Cayman Marshall International Luxury & Lifestyle - September 2022

Shinshu, Nagano Prefecture

Heritage Collection Series 9 SLGA009 Spring Drive 5 Days Caliber 9RA2

Muskoka Granite is among the densest natural stone on earth, with low water absorption and high resistance to cold temperatures. A distinctive feature of Canada’s Muskoka region, Granite is the perfect solution to many of today’s interior and exterior design and construction projects. Bring the beauty and simplicity of natural Muskoka Granite to your home or cottage.

EDITOR’S NOTE

September is one of my favourite times of year in Muskoka. Sure, it’s the end of summer, but it brings a host of pleasures.

The crisp air is perfect for hiking weather, and if you ask me, Muskoka has some of the best hiking trails in the world. It’s easier to get a table at our favourite bistro; and while we miss a lot of our summer friends, we kind of enjoy the quieter pace in town. So, in this issue, we’ll delve into a few topics you may not have had time to consider during the more active days of summer.

As some of you prepare to close the cottage up for another year, it’s an excellent time to take a closer look at some of the financial matters surrounding cottage ownership; Red Jacket Capital principals Ken McCord and Dave Sanderson offer insights on the tax implications of your second-biggest investment (after your principal home).

We’ve got lots more for you in our September digital edition, including how to judge the health of your trees, whether you’re considering buying a cottage property or simply want to help them be their best. Indulge in a luxury staycation just down the road, at Toronto’s Hotel X. And tour a dream house set in a dream location: Niagara-On-The-Lake.

All this alongside our extensive listings of beautiful properties for sale and for rent - many of them exclusive to Cayman Marshall. Here’s to a September to remember!

TODD ADAIR* | Sales Representative

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

Sophistication rough Simplicity the beauty behind the Fjord inspired designs of The Nordic Collection. Through the use of texturized patterns, the high and low pro les de ne the surface with subtle tonal palettes. Hand-knotted with pure New Zealand wool with natural un-dyed yarn provides a modern spin on a traditional rug.

“A starts from the ground up with a weavers art…”

By Red Jacket Capital time the one of the greatest forces of devastating force on

INVEST HARD

Your cottage is a hard asset. As the saying goes, “They’re not making any more Muskoka waterfront.” That means the stock-to-flow ratio is high. Stock is the existing amount of something: gold, Bitcoin, or Muskoka real estate. Flow is how much of it is being made over time. Since little flow is ever added to the stock of gold, Bitcoin or Muskoka lakefront, these are what we call hard-money assets.

Soft money, such as government-issued currency, has a low stock-to-flow ratio. It is defined as fiat money, printed without limit by governments through central banks. Every “Loonie” that gets printed by the Bank of Canada devalues those in circulation and causes inflation, which serves to destroy your wealth. Since the start of 2020, largely in response to the pandemic, Canada’s money supply has grown more than 50%, while the inflation rate has more than doubled*.

To build on this opportunity, one could “borrow soft and invest hard.” For example, you could borrow Loonies (soft money) to invest in gold (hard money). All else equal, what you owe will depreciate, while what you own will appreciate.

What soft-dollar-denominated assets hold your wealth? Stocks, bonds, cash? Some of your wealth may be better stored in hardmoney assets like gold, to avoid the destructive forces of inflation caused by soft money. In due time, Bitcoin will mature and become hard money. We agree with those who say it’s perfect money - only 21 million coins will ever be mined. After the volatility fades, it will be a perfect store of value.

MINIMIZE TAX

If you live in Ontario, 53.53% of your top marginal dollars are paid in tax (seized by fiat – there’s that word again). The great news is that the Supreme Court of Canada has repeatedly decided that you can legally order your affairs to minimize tax, and any moral opprobrium about it is inappropriate.

More recently, a Tax Court of Canada case reaffirmed a legitimate tax reduction strategy that substitutes your marginal dollar tax rate for a cost of 18%.

At Red Jacket Capital, we believe that wealth is at the root of human flourishing. We are uniquely capable of protecting your wealth from the destructive forces of soft money and taxes. Our aim is, “keep more of what you earn, and earn more from what you keep.”

We invite you to have a conversation with us. Scan the QR code to learn more and book a meeting with one of our founders.

Invest hard. Minimize tax. Preserve Wealth. Visit redjacket.ca for more information.

Ken McCord & Dave Sanderson

MEET YOUR MICROBIOME

By Mike Spry

As the pandemic starts to slowly fade into the distance, for many of us our personal health remains unchecked. Not only have we ignored non-COVID ailments, but many of us have let the coronavirus act as a thin veil for other issues.

Take a moment, and answer this simple question: HOW ARE YOU?

We are a society that puts so much emphasis and reward upon pulling ourselves up by the bootstraps, dusting ourselves off and getting back in the game. But this pride-based mentality is, quite literally, killing us. All the above can lead to chronic inflammation and mental health conditions. If the pandemic has taught us anything it’s that inaction leads to chaos, and many of us are experiencing internal medical chaos.

Perry Steckly’s doing pretty well. But that hasn’t always been the case. Steckly has worn many hats in his life: law enforcement officer, intelligence consultant, university professor, coach, mental and physical health advocate, father, and husband among them. Lately, he’s been involved in the intersection of microbiomes and well-being. Microbiomes are “the collection of all microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and their genes, that naturally live on our bodies and inside us.” These microbes are both helpful and harmful, according to the Harvard School of Public Health.

Most are symbiotic (where both the human body and microbiota benefit) and some, in smaller numbers, are pathogenic (promoting disease). In a healthy body, pathogenic and symbiotic microbiota coexist without problems. But if there is a disturbance in that balance—brought on by infectious illnesses, certain diets, or the prolonged use of antibiotics or other bacteria-destroying medications—dysbiosis occurs, stopping these normal interactions. As a result, the body may become more susceptible to disease.

Steckly came to the microbiome conversation through the inherent challenges of his work. Beginning when he was just 20, and working as a police officer in Ontario, he was stalked by a violent offender for nearly his entire policing career.

“I got a call from a probation officer saying that he’s become obsessed with me,” recalls Steckly, years removed from the incident. “Our criminal profilers conducted a threat assessment, and I had to move. I had this lingering threat to my family and I suspect the prolonged exposure led to physical and mental health issues later in my life. Research highlights a strong connection between our gut health and our mental health, and we can all make positive change. By making changes to my diet, sleep, stress, and exercise, I was able to manage my inflammation without medication while improving my mental health. The gut-brain connection fascinates me.”

That curiosity, as well as a strong interest in human behaviour, led to Steckly’s consulting company and his interest in the public’s understanding of their role in their own well-being. Universal healthcare can only do so much—we must each take ownership of our wellness.

“Everybody could benefit from recalibrating their microbiome to improve their health,” he contends. “If we’re not taking care of all those smaller things like allergies and asthma or obesity, there’s a great chance that chronic inflammation will lead to to more severe issues.”

“A homeowner can’t ignore a small water leak under the sink or behind the walls. You might not see it, hear it or smell it, but after a while it’s going to foster mould, create damage or crack the foundation. Chronic inflammation is the water leak, and if left unattended, may lead to serious mental or physical health risks. Food avoidance or medication doesn’t fix the leak; it just prolongs the damage.”

Steckly likens our personal health to home renovations. Sometimes you just need to fix some wiring, plumbing and at times you need to add an extension. A personal investment in the lessons of microbiome maintenance will help keep your home in check.

What we put into our bodies directly impacts our health. Some simple steps in the right direction involve probiotics (foods or supplements with microorganisms that maintain or improve “good” bacteria in the body, found in foods such as kefir and sauerkraut) and prebiotics (like whole grains, bananas, greens, onions, garlic, soybeans and artichokes

for balancing microorganisms), as well as a diverse diet. Caloric restriction and fasting in concert with vitamins and supplements support our overall wellness. But we must also avoid processed foods, refined sugars, gluten, and chemicals (easier said than done, but integral to better health).

Steckly has seen attention and commitment to microbiome awareness result in life-changing health advances, not just in himself, but in his family, friends and others. His mother, who had health challenges so severe she could not leave her home, has experienced exponential improvements from following Steckly’s guidance and suggestions. Now, she’s able to visit friends and enjoy her grandchildren. He’s witnessed success with allergies, asthma, mental health issues, acid reflux, weightloss, chronic fatigue and a host of other auto-immune issues.

Steckly has hosted “microbiome reboot” programs whereby he leads participants through a four-week program, which he also does himself. “Whether we have anxiety, depression, PTSD, gastrointestinal issues, skin disorders, OCD, ADHD, I’ve discovered that a lot of auto-immune issues are fuelled by inflammation. This can be driven by sleep disorders, stress, a lack of exercise and a poor diet. And when you have chronic inflammation, it may lead to more severe consequences down the road. I had a lifetime of allergies and asthma, and I was happy to manage it with medication. It was easy and it worked most of the time. But in the long run, I still had allergies and asthma.”

“I do a reboot every year and shorter boosts as the seasons change. This is my seasonal maintenance that I cannot ignore. And this is where I specifically focus on my microbiome – the root cause of my health issues. Microbiome research continues full speed ahead with some amazing and promising results. I’ve simply leveraged the existing research and built a model that I can share with you. I recently had 12 people from across Canada join me for my last reboot. I’m simply a tour guide, thrilled that people are finding success—and a novel way to take ownership of their health.”

Perry is creating a community for those open to exploring microbiome solutions. Join him for his next Microbiome Reboot starting September 12, 2022. Additionally, in May 2023, a Microbiome Reboot for First Responders will be held with a focus on PTSD.

Perry Steckly

How this Urban Oasis Quickly Made its Mark in Canada’s Largest City

By Brooke Madden

Toronto, Ontario is Canada’s largest city, and actually the fourth largest in North America. A bustling metropolis known for its skyscrapers, diverse restaurants, parks, and cultural landmarks, the city is an obvious choice for your next weekend getaway. With so many sights to see, it’s important to choose a hotel in the centre of the action. Hotel X Toronto is located in central Toronto, close to exciting dining options, museums, venues, the CN Tower, theatres, and the lake.

But it’s so much more than that.

If you’re staying at Hotel X, you can rest assured that everyone from the valet, to the bartenders, to reception, to management, to housekeeping will be there to ensure your stay is the best it can be. For me, that’s a huge highlight. Getting to know passionate hospitality workers in the city you’re exploring can completely change your experience. Whether it be a hidden-gem recommendation from the concierge, or a witty story from a bartender, Hotel X’s team of hospitality pros will change your trip for the better.

Of course, in any hotel, its features and amenities can make or break your stay. “There’s simply no hotel or resort in Toronto that offers an array of services, amenities, and features quite like Hotel X Toronto. From diverse dining options to a state-ofthe-art sports and wellness complex, to the most unique event and wedding venues in Toronto, ours is the ultimate urban resort in Ontario. Everything you need, all under one roof,” notes Black. His number-one piece of advice to future guests (and returning guests) is to make sure you take advantage of the wealth of resort-style amenities during your stay. From the Screening Room film series, to the 90,000 square foot Athletic Club, 10XTO, to the year-round heated rooftop swimming pool, Canada’s first-ever Guerlain Spa and the unmatched dining options, there is a unique experience

“There’s simply no hotel or resort in Toronto that offers an array of services, amenities, and features quite like Hotel X Toronto.”

Now, if you’ve had the pleasure of visiting Hotel X Toronto in the past, you may remember the Falcon SkyBar. The space has been completely re-imagined, and now goes by the name Valerie. Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, I highly recommend taking advantage of this amenity. Black describes Valerie as “a new look, new concept, and completely new experience. Valerie is a multi-level rooftop patio serving Japanese-influenced dishes, paired with a panoramic view of the city. On the 27th floor of Valerie, there are live entertainers Friday – Sunday such as jazz musicians, performers, and DJs.”

Further amenities include Hotel X Toronto’s extensive accommodation of business events. There are also a number of unique spaces such as a 250-seat cinema, onsite audio and visual team, and thoughtful common areas like Café X, where impromptu meetings can take place in between the regular meetings. Newly opened, the SkyBridge connects the hotel to the Beanfield Centre, and further to the Enercare Centre, so guests don’t even have to go outside!

Valerie is a multi-level rooftop patio serving Japanese-influenced dishes, paired with a panoramic view of the city.

And business amenities are wonderful, but are you wanting to turn off your work phone and just relax? Hotel X Toronto can help with that too. The prestigious and luxurious Guerlain Spa is located on the 4th floor of the hotel. “The Spa invites you on a unique sensorial journey dedicated to beauty and well-being through signature and exclusive treatments, personalized facials, and more,” Black notes. However, he does encourage guests to book their treatments in advance, as the spa is open to the public, and in very high demand.

offers a V.I.P. (A.K.A. Very Important Pet) program. As someone

panoramic view of Lake Ontario, guests will truly see Toronto

From its historic location to its exceptional service to its outstanding amenities, Hotel X Toronto will help you create the trip of a lifetime.

By Tara MacIntosh

Welcome to a most remarkable Niagaraon-the-Lake luxury home, steps from the waterfront. The new homeowners came to this location in search of a relaxing family retreat, ideal for hosting family and friends against the sensational Niagara backdrop.

Elizabeth Interiors were thrilled to design the interior of this striking property. Owner Elizabeth, along with Michelle Mazzilli as senior designer, approached this new project with great anticipation. The property itself had all the aspects of a dream country home, allowing the new homeowners to find rest and relaxation away from the hustle of their previous Ottawa home. Elizabeth remarks, “We wanted to realize the retreat feeling without making the design too country. Our goal was a relaxed, happy place, while maintaining a level of sophistication.”

Since the home was located just blocks away from the scenic waters of

this picturesque region, Elizabeth Interiors presented design options reflective of a quieter lifestyle.

The passionate designers work with clients to ensure their taste and style are reflected in the design choices. Two or three ideas are brought forward, with the focus ultimately on the one that speaks to the owners.

Elizabeth comments, "Out of the two or three designs presented, one will rise to the top and resonate with the homeowners – we welcome their participation in the process. Once we have a direction, we temper the look, as we are never completely tied to just one idea. We have room for flexibility when needed. When making design choices, we consider the client's colour and style preferences and welcome their feedback along the way."

The natural light exposure and position of the home is also significant to how the design comes to life.

In this particular home, the design team focused in part on two of the four bedrooms, each with a unique theme. The principal bedroom was an absolute delight to transform into a place of total relaxation. The main feature is the magnificent floral mural wallpaper treatment on the headboard wall, which draws the eye and delights the senses. The focal fireplace was surrounded by unique chairs, meant for curling up with a good book or simply gazing into the view of the backyard to enjoy the natural landscape. One of the guest bedrooms was decorated in soft and restful tones of blue and grey. Luxurious bedding dresses an upholstered poster bed, a treat for any guest who may stay. A hideaway desk within the closet adds charm and a comfortable spot to enjoy and make yourself at home.

Every space was designed to make guests feel welcome, for a family who likes to entertain.

Elizabeth Interiors will look at each room in the home as an opportunity to add personality and elevate the space for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

to open the space up with a modern

and warm touch. Elizabeth Interiors includes pieces on trend to modernize the home while maintaining function and style. A double coffee table was selected to update the space, and swivel chairs to allow guests to be part of the conversation or swivel to marvel at the back gardens.

Each room was carefully designed to deliver comfort and charisma. The inspiration was described as casually elegant, playing off the home's exceptional tile flooring and feature frameworks like the built-in shelving, grand fireplaces, and incredible views.

Elizabeth comments, "This was a lovely home to begin with, so this project was special for us. Our team took the natural beauty of each space and elevated the design without being too formal. We wanted to create an inviting, friendly, and serene home, welcoming all who enter the front door."

AVOIDING TREE TROUBLE:

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE BUYING A COTTAGE

By Tim Winegard

If you are in the market for a cottage property, or recently made the leap into ownership, Muskoka Tree Solutions would like to welcome you to the neighbourhood. We’d like to share a few tips for understanding the management of your new forested property, and what this means for you as you start your cottage adventure.

Whether you are looking for a forested retreat or a lakefront getaway, many new and prospective cottage owners fail to consider how tree maintenance and forest management requirements

can vary drastically from one property to another in Muskoka. Much like home inspectors provide peace of mind regarding your new cottage, arborists can provide valuable insight into the health, potential management expense or risk from the trees on your property.

NOT ALL FORESTS ARE EQUAL

First and foremost, your forest type, species suitability to the growing conditions, and age makeup will be key to understanding the frequency and cost of maintenance for most

properties. Young, regenerating forests made up of fast-growing, “shortlived” species may require active management efforts as the trees are gradually replaced over time by longerlived types. Properties of mature pines, oaks or hardwood combinations may require fewer mature tree removals, but focused pruning and thinning to promote tree health and safety.

Forests are dynamic, and the natural life history of your trees will dictate much of their potential maintenance expense. (To learn more about the

forest types in Muskoka, or the management objectives for a variety of native species, have a look at our articles “Nurturing Nature: Your Guide to Muskoka Forest Management,” or “At One with Nature: Cottage Community Forest Management” at muskokasolutions.com.)

FOREST RED FLAGS

How close are your trees to the cottage, hydro lines or garage, and do they lean towards or away from this infrastructure? Trees reach for sun

gaps in the canopy, which often occur over these key areas. Properties with a significant number of large, mature trees within reach of the cottage, or trees with potentially hazardous leans, will require more maintenance over time to reduce their weight, lean, and material deposition on the roof.

Additionally, trees leaning into the home should be monitored for signs of root, insect or fungal-related decline that may signal it is time for removal. (To learn more, check out our recent article, “Love your Trees! Alternatives to

Removal that Save Time and Money” in Cayman Marshall’s Spring 2022 issue.)

BUILDING A FUTURE FOREST

Are you looking at a newly cleared lot or planning to build? If so, planting and maintaining regenerating trees may be your main management expense. Having a plan for how those future trees will grow up to influence your shade, privacy and views are all important considerations before planting.

CONSULTING WITH AN ARBORIST AT MUSKOKA TREE SOLUTIONS IS A GREAT WAY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND YOUR PIECE OF PARADISE,

Our native species provide a number of valuable contributions to reducing erosion and runoff, reducing heating and cooling expenses, as well as their aesthetic benefits. (To learn more about how trees can be used to accomplish a variety of beneficial outcomes on your property, check out “Making the Cut,” or “Preserving Paradise: Pre-development Considerations for Cottage Country,” both available on our website.)

NURTURING FOR NATURE’S SAKE

Trees are an important contributor to the ecological health of Muskoka. Non-hazardous dead standing trees and downed woody material can provide habitat and food sources for a wide array of wildlife. Knowing how your trees contribute to the local ecology of your forest community can help you make informed decisions for your prospective property’s management. (Check out our articles “The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly: Balancing Aesthetics and Wildlife Needs in Muskoka,” or “Muskoka’s Natural Heritage: How to Help it Thrive” at muskokasolutions.com.)

we like the least. We might prefer a rustic, life-in-the-canopy aesthetic or a woodland feel. But no matter what type of forest calls us, we have all chosen to live with trees close to our homes for the benefits they provide.

Consulting with an arborist at Muskoka Tree Solutions is a great way to better understand your piece of paradise, and to ensure tree-related issues don’t interrupt your lake time this summer.

BY DC RUTHERFORD

WHAT YOU DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOUR BOATHOUSE,

LEGALLY SPEAKING, CAN SINK YOU.

When you’re

When you’re Burned by Boathouse

waterfront real estate. A problematic boathouse isn’t just a matter of safety, but could also impact financing. And if it’s discovered to be illegal, the municipality could enforce changes to rectify the issue, including forced removal.

As families grow and remote working becomes more prominent, some cottagers have found the need to maximize space and privacy for guests. Hoos is adamant that you ensure any construction, existing or planned, follows the letter of the law. “Problems with the boathouse are something that an unsuspecting buyer can sometimes rectify with title insurance. But, it is often desirable to discover these problems before closing, which can be done by checking the municipality’s building and zoning record, and determining what permits were pulled and whether those permits are closed; it is important to ensure that the permit and plans align with what is constructed onsite.”

He’s seen the following scenario more than a few times. “[The owners] don’t have enough frontage, so they go get a building permit and build a one-storey boathouse with ‘storage’ up top. Then, they get their final inspection, and construct a bedroom, a bathroom, and a little kitchenette as living quarters. And it appears on the surface to be approved as a two-storey.”

Also, it’s important to understand that some boathouses don’t just need the building department’s approval, but also the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry’s (MNRF) approval to occupy the land

over which the boathouse sits. A portion of the boathouse is on land, but another portion projects out into the water; so cottagers require temporary “occupational authority,” which requires an application for a Land Use Permit (LUP). After the LUP is in place, there is a process that is followed with the MNRF to obtain permanent occupational authority, which, according to Hoos, involves obtaining a Land Lease or a purchase of the Water Lot.

“Property owners with a two-storey boathouse need an Ontario land surveyor to survey the land over which the boathouse sits, and create a reference plan with the land registry office,” explains Hoos. “If you want to lease the land, the MNRF prepares the lease, you sign it, it gets registered on title, and you pay them an annual fee. But, if you want to buy it, the MNRF sends you a Transfer (like a Deed for the land), you pay them per square foot, and then you actually own it, which arguably makes the land more valuable and marketable.”

Hoos points out that lawyers who don’t specialize in the idiosyncrasies of cottage country real estate are often unfamiliar with the “ins and outs” of boathouses. In an evercompetitive market, it’s paramount that buyers and sellers are aware of the inherent complications of rural properties, lest the sale be held up or legal problems ensue. After all, the cottage is for relaxing. Be sure to minimize rural stress by retaining the counsel of those in the know.

Call 705-645-9932 or scan now for pricing:

A PROBLEMATIC BOATHOUSE ISN’T JUST A MATTER OF SAFETY, BUT COULD ALSO IMPACT FINANCING.

SHOP THE LOOK

Cayman Marshall International Realty Brokerage

DRAGONFLY MUSKOKA

CUNNINGTON

ROCKLEA LODGE, SOUTH EXPOSURE, 5 BEDROOMS, 4 BATHS – PARRY SOUND

ROSSEAU SUNSET, 4 BEDROOMS, 3 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

CAYMAN MARSHALL RENTALS

WHITESIDE ESCAPE, 6 BEDROOMS, 2.5 BATHS – LAKE MUSKOKA ROSSEAU

ROSSEAU ON THE FALLS, 7 BEDROOMS, 5 BATHS – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com/rentals

CAYMAN MARSHALL RENTALS

SPORT COURT OFFERS FOUR-SEASON FAMILY FUN!

We install multipurpose courts and refurbish existing tennis courts.

Every court is customized and can offer unlimited use for all sports and leisure activities to meet your needs.

Our ultimate outdoor modular sports surfacing reduces impact on the body by combining our superior patented lateral forgiveness and vertical shock absorption engineered design. A lightly textured surface provides the best balance between dry traction and low skin abrasion.

“Our experience with Sport Court Ontario was easy. They helped to customize our year-round multi-purpose court to be exactly what we wanted. The product is great and customer service is excellent! The whole family enjoys it daily.”

– NHL Defenseman, Dan Girardi

Contact our team to discuss your project 416-788-1798 or scan to learn more:

Play hockey, pickleball, basketball, tennis, and more on the same surface!

Cayman

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage

CAYMAN MARSHALL RENTALS

MUSKOKA BAY CLUB, NEWLY BUILT CONDO, SQ.FT., BEDROOM, BATH TOWN OF GRAVENHURST

PRISTINE BUILDING LAKE OF BAYS

PRIVATE BALCONY, LAKE VIEWS, PRIVATE BOAT SLIP, 2 BEDROOMS, BATH – LAKE ROSSEAU

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage searchmuskokarealestate.com

Most brokerages advise you to put your property into the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) system, in order to get it in front of the greatest number of prospective buyers possible. But when it comes to Muskoka property – especially in the current market – that may not be the best, or even most desirable, route for you.

Cayman Marshall has a better way to market your property, which not only ensures that only serious, wellqualified buyers view your property, but allows you to maintain your privacy and avoid the stress and hustle of listing with MLS.

With a Cayman Marshall exclusive listing, your property will only be visible to members of our proprietary database. Personal viewing appointments are only scheduled after our agents have taken prospective buyers through a careful pre-screening process.

Our system works equally well for buyers. Rather than enduring the “feeding frenzy,” panic-bidding and sometimes, disappointment that accompanies desirable MLS properties, you have the assurance of knowing the property is only being seen by serious, well-qualified prospects like you, and managed exclusively through Cayman Marshall’s offices.

The success of our system speaks for itself: since last August, we’ve sold well over $133 million in exclusive sales alone. Allow us to show you the better way to sell your Muskoka property!

CURATING COMMUNITY:

By DC Rutherford

When we think of community centres, we’re drawn to images of indoor pools, basketball courts, parkettes, and town hall meetings. When I was growing up in Ottawa, the Cole Park Community Centre was where I learned to swim, attended nursery school, and made friends I’m still in touch with today. It’s where my parents made connections that would nurture and foster their young family. But as we see urban – and suburban – spaces shift culturally and socioeconomically, we’ve also seen our public spaces reimagine what a community centre is or can be. The Art Gallery of Burlington is, and has been, at the forefront of that cultural shift.

The AGB has been a community centre for over forty years, and their welcoming open doors could serve as a template for other institutions to foster community through their agendas. The gallery was established in 1978, as a number of local artists' guilds came together to share space, resources, and interest in one another. The founding guilds –photography, hand weaving, spinning, sculpture, woodcarving, ceramics, fine arts, and hooking craft – provided a foundation upon which generations of artists and enthusiasts have enriched their work and excitement within the disciplines. The AGB grew quickly into a public art gallery with exhibitions, publications, and its own permanent collection. These were supported by educational and public programming and necessitated two large expansions. Its community-centred mandate was not built by accident. There is a strategic and concentrated effort to nurture and expand the breadth of its role, established forty-five years ago.

“It started with a group of women who were all artists in various mediums, who wanted to have a space where they could come together and work,” says Nadine Heath, the AGB’s Director of Marketing and Communications. “And so the first part of the gallery was then formed, which was essentially a series of studios or workshops, which are still here today. Within this space, there is a beautiful, high-functioning, modern pottery studio with a number of kilns and equipment, and a children's pottery studio as well. There is a woodworking and sculpting studio with all of the equipment you need and a lot of space to work. There is a weavers studio, full of rooms – it's a beautiful space, large and open – and people come in there and do their fibre work. We also have a state-of-theart photography studio, divided between an actual studio space where photographers can come in and set up their workshop and models, or do still photography, with backdrops and lighting. It's a fantastic space. And there is a darkroom that you can go in and develop your own work.” The gallery also features a meeting room and a library, providing the different guilds with their own spaces; a rug hooking guild; a new media guild aimed at younger artists, and aspiring artists; and a fine art school open studio space. Workshops, formal and informal, are offered in order to facilitate conversation and growth within their communities.

“At one point, this space had language that was much more referential to being a community centre,” notes Heath. “Then galleries were added so the guilds could

show their work. And now we have larger galleries to show rotating, curated exhibitions as well.” The guilds are still very much part of the foundation of the gallery. Anyone can join and become a member to learn from others and use the resources of the spaces. Additionally, the curated exhibits, featuring contemporary artists from all around Canada, also have access to and use those spaces. There’s a wonderful, organic, fostering mission at play at the AGB, one that doesn’t simply promote art but builds artists and community. There’s also the AGB’s permanent collection, which boasts the largest collection of ceramics in Canada, grown out of the pottery guild. Collections are augmented by an acquisitions committee, which considers the discipline and acquires items for the collection.

When we think about galleries and cultural contributions, our minds tend to wander towards the cosmopolitan nature of the metropolis. Certainly, nowhere is this more evident than in the GTA, where Toronto proper is alive and rich in theatres, galleries, museums, and other cultural entities. But the rapid expansion of what was once pejoratively referred to

‘Yarn painted’ shoes by Marina Dempster

There’s a wonderful, organic, fostering mission at play at the AGB, one that doesn’t simply promote art but builds artists and community.

as the suburbs, and the cultural and socioeconomic development of those regions, has built incredibly diverse and rich communities of artists and cultural contributors beyond urban centres. The AGB has been a vital example of this shift and prides itself on its role in continuing to grow and support that transformation.

No community can be built without investment in its future. The AGB’s youth outreach has fostered generations of artists and interests. “We have a large children's art studio,” notes Heath. “It's a big, bright, beautiful space. And we use that for a lot of classes and camps and school visits.” But there is a method and care to the curation that is hyperaware of not just the local community, but global as well. “Our curator definitely has intention from what she brings into the space. She does a lot of work to highlight different interesting voices and social and cultural issues.”

Painting by Meera Sethi

From the permanent collections at AGB

Acurrent exhibit explores the intersection of colonialism and tourism. Here Comes the Sun “traces the origins of extractive tourism industries through the works of contemporary artists whose practices examine the interconnections between colonial legacies of crop plantations and service economies in the Caribbean.” The exhibit features the work of four artists: Irene de Andrés, Katherine Kennedy, Joiri Minaya, and Ada M. Patterson.

Spain’s de Andrés’ work concerns itself with the engagement between tourists and home, Ibiza, an island known for its nightclubs and festivity, while this exhibit examines Puerto Rico. Barbadian Kennedy – an artist, writer, and cultural practitioner whose work has visited Aruba, Jamaica, Nigeria, New Zealand, South Korea, and Trinidad & Tobago – explores a “visual practice... tied to a sense of place, using interplay between organic and inorganic materials and imagery to interrogate the spectrum of belonging and displacement in different environments or cultural contexts.” Minaya is an

American multidisciplinary artist of Dominican descent whose work is inspired by her homeland and its struggles with colonialism and the cultural engagements of her materials and media. Patterson, another Barbadian artist, describes their work as “picking up the fragments of what washes up in these places and trying to make sense of it together, and, as a queer person, as a trans person who grew up in Barbados, you do get pushed to places that feel almost on the edges and you have to try and make a different kind of life for yourself.” these exhibits promote municipal and global communities through a diverse lens which further promotes local engagement.

Other exhibits the AGB is excited to be featuring this summer include work from the Z’otz* Collective, whose “vivid storytelling explores themes of memory and Mesoamerican mythology through humour and collective action” through a mural installation that engages with the AGB’s “architectural space and the cast of characters who wander [its] halls.” The collective is a local group, a Toronto-based trio (Nahúm Flores, Erik Jerezano, Ilyana Martínez) with Latin American roots. Mother Tongue, from Vietnamese illustrator and muralist Yen Linh Thai “explores the widening gap of lost cultural knowledge between generations.” Thai is a renowned visual storyteller, and their work confronts the inherent nature of generational dissipation of culture.

Painting by Meera

Sethi

All of these exhibits promote municipal and global communities through a diverse lens, which further promotes local engagement. AGB members can now take a variety of classes in digital formats. But the AGB also has recorded and streamed workshops and lectures, as well as art instruction videos to share. “Last year alone, we had 20 community partners, and with each community

partner, we used our resources in combination with theirs to reach their various groups and communities. And so for each of those groups and communities, the information, the material evolved and adapted.”

Being a beacon of its community is not a responsibility the Art Gallery of Burlington takes lightly. For four decades the institution has provided the GTA with a collective space to create, concentrate, congregate, and marvel at art, artists, and artistry. Not satisfied with simply being a centre of documents and artifacts, the AGB puts cultural authority and growth at the forefront of its mission. My friends and I from back at Cole Park now have families of our own, bright and excited young minds who aspire to passion and dreams. Where once our community centre built the foundation for their lives, a visit to the AGB will inspire the cultivation not only of their aspirations, but those of their children, and theirs, and theirs, and…

Detail Canadian Craft Bien

A visit to the AGB will inspire the cultivation not only of their aspirations, but those of their children.

CAYMAN MARSHALL ADVANTAGE

When we opened the doors of Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc. as a small boutique brokerage firm to serve the Muskoka real estate market in 2012, we did so with the intention of redefining the level of service that clients could expect from our real estate professionals. Since then, we have grown into an impressive team of top-producing realtors and brokers, committed to ensuring our clients receive the highest level of service when buying or selling property in one of Canada’s most sought-after luxury destinations.

We at Cayman Marshall have been entrusted with the most prestigious waterfront properties in Muskoka. As leaders in luxury and waterfront real estate, we have had record sales on many of Muskoka’s finest lakes. With sales now surpassing the multi-billion-dollar mark, we’ve secured our position as a leader in luxury real estate. We also offer a complete selection of luxury cottage rental properties.

We have offices in Port Carling, Toronto, and our all-new location in Huntsville, which also serves the Lake of Bays area. Our in-house IT professionals have developed proprietary online tools and software, interactive and intuitive websites, lifestyle tours, stunning photography and an astonishing network of over 400 local and international referral partners, to ensure our clients’ listings get the exposure they need to attract the most discerning local and international buyers.

We currently print eight issues of our Cayman Marshall magazine per year, with an annual distribution of 250,000. Each magazine is delivered to the front door of homes and cottages of high-net-worth clientele throughout Ontario.

We are proud to mention that the Cayman Marshall Port Carling brokerage was voted by a panel of international

The Cayman Marshall team celebrating 2018 sales in Montego Bay Jamaica.

judges to be the “Best Real Estate Agency in Canada,” two years in a row – a title that we cherish! Cayman Marshall was also named one of “Canada’s Fastest Growing Companies” by Maclean’s magazine for three years (2018, 2019 & 2022). We have also been named one of Canada’s fastest growing companies by the Globe and Mail. We expect to keep our title as the disrupter in luxury real estate.

Founded on the principles of teamwork, service and value, Cayman Marshall is the best advantage for buyers and sellers alike in Ontario. If you’re looking for a real estate solution that’s undeniably different, please reach out to myself or one of my teammates and start experiencing the advantage!

“Become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat-out fantastic at what you do that your talent cannot be dismissed.” – Oprah Winfrey

Todd Adair

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

of Cayman Marshall International Realty in 2012. He then became the majority shareholder and purchased the entire company. In Todd's downtime, you will find him buying, building, or renovating his real estate projects, on the water wakeboarding and kite surfing, or hacking up the fairways of a local golf course. However, Todd's most important job is being a father to his two children.

Sales Representative

Jeff entered into real estate in 2008 facing a down market and a recession. Overcoming the odds, Jeff has now become a “top producer” in his industry. Working and living in Muskoka comes with a deep appreciation; it is this appreciation that Jeff portrays to his clients every day.

for her enthusiastic, positive attitude and Cat is now thrilled to be building a career in Sales with the Cayman Marshall Team.

Mark Payne is new sales representative here at Cayman Marshall. Mark comes to the real estate world after selling an awardwinning marina on Georgian Bay which he owned for 25 plus years. Mark has a passion for customer excellence in which is one of the main things he attitudes his success to. Mark both lives and cottages in the Parry Sound/Pointe au Baril area where he enjoys boating and cottage time with his wife and daughter.

Sales Representative Growing up on the lakes

MARK PAYNE* Sales Representative

Cayman Marshall International Realty Inc., Brokerage caymanmarshall.com ■ Sales Representative* Broker & Broker of Record**

successful 20-year career in the luxury boat industry, where he was able to gain a deep understanding of the Muskoka cottage lifestyle. “Working with Todd and his team as clients over the years, I knew I had to be part of Cayman Marshall's unique approach and culture.”

Kareina spent summers of her childhood at cottages in the Mactier and Nobel Area. She lived in Alberta for a couple years and loved the mountain views but really missed the lakes and maple trees and could not wait to get back to the peace that is Muskoka. She has been an educator for several years and has worked in customer service. Kareina is excited to be a part of the Cayman Marshall team.

STEVE HADDOCK*

Steve is a strong relationship builder, honest and dedicated to Customer Service. This combined with his intimate knowledge of Muskoka lakes and area has made him a consistent top producer. Steve is an avid cyclist and golfer and maintains residences in Toronto and Muskoka and ties to both communities. His mantra and favourite quote is to “get up, dress up, show up, and never give up”.

in making the real estate transaction successful and enjoyable for all her clients.

Muskoka her home for the past three years. Kallan is an outdoors enthusiast and enjoys all that Muskoka has to offer. With many years of experience in customer service, we are delighted to have her on our Cayman Marshall team!

has just returned home from Turks and Caicos Islands where she worked in Private International Banking. With over thirteen years of experience in customer relationship building, she is an excellent addition to the Cayman Marshall Team.

JD is a proud product of Muskoka and joins our team as a commerce grad from uOttawa and its Management Consulting Program. Over a decade of competitive hockey on several teams has equipped JD with grit and sparked a passion for connecting with new people and learning what makes them tick. He is a problem solver, a perpetual learner, and is excited to promote the growth of the Cayman Marshall Magazine.

Michelle being born and raised on the northern shores of Georgian Bay loves being on the water and being involved in the real estate market. Her love for renos gives her an inside scoop in the world of home and cottage ownership and being the newest member, looks forward to being a valuable asset to the team!

JACKIE WARNER* Sales Representative

Jackie grew up at her cottage in Muskoka and knows the region well. She is a Ryerson business graduate with experience working in media for top ad agencies, City TV, and Much Music. Her creativity and passion for the cottage lifestyle will be apparent when helping to sell your home or find your dream property. Jackie is a mother and a yoga enthusiast and is thrilled to be aligned with the prestigious Cayman Marshall brand.

HEAD OFFICE: 202-97B Joseph St Port Carling, ON P0B 1J0 705-765-5759

BRANCH OFFICE: 20 Main St. W. Huntsville, ON P1H 2C3 705-765-5759

TORONTO OFFICE: 200-99 Yorkville Ave Toronto, ON M5R 3K5 647-696-4733

Magazine Sales/Editor