Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine - Spring 2022 Issue

SPRING 2022 In Print, Online & On Social

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Cottage Country LIFESTYLE

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Making Your Vision Become A Reality Fisher Excavating

Tackle Swap & Fishing Show Clear Views & Luxurious Spaces A Southern Polar Adventure Stoney Lake HOME & COTTAGE • EVENTS • DESIGN • LAKES • RECIPES • DIY • KIDS CORNER • PETS & VETS • IN THE NEWS

Cottage Country's FREE Multi Award Winning Cottage Lifestyle Magazine!

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Spring 2022 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

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CONTENTS SPRING 2022 Home & Cottage 10 12 15 18 21 22 23 27 28

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31 32 33 35 36 40

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Fisher Excavating A Modern Chalet Getaway Keeping Your Home Organized Those Were the Days Staples Maple Syrup The Magic of Spring Ephemerals Stoney Lake Protecting Shorelines from Erosion Snowmobiling Tips for Late Winter Trail Riding William & Walter Blackwell Peterborough Architects Birdwatching as a Family Recipes Why A Sunroom?

Artist Profile - Karen Richardson Connecting Communities Through Trails - KATVA

12 On The Water

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39 - Creating Your Dream Dock 42 - Peterborough Tackle Swap & Fishing Show 45 - Preparation Pays Off Mike Williams 46 - Women in Fishing 49 - Panfish Bonanza 51 - Custom Designed & Handcrafted Interco Docks

54 - Pets & Vets 58 - Kids Corner 61 - In The News

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ON THE COVER FISHER EXCAVATING

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PUBLISHER & DESIGN Kelly Welsh, Owner COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER Emily Ireland ADVERTISING SALES Deb Mahoney, Belinda Wilson & Linda Blunt

CONTRIBUTORS Russ Sanders, Emily Ireland, Belinda Wilson, Jacob Rodenburg, Don Willcock, Correne Omland, Mike Williams, Pyle Group, Jacquelyn Toupin, Craig Nicholson , Michelle Berwick, Mike Quesnelle, Miles Ecclestone & Ineke Turner

2021 Winner Best Advertising / Marketing Agency 2021 Winner Best Graphic Design Services Peterborough This Week Readers' Choice

2021 Gold Winner Best Graphic Design Services Kawartha This Week Readers' Choice

2020 Diamond Winner Best Advertising / Marketing Agency Peterborough This Week Readers' Choice

2020 Platinum Winner - Graphic Design Services 2020 Platinum Winner - Graphic / Web Designer

Volume 29 • Number 2 • 705-313-2245 • www.cottage.rocks Cottage Country Connection - Your Cottage Lifestyle Magazine is published 6 times a year by Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine Inc., 705-313-2245, PO Box 8, Buckhorn ON K0L 1J0. Printing 18,000 per issue and distributed by Canada Post (to Cottages, Homes & Businesses) and distributed to drop locations. Also promoted and viewed Online.

In Print, Online and on Social. Copyright 1994-2021. All rights reserved.

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MARKETING & PROMOTION

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Welcome

to the Spring Issue As the sun shines a little longer, and the days stretch into bright evenings we welcome Spring. The March melt will begin and welcome April showers, which usher in with them our true spring. Sprouts of green will be visible before you know it.

“Is the Spring coming?" he said. "What is it like?"...

"It is the sun shining on the rain and the rain falling on the sunshine...”

- Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

This issue has a little bit of winter left in it with information about late season snowmobiling, but mostly we couldn’t wait to prepare you for spring.

We have information about opening the cottage from Titan Renos North, and reads that will get you on your way to ordering and procuring the perfect dock for the new season.

We are proud to be a sponsor of the Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show this year and can’t wait to see you there. We have lots of fishing information in this issue, with articles from our resident fisherman Mike Williams, and also some new voices; read about pan fishing with Mike from

Since 1994

GOAT Angling Adventures, and meet Yvonne Brown, the Organizer of Ontario Women Anglers.

We have animal info from Kawartha Wildlife Centre and the Peterborough Zoo, and in the pet section read about the top 5 training tips for your new puppy.

We welcome back the Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show after a 2-year hiatus and we are happy to be sponsors! They are still accepting vendors, so if you are interested get in contact soon.

Spring brings with it a little comfort of getting back to normal; with new events popping up. We recommend that you travel all the small towns that Cottage Country has to offer – there are jewels hidden where you least expect them.

Welcome to the Spring Issue, Cottage Country – get out and plant some flowers!

“It's Spring Fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want—oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!” - Mark Twain

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Making Your Vision Become A Reality Fisher Excavating Spring is the perfect time for new outdoor projects. As the snow melts and the earth thaws, our energy turns to completing projects that will make our outdoor lives easier and more beautiful.

Perhaps you have a new build starting this spring; the excavation process can finally begin. Need septic work? Spring is a great time to get this work done before the warmer summer months arrive. It is also a great time for work at the cottage that requires a barge to bring in machinery that might not get there without water access.

Since 2006 Fisher Excavating and Grading has been your local go-to for contracting the best in outdoor excavation work. Dwaine Fisher, owner, has been in the construction industry for most of his life,

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and has the skill and know-how to bring your dreams to fruition.

Servicing an area from Lake Scugog right to Haliburton, Dwaine and his staff of seven always work closely with your other contractors for a seamless experience. Fisher Excavating and Grading specialises in shorelines, dredging, new home construction, road grading, and what Dwaine affectionately calls ‘weird and difficult jobs’ – he says his favourite projects are anything that presents a challenge.

Fisher has a large collection of equipment including a new 72" rock

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saw, which mounts to their 140 excavator, for cutting shoreline stone. Other equipment in their fleet includes a long reach excavator, and a 210 excavator that holds a brush head capable of turning everything in its path to wood chips. The Fishers also have hammers for the excavators and a D8 Dozer for larger rock jobs. Their fleet includes a road grader - perfect for cottage road maintenance and a full-service barge.

“Having our own barge means we can do the work on our timeline, instead of having to wait for the availability of someone else’s barge,” says Dwaine, “ and there is the added peace of mind that comes from knowing the barge is in good repair, fully licensed and insured.”

For the Fisher team, the job doesn’t begin when the equipment moves onsite – it begins by walking the customer through all aspects of the project, whether it is a septic system, shoreline improvement, or other excavation project; you can expect the best in customer service from them.

For every job, Fisher arranges for all required permits. If it’s a new build, that could involve permits for demolition, septic, etc., as well as those required by the conservation authority. This is a great added bonus, and offers enormous peace of mind when you are working with the environment.

If it is shoreline work you are thinking about, Dwaine’s field of expertise covers things like boathouse and shoreline work, as well as dredging and barge work; he has a great understanding of local water levels and the ramifications of changes in those levels. He has an excellent working relationship with Trent-Severn Waterway and the Kawartha Region Conservation Authority, and understands their perspectives on shoreline conservation, habitat protection, etc. For example, did you know there are rules in place which prohibit disruption of the water sediment during certain months based on your area? With such a delicate balance when working between water and land, Dwaine and his team know that details like these are of the utmost importance when working with the environment.

Let Fisher Excavating and Grading take the worry out of your next project so you can relax and enjoy.

Fisher Excavating and Grading 705-887-6767 (Bus), 705-878-6474 (Mobile) fisherex@live.ca www.fisherexcavating.ca Since 1994

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A Modern Chalet

Getaway What better place than a cottage getaway to let loose and have a little fun? This applies to both myself as the designer of this stunning winter wonderland retreat, and to my clients – a family that values time spent together, fine wine, good company and recreating indoors out, here in the breathtaking region of Ontario’s Cottage Country. While location and landscape served as strong inspiration for the home’s cozy aesthetic, the homeowners themselves inspired a few unexpected amusements throughout.

As the designer, I was tasked with transforming an existing home. The catch? To stay true to the chaletchic aesthetic. The vision? To make it uniquely theirs. Here’s how we

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achieved the look.

The main living area was a focal point for this family, so it became one for us as well. We wanted to infuse some life and laughter, which materialized in the form of a casual decorating style with pops of vibrant colour and an open layout that invites family gatherings.

The home had its charms, but just needed a little pick-me-up. The original stained pine walls, pine floors, pickled pine ceilings and warm-wood cabinets had their charms (and my clients’ hearts), but they didn’t quite enhance our vision for a more-modern retreat. We toned down the clashing mix of wood finishes, and opted for a more streamlined look.

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The home had to first reflect its owners, so we decided to keep the pine ceilings and took a toned-down approach to the rest. We removed the old vertical pine boards and swapped them out with beloved shiplap boards painted a fresh, winter-white hue.

At the heart of this home is a central fireplace. Even in an urban setting, you can achieve a cabin-chic look simply by focussing attention on the fireplace. Start by upgrading the unit itself.

Depending on your budget and inclination to redecorate or renovate, you can replace your fireplace or give it a fresh coat of paint and style the mantle. Then, angle the furniture to make your fireplace the main focal point. Highlight it with lighting or a great piece of art. On the other hand, if your fireplace is a looker, let it do the talking. Here, the fireplace needed no introduction.

We updated the existing traditional wood-burning stove with a contemporary, four-sided gas unit, enjoyed from every point in the main living area, dining room and kitchen.

Gracing the dining area is a Twiggy painting, chosen by the homeowners, complimenting the space with a bold burst of colour and modern edge.

Adding to the modern touches, we painted the east and west gable ends in a warm grey hue that ties in with the dark fireplace and floors, in contrast to the white shiplap and pickled pine ceiling. This same dark hue is echoed on all interior doors to match the tone of the smoky, stained hardwood.

The home boasts a playful vibe that was largely guided by the homeowners' modern tastes. We used small but mighty hits of colour and geometric patterns, and low-maintenance furniture that puts comfort first, with style coming in at a close second.

Physical comforts are matched by a warm and inviting palette of colour, texture and materials; by warm greys and vibrant jeweltoned textiles, like the dining room area rug and accent fabrics.

This cozy and welcoming home is a haven for family, friends and fun, inspired by the people who live there and the environment around them. Our clients loved our design of the space and connected with it on a deeper level, which was our ultimate goal for this design project – and every project.

International Designer Laura Hay , Principal of LH Decor & Design Inc. brings over a decade of experience to her work in residential interiors . The growing boutique design firm is known for creating stylish, harmonious, livable environments and vacation homes in the GTA, Canada, United States and Bahamas. www.decoranddesign.ca @laurahay Since 1994

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Keeping Your

Home Organized Keeping your home organized can be a very taxing job. Most of us have more stuff than we know what to do with, much less where to put that stuff. Here are a few simple tips for getting your home organized and keeping it that way.

First, make sure that everything you have is actually worth having.

We often keep things that aren't necessary to have in the house, and that's what causes the clutter. Now, I'm not talking about all those meaningful, sentimental items - those are important to keep. But anything you have "just in case" that you haven't used in three years or more has to go.

Next, make sure you only worry about one room at a time - it will be easier to work your way through the house. If you try to do the whole house at once, you will be moving things from room to room which will take much longer - and there may be even more clutter in some places than there was before. Once you have found a place for everything, make sure that those things stay in their place, or get

Since 1994

put back in their place after using them.

Finally, have a document station. Keep an accordion file folder with pockets labeled for members of the household, bills, and mail.

Another key part of this document station is to purge it weekly so that it does not get disorganized and overstuffed. This can really help avoid having way too many papers lying around the house and it will prevent you accidentally throwing out important papers mixed in with the clutter.

Keeping your home organized can be very difficult, especially because our lives are so busy - but once you have a system for keeping your house in check, it is much easier to get organized and stay that way.

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Cottage Opening 101 Spring is just around the corner and with it a new cottage season is ushered in.

And if your family is anything like ours, you don’t want to waste any precious time in starting your cottage family fun.

Seasoned cottage owners already know the work involved in opening a cottage, but new cottage owners may be surprised at the laundry list of things you need to consider. Still others, even with years of experience, struggle with finding the time to get organized without all of the stress that comes with it.

In this article we will take the mystery out of cottage opening for newcomers and share some strategies and checklists to keep the process relatively painless for the experienced and not-so-experienced alike.

So let’s begin!

Before you leave About two weeks before your first trip, make sure your cottage utilities are turned on. This includes your hydro, gas, phone or internet,

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cable, etc. Also check your insurance for your cottage, boat and trailer. Make sure it’s all current and that you have copies of all your important documents.

What to bring Make note of the necessities you either ran out of or took home from the cottage last fall. Add any other items you anticipate for this year’s activities. Make a list days before you leave to help ensure you don’t forget something important (like your keys). Common cottage items include: • towels and bedding • toiletries (don’t forget the sunscreen!)

• shoes, clothes and bathing gear • games and electronics • kitchen supplies • food stuffs • cleaning supplies • tools

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Also remember to take up important, but sometimes overlooked items like: • at least one Jerry can of gas • 4 bottles of 2-stroke engine oil • a filled propane tank for your BBQ • new BBQ brush and back-up BBQ lighter • nightlights and flashlights • fresh batteries for flashlights, smoke detectors, etc.

• newspaper for fire starter • mosquito coils (pro tip: black coils work better) • emergency candles • a sharpened or new chain for the chainsaw

When you arrive WATERLINES The first order of business when you arrive is to get the water running.

Many cottages get their water supply from

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the lake via a waterline. Unless you have a heated line, the outside temperature needs to be consistently above freezing before you get the water going, otherwise you risk a frozen and burst waterline, and a potentially cracked water pump.

Usually when we open our cottages, the boats are not in the water yet, so shortly after opening, you will have to move your lake-fed waterline further out into the lake and extend the line to its full reach.

When the line is in, you will have to prime both the line and the pump before you switch on power to your water pump.

INSPECT THE COTTAGE EXTERIOR AND PERIMETER Once the water is running, you should do a thorough exterior and perimeter check of your cottage. Ensure that there is no roof damage from fallen branches over the winter. Check that there is no snow and ice damage. Do a thorough check of your deck, stairs, dock, shoreline and driveway.

You should also take the spring opening as an opportunity to clean out your leaf gutters. Sometimes it’s as easy as taking your leaf blower to clean them out, but sometimes a good high pressure wash from your gardening hose will do the job.

You should plan on your driveway being covered in leaves and small branches from the winter, so be prepared to spend an hour clearing it.

Always prepare for the unexpected. Winters can potentially wreak havoc on cottages and shorelines. Snow, water and ice take the path of least resistance. They can damage shingles, roof sheathing, gutters, down-spouts, chimney and roof vent areas, etc.

Try to anticipate these issues and plan ahead so you have the right tools with you when you need them.

THE SEPTIC SYSTEM Keep in mind that your septic system has been dormant anywhere from five to seven months while you were away.

Septic systems have a “memory” of how the system was loaded down from the year before, thanks to the bacteria and enzymes that are in both the tank itself and the weeping bed, so it should operate like last year. However, if your family has expanded over the winter, or you’re planning on having more guests up this season, your septic system will have to adjust to the new load demand. Hence, if you experience odours from your main plumbing drain vent, know this is normal until the bacteria and enzymes build up in the system to accommodate the new load (no pun intended).

Submitted by Titan Renos North We service all of Highlands East.

905-767-6524 www.titanrenosnorth.ca

Since 1994

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THOSE WERE THE DAYS

"The History of a Lamp”

I was watching my wife, Kay, knitting and I thought of the lamp that was sitting on an end table next to her, but whenever my mind begins to drift it invariably explodes with a rush of memories. I was going to dwell a bit on the lamp but there are many stories intertwined leading up to why the lamp actually came to be.

My grandfather and grandmother immigrated to Canada from England in the early 1900s with their five children, my father being one of them. After landing in Montreal, they made their way to London, Ontario where they settled for a short time.

In 1929 Windsor, Ontario was venturing into a vast project to ease some of the early unemployment caused by the Great Depression.

Windsor Council purchased a sixty-acre parcel of land that once was a horse race track and planned on developing a huge park, one that would have a goldfish pond and a working floral clock. They needed a Parks Superintendent and hired my grandfather. Of course, the Sanders family moved to Windsor where my grandfather worked tirelessly to put together Jackson Park, one of Ontario’s finest landmarks.

The British Empire abolished slavery on August 1, 1834 and that date has been recognized ever since. A huge parade involving bands from all over North America marched down Windsor’s main street to Jackson Park where easily two or three hundred cars and campers with mostly American licence plates were parked, and at least 20,000 people were enjoying four days of endless partying. There were beauty and band contests while the tantalizing aroma from a ton of barbecued chicken and ribs wafted over the mammoth midway.

Guest speakers on various Emancipation Days included Martin Luther King and Eleanor Roosevelt.

My wife and I were married on March 27, 1954 - yes, this is our 68th wedding anniversary. Dad always said, “never pay more in monthly rent than you earn weekly”, sage advice I did not heed. Our first apartment was fifty dollars a month and I was earning $38.50 a week so we didn’t have a lot of change left over. Jackson Park was only a few blocks from our apartment and on August 1st the Emancipation celebration was in full swing. Kay and I strolled through the midway, it was great, everyone was happy, laughter was heard everywhere and lots of music. We came to a big tent where a man with a megaphone was urging people, “come on in and play Bingo, just twenty-five cents”. I dug into my pockets and came up with fifteen cents, Kay fumbled through her purse and found a dime. We sat down and the man grabbed our money and dropped a Bingo card. “Under the B. Under the I. Under the G. Under the O.” Four numbers plus the free in the middle, Kay and I hollered together “BINGO”. We couldn’t believe it, was grandpa looking down on us?

Well, that was 1954, after sixty-eight years the beautiful floral lamp Kay chose as our prize still lights up our home. The lamp cost twentyfive cents, to us it is priceless.

Russ Sanders epigram@nexicom.net

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It's all in the Family

Staples Maple Syrup The Staples family have always had a taste for maple; in 1813 the original Staples wrote back to Ireland about the sweet sap from the local maple trees. Generations later as a young lad in Ontario, Robert Staples convinced his father to let him tap the maple trees lining their driveway – along with an old iron kettle and his love for maple, the rest as we say, is history.

As Robert grew, so did his passion for making maple syrup. Robert expanded, tapping more trees with a greater number of buckets, and in 1973 Robert expanded from a bucket and spile operation to a much more sophisticated pipeline system.

With a pipeline the sap runs from each tap in a collection of trees and is transported directly to the sugar shack to be boiled down – no more collecting and emptying buckets. In 2000 the operation expanded again to include 3500 taps; every tap can provide up to 40 litres of sap which, boiled down, makes one litre of syrup. The Staples farm effectively produces in excess of 3500 litres of syrup a year.

Syrup isn’t the only thing they make; their maple butter, granulated maple sugar, maple candy and suckers are popular as well.

Generally, the maple season begins mid February when the sap begins to run – but as Jill tells us, this year might be into March as temperatures need to be a consistent 5 degrees during the day and -5 degrees at night (or below freezing). It has been too cold this February to get the sap really running yet. Their season usually runs into the 2nd week of April.

You can find Staples Maple Syrup in the

Millbrook Foodland, Kyoto Coffee, at the Saturday Market in Peterborough (Morrow Building), and at the Oshawa Centre Market on Fridays. The Staples also offer online shopping, shipping and local porch pickup at their farm.

If you would like to visit the Staples at their Sugar Shack, they invite you to give them a call; if they are in, you are welcome for a free tour - they love sharing with people where their food comes from. www.staplesmaplesyrup.ca 705 944 5501 439 Highway 7A, Cavan Follow them on Facebook and Instagram

Robert and his wife Jill have won many awards for their syrup, including the Royal Winter Fair Maple Syrup Championship – 4 times! They are federally inspected, and members of the Ontario Maple Syrup Producers Association. They take pride in the cleanliness of their equipment which ensures a superior product is produced.

They are also certified organic.

With no outside employees, Robert and Jill enlist help from their kids, Mark and Meghan, along with their spouses. Jill explains that even her grandkids, aged 6 and 9, get in on the fun, checking pipelines for leaks and filling jars. Mark is becoming more involved in the business each year to carry on the family tradition.

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The Magic of Spring Ephemerals As the weather warms and the smell of the Earth once again fills our nostrils, we welcome the magic and wonder of the spring ephemeral.

This beautiful group of plant friends graces us with their bright and dazzling colours for only the briefest of moments. Conditions must be just right with nighttime temperatures still cold and the tree canopies not yet leafing out. Satisfied it is their time, they burst forth displaying their absolutely stunning foliage, go to seed and as quickly as they arrived, head back into dormancy once again.

Like many of the plants in the world, there are some spring ephemerals that find their way into my apothecary for future needs. I have often hunted through the awakening forests to find specimens like trout lily, marsh marigolds, toothwort and on the rare occasion bloodroot (your knowledge must be vast and deep to work with this plant). As residents of Ontario, many of us are familiar with at least one ephemeral; the beautiful trillium found in the forests in early spring. And while many are not destined to line my shelves as brews in bottles, I do love the wonder and magic they spark within me. The quickening of the Earth cannot be denied in those moments, as we can finally breathe a sigh of relief. Winter is over at last.

Correne Omland, Clinical Herbalist & Reiki Practitioner Spiraea Herbal Clinic + Apothecary www.spiraeaherbs.ca facebook.com/spiraeaherbs youtube.com/spiraeaherbs instagram.com/spiraeaherbs

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Stoney Lake Stoney Lake, also known as Stony Lake, is the most easterly of all the Kawartha Lakes. It is on the Trent Severn Waterway. Stoney Lake is quite beautiful and has often been called the “Crown Jewel of the Kawarthas”.

It consists of Upper Stoney Lake, Stoney Lake and Clear Lake.

Stoney Lake is 20 miles long, running east from Young’s Point, and consists of 11 square miles of surface area. The north shore is most scenic with primarily granite rock while the south shore is mostly clay and sand. There are over 1100 islands in the lake, with many cottages on islands and around the shore. One of the islands, Fairy Island, actually has a lake on it, making it a lake within a lake.

Known to early European settlers as Salmon Trout Lake, the modern name – Stoney Lake - is incredibly fitting.

Created during and after the last ice age as most lakes in Ontario were, Stoney Lake connects the border between the Canadian Shield and the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Lowlands landforms.

The scenery of Stoney Lake is influenced by both the rugged granite known as the Canadian Shield to the north, and the more moderate, deeply forested Great Lakes to the south.

Stoney Lake was considered special and was the home to many aboriginal people who lived off the lake and its rich resources for hundreds of years. Artifacts have been dated back to the 1400’s and prehistoric rock carvings can be seen at the east end of Stoney Lake in Petroglyphs Provincial Park.

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The Stoney Lake area was of interest to loggers who arrived in the early 1800s followed by settlers and miners. Pioneer writer Susanna Moodie came to the area and first visited the lake in 1835. Rowing and sailing regattas and other events were held at Stoney Lake from the late 1800’s and the lake has been enjoyed mainly by cottagers since then. Now Stoney Lake is a prime cottagers’ lake, with active cottagers’ associations. Several century-old cottages remain, passed on from generation to generation, but there has been much infilling with many large homes and huge boathouses on the lake. The east side of the lake was mostly developed for cottages after the mid-1950s when paved roads were built. In recent years, the trend has been all-season cottages, and there are now many year ‘round residents all over the lake.

The lake is also busy during fishing season as anglers of all ages come out in hopes of catching the ‘Big One.’ Sportfish caught in the lake include smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye (pickerel) and muskellunge (musky).

Take a tour this season and put a visit to Stoney Lake on the itinerary - you will not be disappointed by the scenic views and luscious sunsets Stoney Lake has to offer.

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Clear Views & Luxurious Spaces Upgrading doors and railings to achieve clear views and luxurious spaces.

fold door system is a European design that offers slim profiles for maximized sight lines. This folding door is versatile, offering thermal glass, single glazed glass, and 4 track screen window options to suit many applications. These luxurious doors add comfort and convenience. They allow for more natural light and can offer 75% screen ventilation with the 4-track window feature.

This door was love at first sight for Nortech owner Chris McNelly, who made the decision to include a bi-folding door system in his own cottage. He was looking to increase entertainment space and enjoy outdoor living. He installed the WeatherMaster Plus bi-folding door between the sunroom and the great room of his place. “It is the highlight of our cottage”, Chris explains. “It expands the living space and makes one room flow into the next. It fills the cottage with the breezes and sounds of the water, truly bringing the outdoors in.

We love the open-air living vibe that it provides during the cottage season.”

Craving fresh air and open spaces? Nortech can provide you with the Sunspace WeatherMaster Plus bi-fold door system which allows an entire wall to be opened up to the outdoors, flooding the space with fresh air and sunshine. The WeatherMaster Plus aluminum bi-

Looking to increase the view from your deck? Transitioning from traditional picket rail to glass panel rail not only adds a stylish and luxurious aesthetic, but it also dramatically increases your view and sense of serenity. Glass railing provides beauty, style, and safety, giving a high-end look with low maintenance. Enjoy uninterrupted sightlines and pristine views with tempered topless glass rail panels.

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Nortech can install Sunspace's affordable aluminum and glass railing systems customized to your space. Did you know they can also be a stylish indoor option? With five colours to choose from and a variety of elegant picket and glass designs, Nortech will have a style to best suit your home, cottage, or commercial property.

Contractors and homeowners can call 705-738-0304 to request a free estimate. Nortech loves the joy that is brought by a beautifully finished project. They are a local window, door, and sunroom company serving the Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Minden, and Haliburton regions for 20 years.

Nortech Windows. Door. Sunrooms and Sunspace by Nortech 3300 County Rd 36, Bobcaygeon 5245 County Rd 21, Haliburton (New Location opening spring 2022)

705-738-0304 nortechwindows.com info@nortechwindows.com

Since 1994

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Protecting

Shorelines

from Erosion

Shoreline erosion is a concern of many shoreline property owners; the loss of soil along shorelines can result in a loss of valuable waterfront property while impacting shoreline stability, water quality as well as wildlife habitat.

While shoreline erosion can happen naturally, it can also be caused by human disturbances. The difference is that when erosion occurs naturally from ice, wind or water, it happens at a very slow rate.

It’s when we alter the natural features on our property that this process is accelerated.

The good news is that there are actions every shoreline property owner can take to protect their shoreline from erosion! In the past retaining walls were often considered the best approach; now we know these structures can ultimately do more harm than good.

The measures outlined here can help reduce erosion occurring on your property:

1. Perhaps the best way is to maintain a natural shoreline. Rather than mowing your lawn to the water’s edge,

leave an unmowed strip of vegetation by the shoreline. Aim for a strip at least 10 metres wide, although wider is always better. It really can be that simple! You can also plant native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. Additionally, leave boulders and fallen branches.

All these materials absorb the energy from erosive forces and help keep the shoreline “glued” together.

2. Minimize the amount of runoff from your property.

Encourage rainwater to infiltrate the soil instead of travelling over it where it can wash soil away. Native vegetation is a shoreline property owner’s greatest ally as it keeps large amounts of runoff from entering the lake. Reducing hard surfaces such as driveways and directing eaves into a rain barrel or a soaking area also encourages rainwater to permeate the soil.

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3. Minimize wake from boats and other motorized watercraft. Not only do boat wakes erode shorelines, but they

can also swamp the nests of loons, damage docks, upset canoes and other small boats, and endanger swimmers. All you have to do is slow down! The law governing most of Ontario’s waterways states boats must slow down to 10 kilometres per hour within 30 metres of the shore.

4. Incorporate erosion control plans into any future construction taking place on your property. This could

involve using filter cloths, hay bales, silt fences and covering fill piles with tarps to reduce the amount of soil being carried away by runoff.

5. Even our constant walking back and forth as we make our way from our cottage or home to the lake can trample vegetation resulting in exposed soil.

Creating pathways on moderate slopes that follow an s-curve pattern is a great way to limit foot traffic. Cover the path with wood chips and crushed gravel or with an erosion control mix and you’re all set! Erosion control mix is a mulch of partially composted bark, sand, gravel, stone and wood fragments.

In contrast, a pathway that takes a direct downward route encourages erosion as gravity pulls soil and runoff straight down the path towards the water.

For more information on how you can show your lake some love, visit LoveYourLake.ca.

Love Your Lake is a shoreline naturalization program developed by the Canadian Wildlife Federation and Watersheds Canada.

Home & Cottage ~ Spring 2022 27

Snowmobiling

Tips For Late Winter Trail Riding Story & photos by Craig Nicholson, The Intrepid Snowmobiler

Snowmobilers agree that March can be the best time for recreational day riding on OFSC Prescribed Trails across the Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft region. Temperatures are more moderate, longer days provide more riding hours, and trail bases are set and firm.

begins to weaken. So, snowmobilers must be very cautious about doing any lake running. Area snowmobile clubs have kept most trails off major waterways, and existing ice crossings are well staked and tracked. Still, when the weather begins to turn, the smart choice is day riding opportunities offered on land trails.

But March is also transition time. Trails can begin to deteriorate, ultimately disappearing as the weather becomes increasingly spring-like. Some years, trails remain available to ride longer than others, but predicting their longevity is a chancey proposition.

These include OFSC trails on abandoned rail lines, utility corridors, forest access or old logging roads, as well as unopened municipal road allowances, where the trail base usually lasts longer. These options often provide optimum available March day riding, even though some access trails may not be as durable.

Any prolonged stretch of abnormally warm temps accompanied by sustained sun or downpours can signal an imminent end.

Either one starts irreversible meltdown that can’t be absorbed by frozen ground. The resulting run-off and ponding in low areas can irreversibly erode the trail base. At the same time, snow disappears off road shoulders, crossings and access to services, making steering a sled more challenging and causing undue wear & tear.

Trails in the more northerly area of Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft tend to last slightly longer. So, many day riders choose to trailer closer to alternative trailheads in March, instead of snowmobiling from your door. Both the OFSC Interactive Trail Guide (ITG) and printed trail guides for OFSC Districts 2 and 6 show useful parking areas, including at clubhouses.

March is also when slush can form on frozen water bodies and ice

As March trail status can change quickly, be sure to check the ITG

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regularly and often. While the ITG is the sole authorized source of trail availability, visiting Facebook pages of local clubs for their “on the snow” observations and photos can also provide useful commentary.

With a little luck, safety-conscious snowmobilers might even be able to ride available OFSC trails through the end of March. But when snowmobile trails close, cooperate with your local club by staying off and avoid trespass on your ATV in any season. Until then, why not take advantage of any remaining winter days by OFSC trail riding in the Kawarthas, Haliburton and Bancroft?

Learn More About March Trail Riding At: Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs – www.ofsc.on.ca Snowmobile Clubs On Facebook - Buckhorn & District, Haliburton County Snowmobile Association, Paudash Trailblazers, Twin Mountains, Stoney Lake Sno Riders.

Intrepid Snowmobiler – www.intrepidsnowmobiler.com Since 1994

Home & Cottage ~ Spring 2022 29

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William & Walter Blackwell,

PETERBOROUGH ARCHITECTS Renowned Canadian architect Eberhard Zeidler, who died in January, usually is thought of as a “Toronto Architect” but actually began his career in Peterborough, Ontario with the firm Blackwell & Craig. He joined in 1951 and became a partner in 1953; the company’s name was changed to Blackwell, Craig & Zeidler, then to Craig & Zeidler after Walter R.L. Blackwell retired. Craig & Zeidler continued until 1961 when they established a second office in Toronto and became Craig, Zeidler & Strong until 1975. It was this firm that designed the Peterborough Centennial Museum building (now Peterborough Museum & Archives) which opened in 1967.

William Blackwell (1850-1937) was born in Lakefield, Ontario, and was related to the locally-prominent Strickland and Reid families.

He articled with architect Walter Strickland in Toronto, worked in Winnipeg and New York City, then established his Peterborough practice in 1880. He was a successful solo practitioner who designed private homes and public buildings throughout Central Ontario until 1919, when his son Walter became a partner. William retired in 1930, leaving his son in charge, and died in 1937.

Walter Renison Lightborne Blackwell (1890-1957) was born in Peterborough. Beginning in 1910, he studied architecture at the University of Toronto and then New York’s Columbia University; for

Since 1994

five years (1913-18) he worked in New York as a draftsman, before returning to Peterborough and his father’s firm. Walter brought his American training and influence to Blackwell & Blackwell’s Ontario projects, which included many new branch buildings for the Bank of Toronto. His long career ended with retirement in 1955; he died in 1957, in Peterborough.

While it has been several decades since a Blackwell-designed building was erected (and some have since been demolished), two of their prominent Peterborough edifices – the former King George Public School (Hunter Street East) and the former Y.M.C.A. (George and Murray streets) – have been newsworthy recently regarding their re-purposing. It is good that the architectural legacy of two “Peterborough boys” still lives on, especially in their home town.

For lists of Blackwell projects, see the articles for “William Blackwell” and “Walter R.L. Blackwell” in the online Biographical Dictionary of Architects in Canada, 1800-1950.

By: Don Willcock, The Peterborough Museum & Archives, 300 Hunter St E, Peterborough, 705-743-5180 www.peterboroughmuseumandarchives.ca

Home & Cottage ~ Spring 2022 31

Birdwatching as a Family Canadian spring can be a bit of a mystery.

Sure, there’s a chance we could be working outside with sun-kissed cheeks in March, or we could be hunkered down for the long haul, wondering if it will snow forever.

Over the years the kids and I have developed our own spring traditions we can look forward to, snow or shine. One of the loves we can always count on is bird watching. With children at home ages 5-12, it’s something we can each enjoy, regardless of our ages.

First things first, we like to offer our local wild bird life a little support near the end of winter when food can be hard to find; the loving gesture of hanging bird feeders near our windows is just the kind of helping hand they appreciate, while also offering us the benefit of birdwatching from the hearth.

Next, I leave a display of bird books (a combination of picture books and field guides) near the window along with a pair of binoculars, and our nature journals or activity sheets I scrounge up online. Some years, this display is cute. It’s accompanied by nests and little eggs as decor, and sometimes, it’s slapped down in the windowsill in a stack and gets lost behind the couch. Both have been successful.

My favourite part of this tradition is how eventually my enthusiasm “COME QUICK! It’s a Baltimore Oriole!” eventually translates to the kids. Sometimes we’ll start a communal bird tracker where we draw up a chart and track how many of each bird we see over the month, or sometimes we sketch and paint what we see, or google and share facts aloud.

There are even Ontario-based websites where one can submit their bird counts to help with a better understanding of where each variety tends to dwell. This can be a fun way to engage older children to become leaders in the family project.

And of course, like anything else we dig into as a family, eventually the magic dwindles, the bird identification cards and books become lost and the nature journals disappear into some mysterious corner after someone fails to fill the feeders. The screen door flies open and slams shut because, just like that, spring is here.

Jacquelyn Toupin lives with her family in a heritage farm house that’s been in her family for several generations. You can follow them on YouTube @oldfarmnewfarm or on Instagram @raisinghay

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Weekend at the Cottage

Recipes GLAZED BAKED HAM

Tender and juicy oven-baked ham glazed in a three mustard, brown sugar, honey and cloves marinade.

Perfect for Sunday dinner and Easter.

Ingredients • • • • • • • •

1 8-12 pound bone-in ham, smoked and cured 20 whole cloves 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard 2 tablespoons Pommery mustard 2 teaspoons hot English mustard 2 tablespoons honey ¾ cup brown sugar, packed ¾ cup apple cider vinegar

Instructions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Place ham in a large stockpot and cover with cold water. Bring to boil on high heat. Reduce to low and replace cover slightly ajar. Cook for 1-1½ hours.

After ham is boiled, preheat oven to 350°F with the rack in the lower position.

Remove ham from water and place into a roasting pan. Cut away any excess rind or fat and score in a diamond shaped pattern.

Insert one whole clove into the intersections of each diamond shape.

Prepare the glaze by stirring the mustards, honey and sugar together in a small bowl.

Rub the glaze evenly over the outside of the ham. Pour the apple cider vinegar over top and transfer to oven, baking for 35 - 45 minutes or until glaze is golden and the skin of the ham has crackled.

Remove from oven, letting it rest for 10 minutes. Slice and serve.

OVEN-ROASTED ASPARAGUS Ready in just 15 minutes, this easy, delicious roasted asparagus will become your favourite side dish.

Ingredients • 2 bunches of asparagus • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil • sprinkle of kosher salt and black pepper • squeeze of lemon juice • sprinkle of lemon zest

Instructions 1.

Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with foil.

2.

Peel the stems of the asparagus and trim away the ends. Spread the asparagus onto the foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with oil.

Move the asparagus around a bit to coat with the oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, transfer to the oven and bake for 10 minutes.

3.

Remove from oven. Add a squeeze of lemon before transferring asparagus to a serving platter. Garnish with lemon zest. Serve immediately.

Watch the video on the Weekend at the Cottage YouTube Channel.

Since 1994

Recipes ~ Spring 2022 33

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Why A Sunroom?

Let’s talk about sunrooms; I’m not talking about your Grandma’s old creaky back kitchen – I mean windows galore, shining light – cozy, inviting sunrooms.

For years many folks have built glass and screen rooms to complement their indoor/outdoor living areas, but I am here to tell you this; sunrooms have changed. They are built specifically to your needs and wants – a place to sit in the summer months, away from bugs?

Ok! A three-season space to enjoy your morning coffee and watch the birds? Yes please! A four-season oasis that becomes part of your home, offering more living space? Bring it on!

Not only are sunrooms an investment in comfort, but they can expand your living space immensely; so if your home or cottage is feeling a little small a sunroom is a great way to invest in a little more space without a full-blown renovation. Adding a sunroom also adds considerable value to your home – and with real estate prices flourishing as they are, it is a great way to invest in the future.

extension, entertainment room, living room, or fun room at a fraction of the cost of a solarium or conservatory glass roof addition. It is created by opening up a wall in your home – offering free flow into your home, using your own home’s climate control. It features full walls of glass which are 100% effective in all climates.

Lifestyle invites you to contact them for a free quote and will work with you every step of the way on your journey to enjoying wideopen, unobstructed views from your very own sunroom.

Factory showroom located at 944 Crawford Dr., Peterborough.

LifestyleHomeProducts.ca 1-800-465-0593

Lifestyle Home Products is Canada’s largest independent manufacturer and installer of lifetime three- and four-season sunrooms. Their sunrooms are 100 percent Canadian-made for the Canadian climate.

With three models to choose from there is something for every need and, most importantly, every budget.

The Oasis three-season sunroom is the most affordable sunroom solution. This room is joined to your home and easily closed off by a sliding or storm door when not in use. This type of sunroom is unheated and ideal for spring, summer, and fall. Enjoy beautiful natural light while protected from the wind, rain, and harmful UV rays.

The Oasis Plus four-season sunroom provides exceptional value, allowing you to enjoy all four seasons from the comfort of your home.

It is joined to your home and often accessed by a sliding glass door and is specifically built for our harsh Canadian climate to be used year ‘round. Pre-engineered, high performance, Low-E glass provides optimum climate control which keeps you cool in the summer, and warm in the winter.

The Grand Oasis four-season sunroom addition can be a kitchen Since 1994

Home & Cottage ~ Spring 2022 35

Artist Profile

By Belinda Wilson

Karen Richardson

“It’s almost as if they are paying for the story, and the painting is free.”

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So says Karen Richardson as she discusses her art, and the connection her clients make with the subject matter. “If the piece triggers a memory and keeps it alive, then that’s the piece for you.”

Growing up just outside Algonquin Park, and now calling Lindsay ON home, Richardson has been a professional watercolourist for 35 years, and credits excellent high school instruction as forming a strong foundation on which her art has evolved.

Her subject is nature – landscapes, waterscapes, skyscapes – and she works in realism; “I always want to capture those moments literally.”

She has sold over 800 pieces and her art can be found in over 20 countries around the world, including Pakistan, India, Australia, Russia, Singapore, Barbados, and most recently, Saudi Arabia, as well as several European countries, the USA, and Canada. She says most of her foreign collectors are ex-pats who long for a little piece of home.

Richardson’s inspiration comes from her travels. “It began when my husband and I, travelling on a shoestring budget when we were first married, would head off on a motorcycle to see what we could see. Now, we travel Canada and the US with our travel trailer. We kayak, hike on trails, and I always have a pocket camera with me to capture scenes which may later become the subject of a painting.”

She says inspiration comes to her as a happenstance of life. “I am authentically inspired by the life we lead.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an interesting effect on her sales. “Everyone has been feeling the need to embrace nature, and in the last 2 years my sales have doubled! My available works are nearly depleted at the moment, and I can’t keep up with the demand,” Richardson says as she reflects on her newly expanded popularity.

Richardson’s website, besides displaying her incredible pieces of art, offers the opportunity to sign up for classes, as well as giving instructional tips and videos to those wanting to learn more about the art of watercolour.

She is grateful for the support of the five galleries which carry her work and cherishes the relationship she has with each one.

“I love what I do – I paint the places that speak to my soul, and I hope it touches a real place inside the people who connect with my work.”

Karen Richardson Art Studio (by appointment) Lindsay, ON karen@karenrichardson.ca www.karenrichardson.ca Follow her on Facebook

Colborne Street Gallery by Tim + Chris Fenelon Falls, ON 705-887-0997 info@colbornegallery.ca www.colbornegallery.ca Cornerstone Canadian Art & Craft Kingston, ON 613-546-7967 info@cornerstonecanadianart.com www.cornerstonecanadianart.com Eclipse Art Gallery at Deerhurst Resort Huntsville, ON 705-783-2579 info@eclipsegallery.ca www.eclipseartgallery.ca Meta4 Contemporary Craft Gallery Port Perry, ON 905-985-1534 info@meta4gallery.ca www.meta4gallery.ca Since 1994

Artist Spotlight ~ Spring 2022 37

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Creating Your Dream Dock When you need a new dock there are so many things to consider. Do I just replace what I have? Go bigger? Materials? These are all things that a dock builder can help you with. With a look at your shoreline, they can advise you on the appropriate size of your dock, what materials are best based on your budget; and they have the know-how to bring your dream dock to life. Now is the time to make these arrangements as the spring weather creeps in.

Shoreline Custom Docks is a family-run business based out of Buckhorn, ON. Owner Jeremy Irwin has vast building knowledge and has been in the dock industry for over 20 years. The Shoreline team create beautiful custom waterfront projects all over Peterborough and the Kawarthas, and they want to create a new dock oasis for you.

Shoreline Docks are manufacturers of lift-up docks, pipe docks and floating docks. They sell boatlifts, PWC lifts and dock accessories to compliment the style of your new waterfront project. Not only do boatlifts and PWC lifts offer parking at your dock, they also provide peace of mind when it comes to protecting your investments while you are away from the water.

As well as building and installing new docks, Shoreline is also your go-to for spring installation and fall removal services, taking one huge task off your seasonal checklist.

Shoreline Custom Docks suggest that if you are thinking about purchasing or servicing your waterfront products, don’t hesitate.

They only use the highest quality materials – get your orders in as Since 1994

soon as possible, because the industry is still experiencing material shortages.

Since they are a small family-run business you can expect top-notch customer service from them; their business runs 7 days a week and crews often install and complete service work on weekends for your convenience.

Word of mouth is the best referral and much of Shoreline’s business comes from client referrals, which is a big compliment to their services: “Jeremy and his team at Shoreline Custom Docks built us an amazing dock that exceeded our expectations. Jeremy took the time to work with us, sharing his knowledge and expertise which helped simplify the design and material choices. The delivery and installation of the dock was on time and went smoothly. We now have a place to sit and relax, enjoy our morning coffee with the sunrise, a beverage with the sunset and everything in between making memories on our awesome dock!”

– Kevin “There is nothing like working with people that take pride in their work. People who recognize that their very reputation is riding on the quality and value that they leave behind long after the job is done. Shoreline Docks simply lives this philosophy, making it an absolute pleasure to deal with them.” – Harry James, CEO Shoreline Custom Docks (705) 761-0548 shorelinedocks@outlook.com www.shorelinecustomdocks.ca

On The Water ~ Spring 2022 39

Connecting Communities Through Trails

Upcoming changes to municipal by-laws for ATVs on City of Kawartha Lakes Roads Bill 107, which eased restrictions on driving off-road vehicles on municipal roads, was passed by the Province of Ontario in January 2021. Municipalities were given time to review their networks and put by-laws in place to restrict access where they felt necessary. In most cases municipalities chose to leave the roads open now that the provincial government has given the green light.

allowing ATVs on designated roads to connect ATV users from several communities to the existing trails. The communities affected are Pontypool, Janetville, Cameron, Omemee, and the town of Lindsay. Yes, you read that correctly, there will finally be a route through the town of Lindsay allowing ATV users to connect from the north VRTC to the south VRTC. This route is something that the volunteers from Kawartha ATV Association have been working on for more than 10 years.

The City of Kawartha Lakes does not fall under Bill 107 due to its classification within the province, but the council still has the authority to open municipal roads to off-road vehicles.

Many roads in the north end of the municipality have been open to ORV use for over 10 years but with Bill 107 opening most roads surrounding the city, council decided it was time to take another look at our own roads. In December 2020 the City of Kawartha Lakes council appointed an ORV task force to come up with options and recommendations for council to review. In December 2021, a year after the process began and after much public input and debate, council voted on the last of several recommendations to go ahead with a 2-year pilot project

What does this mean for our communities? Many riders who live along the new routes will be able to not only ride from their homes to the trails but also into local towns for food and gas. Tour operators such as motels and cottage rentals that are not directly connected with trail systems will be able to attract more off-road enthusiasts as more people will be willing to venture north for a weekend of riding if they can park their vehicles Friday night and travel by ATV all weekend while enjoying the trails or venturing into the towns for meals and supplies. We already see this happening successfully in many municipalities such as Haliburton County, Trent Lakes and the northern portion of the City of Kawartha Lakes, and hopefully this will allow some of these other small communities to reap the benefits of the tourism dollars.

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On a final note, the most important point to take as you read this article is that this change is NOT in effect yet. The trial period will start as of May 1st, 2022, and there will be guidelines and restrictions written into the new by-law that need to be followed if this is to be a success.

The trial project only applies to ATVs currently, but the goal is to include SxS if the project is a success.

We would like to take this chance to thank the city staff and councillors who supported this trial project to allow us a chance to show them that ATVs can share the roads in a safe and responsible manner.

To see maps of the new roads that will be open to ATVs as well as a list of rules and guidelines, please go to our website at www. katva.ca for more details.

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Home & Cottage ~ Spring 2022 41

Peterborough

Tackle Swap & Fishing Show Fishing, Fishing, Fishing! It’s a word that’s been echoed through the City of Peterborough since early 2020 when the official news came out that the Bowmanville Tackle Swap and Fishing Show - previously held for the last 8 years in Bowmanville - was going to officially make Peterborough its new home.

After outgrowing all possible venues in the Clarington area, show organizers Kyle and Leanne Carruthers decided to move it to the heart of Peterborough - right smack dab in the middle of the Kawartha Lakes, which are known to be some of the best fishing waters in the province.

The first show was set to take place in early March of 2020 but show organizers had to call it off two days before the event due to the pandemic and the first Ontario lockdown. Now, after having to cancel again in 2021 on two different occasions, the show will be held in Peterborough on March 20th, 2022 at the Memorial Centre in the Morrow building.

“It’s been a long time coming and we cannot wait to launch this event in Peterborough,”

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says show organizer Leanne Carruthers.

“We have never had a response like this for a show and we are expecting to have over 150 vendors. The support from the fishing industry has been unbelievable - we are going to do our part as the promoters to make sure this show is a success, and we will do it in the safest way possible. We have never had so many people this excited to come to one of our events”.

The Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show has a variety of vendors and retailers attending from across North America including big names like Shimano, Daiwa, Garmin, and St. Croix as well as many top tackle stores and lure makers like The Perfect Jig, Peterborough Pro Tackle, JB’s Fishing Depot, Tackle Depot and many more including over 60 personal tables of

Spring 2022 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

anglers selling new and used tackle!

“The show really has something for everyone” says Kyle Carruthers. “Everyone from the top tournament guy to the young kid just getting into fishing, there will be something for you to learn, do or buy at the show. That is what makes the fishing community so great. We are always looking for new ways to grow the sport and this show is just one of those avenues”.

For more details make sure to check out the show's Facebook page for up-to-date info as we lead up to the event.

Peterborough Tackle Swap and Fishing Show March 20th, 2022 at the Memorial Centre 905-809-9682

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Since 1994

On The The Water Water ~ Spring 2022 43 On

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Preparation Pays Off Mike Williams Well, it is the offseason for those who do not enjoy fishing the hard water in the cold temperatures that go along with it. Anglers who don’t partake in ice fishing are probably dreaming of wetting a line and getting anxious for the upcoming spring thaw.

This is a perfect time to get all of your gear in order and ready for the season. It is time to check and see if you have any issues with any of your equipment, check out your boat, rod and reel. Maybe you are looking to get some new tackle to try or want to research some new techniques for this year – now is the time to get on top of those things and get yourself prepared for the fishing season.

In the off-season, marinas and repair shops are not as busy and you can usually get your repairs done in a timely fashion. If you wait until too late into the spring they are busy un wrapping and delivering boats to their customers and thus may delay your start to the year if you need service.

This is also a great time of year to get your rods and reels organized, lubed and spooled up so they are ready when you are to hit the water. It’s a good time to get your tackle organized, put new hooks on your favorite baits so there will be no stories or excuses of the one that got away.

deal, as most start clearing out last year’s inventory and having spring sales.

You can also pass the time reading articles or researching on YouTube new techniques you may want to try to catch the big one this year.

Spring also means the return of show season; hopefully with restrictions being lessened you can get down to one of the shows and check out the latest in fishing products and talk fishing with other anglers and reps in the fishing industry.

time on the water, which will improve your chances of being successful and catching more and bigger fish.

Good luck this upcoming season, and tight lines to all!

Mike Williams, Williams Outfitters www.williamsoutfitters.com

Whatever it is you choose to do, I encourage you to do it during this downtime and be prepared when the fishing season starts; as we all know it goes by very quickly, and if you are prepared you will maximize your

Tackle stores are usually stocking up and filling their shelves with all the latest and greatest fish catching lures and the newest rods and reels with the incoming spring season. If you visit your local tackle shop early you may be able to pick up your new favorite bait or add a new rod and reel to your arsenal at a great Since 1994

On The Water ~ Spring 2022 45

Women in

Fishing

More than any other demographic, the number of women anglers is growing annually, especially in ice fishing because of easy access to locations. It is relatively inexpensive to get started in the sport – a good quality rod and reel, some basic tackle and a fishing license will cost about $200. Angling is a fantastic activity for the whole family to participate and provides a wonderful opportunity for people to get outdoors and enjoy time in the fresh air. Children involved in fishing and other outdoor activities learn an appreciation for our environment and, in time, become the future stewards of this country’s natural resources.

In 2012, I started a program called Fishing 101 for Women which was designed to introduce women to the sport. As numbers grew, and anglers, from the brand new to those who fish tournaments, continued to request programming beyond the basics, Fishing 101 evolved into Ontario Women Anglers www.ontariowomenanglers.ca We created new programs and diversified to include species and technique specific outings – fly and ice fishing, bass tournaments, muskie, steelhead and pike fishing, to name just a few, as well as educational seminars and workshops.

Ontario Women Anglers not only provide fishing events but also mentorship opportunities and a safe environment for women to gather where there are no stupid questions. We have a core team of female volunteers who

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Yvonne Brown Bio In late 2012, Yvonne founded Fishing 101 for Women which, in 2015, evolved into Ontario Women Anglers. Her focus is to contribute to the growth of the sport by increasing female participation and, in turn, allowing women to pass on their skills and knowledge to the next generation of new anglers. ​​ an ambassador for the Keep Canada Fishing As initiative, she promotes National Fishing Week and licence-free fishing days at every opportunity. Yvonne has also been an instructor at the OFAH Women's Outdoor Weekend for the past 10 years and writes for a number of outdoor publications.

In February 2016, Yvonne became the first woman to receive the Rick Amsbury Award of Excellence, presented by the Canadian Angler Hall of Fame, for her contributions to the sport.

In 2019, she was the first female recipient of the President's Award from the Canadian Sportfishing Industry Association. are instructors, ambassadors, mentors, promoters, and organizers.

When women learn new skills like setting up their own rod and reel, tying their own knots, and fish care, they feel empowered. When they put all this knowledge into practice and make a successful catch, they gain new confidence in their abilities and are apt to try new techniques, fish new bodies of water, drive their own boats, and share their new talents with others. Bringing home a fish supper for the family is certainly something to be proud of, too!

Fishing is a sport that can be started at anytime in a person’s life. The only true barrier women face is attitudinal but, with more and more ladies out on the water, the sport is changing in a positive way.

Since 1994

On The Water ~ Spring 2022 47

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Panfish Bonanza!

After a long, dark, cold winter, the first few warm days of spring prompt many of us to head to the cottage to see how things fared during the arctic chill.

For the most part, spring clean up involves picking up fallen branches and twigs from winter storms and raking up the leftover leaves that refused to drop in the fall. I, for one, look forward to this annual ritual.

any leftover standing weeds or wood (old, submerged trees, or dock pilings); even last year's bullrushes are a good starting point.

Keep things simple - a light or ultra light fishing rod with 4 to 6 lb test line and a float of some kind to suspend your offering is usually all that is needed. Those packaged rod and reel combos you see in the tackle store are perfect for the kids in this situation.

I like using artificial baits for panfish, most manufactures have a wide variety of plastic tubes, grubs and creature type baits which are very durable when used with a small jig head. Some even come pre-rigged in the pack and are available in a wide array of fish catching colours. In addition, if the kids are along, you won't be constantly re-baiting hooks.

Use the smallest possible float or bobber that you can. Often the bites are very soft, and a smaller float allows for easier detection of a bite.

Tips and Tricks...

It may take you a while to locate the fish in your area, but you can up your odds by doing a few simple things:

It's not because I enjoy the yard work, but it does signal it's time to get out fishing for panfish!

Panfish, or "pannies", is the word used to describe fish which usually do not outgrow the size of a frying pan. In Ontario the term encompasses a wide variety of small fish, primarily sunfish (pumpkinseeds, bluegills), crappies, yellow perch and rock bass, all of which are ripe for the taking for those anglers who long for that tug on their line.

For the most part, Southern Ontario has a year-round open season for panfish, but you should consult the Ontario fishing regulations for your area to be aware of any restrictions or sanctuary areas.

Spring is also a great time to get the kids out fishing. Ontario residents under the age of 18 do not require a fishing licence; combine that with the fact the equipment needed won't break the family budget and it makes for a fun day out on the water.

Typically, I like to fish shallow back bays or canals that are sheltered from the wind, which allows the water to warm up. Panfish such as crappies and bluegills, will actively seek out this warmer water in the spring, as they begin to congregate for spawning purposes. I look for Since 1994

✔ Fish shallow. Concentrate your efforts in water 5 feet deep or less. ✔ Offer a variety of baits to start, make sure everyone is fishing with something different. Often panfish will show a preference for a certain colour or size of bait. ✔ Don't let your bait sit idle. Artificial baits need to be moved. I would recommend letting the bait sit for 5-10 seconds after the cast, and then moving the float 12-14" while reeling in the slack line and repeating the process until you need to cast again. This will cause your bait to swing like a pendulum under your float and makes it seem more "lifelike". ✔ Adjust the depth of your bait under the float after every 10 or 15 casts if you are not getting any bites. Sometimes that cold water makes them lazy, and you need to put the bait right in front of their nose. ✔ Bring a pair of needle nose pliers or similar hook removing tool.

Panfish have a small mouth and getting tiny hooks out can be a challenge.

This spring give panfish a try! They are fun to catch and make for a tasty treat.

Good luck and get outside!

Mike Quesnelle, GOAT Angling Adventures www.goatanglingadventures.com 705-934-1450

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Custom Designed & Handcrafted Interco Docks

The enjoyment of your waterfront property is often hinged on a well-built docking system. When you take your morning coffee and sit on the dock to enjoy the pristine mornings on the lake or if you are entertaining while kids jump off the dock, or just simply need to dock your boat – Interco Docks has the perfect docking system for your needs.

Specialising in designing custom fabricated docking systems, Interco has been a leader in the industry for over 30 years. A familyowned business, Interco strives to create a one-of-a kind customer service experience; from design to installation, you can expect top service from start to finish.

Interco’s dock systems are custom designed and hand crafted with only the highest quality made hardware – made to last generations.

They offer many options from floating docks, lifting docks and aluminum pipe docks to permanent docks and dock accessories.

With options for every shoreline and every budget Interco definitely has the right dock for your waterfront.

Each dock is finished with your choice of decking to suit your taste – sienna or cedar wood decking in 2-inch or 5/4-inch boards or Thru Flow panel decking which comes in 1-inch, or PVC in 5/4-inch.

Deck boards are secured to a marine grade aluminum frame, and fastened with galvanized or stainless-steel hardware. Size is no issue with builds available up to 12 feet wide and in seamless runs up to 24 feet long.

Plus, every dock that Interco builds comes with a comprehensive 5-year warranty, which means peace of mind for your investment.

Since 1994

Need a lift to go with your new dock? Interco also manufacture vertical, overhead, cantilever, hydraulic and PWC lifts.

Clients have lots to say about Interco, and it’s not hard to see why!

“Interco Docks was fantastic throughout the entire process, from design and quotes, to fabrication and installation. We felt confident that we had a partner in the process to ensure that we received a fantastic dock. The team at Interco worked hard to come up with novel and creative solutions to some of the unique challenges posed by our site. I especially appreciated the site visit to make certain we would be happy with the finished project. I will wholeheartedly recommend Interco Docks to my friends and family, and anyone looking for a first-rate dock and an excellent customer experience.” – A. Podiluk “We are singing Interco praises as the service from Clive's original visit a few years ago, to your on-site visit/quote through to install was such a breath of fresh air in service experience. The 3guys you sent yesterday were AMAZING. Nick was very organized and efficient, all 3 really know their craft and it shows. They were so professional. They work well together and it shows. Thank you again for this experience. It's a high price tag item and having it turn out like this, makes it money well spent.” - J&R Clark Contact them today and let their professional team direct you to a new dock before summer arrives!

Interco Docks 1368 HWY 7, Keene 705 295 4555 www.intercodocks.ca

On The Water ~ Spring 2022 51

A Southern Polar Adventure We just made it back to “civilization”.

Whiteout conditions had been lurking on the horizon throughout the day and as we got closer to ‘home’, the Novo Ice Runway, we knew we had just made it in time.

The four of us had just snowmobiled 110km, each pulling a sled, in a little over 5 hours. Our four new Lynx Commander snowmobiles performed well - we didn’t have to stop to add oil or refuel!

We had left Lake Untersee, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica - our research site, at noon and knew from the forecast it was a bit of a gamble; but our camp had been struck, so relying on GPS we made our way off the lake, up the Anuchin glacier and across the featureless ice sheet.

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Somewhere a couple hours behind us, the “ice train” – a tracked vehicle pulling a packed sea container with all our gear, along with a cargo sled and a small sleeping cabin (caboose) must now be depending on GPS as visibility dropped to less than a few metres. Fortunately 9 hours later the ice train arrived safely, albeit extremely late and a little off the GPS track.

Needless to say, after 6 weeks of camping out on the ice, we were glad to reach the Novo Ice Runway, and the showers! The Novo Ice Runway is a 3km long blue ice runway which is maintained by

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ALCI (Antarctic Logistical Centre International) and in late spring (November) brings new personnel, fuel and supplies to the nearby Russian base as well as other multinational bases around Queen Maud Land. A series of huts adjacent to the runway houses the multinational personnel, albeit mostly Russian and us.

This year the weather continued to be a problem and our 5.5 hour flight back to Cape Town on a Russian Illushyn 76 was delayed; we made it to Cape Town on the day of our flight home.

Unfortunately, COVID protocols meant we had to have a PCR test and wait for the results, so we had to rebook our flight. So,

Since 1994

we spent Christmas in a hotel room and I eventually returned home to Inukshuk Farm in Lakefield, Ontario on December 28th, bringing another polar adventure to an end.

Submitted by Miles Ecclestone, Inukshuk Farm www.inukshukfarm.ca

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Kawartha Wildlife Centre

Snowy Owl We are now well into winter, surrounded by snow - and Snowy Owls! Snowy Owls (Bubo scandiacus) are found across the circumpolar region of the northern hemisphere, nesting on the tundra north of the treeline. Snowy Owls migrate for the winter looking for better hunting grounds and most travel south to areas across Canada.

At this time of year, we have an increased number of owls, like this Snowy, coming into the center with trauma from car collisions.

The deep snowfalls make it increasingly difficult for owls to hunt in open fields. Owls have learned to follow their primary food source, rodents, who in turn have learned that humans toss a lot of edible food scraps into the ditch. Unfortunately, owls are easily ‘spooked’ by passing cars while hunting next to the roadside and often suffer head trauma and broken bones when they fly into or are hit by moving vehicles.

Keep an eye out when on the road and be mindful with your scraps; dispose of them properly or hold on to them until your home. This includes organic waste like apple cores and banana peels which are irresistible sources of sweetness for rodents (and thereby endangering their owl predators) at this time of year.

Please help us spread the word; through knowledge and prevention we can help keep animals, like these wonderful Snowy Owls, out of harm’s way! www.kawarthawildlifecentre.ca

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Critters Corner

Poison Dart Frogs Riverview Park and Zoo Riverview Park and Zoo is now home to 24 Dyeing Poison Dart Frogs, Yellow-Headed Poison Dart Frog, and Green and Black Poison Dart Frogs, adopted from our friends at the Toronto Zoo. A group of poison dart frogs is called an “army”. These frogs are native to the rainforests of Central and South America. They come in a wide range of colours – yellow, green, and blue. The colourful design tells potential predators, “I’m toxic. Don’t eat me.” These frogs grow to be one to two inches long and have an average life span of 3 to 15 years.

Poison dart frogs find their homes under leaves in the dense foliage of tropical forests. As amphibians, they live in places of high humidity, like under mossy rocks.

They are considered one of the earths most toxic, or poisonous species. It is believed that they produce their poison from the insects that they eat in the wild. Indigenous cultures have used these frogs’ poison for centuries to coat the tip of their blow darts before hunting.

Since 1994

Typically, frogs in captivity, isolated from their native habitat, never develop poison and are not toxic. Poison dart frogs eat many kinds of small insects, including fruit flies, ants, termites, young crickets, and tiny beetles. They capture their prey with a long sticky tongue that darts out and zaps the unsuspecting bug.

Though not endangered the poison dart frogs do face risks.

Habitat loss and fragmentation from logging is a threat, as is over collection. They are often taken from the wild for the exotic pet trade. Climate change is also a potential threat, as frogs in general are highly sensitive to even slight changes in their environment.

Find out more about the species that live at the only free-admission accredited zoo in Canada by visiting our website www.riverviewparkandzoo.ca

By Cathy Mitchell, Program Supervisor Riverview Park and Zoo

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5 Tips

for Training Your Puppy Puppies are cute, but they’re also a lot of work!

Here are some of my top tips to help you raise the best puppy possible for a calmer, content adult dog.

Tip #1: Puppies get bored fast!

Puppies need exercise, mental stimulation, and training to help prevent them from finding something to do on their own - such as chewing your undergarments! (More on that in a bit.)

Tip #2: Whining doesn’t always mean they NEED something

Be sure to give them plenty of toys, chews, and games in addition to playing with them so they can learn to be content on their own and not always rely on their human family for entertainment. How can you tell if your puppy is bored? They are busy wandering about the house looking for interesting corners and objects to explore. Attach them to your waist with a leash and take them with you wherever you are for as long as you can. This will allow you to keep an eye on your puppy at all times and intervene as soon as they go looking for trouble.

Puppies often whine when they need to go outside to do their business, but they also will whine to try to get something they want. A prime example of this is whining to get out of the crate; before you know it, your cute little bundle of fur has taught you to let them out of the crate so they can get into trouble and taught you to believe that they “don’t like” their crate. How to tell when your puppy really needs something, and when they’re just trying to test your patience: listen to the intensity and the insistence behind the whine, and pay attention to what happens after. A puppy that needs to go out to pee will sound very different than a puppy who just wants to nap on your lap.

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Tip #3: Every dog is different Every dog is different, and they each have their own little ways of letting you know what they need and want. Daphne, my 5-month-old Doberman puppy will often pounce into my lap or into my leg when she needs to go out, and will often just whine/ groan/grumble when she doesn’t want to sleep in her crate. She’s usually asleep before she finishes grumbling, though, so I ignore it. Dante, my two-and-a-half-year-old Doberman, will stand behind me and whine/groan with his head down when he has to go out. I thought it was hilarious until he started looking for a place to go inside shortly after!

Tip #4: House training isn’t actually a training issue House training is a common problem for many new puppy owners, but it doesn’t have to be. All “accidents” inside are human error, not your puppy’s. Young puppies have tiny plumbing and cannot “hold it” for very long. A good rule of thumb is to take the number of months your puppy has been alive and add one.

If you have an 8-week-old puppy, you can expect the maximum amount of time they can go between to be 3 hours. However, that is only for when they are asleep in their crate! When out, and under supervision, you can expect to take your puppy out each time they eat, play, drink, go for a walk, and wake up from a nap.

Local Humane Societies Lakefield Animal Welfare Society 2887 Lakefield Rd. • 705-652-0588 • www.lakefieldanimalwelfare.org

Humane Society Of Kawartha Lakes 111 McLaughlin Rd., Lindsay • 705-878-4618 • www.hskl.ca

Animal Rescue Krew (ARK) 3307 Lakefield Rd., Lakefield • 705-651-0069

Peterborough Humane Society 385 Lansdowne St. E., Peterborough • 705-745-7676 www.peterboroughhumanesociety.ca

Home Again Bancroft 613-474-3450 • www.homeagainbancroft.ca

Tip #5: Puppies. Chew. Everything.

Finally, puppies are busy exploring their new world, and that means they are constantly putting things in their mouths.

Chewing helps relieve anxiety, is fun, and helps when they’re teething, so have a wide variety of different styles of toys and chews lying around for your puppy to find. Even better, hide them in different places where you hang out so they can “discover” something new rather than chew the furniture or nip at your feet. Stock up on their favourites when they have gravitated to something in particular. Now, why do they seem to enjoy the embarrassing activity of chewing your underwear??

The simple reason is that it’s the one article of clothing that will be completely saturated with your scent. They love to be near you, and they love chewing - it’s a doubly enjoyable task as far as they’re concerned! As long as you keep it out of reach, and don’t make a huge deal out of it if they do find a stray garment, they will grow out of it, I promise!

Follow the tips above and you will be well on your way to having a well-adjusted adult in a couple of years.

Thank you so much for reading, I thoroughly enjoy writing these articles for you! Be sure to tell me what you think on social media by following me on Facebook and Instagram @turnerandpoochtraining. My website is ptbodogtrainer.ca and my email is ineke@ptbodogtrainer.ca. Happy Training!

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Simple Bird Feeder Craft Are you hoping to see some wild birds up close this spring? While birds love to gather on trees with berries, or around seed-heavy flowers, they don’t tend to grace us with their presence in the late winter unless we have something delicious to offer them.

At our house we use a simple bird feeder craft to encourage our colourful little friends to gather at our window sills so we can get a closer look. With the feeders outside our living room window or in a nearby tree, we can all get excited together watching cardinals, orioles, chickadees, blue jays, and sometimes a squirrel or two from the comfort of our couch.

You can make some too!

You’ll need:

EASTER WORD FIND

• Either apple slices, empty toilet paper rolls, or pinecones to act as your base • Peanut butter • Bird seed • Some string • A butter knife • A tray or plate Just spread some peanut butter all over your base object and then sprinkle or roll it in the bird seed. It’s best to do this activity on a plate or tray for easier cleanup ‘cause - spoiler alert - no one likes stepping on bird seed for days. Use a string through the centre of your apple slice, toilet paper roll, or around the top of your pinecone and hang your bird feeder outside your window to welcome some feathered friends to your home.

Make a Bird with Wings - You’ll need • Brightly coloured card stock • Scissors • Glue • String • Optional accessories such as google eyes, or markers for detail

EGG COLOURFUL BUNNY TULIPS FAMILY

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CHOCOLATE BASKET HUNT CANDY FEAST

HIDE CHICKS SPRING HOLIDAY SUNDAY

HYACINTH GRASS CHURCH DAFFODIL MARSHMALLOW

Spring 2022 ~ Cottage Country Lifestyle Magazine

Trace the basic shape of a bird onto a piece of coloured paper.

Draw or glue on its eyes, beak, and other cute details.

Accordion-fold a rectangle of matching paper to act as its wings.

Make a slice in the centre of your bird’s body and slip the wings through.

Glue the flat top of your wings to the top of the bird’s back to hold it in place.

Use a string to suspend your creation for a special spring flare.

Make a bunch of birds to hang together like a flock.

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The Magic of Nests…

If you think about it, a bird egg is a beautiful thing. Within this fragile container is the promise of new feathered life. And bird eggs come in a surprising variety of shapes, sizes and colours. No matter what they look like, there is one fact that may seem obvious but deserves mention – eggs roll. And a rolling egg is not a safe egg. Keeping her eggs both warm and safe is the challenge every mother bird faces. That is why she makes a nest - sometimes an elaborate affair like the woven, hanging nest of a Northern Oriole, or sometimes as simple as a hollow scrape in the ground like that of a Killdeer.

Making a bird’s nest doesn’t seem that remarkable but if you think about it, birds do have a handicap - they don’t have hands! So, they need to use their beaks and feet. Imagine making a nest using only your mouth and toes? And yet the nests that birds such as warblers, orioles and finches create from a few bits of grass, bark, twigs and mud are truly wondrous examples of nature’s architecture – it is worthwhile to remind ourselves that humans aren’t the only builders on this planet.

One of the most common nests you will see in urban and rural settings are those made by the American Robin.

The male and female work together to find a site shielded from sun, wind and rain and Since 1994

hidden from predators, built on something solid – a ledge, a windowsill or a forked tree branch. Each pair of robins will collect over 350 individual fibers of grass, twigs and wildflowers. At times they’ll even weave in bits of paper and plastic bags – whatever is close at hand (or beak). Robins will wait until after a soaking of rain to scoop up beak-fulls of mud, making several hundred trips back and forth to collect enough quantities of mud to bind all the plant fibers together.

Next, they’ll use their feet and beak to weave the fibers and mud together. They’ll make sure the nest is securely anchored to whatever is underneath and they’ll use their tummy to shape and sculpt the sides. Lastly, they’ll line the inside of the nest with soft grass, even their own feathers and bits of fur. The nest will have to be small enough to keep the heat in and the eggs warm but big enough to accommodate growing chicks and mom. A clutch of baby robins can weigh up to 300 grams when they are ready to leave the nest!

Submitted by Jacob Rodenburg, Executive Director of Camp Kawartha, an award-winning outdoor education centre and summer camp.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Try making your own nest.

Mix mud and dried grass together. Start by making a flat disk and then work on building up the edges. Use lots of mud. Pinch, shape and knead with your hands until you have the shape of a robin’s nest. Line with dried grass or cattail fluff. Place in a nearby tree.

Who knows, a robin might just move in!

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Planning For Higher Interest Rates Pyle Group Canadians have had to adapt to change more so in the last two years than at any time in recent memory. Many of us have had to learn how to work from home and how to balance schedules to meet the needs of loved ones, like children in school. While there have been hardships and losses, our collective adaptability has meant the difference between survival and crisis, in both our lives and the economy. The hope in 2022 is that we finally put the pandemic behind us. That will be a huge relief for everyone.

However, it doesn’t mean that everything will feel 100%. There will be a transition back to something resembling “normal” and that will require us to adapt yet again.

The economy is also going through a transition from an orchestrated shutdown at the start of the pandemic, to supply chain disruptions and back to what economists call full employment. The headlines we hear on the news will tell a story of an overall economic recovery and, even though some segments of society may not feel that

recovery, policy changes. The most important of these will be how central banks transition from zero percent interest rates to levels that are considered more reflective of a stronger economy.

It’s possible that as you read this column, interest rates in Canada and the U.S. will already be higher. At the Pyle Group, we anticipate they will move higher still over the course of the year and probably be about a full percentage point higher by the time we close the books on 2022. We shouldn’t panic in the face of higher borrowing costs, but individuals and businesses need to adapt all the same.

That means talking to your advisor about the level of debt you have, ensuring you have planned for an increased payment to service that debt and how this may impact your investments.

We believe Canadians and the economy will get through this year, as we have the past two, by looking after our health, our families and our finances.

Andrew Pyle is an Investment Advisor within CIBC Wood Gundy in Peterborough. The views of Andrew Pyle do not necessarily reflect those of CIBC World Markets Inc. CIBC Private Wealth consists of services provided by CIBC and certain of its subsidiaries, including CIBC Wood Gundy, a division of CIBC World Markets Inc. “CIBC Private Wealth” is a registered trademark of CIBC, used under license. “Wood Gundy” is a registered trademark of CIBC World Markets Inc. If you are currently a CIBC Wood Gundy client, please contact your Investment Advisor.

Since 1994

In The News ~ Spring 2022 61

CHAMBER NEWS

Welcome Back Country Living Show

Make this Year’s Vacation a Staycation!

FENELON FALLS CHAMBER OF COMMERANCE

PETERBOROUGH AND THE KAWARTHAS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Spring is here and after a two-year hiatus the 2022 Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show (CLS) is back with renewed enthusiasm. The Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce looks forward to welcoming back vendors and guests to this premier show, April 22nd to 24th, at the Fenelon Falls Community Centre. Visit www.countrylivingshow.ca or follow us on Instagram @kawarthacountrylivingshow for updates and show details.

On your next trip to downtown Fenelon Falls a visit to the newly opened Porch Light Bakery at 18 Francis Street E is a must. This family-owned business; parents - Andrea & Robert, brother Anton and sister Sonia are baking up something special just for you. Sonia says “they took pandemic lemons and made pandemic lemon tarts… Back to basics. Food, family and butter tarts (of course).”

Just across the bridge, the Barn & Bunkie is expanding their great style and taste with a new venture. The White Cottage Cafe, located at 45 Lindsay Street, is just steps away from their home decor store. It’s the perfect spot to start your day or enjoy some relaxation after retail therapy.

Whether you’re enjoying a spring snowshoe through the forest or snowmobiling along the groomed trails, a stop in Fenelon Falls is the perfect way to complete your day.

Come and see all that’s new in the village and take in the fresh air and sunshine this spring.

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Support Your Local Economy These difficult times have dealt a hard blow to our local businesses. By booking a staycation you can help support your local economy. Stay at a local accommodation provider, dine out at an eatery, shop at unique retailers, and check out the great local attractions; by booking a local vacation, you impact multiple sectors.

Desired Destination Often times we book vacations to exotic destinations, but we forget that where we live is considered someone else’s ideal destination! We can be so quick to jet off that we don’t take the time to explore what we have right here! During your staycation you can discover our region’s incredible natural landmarks as well as local tourist attractions.

Be a tourist in your own backyard!

Take Advantage of the Perks Another big perk of vacationing locally this year is the temporary Ontario Staycation Tax Credit for 2022. Ontario residents can claim 20% of their eligible 2022 accommodation expenses, when staying at a cottage, hotel, or campground, on their personal Income Tax and Benefit Return. Residents can claim eligible expenses of up to $1,000 as an individual or $2,000 if you have a spouse, common-law partner or eligible children, to get back up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a family.

Booking a staycation is an affordable, safe and fun way to spend your holidays and weekends.

It is a great time to book a staycation – show your love for our localities and book today!

Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce proudly represents member businesses in Peterborough City & County.

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Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show 2022 After a two year hiatus, the Fenelon Falls & District Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to the 2022 Kawartha Lakes Country Living Show (CLS) with renewed enthusiasm. The show will take place at the Fenelon Falls Arena & Community Centre located at 27 Veterans Way, Fenelon Falls. Show dates and times are:

opportunities within local Public Health regulations and COVID safety guidelines; therefore, the show may look a little different as we make the safety of attendees, vendors, and contractors our number one priority.

Friday, April 22, 2022, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Saturday, April 23, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, April 24, 2022, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

We are also excited to welcome the return of local favourite The Barn and Bunkie Hello Spring Sale on April 22 to 24, which features an impressive showcase of local artisans offering everything from baked goodies and handmade gifts to signs, home decor, garden art and more.

With special thanks to the generosity of our Sponsors, we are delighted to offer FREE ADMISSION again this year.

There are lots of plans still in the works so be sure to check our website and social media regularly for show updates!

The CLS is an important opportunity to reconnect with existing clients, engage new customers, and build your network. We are working hard to create an event which will provide these

www.countrylivingshow.ca https://www.facebook.com/KawarthaCountryLivingShow https://www.instagram.com/kawarthacountrylivingshow

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In The News ~ Spring 2022 63

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