The Gardiner Team - Spring 2021 Newsletter

muskoka cottage real estate

market update 2020/21 Muskoka Cottage

Watch Update What’s Been Happening

In Muskoka?

Muskoka’s

Restaurant Scene Selling Cottages In a

COVID-19 Marketplace Protecting Your Dock & Boathouse From

Ice Damage

Flood-Proofing Your

Dock & Boathouse Cottages Wanted!

We have Buyers!

Muskoka Newsletter, Spring 2021

CottagesInMuskoka.com

muskoka cottage real estate

market update 2020/21 Y e a r - O ve r - Y e a r M u s k o k a W a t e r f r t o n S a l e s

In 2020 we have witnessed the first government-induced recession.

These shutdowns were, of course, a reaction to the coronavirus and the world-wide pandemic. In an effort to protect the health and safety of its citizens, the Ontario provincial government, the Federal Government, and others throughout the world, seriously restricted the economy. This process began in March, and in various degrees, it continues to this very day..

Number of New Listings

N u m b e r o f S a l es

2,157

1,836 1,678

1,623

1,575

Interestingly, the shutdown of the economy, the physical and psychological effects of the pandemic, and ultimately the government’s efforts to assist those negatively and economically impacted by the shutdown, had different and in many cases, unequal effects on various sectors and industries in our economy. Real estate sales, and especially rural and recreational marketplaces, have benefited inordinately compared to other sectors – particularly, travel, entertainment, restaurants, hotel accommodation, airlines, cruise lines, and many others.

Rural and recreational markets (and even secondary markets such as Muskoka, Barrie and Collingwood) have benefitted and have had record-breaking years primarily for two reasons. Firstly, because of the highly contagious nature of the coronavirus, urban dwellers (especially high-rise condominium apartment owners) have sought out the space and sanctuary available in rural and recreational areas and regions. Secondly, the pandemic has accelerated forces already at play, namely technology’s ability to allow people to work remotely.

Effectively these two very important developments untethered people from dense, crowded, urban regions, allowing buyers to move permanently, seasonally, or for extended time periods, to rural and recreational regions. The availability sometime in 2021 of a vaccine for the coronavirus will temper these effects, but certainly won’t negate them.

So, it is with some humility that we begin this report, recognizing that there are many sectors in our economy that have not had banner results since March of 2020.

Throughout 2020, and especially after the implementation of the provincial lockdown and emergency measures, demand for recreational properties skyrocketed. Unfortunately, demand was not matched by supply. The supply of waterfront properties in Muskoka and the surrounding marketplaces has been a challenge for more than three years. The situation was further exasperated in 2020.

In 2019, 1,678 waterfront properties in the District of Muskoka came to the market. In 2020, over the same period, only 1,623 similar waterfront properties came to the market. It must once again be emphasized that the 1,678 waterfront properties that came to market were approaching historical lows. As such, to see a further decline of 4 percent in 2020, in the face of rising demand (for the reasons set out above) created a critical situation resulting in unforeseen competition for those properties that did become available. The result was multiple offers, rising prices, and many frustrated buyers - and real estate agents!

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1,202 1,182

1,017 809 784

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Whereas inventory moved downward, sales skyrocketed upward.

During 2020, 1202 waterfront properties were reported sold in Muskoka, as reported by the The Lakelands Association of Realtors.

This is more than 53 percent more than the 784 waterfront properties reported sold over the same period in 2019. The chart below visually shows the dramatic increase in sales during 2020, driven by the factors set out in the introduction to this market report.

Mu sko ka Wat erfro n t Sales B y Mon th N u m b e r o f 2 0 1 9 S al e s

Number of 2020 Sales

250

200

150

100

50

0

Jan

Feb

Ma r

Apr

Ma y

J un

J ul

A ug

Sep

Oct

N ov

Dec

At Chestnut Park, we were able to positively reverse both of these market occurrences. YTD Sept. 30, 2020, the number of properties brought to market by Chestnut Park’s REALTORS ® actually increased by 24 percent, and dollar sales increased by an eye-popping 78 percent compared to 2019.

It is not surprising that waterfront properties, when they came to market, did not last long. In fact, most sales took place at lightning speed. At the end of the third-quarter, months of inventory for waterfront properties had declined to just 1.3 months. This is an 80 percent decline compared to the 6.3 months of inventory available

Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

during the third quarter of 2019. The number of months of inventory is the number of months it would take to sell current inventories of available properties at the current rate of sales activity. As months of inventory decline, it means that properties are spending less time on the market. During the third-quarter waterfront properties spent only 23 days on market, a 36 percent decline compared to the 36 days that waterfront properties spent on the market last year.

Unlike market activity in the past, all regions in the Chestnut Park trading areas, produced robust results. In the Haliburton region, there were 265 waterfront sales in the third quarter of 2020, an unbelievable increase of almost 80 percent compared to the same quarter last year.

This represents the highest level of sales in the region for any previous quarter on record. At the end of September months of inventory were reduced to an unbelievable 0.7 months, while sales took place in only 13 days on average, down from 33 last year. The average sale price in this region increased by 31 percent to $610,500. It should be noted that in September, Chestnut Park’s Haliburton REALTORS ® were responsible for a $4 million sale in the region, the highest price for a sale in Haliburton ever recorded.

Although not as dramatic the market in the Lake of Bays region was similarly robust. There were 64 waterfront properties reported sold in the third quarter of 2020, a 42 percent increase compared to last year. Months of inventory dropped by almost 50 percent from 3.7 to 1.9 months. Waterfront properties in the region spent considerably less time on the market selling in only 26 days, compared to the 54 days it took for waterfront properties to sell last year. Not surprisingly average sale prices skyrocketed, increasing by over 35 percent on a year-over-year basis, to $1,015,000. This is a new record for the region.

Sales and sale prices of freehold properties on Muskoka’s three big lakes, Lake Joseph, Lake Rosseau, and Lake Muskoka, were also exceptional. There were 237 reported sales on the big lakes to the end of September in 2020.

This compares very favourably to the 159 reported sales for all of 2019, a 49 percent increase. This number is not fully reflected of the activity on the big lakes. During 2020 there were a number of off-market transactions. These sales are difficult to track and therefore not included in

this data. Even without this information, the numbers are still impressive.

What is more impressive is the rise in the average sale price on the three big lakes. Since 2018 the average sale price (for waterfront properties selling for $500,000 or more) has risen dramatically. Lack of supply and increasing demand have been the primary drivers of these price increases. In 2020, and for the reasons set out earlier in this report, the pressure on prices has been enormous. In 2018, the average sale price for all recreational properties sold and reported on MLS on the three big lakes, was approximately $2,200,000. In 2020, that number jumped to more than $2,949,000, an increase of more than 34 percent in two years. The average sale price for properties sold on Lake Joseph and Lake Rosseau is even higher.

Sales on both lakes for 2020 were coming in with average sale prices of approximately $4,052,670. The overall average sale price for the three big Lakes was lowered by sales on Lake Muskoka that sees more sales of older recreational properties with smaller lake frontages. Having said that, the average sale price for reported sales on Lake Muskoka in 2020 was $2,170,902.

This year, even in the face of the pandemic, has been the most successful year for Chestnut Park and its REALTORS® in the Muskoka and area recreational marketplace. Sales nearly doubled in 2020 compared to last year, with our dollar volume for sales reaching $232,235,000 by the end of September, an increase of more than 90 percent compared to the same period last year. Chestnut Park’s REALTORS® dominated sales on Muskoka’s big Lakes, with sales volume almost 130 percent higher than the next best competitor office in the Port Carling area.

Looking forward we do not anticipate any violent or sudden changes in the Muskoka and area recreational marketplace. There will be a seasonal slowdown over the winter, consistent with historical patterns, but all the factors that created and propelled the 2020 market (including, and regretfully, the pandemic) will very likely remain in place throughout 2021. Early indications are that the winter market will be a slowdown from the hectic pace of 2020, not a cessation of sales.

Prepared by Chris Kapches, LLB, President and CEO, Broker --- with updates and tweaks by Jim Gardiner, Broker

FREE Cottage Evaluation If you would like a FREE, confidential evaluation of your cottage property for estate planning, potential sale or insurance purposes, just let us know. We are always available to provide this service.

Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

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MUSKOKA COTTAGE MARKET WATCH N U MBER O F L IST ING S & S ALE S Unit Sales Volume – Summary of Waterfront Single Family MLS® Listings and Sales for the last 4 years by area as reported by The Lakelands Association of REALTORS® Waterfront Single Family Listings

Area/Type

Waterfront Single Family Solds

2017

2018

2019

2020 to Dec 15

2017

2018

2019

2020 to Dec 15

Muskoka Lakes Twp

454

331

383

377

259

180

184

283

Bracebridge

146

144

162

129

87

95

100

98

Gravenhurst

202

133

191

157

110

89

90

122

Lake of Bays

271

224

234

148

147

115

89

117

Huntsville

151

176

205

165

81

86

86

120

Total Muskoka

1224

1044

1175

976

684

565

549

740

Lake Joseph

92

55

78

83

44

32

28

44

Lake Rosseau

71

68

85

76

37

32

41

56

Lake Muskoka

248

180

203

178

139

101

93

132

Lake of Bays

153

135

150

92

59

58

58

73

Huntsville Big 4*

72

77

111

89

45

30

37

64

*Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, Vernon Lake

Sales by Price Range — Summary of Waterfront Single Family MLS® Listings and Sales for the last 4 years by area and price range as reported by The Lakelands Association of REALTORS®

Area/Type

Listings 2017

2018

2019

Solds 2020 to Dec 15

2017

2018

2019

2020 to Dec 15

Muskoka Lakes Township Over $5M

37

26

45

40

13

8

13

24

$2.5M - $5M

75

61

81

80

39

24

32

51

$1M - $2.5M

133

115

137

128

80

68

69

98

Bracebridge Over $5M

0

0

2

1

0

0

0

1

$2.5M - $5M

4

3

5

3

2

3

1

1

$1M - $2.5M

15

17

15

24

7

10

7

18

Gravenhurst Over $5M

0

0

0

2

0

0

0

0

$2.5M - $5M

9

6

10

10

3

2

1

5

$1M - $2.5M

40

32

38

48

16

15

13

34

Total Muskoka Lakes Over $5M

37

26

43

43

13

8

13

25

$2.5M - $5M

88

70

96

93

44

29

34

57

$1M - $2.5M

188

164

190

200

103

93

89

150

317

260

275

143

191

158

132

134

$1M - $3M

93

115

148

136

34

41

40

98

Over $3M

12

26

17

14

2

3

3

8

Lake of Bays / Huntsville Under $1M

4

Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

T he B i g L a k e * C o t t a g e S a l e s b y Y e a r a nd P r i c e R a ng e $1M - $2. 5M

$2. 5M - $5M

$5M+

166

121

120 111 85

51

39

38

31

23 14

14

2 0Rosseau, 1 7 Muskoka, Lake 2 0of1Bays, 8 Mary Lake, Fairy 2 0 Lake, 1 9 Peninsula Lake, 20 2 0 Lake *Joseph, Vernon

A v e r a g e P r i c e o f L a k e s Mus k o k a, J o s e p h a nd R o s s e a u, L a k e o f B a ys & H unt s v i l l e B i g 4 * L i s t i ng s Ov e r $1 M A ve ra g e O ri g i n a l L i st P ri c e

Ave ra g e F i n a l L i st P ri c e

Ave r a g e Sa le Pr ic e

$3,255,637 $3,061,098

$2,837,665

$3,113,940

$3,221,064

$2,823,992 $3,059,179

$3,008,403 $2,657,145 $2,747,948 $2,544,625

$2,523,704

$2,505,230 $2,261,329

$2,784,642

$2,715,137

$2,279,533 $2,188,638

201 5

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

* Lake of Bays, Mary Lake, Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, Vernon Lake

Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

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What’s Been Happening

In Muskoka The winter of 2019/2020 was exceptionally long, spanning early November until well into April, with a normal amount of snow. The spring melt was much more orderly and controlled compared to that of the spring 2019. There was significantly less flooding and waterfront structure damage than the year before, as we did not have simultaneous warm weather, frozen ground and heavy rainfall to contend with. The Canadian Farmer’s Almanac is predicting a colder and snowier winter than normal for Muskoka this winter. We have had some snow on the ground already in late October but that has disappeared during the warm weather we are experiencing as we write the newsletter. Make sure you are prepared for the snow to come by having arrangements in place for snow removal from your driveway, walkways and roofs, and ensure your dock and boathouse are prepared for possible high water in the Spring. See separate articles on this subject later in this Newsletter.

to say, it has had a dramatic impact on cottage real estate here in Muskoka, as we deal with a major surge in buyers looking, sometimes desperately, for an enjoyable safe haven or sanctuary for their families. We experienced an unprecedented level of cottage usage this year, starting in the early Spring. We have never seen so many people using their cottages while there was still snow on the ground.

This heavy cottage usage continued over the summer and fall, and we expect this situation to continue over the winter. Some of the consequences of this situation have been busier than normal food stores, a very strong rental market, including this winter, and great difficulty in obtaining a tee off time at one of the local golf courses.

The summer of 2020 was a lovely one – just what cottage owners dream of. Nice temperatures, not overly hot, and moderate rainfall.

Overall, the past year has been a wonderful time to own a cottage in Muskoka, and these conditions have certainly contributed to the unprecedented level of demand we have seen in real estate activity this year.

Iris and I were able to spend some time last winter on the island of Roatan, which is part of Honduras. If you enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving, this is a great place to go. Luckily, our schedule had us return to Muskoka late February, just before the island was shut down to tourists due to COVID-19. With the assistance of our Team members, and the availability of our technology aids, we were able to manage our business without missing a beat while we were away. We always have updates to our marketing materials and website to work on, regular contact with our past and current clients to attend to, and business oriented webinars to participate in, while we travel.

Of course we can’t write about the general real estate market in Muskoka without mentioning the effect that COVID-19 has had. This is not the forum to delve into the repercussions the pandemic has had on our lives in general or the real estate market in particular. Suffice

The business year 2020 was another interesting, challenging, and rewarding year for The Gardiner Team. We would like to thank our many Seller and Buyer clients who contributed to this success. We thank you all for your business and your referrals of family members,

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Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

friends and business colleagues to us for their Muskoka real estate needs. The referral component of our business continues to grow year over year, along with repeat business from past clients. We sincerely thank you all!

Due to the pandemic situation, we have had to cancel a number of business conferences we had planned on attending. Instead of attending conferences we have been attending business and technical webinars via Zoom. In some ways we are finding webinars to be more productive and focused than in-person conferences.

Our Team member, Lesley-Anne Goodfellow, once again had an outstanding year of condominium sales in both Bracebridge and Huntsville, along with an increased amount of residential sales activity. With her background as the builder’s sales representative for her father’s many condominium projects, Lesley-Anne has an intimate knowledge of the various condominium projects in Muskoka and is well positioned to assist both local residents and retirees who are transitioning to Muskoka, plus cottagers who are selling their recreational properties but still want to maintain a presence in Muskoka. Lesley-Anne maintains a long list of eager buyers willing to jump at a suitable new condo offering. An exciting new project for Lesley-Anne is the upcoming sale of the new luxury waterfront condominium units at her father’s latest project, EdgeWater, that is currently under construction on Bracebridge Bay, on the Muskoka River.

Watch for more information in this newsletter.

Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

Our daughter Amanda’s real estate career continues to flourish with one of Canada’s top performing real estate teams - the Heaps-Estrin Team in Toronto. She is an amazing real estate agent and we couldn’t be more proud of her. Increasingly, she has been able to assist our clients with their Toronto residential real estate needs.

Our son Shawn, his wife Shelley, and our two grandsons, continue to travel extensively. Their latest trip was to Zimbabwe this winter to visit Shelley’s parents and family. They had to endure multiple COVID-19 tests and quarantines along the way, but felt it was all worth it to spend time with her family which they had not seen in over a year. Shawn’s construction business and Shelley’s executive recruiting business continue to thrive.

We rely on an extended comprehensive network of professionals who are part of our extended Team, to provide an exceptional level of service to our clients during the many phases of their real estate transaction. We would like to extend a very special thank you to all the lawyers, bankers/mortgage brokers, home inspectors, surveyors, website gurus, Real Estate Board staff, Chestnut Park (Port Carling) office staff, Chestnut Park (Toronto) marketing support staff, insurers, co-operating real estate agents, brokers and cooperating real estate office staff who contribute to bringing our real estate transactions to a successful and efficient conclusion. A heart-felt “Thank You” to you all!!

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Muskoka’s restaurant scene Our Personal Favourites:

Muskoka’s normally vibrant restaurant scene has been severely impacted by the COVID-19 situation.

It is beyond the scope of this newsletter to provide an update on the current situation with every restaurant in Muskoka. I would suggest you refer to a specific restaurant’s website for the latest update on their service offerings. The good news is that there have been very few outbreaks of the virus in District of Muskoka ( A total of 92 cases YTD, 86 recovered, 6 recovering, 1 death ). The few cases that occurred at restaurants have been dealt with swiftly and professionally, allowing the restaurant to re-open quickly. Wherever possible, local restaurants have adapted their business during the summer months, to a combination of inside, patio and takeout options. Reservations are suggested.

A few notable changes to the restaurant scene that have come to our attention are as follows: BRACEBRIDGE Unfortunately, Bracebridge has lost the Hong Kong Buffet, Kelly’s Kitchen Pub, Rende and Andrea’s (to a late-night fire) this year. Hopefully the iconic Andrea’s will successfully re-build! Also, we understand that Bracebridge will be getting its first Starbucks, located in the old Hong Kong Buffet location. It will open early 2021. The new Bracebridge Barrelhouse, located in the Tim Horton’s Plaza, has opened to very favourable reviews. They expect to start brewing beer in-house soon.

We are regularly asked what dining spots we frequent and recommend.

Here’s what comes to mind at the moment. This list is constantly evolving, so please let us know if you have a favourite place we may have missed and should give a try.

BRACEBRIDGE Riverwalk, El Pueblito, Main Street Deli, The Old Station, Pasta Tree & Smoke House, Andrea’s Steak House, Marigold Unique Flavours, Wabora, and Sully’s. Fresh Kutz, Nick’s, Marg’s and South Muskoka Golf Course for Breakfast.

PORT CARLING Turtle Jack’s and the Port Carling Golf Club (if you can wangle an invitation by a member), The Water’s Edge (Lake Joseph Club in Port Sandfield) and Portside Fusion

PORT CARLING In Port Carling the restaurant scene has remained largely unchanged, although all restaurants adapted their operations to comply with COVID-19 protocols. Portside Fusion seems to be doing well under the new ownership. Their patio was particularly busy during the summer. The Muskoka Bistro (previously Ella’s) has closed and may have changed ownership again. The big news is that the Tim Horton’s location has ceased operation and the property is up for sale. This is sad to see, as there was so much time, effort and expense put into trying to make this franchise operation a success. We are guessing that simple demographics were working against them.

GRAVENHURST The Oar, Dock of the Bay, Carey’s Pub, The Frosty Pint and Sushi -By-TheWater. The Old Mill Restaurant for breakfast.

BALA Moon River Lookout, Cottage Cravings (great for lunch and hot chocolate), and the Lakeside Cafe

GRAVENHURST The Gravenhurst restaurant scene appears to be stable, with the only COVID related casualties that we are aware of being Muskobilly’s Lakeside Tap & Grill, located at Muskoka Wharf and the Creative Plate on HWY 169. A new restaurant, Sushi By The Water, has taken over the Creative Plate location. Try it - we really enjoyed it! The owner told us that he is working on some exciting additions to the menu.

BAYSVILLE Cast Iron Restaurant and Cheezus Murphy & The Grateful Bread food truck.

HUNTSVILLE The big news regarding the Huntsville dining scene is the variety of food trucks that have set up business in the parking lot around the new Canvas Brewing Company’s location. You can select a meal from one of at least 6 food trucks, and then take it to the Canvas Brewery to enjoy it with one of their fine beers. What a fun experience! We have heard that Deerhurst Resort had an unfortunate and unfounded scare with COVID-19. Hopefully they have been able to put this experience behind them, and that business has returned to normal.

HUNTSVILLE Tall Trees Muskoka, Marigold Unique Flavours, That Little Place by the Lights, The Artisan House, Bartlett Lodge in Algonquin Park (boat ride taxi to fine dining), and the food trucks around Canvas Brewing.

BAYSVILLE I have to give a shoutout to the Cheezus Murphy and The Grateful Bread food truck located in Baysville. They have fabulous grilled cheese sandwiches in a variety of styles. We have enjoyed getting our favourite sandwich here and then going down to the small park by the river, just below the dam, to enjoy it.

ROSSEAU Crossroads

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ORILLIA Era 67

Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

“RiversEdge” Condominiums A new waterfront residential opportunity is coming soon to Bracebridge. RiversEdge Luxury Condominiums on Anglo Street is located on the Muskoka River just outside of Bracebridge Bay, right in the heart of town. With a view of the Bracebridge falls, surrounded by parks and walking trails, and minutes from shopping and necessities, the location is ideal.

Truly spacious suites will have 2 or more bedrooms and luxury features such as granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Well-thought-out designs (1,200 sq.ft. to 2,400 sq.ft in size) have been created with convenience and practicality in mind. RiversEdge also features an owner’s Common Room, car wash facility and a water’s edge patio with a view of the falls.

There will be only 24 spacious units at RiversEdge.

RiversEdge residences are currently under construction by the reputable local developer, Goodfellow Construction, renowned for condo developments across Muskoka. Contact our Team member Lesley-Anne if you would like more information regarding this opportunity.

Selling Cottages In a COVID-19 Marketplace As you will have read in the Muskoka Market Update section of this newsletter, the cottage market this year has been extraordinary, and we expect the sales pace and challenges to continue in 2021.

If you are a cottage owner who has been considering the sale of your property, now is maybe the time to capitalize on current market conditions to maximize the return on your cottage investment. To obtain the best possible sale results requires that you use a REALTOR® with the best available digital real estate technology and longterm experience.

The Gardiner Team for over 20 years has consistently been at the forefront of utilizing the most up-to-date technology and marketing approaches to meet our client’s expectations. This expertise has paid handsome rewards for our cottage-selling client’s during these COVID-19 times.

We have repeatedly demonstrated our ability to sell cottage properties in a

contactless manner utilizing FaceTime showings, virtual tours, high quality still and drone photography, and digital floor plans.

If the buyer does not want to, or cannot, due to COVID restrictions, visit the property in-person, it is possible for them to become comfortable enough with the property, utilizing these digital services, to make an offer. This is a particularly useful approach for out-of-province buyers.

When an in-person showing of a selected property is required, strict COVID protocols are adhered to. Masks are worn, any surface that is touched is cleaned with a sterilizing wipe, hand sanitizer is used by everyone entering the buildings. The number of clients entering the buildings is restricted to 2 persons and they are requested to not touch any surfaces, light switches or doors, and to not use washrooms. The REALTOR® conducting the showing will open doors, turn on lights, etc. if requested, utilizing a sanitizer wipe.

The objective is to ensure that best COVID

Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

practices are employed for the safety of the buyer clients and their REALTOR®, as well as the property owners.

If you have been thinking about selling your cottage property, we suggest you contact us to discuss how we can maximize the results of the sale for you. These extraordinary buyer-market conditions will not last forever. Now is the time to act!

9

PROTECTING YOUR DOCK & BOATHOUSE FROM ICE DAMAGE

As many cottagers know from past experience, ice can wreak havoc with your dock and boathouse during the winter and in the early spring, and this damage is usually an exclusion to your cottage insurance policy. These structures can be severely damaged by both the expansion of the ice around them and/or by a large floating sheet of ice being blown by the wind in the early springtime.

The Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) published some guidelines to bubbler etiquette in the Fall 2020 edition of Shorelines. A few of the main points are:

The ice sheet on the lake grows in size as it goes through the normal freeze/thaw cycles of winter. As it expands, the ice will move towards the shore, shoving everything in its path out of the way – a process called ice-heaving. Spring flooding and melting can cause huge sheets of ice to float around the lake, driven by the wind. It is almost impossible to stop these types of ice movement, so the best protection is to keep a buffer area of open water around your dock.

2. Consider using a timer or thermostat to minimize the size of the opening and the operating costs.

A de-icing system to protect your shoreline investment can take one of 2 forms – a bubbler or an impeller de-icer. An impeller de-icer (e.g.

Kasco, Arbriex) uses a propeller attached to a waterproof electric motor, enclosed in a cage. A bubbler system (e.g. DeIceAir) uses compressed air fed into submerged tubing with holes in it. There are legal requirements that must be met when installing a bubbler or de-icer. Failure to do so, if a death occurs, can result in a charge of manslaughter against the property owner. For cottage owners not familiar with these systems, it is best to have a professional install the system for you before the ice sets in.

10

1. Place, secure and angle your device to keep the impacted area as localized as possible, around your docks.

3. Install a clear, large sign stating “Danger – Open Water”. This is a legal requirement.

4. Operate an Amber light (NOT Red) at night and during storms to mark the location of the open water to warn snowmobilers and people walking on the ice. Again, a legal requirement.

5. Monitor the system to ensure it is operational throughout the winter. Electrical outages or lightning strikes can cause the system to shut off and not re-start.

Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

FLOOD PROOFING YOUR DOCK & BOATHOUSE Spring flooding seems to be the new normal and there is no way of predicting how bad it will be beforehand. The MLA published a good article on flood proofing your dock and boathouse, which I am repeating here with a few enhancements based on our personal experience.

Before you close the cottage for the season remember that Spring is coming!

Prepare for potential Spring flooding means securing items in your boathouse and on your dock. Do you have any idea how many Muskoka chairs, swim rafts, planter boxes, canoes and dock pieces go unclaimed after floating around in the lake in the Spring?

Please review the list below for some useful tips to consider while closing up your cottage for the Winter: 1. Remove all non-critical items from your boathouse particularly those that can potentially pollute like paint cans, gas cans, oil, etc. If they must remain in place, please ensure they are stored well above the high-water mark.

2. Elevate and secure all remaining items to the extent possible.

3. Unplug all noncritical electrical items.

4. Disconnect and place appliances like bar-fridges, dishwashers, water pumps, etc. on temporary raised platforms.

5. Lower tops on all boats inside and raise the boats as high as possible. Secure them well.

6. Leave boathouse doors partially raised to allow for high waves and ice movement.

7. Clear your docks of all items.

8. Check and tighten all dock bolts and screws as they become loose each year with wood shrinkage and motion.

9. Remove or store well above the highest possible water level, golf clubs, planter boxes, deck chairs and tables, water toys, etc.

10. Flip up or remove dock ladders.

Watch for the MLA Flood Watch communication next Spring to track the Spring run-off conditions.

Based on an article from the MLS Newsletter

Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

11

COTTAGES WANTED!

WE HAVE BUYERS We have many eager cottage buyers waiting for their new family cottage property to become available for sale. If you are considering the sale of your cottage, please give us an opportunity to discuss how we would market your property to achieve the best possible results, with the least inconvenience to you and your family. The following is a brief summary of the search criteria that a few of our current buyer clients have for their new Muskoka cottage.

If your cottage matches one of these descriptions and you would consider selling your cottage, please contact us.

TRADITIONAL DESIGN

THE COMPLETE PACKAGE

• 300+ feet mainland water frontage on one of the 3 big lakes

• Cottage, 2-storey boathouse, garage

• Excellent privacy

• 4+ bedrooms, 3+ bathrooms

• Single storey or 2-storey boathouse

• Good neighbourhood, privacy

• Expansive open lake view

• Newer buildings in very good condition

• 5,000 sq.ft. winterized cottage, 4+ bedrooms, 3+ bathrooms

• Mainland property only

• Newer buildings in excellent condition

• Investment level of $3M - $6.5M

• Willing to invest $7M - $10M

LEVEL OR GENTLY SLOPING LAND • Lakes Muskoka, Rosseau, Joseph or Lake of Bays • 150+ feet of water frontage • Mainland, winterized cottage with 3+ bedrooms, 2+ washrooms • 2-storey boathouse with accommodations above • Investment level of $1.5M - $4M

EXCELLENT CONDITION COTTAGE & BOATHOUSE LOCATED ON ONE OF THE 3 BIG LAKES • Mainland property only • Level to moderately sloping land • Good neighbourhood and privacy • 3,000 sq.ft.+ cottage, 2-storey boathouse with accommodations above • Investment of $4M - $7M

COTTAGE & BOATHOUSE MUSKOKA BAY RESORT AREA

• 150 feet mainland water frontage on one of the 3 big lakes

• Not waterfront

• Winterized cottage with 3+ bedrooms, 2+ washrooms

• Condo or detached home

• Open lake view with SW, W or NW exposure

• 3+ bedrooms

• 2-storey boathouse with accommodations

• Investment of $500K - $1M

• Investment of approximately $3M

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Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

LARGE, NEW COTTAGE

BIG LAKE, ISLAND COTTAGE

• Located on large or smaller lake

• Located on Lake Muskoka, Rosseau or Joseph

• 100+ feet water frontage with good privacy

• Westerly exposure

• 4+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms, suitable for extended family

• 100+ feet of water frontage

• Investment range of $1.5M - $2.5M

• Investment range $700,000 to $1,250,000

SMALLER LAKE, LARGER COTTAGE

NEW COTTAGE, BIG OR SMALLER LAKE

• Located on smaller Muskoka Lake

• Newer 2,000 sq.ft. or more

• 3+ bedrooms, 2+ bathrooms

• 3+ bedroom cottage

• Winterized cottage in good condition

• Located on big or smaller lake

• 100+ feet of water frontage

• Cottage in good condition, good privacy

• Investment range of $600,000 - $1,000,000

• Investment level of $900,000 - $1,750,000

LARGE, NEWER, FAMILY COTTAGE • Newer large 4+ bedroom cottage, in good condition • Lake Muskoka, Rosseau or Joseph • Located in a nice neighbourhood, with good privacy • Westerly exposure only • Investment range of $2,000,000 - $3,500,000

CLASSIC, OLDER MUSKOKA COTTAGE • Classic, traditional, winterized cottage • Located on big or smaller lake • Cottage must be in good condition • Investment range of $900,000 - $2,200,000

to view our available listings visit CottagesInMuskoka.com Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

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connect

with us Making the Search EASY! If you, a family member or a business colleague are in the market for a Muskoka cottage property, or you just want to keep tabs on what’s happening in the Muskoka cottage real estate market, please let us know and we will be happy to set you up on our automated cottage search service.

This FREE service will email you MLS® listings for newly listed properties, or currently listed properties that have just had a price reduction, that match your custom search criteria, up to 24 hours before they appear on REALTOR. ca. You will be the first to know!

social media Please “Like” our 2 Facebook pages - Cottages In Muskoka and 365 Things To Do In Muskoka. If you know of a Muskoka event please post and we will re-post.

We continue to strive to make our website relevant and useful to you, the cottage owner. Please let us know of any further improvements you would like to see us make.

You are welcome to follow us on all our social media feeds.

If you would like to be added to this free service, please give us a call or let us know by email at GardinerTeam@gmail.com, with the subject line “Cottage Search”. Please include your basic search criteria, such as desired investment range, desired lake(s), minimum number of bedrooms and washrooms, etc. and we will tailor your search to these criteria as much as our system will allow.

JIM GARDINER Broker

705.646.7358

IRIS GARDINER Broker

705.646.6367

CottagesInMuskoka.com Gardinerteam@gmail.com CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE

LESLEY-ANNE GOODFELLOW Sales Representative

705.787.6110

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110 Medora Street, Port Carling Ontario P0B 1J0 Office: 705.765.6878

Gardiner Team | Spring New s l e t t e r 20 21

FREE Monthly Email Muskoka Cottage Real Estate Newsletter!

We produce a FREE monthly newsletter that is emailed to subscribers. This newsletter features articles of current interest to home and cottage owners, including the current status of the cottage real estate market. If you would like to subscribe to this newsletter, FREE of charge, please send us an email to GardinerTeam@gmail.com with “Monthly Newsletter� in the subject line.

Note that under our privacy policy we will not sell or otherwise provide your email address to third parties, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Below are some examples of the content in our monthly email newsletter.

Gardiner Team | S p r ing Newslette r 2021

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If undelivered, return to: 29 Westvale Drive Bracebridge, ON P1L 1B5

CottagesInMuskoka.com