenance, and more.

Muskoka Bicycle Pro Shop in Huntsville

There’s no shortage of sporting goods or outdoor-related stores in Muskoka, and the Bicycle Pro Shop in Huntsville is among the best. They also have a good selection of bikes for sale and a handful that are typically discounted, so keep an eye out if you’re looking for a deal.

County Cycle in Beamsville

Located in the beautiful Niagara Region, County Cycle calls themselves a ‘bike boutique,’ with experts on hand to repair and maintain your wheels. They’re a full-service bike shop that also prioritizes selling Canadian bike brands.

Bikeland in Barrie

You can’t go wrong at Bikeland, where there’s a wide variety of bikes available for purchase, as well as regular bike servicing. If you’re interested in adding some equipment to your home gym, they also have indoor training models you can test out.

The Crank & Sprocket in Orillia

This local bike shop in Orillia services new and veteran riders and is open year-round for repairs, maintenance, and sales of all different types of bikes and bike apparel.

The Bike Garage in Lindsay

An excellent bike shop serving the Kawarthas area, The Bike Garage also has unique items to browse, including electric bikes. They also offer a variety of options for servicing and warranty on the bikes you purchase with them.

Yantha Cycle in Pembroke

This shop specializes in all different kinds of bikes, including mountain, sport, and motorcycles; it opened in 2008 when owner, Adama Yantha, had the vision for a high-quality bike shop in the Ottawa Valley. That vision has certainly come to life with Yantha Cycle, which performs all kinds of repairs and maintenance. Be sure to inquire in advance or book an appointment.

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Cottage Life

Life Below Zero and Life Below Zero: Canada stars get candid about living off-grid

Cottage Life is now in free preview nationwide. The new season of Life Below Zero: Canada premieres on March 22 at 9 p.m. ET. Life Below Zero, Series 2 with Sue Aikens airs throughout March from Monday-Friday at 1 p.m. ET. To get in on the adventures, find your channel and tune in!

Following the world broadcast premiere of Life Below Zero: Canada on Cottage Life in 2020, Becky Broderick quickly became the standout star, drawing comparisons to the hugely popular Sue Aikens from Life Below Zero. The 32-year-old mother of one from Prelude Lake, Northwest Territories, lives with her husband, Dene, their daughter, Thi, 3, and a team of 11 sled dogs. Becky had watched Life Below Zero with Sue Aikens before she was cast for the Canadian adaptation of the series. 

Ahead of the Season 2 premiere of Life Below Zero: Canada, Becky, and Sue sat down for a remote conversation to meet each other for the very first time on camera. Watch the three-part interview where the two discuss a wide array of topics including why they enjoy being alone and the moments where they’ve feared for their lives. Becky also responds to the public backlash she received for raising her daughter in the north and reveals a sweet surprise. Plus: a meet-up between the two stars could also be in the works. 

Life Below Zero: Canada follows the drama and hardships of a diverse group of characters in different corners of Northern Canada as they battle wildlife and weather during a long, dark, freezing winter. The new season reunites Cottage Life audiences with Becky Broderick (aka the “Sue Aikens of Canada”), Bentley Kakekayash, Kim Pasche, and Pierre-Yves Duc from Season 1 and introduces newcomer, Jonathan Grenier.

Watch the trailer below.

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Cottage Life

Our favourite morning activities at the cottage

Too often, evenings get all the glory in cottage country. And while we love late-night stargazing and campfire s’mores as much as anyone, we have to admit that the morning just might be the best part of a day at the lake. If you’re prone to sleeping in on weekends, this early-morning cottage itinerary might inspire you to wake with the sunrise and experience some of the best early-bird activities, along with a healthy, flavourful breakfast, such as those from Dorset Cereals.

Sipping fresh coffee on the dock

The definition of a “good cup of coffee” comes down to personal preference. Some cottagers fawn over locally roasted beans steeped in a French press. Others are fine with whatever drip-feed grounds a guest left behind. But one thing’s certain: the best way to enjoy the coffee of your choice is to slip out of bed before everyone else, brew it as quietly as possible, and sip it solo on the dock while you savour the sunrise over the lake. Because if there’s one thing in life that smells as good as Saturday’s first cup of coffee, it’s the heady scent of early-morning mist rolling off the water.

Paddling around a misty lake

Speaking of morning mist, if you’re a canoeist or kayaker, there’s no better time than the early morning to enjoy a paddle around the lake. Shortly after sunrise, before the water is ruffled by powerboats, you’ll be treated to total silence—aside from the rhythmic drip of your oar dipping beneath the surface. If you’re on a smaller lake, you might even share the water with a few industrious beavers shuttling the last branches of their night shift back to their dams. 

Savouring a simple, slow breakfast

It’s no secret that food takes centre stage at the cottage. When guests arrive for the weekend, there’s something both magical and hectic about preparing meals in a tiny kitchen. But the cottage is also about relaxing, so over the years we’ve honed a three-meal formula that keeps the drama at bay. For dinners, go all out with your guests. Assign duties for salads, sides, grilling, and cleanup, and then come together to enjoy the fruits of your labour. But for lunches and breakfasts, take a simpler route with grab-and-go options. That’s especially true for breakfast, as people might prefer to wake up at different times. Instead of starting your day stressed out in a cramped kitchen, try savouring a calm, slow morning with granola or muesli from Dorset Cereals. We’re partial to Dorset’s “Seductive choc cherry granola,” which blends cherries, nuts, and just enough dark chocolate to coax us out of bed.  

Enjoying a hike before the blackflies are buzzing

Canadians who live in humid regions love to moan about mosquitoes. And it’s a fair gripe—few things can ruin a walk in the woods like the faint din of thirsty pests buzzing around our heads. But between April and July, the real troublemakers in cottage country are the blackflies. Not only do they seem to home in on their targets like heat-seeking missiles, but their bites are downright painful. Long sleeves and repellants certainly help, but your best bet is to take a hike while the sun’s still rising. Once it’s high in the sky, the blackflies will be at full force.

Appreciating the early birds

Every cottager has heard it. In fact, we dream about it when we’re back in the city. It’s the otherworldly wail of a loon—a sound that’s synonymous with cottage country. But if you’re up at dawn, loons are just one of the early birds whose sights and sounds you’ll get to enjoy. Ontario’s natural spaces are brimming with songbirds, shorebirds, and waterfowl, and most of them do their best foraging when the sun is just starting to rise. Whether you head out into the field or watch them from your deck with coffee in hand, grab your binoculars and Audubon guide and see how many species you can spot. 

Ready to Take Time for Simple Pleasures? Explore simple, savourable breakfast options that are perfect for the cottage at DorsetCerealsCanada.com.

 

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Cottage Life

Wild Profile: Meet the black-footed ferret

By Kerry Hargrove/Shutterstock

What’s the black-footed ferret’s claim to fame? This mammal has the distinction of being the only ferret species native to North America. (Pet ferrets are not native. Experts believe they likely descended from polecats in Europe.) It’s also—unfortunately—famous for its historically non-existent numbers in its prairie home range. Now, thanks to recovery efforts, there’s a Canadian wild ferret population in Saskatchewan’s Grasslands National Park. It’s not big, but it’s something.

Is the black-footed ferret endangered?

Yes. In fact, they’re considered one of the most endangered mammals in North America. In the 1970s, officials listed the species as “Extirpated”, that is, gone from a specific geographical location but not extinct. No one had spotted a ferret in the wild since 1937. Then, in 1981, a Wyoming farmer came across a small population (his dog led him to it—good puppy!). This launched a series of reintroduction programs across the continent.

What’s in the black-footed ferret’s diet? 

They may be small, but this ferret is scrappy enough to take on prairie dogs (not that much smaller). These rodents are the “obligate” carnivore’s main food source—they can make up to 90 per cent of a ferret’s diet—a factor that contributed to the black-footed ferret decline. Since prairie dogs dig burrows in fields where crops grow, there were plenty of reasons for folks to want them gone. And, even though native ferrets also eat mice, squirrels, and ground-nesting birds, losing such a huge part of their diets when many prairie dogs were exterminated had a big impact. (Actions have consequences, people! Happily, we know this now.)

Black-footed facts of life

Female ferrets don’t ovulate until right before breeding season. This starts as early as the end of January, but peaks in March and April. After about 45 days, a mama ferret gives birth to a litter—usually three or four kits. This happens underground, in a repurposed prairie dog burrow (another reason why the species is dependent on prairie dogs). Babies learn to be strong hunters by chasing each other, simulating attacks on pretend prey, and watching adult black-footed ferrets. Each one, teach one! We’re rooting for you, little ferrets.

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Cottage Life

Renting out your cottage? Here’s how to get a five-star review

Photo by Brocreative/Shutterstock

Want to make money renting out your cottage? You’re going to need impeccable reviews. Because higher ranked listings are more visible on rental platforms, hosts need to create a near-flawless experience for every guest. “The reviews are the most important thing,” says Jenna Toms, whose family has been renting out their cottage in the Kawarthas since 2018. Toms has picked up her own tricks since becoming a host. As a result, their listing has a flawless five-star rating. She shared a few secrets to her success:

1. Make it spotless

Keeping your cottage clean and presentable between guests can feel like a full-time job. But, there’s no quicker path to a poor review than a messy space. First, Toms removed many of the family’s personal items to make cleaning the space easier. And, while many hosts use a cleaning service, Toms was determined to do the work herself. 

“I go in and make sure it’s done to my liking,” she says. “Putting that trust in someone else allows for some things to fall through the cracks.” To help make her cottage squeaky clean, Toms follows Instagram accounts—like Go Clean Co—to learn tips and tricks for cleaning properly and quickly. 

2. Set clear expectations

It’s difficult to land five-star ratings if your guests are expecting something different. 

“I put myself in their shoes and consider what I’d want to know and be prepared for,” says Toms. For example, summer in the Kawarthas means mosquitoes, so she tells guests to come prepared, or they’ll be eaten alive. And in the spring, people driving up from Toronto may be surprised that there’s still snow on the ground. “Just little things like that so people know what to expect when they arrive. I tell everyone we don’t have air conditioning, but there’s a fan in every room.”

3. Add amenities

For prospective renters, a visit to your cottage is more than a place to sleep — they want the full vacation experience. On rental platforms, travellers often filter their searches by their desired amenities. Some luxury amenities—a hot tub, for example—aren’t so easy to add. But guests will appreciate extras like games, beach supplies, fire pits, and barbecues. 

“Over the last few years, we’ve been able to add some things to help accommodate families with young children,” says Toms. “We’ve also added some water toys and fun floaties that are great for the lake. We’d love to get to the point where we can add kayaks and canoes.”

4. Stay in communication

All the DVDs and welcome baskets in the world won’t make up for poor communication. If you want that five-star review, rental platforms typically recommend that hosts respond quickly, check in during the stay, and maintain professional communication throughout. Toms says she responds to all inquiries as soon as she can, even if just to say she’ll get back to them in full detail in a few hours. She’ll also check in once during their stay and again the morning they depart to remind them how to check out. “On most of the platforms, you can set up that information automatically. But I like to keep it casual and get to know my guests on a more personal level.”

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Cottage Life

What you should look for in a cottage if you plan to rent out

Photo by inxti/Shutterstock

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic sent city dwellers rushing towards cottage country, cottage prices have been soaring. It’s why many buyers decide to rent out their cottage to balance the cost of the investment. 

“Many more buyers are interested in renting out their cottage,” says Catharine Inniss, a realtor who’s been selling real estate in Muskoka for 16 years. “Some clients think they’ll use it themselves a little bit while they rent it out for a few years, and then eventually, they’ll use it solely as their own cottage or they’ll move up here.” Here are five things to look for in a cottage if you plan to rent it out. 

1. Local rental rules

Different areas may have different rules regarding short-term accommodations. 

“The rules can change from township to township,” Inniss points out. “People really need to use a local realtor who knows what the rules are. It would be a shock if you were counting on that money and then you weren’t allowed to rent out your place.” Even if short-term rentals are allowed, you may need to spend money on a short-term rentals licence. Research the rules before you buy. 

2. Location 

If you’re going to be depending on that rental income, you’ll need to determine just how much you can charge for rent. Some of the biggest factors are the area and nearby amenities. 

“Are there activities around that people are going to want to participate in?” Inniss asks. “If you’re coming up for a week or two, you might want to go to a local fair or somewhere for lunch.” She adds that prospective buyers should do a bit of research to see how popular the area is for renters or how much comparable cottages in the area are being rented for. 

3. Accessibility

A water-access cottage might be more affordable, but will also be less desirable for some renters? The same is true for a cabin that’s deep in the woods, less accessible in the winter, or simply too far from more populated areas. Before pulling the trigger on a cottage, consider whether renters will want to tackle the challenge of getting there. 

4. Cell phone reception and internet access

To some renters, Netflix may be just as important to their holiday as the sunset. But reliable internet service in cottage country can be costly, if it’s even available at all. 

“It’s a huge factor,” says Inniss, about cottages having phone and internet access. “Yes, some people want to disconnect, but others might need to work a day or two but want to come up with their family.” Reliable internet will also be important when guests need to communicate with you during their stay. 

5. Appealing to the broadest group

If you’re planning to rent out your cottage, your personal tastes may not be the first priority, Inniss says. Appealing to more potential renters means seeking out things like ample sleeping capacity, a winterized cottage for year-round use, parking for multiple cars and privacy from neighbouring properties.

“Even something being kid-friendly,” Inniss says. “Is it on a cliff, or are there a lot of stairs down to the water? That’s something you’d want to think about before renting.”