On The Bay Spring 2018

SPRING 2018

www.onthebaymagazine.com

Real Estate

TRENDS

Where have all the houses gone?

On The Home Front new ideas to update your abode

The Art of the Home A collector’s hideaway

THinK COLLingWOOd. THinK KELEHER. MULTIPLE REPRESENTATION (AKA “double-ending”)

Can one person work in the best interest of a buyer and a seller at the same time?

How can they?...Why would they?

44 ACRES IN THE VILLAGE OF CREEMORE Custom craftsman-style 4 bed+den, 5 bath home with 2000ft of Mad River frontage.

3KMs plus of private trails. $1,895,000 MLS® 107502

This has been a hot topic in the public. Possible changes to the RECO Code of Ethics are being discussed. If RECO & the Prov. gov’t agree to implement Mandatory Designated Representation (MDR) it would eliminate ‘double-ending’ and would impact considerable changes in the industry.

Change most see as positive.

Share your thoughts @chriskeleher.ca

For full article & video, visit: www.ChrisKeleher.ca

STROLL TO VILLAGE

SWEEPING VIEWS

FAMILY NEIGHBOURHOOD

Family friendly 3 bed, 3 bath in the heart of recreation. $599,000 MLS® 111218

2900 sq. ft. bungalow minutes from Thornbury. $699,900 MLS® 111598

4 bed, 4 bath home on a quiet cul de sac backing onto trails. $729,000 MLS® 112571

RARE OPPORTUNITY

SEE THE POTENTIAL

COMMERCIAL

100 Acres at the base of the Escarpment near Blue Mtn. $2,495,000 MLS® 105166

25 acre Mountainside Retreat.

7400 sq. ft. 5 bed, 6 bath. $4,200,000 MLS® 104239

Turnkey Business & Rental Unit. $75,000 MLS® 111353 $799,000 MLS® 111253

Hire a Business. Get More.

View More Feature Listings at: www.ChrisKeleher.ca

“I’m now playing the world’s most beautiful music from the world's most beautiful place.”

- Bill Anderson

Host of Bill's Classical Jukebox

“I know that might sound like a wee exaggeration, but last year my wife and I made the move from Toronto to Southern Georgian Bay and we absolutely love it! Now, I have the pleasure of broadcasting my show five hours every weekday from 10am - 3pm direct from our new downtown Collingwood studio on Hurontario Street to Central and Southern Ontario, and to the world online.

I love hearing from our listeners and invite everyone to call me with your special requests. Whether you'd like to hear Mozart or movie music, Vivaldi or vocal hits, you can reach me at 416.963.5996, b.anderson@mzmedia.com or tweet to @billsjukebox The New Classical 102.9 FM is the only radio station to offer interviews, live concerts, event listings, and more important than ever, news that is calm, concise and comprehensive for educated and informed listeners.

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2017

National Chairman’s Award - Top 1%⁂

Steve Simon*

Chris Keleher**

Kristina Tardif*

Mike Kearns*

Lifestyles North Team

Chris Keleher Team

Signature Sold Team

Kearns Paara Team

Thornbury

Collingwood

Wasaga Beach

Thornbury

Red Diamond Award - Top 2%⁂

Rob Dubien*

Ian Hawkins**

Christine Smith**

Candace Armstrong*

Doug Beaumont**

Paul Casey*

Josh Dolan**

Matthew Lidbetter**

Cindy Ryerse*

Greg Weeks*

Martha Whitton**

Karen Willison*

Linda Murphy*

D. Barry Manchester**

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Shelly Paul*

Mike Poetker*

Collingwood

REALTOR® AWARDS

Collingwood Lifetime Award Of Excellence

Collingwood Award Of Excellence

Diamond Award - Top 3%⁂

Congratulations to all our Award Winners and thanks to all of the clients that made them their trusted real estate advisors in 2017

Collingwood

Thornbury

Collingwood Lifetime Award Of Excellence

Thornbury Award Of Excellence

Collingwood Award Of Excellence

Collingwood Award Of Excellence

Collingwood

Collingwood Award Of Excellence

Thornbury

Director’s Platinum Award - Top 5%⁂

Julia Apblett* Collingwood

Brenda Armstrong**

Nora Black*

Collingwood

Thornbury

Anita Hearn** Collingwood

Doug Linton* Collingwood

Dave Loucks*

Meaford Lifetime Award Of Excellence

Collingwood

Collingwood Lifetime Award Of Excellence

President’s Gold Award - Top 6-10%⁂

Kim Burton*

Sharon Gray**

Tom Griggs*

Karl Hannan*

Nick Kardos*

Nicole Paara* Thornbury

Ed Parkes*

Jessica Ryerse*

Lesley Sullivan*

Mardy van Beest*

Abbey Westlake*

Laurie Westlake*

Wasaga Beach

Collingwood

Collingwood

Collingwood

Meaford

Master Sales Award - Top 11-20%⁂

Vicki Bell**

Collingwood Lifetime Award Of Excellence

Thornbury

Meaford

Meaford

Collingwood

Collingwood

Collingwood

Collingwood

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Wasaga Beach

Collingwood

Collingwood

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IN THIS ISSUE FEATURES 20 Real Estate Buzz Buyers are busy as they compete for the record-low number of

87

homes available for sale.

BY JANET LEES

25 What’s Driving Our Market?

10 trends to help buyers and sellers find the sweet spot.

BY MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

35 The Future Is Here!

New housing developments are on the rise to meet demand.

BY MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

49 New Homes On The Bay is pleased to present our annual guide to active new home developments in Southern Georgian Bay.

58 The Art of the Home From century home to personal gallery and private garden retreat.

BY JUDY ROSS

77 10 New Ideas on the Home Front What’s trending this year.

BY JUDY ROSS

58

COLUMNS Fenceposts

16 Retreating from the Retreat

BY DAN NEEDLES Artist Spotlight

73 Bee Inspired!

Bees provide a rich canvas for watercolour painter Martha Bull.

DEPARTMENTS 10 From Our Editor 12 From Our Readers 94 Marketplace 98 Openings 100 Reader Buying Guide 101 Gallery of Realtors 110 Looking Back

77

Farm to Table

87 Farm Family Currie’s Farm Market, a family business since 1957,

SPRING 2018

www.onthebaymagazine.com

is the last surviving vegetable farm in Collingwood.

BY EMILY WORTS

Real Estate

TRENDS

Where have all the houses gone?

Photographer Spotlight

95 Natural Selections Collingwood photographer Richard Garner captures wildlife with his lens.

On The Home Front new ideas to update your abode

The Art of the Home A collector’s hideaway

ON THE COVER: Daffodils mark the coming of spring in Southern Georgian Bay.

PHOTO BY RICHARD GARNER

25

FOUR SEASON RETREATS Invest in Enjoyment!

VOLUME 15, ISSUE 1 P UB L I S H ER

Jeffrey Shearer jshearer@onthebaymagazine.com ED I T OR

NIPISSING RIDGE LOT Prime location, gorgeous views, area of $1.4M+ homes, near Alpine & Craigleith Ski Clubs. Natural gas, town water/sewer. Asking $394,900

ARROWHEAD AT BLUE MTN 2226 sq ft townhouse, 4 bdrms + den, garage, community pool & tennis, shuttle to ski hills & private beach.

Short term rentals may be possible.

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Janet Lees janet.lees@me.com A R T DI R ECT OR

Holger Meiche OP ER AT I ON S MA N AG ER

Cindy Caines A DV ER T I S I N G DES I G N

Tara McLellan P R OOF R EA DER

Anita Hunter L I S T I N G S COOR DI N ATOR

Sheila Johnston D I S T R I B UT I ON COOR DI N ATOR

Peter Gibson CON T R I B UT I N G W R I T ER S

ALPINE/CRAIGLEITH CHALET Perfect ski chalet, & near the beach!

Large treed lot, 3+bdrms, 2 baths, fin bsmt, hot tub, reno’d, move in condition! Asking $689,900

CRAIGLEITH COMMERCIAL CORNER

On busy Hwy 26, 1.3 acres, uses: pers service, real estate office (on site), veterinary clinic, convenience store, eatery establishments (max of 375sq.f). Retail plaza permits 16,000 ground sf. Asking $799,900

Marc Huminilowycz, Janet Lees, Dan Needles, Judy Ross, Laurie Stephens, Emily Worts CON T R I B UT I N G PHO T OG R A P H ER S & I L L US T R A T OR S

Shelagh Armstrong-Hodgson, Martha Bull, Doug Burlock, Richard Garner, Derek Trask, Kristie & Brenden Woods

REG I ON A L A DV ER T I S I N G S A L ES

705-444-9192 S H A UN A B UR K E

sburke@onthebaymagazine.com R I CK G OR DON

rgordon@onthebaymagazine.com

IN FO R MATIO N A N D R A T ES F OR N A T I ON A L A D V ER T I S ER S

www.bigcountrymagazines.com

BLUE MTN EXEC BUNGALOFT At Windfall - 1 min to south chair, spacious 2200 SF, 3 bdrms + sleeping loft/office, 3 full baths, high end finishes & appliances, open great room w vaulted ceiling, 1.5 car garage, full lower level w walk-out. Asking $829,900

Published by On The Bay Magazine Inc., A subsidiary of ZoomerMedia Limited.

President & CEO Moses Znaimer On The Bay Magazine publishes 4 issues per year and is distributed by Canada Post to the majority of households and businesses in Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, Nottawa, Craigleith, Glencairn, Thornbury, Clarksburg, Ravenna, Markdale, Meaford, Creemore, Duntroon, Stayner, Glen Huron, Dunedin, Kimberley, Singhampton and Flesherton. The magazine is also distributed to hotels, resorts, developer showrooms, realtor offices, and to members of private ski and golf clubs in the area.

SNOWBRIDGE AT BLUE MTN Golf course/ski hills views, perfect for lrg family or entertainer w 7+bdrms, 6 baths, dbl-car grg, hot tub, community pool. Shuttle to lifts & beach. Asking $1,550,000

DEEP DOCKAGE IN YOUR BACKYARD

Exclusive Mariners Haven, C’wood, 5 bdrm, 5 bath t’home, gorgeous Bay views, dbl-car garage, tennis, pool. Asking $1,500,000

Jane Moysey Broker (705) 888-1982 jane@janemoysey.com

Two heads ARE better than one!

Lorraine McDonald Sales Representative (705) 444-4216 lorrainemcdonald@ rogers.com

LOCAL . GLOBAL . PROUDLY CANADIAN . Helping YOU is what we do.

8

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

Subscriptions outside the distribution area are $25.95 per year for 4 issues (including HST), payable by cheque or credit card. No part of On The Bay may be reproduced in any form or by any means without prior written consent of On The Bay Magazine Inc. The views expressed by the contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher, editor or staff of On The Bay Magazine. Letters to the editor are welcome: readermail@onthebaymagazine.com Publications Mail Agreement No. 40943009 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: On The Bay Magazine Suite 200, 115 Hurontario St., Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 2L9 Tel: 705-444-9192 Toll-free: 1-888-282-2014 Fax: 705-444-5658 Printed in Canada by Renaissance Printing Inc.

www.onthebaymagazine.com

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O U R

E D IT OR

PHOTO BY RICHARD GARNER

FR O M

Demand for homes is at an all-time high, there are fewer than ever resale homes available, and those wanting to own a piece of paradise are looking to new home developments like never before.

Change is Going to Come

Southern Georgian Bay has been on a path of growth and change for at least as long as On The Bay has been publishing (we’re now in our 15th year). Our very first feature in our Summer 2004, titled “The Great Migration,” examined the influx of people from multiple demographic groups drawn to this special place because of the four-season lifestyle. Our second issue, published in Fall 2004, took this a step further with a feature entitled, “Development Fever,” which asked the question, “Will growth enhance or destroy our paradise?”

Over the years since then, we’ve continued to probe the demographics that are driving growth in our region, as well as the real estate and development markets striving to meet the demand for homes as more people aspire to live here. We’ve written about the province’s Places to Grow Act, which mandates building up, not out. We’ve written about our downtowns, which will be more vibrant and sustainable if more people are living within walking distance of them.

Now, all these years later, the challenges we’ve been exploring since 2004 have become all too real. Demand for homes is at an all-time high, there are fewer than ever resale homes available, and those wanting to own a piece of paradise are looking to new home developments like never before. It’s great news for developers, who are scrambling to launch new projects and new phases of existing projects. Some aren’t even bothering to build model homes – the demand is so great and sales so brisk that units are being snapped up before shovel meets ground.

It’s also good news for buyers who know what they want and have the money to buy or build their dream home. For those folks, there is more choice than ever, whether they’re looking for a condo at Blue Mountain

10

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

Village, a townhouse on the Collingwood waterfront or a detached home on a golf course in The Blue Mountains. As our real estate stories in this issue point out, sales of homes in the $1-million-plus bracket are up, as are vacant properties for building custom homes.

The upscale, sophisticated buyers who are choosing to live here bring an expectation of top-notch recreation, arts and culture, restaurants and stores. Surely we will all benefit from a higher standard of living, a broader tax base and better choices of where to live, work, play, eat and shop?

Or will we? Who benefits if we have great restaurants, shops, hotels – and possibly soon a casino in either Wasaga Beach or Collingwood – but no one to staff them because those who would do so can’t find affordable housing or transportation in the area? Who benefits if those who work in the Village at Blue can only afford to live on the outskirts of Meaford, but there is no public transit to get them to and from work? Who benefits if the many fabulous artists who find a creative haven here are struggling to make ends meet?

The reality is that those at the lower end of the earning scale can’t afford to live here. As a result, stores, restaurants, hotels and tourism businesses can’t find staff. And even with all the new developments that are bringing people closer to our downtowns, even with all the talk of walkable, bikeable communities, we are still dependent on automobiles to get us from one end of the region to the other.

If we don’t fix these issues soon, we are at risk of becoming victims of our own success.

The next five years will be critical if Southern Georgian Bay is to become a multi-faceted, vibrant, healthy and sustainable collection of communities. With municipal elections looming, it will be up to us as voters to elect representatives who can strike a balance between smart planning and rampant development; between short-term gain and long-term stewardship; between exciting amenities and necessary infrastructure.

We’re here because we love this place. Let’s make sure the future is as bright as the past 15 years have been. ❧

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READE R

M A IL

FROM OUR

READERS RE: GRASSROOTS HEROES, WINTER 2017 Thank you so much for the great article on Home Horizon in On The Bay. You have captured well what we do and our enthusiasm for doing it. We have strong support from the community but there are still many who know little about us or the need we serve. Your article does wonders for helping with increased awareness.

Garth Martin, Board Chair Home Horizon Residential Services All of our theatre group are delighted with your representation of our group. The photo is outstanding and I’m told some of our youth have posted it on the wall in their rooms. I have

12

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

accumulated some extra copies if someone on our board missed getting one.

Thanks again.

Gren Bray, President Clearview Community Theatre

RE: SKI PATROL, WINTER 2017 As a former ski patroller for 18 years at Georgian Peaks and Blue Mountain, I really enjoyed the article. It gives a good understanding of patrolling and captures the reasons why we patrollers are out there day, night, in good weather and bad.

Norman Wingrove Wow, what a great showcase in your magazine. The vibrancy of the front cover just sizzled with winter enthusiasm. It was an absolute pleasure to be involved and participate in creating your editorial. Thank you for asking! I included a photo that Mike and I took before one of our shifts at Blue Mountain.

Everyone knows what it’s like to see a red toboggan carrying someone down the hill knowing that skier or boarder didn’t plan to end their day quite that way. Thank you for turning attention to our ski patrollers, who really do everything in their power to keep all our guests and members safe. We patrol because we love to be a part of the ski

community; it’s our contribution to this great playground we are so fortunate to call home.

People have been asking about the patrol uniforms at Blue Mountain. Half of us are in our traditional red uniforms and half are dressed in black. Why? The Red uniforms are worn by our volunteers and the black by paid patrollers. Both red and black have the same qualifications, do the same training and will help you in the same way. The only difference is how we contribute.

This year we have more rookies than ever before and it’s exciting to see new faces and new enthusiasm on the slopes.

Thank you for spreading the word!

Jen Scholte

E THEAT R R E G NT S A U L H UG SALE G O N DSPRI

EDITOR’S NOTE: The Openings section in our Winter 2017 issue included an article about NeuroReset Inc., the Collingwood-based company behind Neuro Connect products. After the products attracted interest from five of the six “dragons” on the Dragons’ Den TV show, which our article reported, the deal fell through after the show’s taping, according to CBC’s Marketplace.

Marketplace also conducted its own tests, which showed there was “virtually no difference for either strength or balance when using the Neuro Connect Lifestyle clip, name tag clip or no clip.”

As of On The Bay’s print deadline, Health Canada had required the company to stop selling five of its Neuro Connect products for making “unapproved claims” and failing to obtain the necessary medical device licenses from Health Canada. These products include the Neuro Connect Balance clip, Neuro Connect Balance spray, Neuro Connect One, Neuro Connect Lifestyle and Neuro Connect Golf. Mark Metus of NeuroReset told Marketplace his company is working with Health Canada to ensure full compliance of all of its products.

For those who have already purchased Neuro Connect products, the company offers a 60-day money back guarantee if purchasers are “not completely satisfied with your Neuro Connect devices,” according to the company’s website.

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SPRING 2018

13

READE R

M A IL from the top of the mountain! This is Collingwood not Toronto!!

From Our Facebook Page Editor’s Note: We posted the photo at right by On The Bay photographer Doug Burlock and received a number of comments regarding the Collingwood Terminals. Some of them are shared below.

Lara P: Love that building, oh, and the wildlife too!

Sandy M: My grandfather was the electrician for this building. He used to take us up to the top in the rickety elevator. The view was amazing even for a little kid.

Devin C: Full of ASBESTOS mold and bird droppings. It’s a complete liability and biohazard.

No one should step foot in there. With that said, a huge piece of history and extremely interesting building.

Daniela S: Have my wedding pic with this in the background. My photographer (wasn’t local) didn’t understand why I wanted those “grain elevators” in my pic. I explained that I didn’t know if they would be around forever, wanted to make sure my kids would see what the waterfront used to look like.

Alan P: It’s looking kinda rough!

Jeff S: Enjoy them while they’re standing, thousands have been demolished. One day there will be none; all the old wooden ones across the Prairies are gone.

Carol W: Great picture, Doug Burlock!! You have a wonderful talent!

Janet W: I think we also should find a way to preserve them. There is nothing like driving from Duntroon to Collingwood and seeing them, or

Brian R: Well it’s becoming an unsafe building and should be torn down ... it’s not worth fixing.

Brenda M: Great to see the one in Owen Sound still being used.

Paul M: An iconic eyesore, just like the one in Owen Sound.

Follow us on Facebook

WHERE DO YOU STAND ON THE ISSUES? Do you have any comments, suggestions or additional information in response to any of our stories? Don’t be shy! We’d love to hear from you! To submit your letter to the Editor, go to www.onthebaymagazine.com and click on “Have Your Say.” Comments will be published in an upcoming issue of On The Bay. We reserve the right to edit for style, content and space considerations.

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ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

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FENC E P O S T S

RETREATING FROM THE RETREAT True confessions from the 9th Concession

by DAN NEEDLES

❧

illustration by SHELAGH ARMSTRONG-HODGSON

This little plot I live on used to be a farm. I still feed a few sheep and a couple of cows, but at some point while I wasn’t paying attention the farm has slowly morphed into a retreat.

So has the neighbourhood. All of the view properties on the hill above us are inhabited by urban folk who flee the smog every Friday night and curl up in front of their gas fireplaces to watch the sunset.

The farmers, too, have mostly retreated to condos and nursing homes in town. Those few who do live permanently on the side road are busy finding some way to cash in on the community’s new role as a haven for the weary urbanite. The landscape is now dotted with craft breweries, cideries, spas, yoga studios, rock-climbing gyms, all offering diversion and comfort away from the sodium glare of the city.

We might as well have our own statue of liberty on the way into town that says, “Give me your teeming huddled masses yearning to breathe free, de-stress, detoxify and declutter.”

Our children now bring their friends here to find restfulness, reclaim mindfulness, explore different ways of being and, most of all, eat me out of house and home. I wish I had their talent for living in the moment, but I am too busy cooking and cleaning to find that moment.

We grow a lot of food here at the farm. I have pastured beef, pastured hut chickens, pastured pork. My potatoes are chemical-free and my eggs are omega-3. But increasingly there are no takers for any of it. Every second person who shows up at the dinner table is either vegan or has an allergy to eggs and dairy. There’s always someone going through a “cleanse” of some kind, whether it’s from sugar or gluten or oxidants. Spiritual cleansing is great and I’m happy to write out a list of negative things in my life and burn it ceremonially while someone bangs away on a Hang drum. But these juice cleanses give me a sugar high and attract a lot of fruit flies. I checked with my doctor about it and he advises me that I come equipped with two of the most efficient cleansers on the planet: my liver and kidneys. No one has come up with a more efficient system than that.

16

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

“We are what we eat, Dad,” says my eldest son. He has decided to become a kale plant. I always thought kale was more useful as a roofing material than a food, but I gave him his own raised bed in the garden and encouraged him to have at it. It turns out the soil in my garden is just perfect for kale. Soon he had a three-foot-high hedge of it and we were eating kale salads, roasted kale, barbecued kale, kale sandwiches and kale ice cream. I assumed it would eventually bolt like a lettuce and go to seed, but kale doesn’t do that. It keeps growing bigger and tougher and more bitter until the snow flies. When the leaves finally turned brown and died, I assumed we would then dig up the roots and boil them too. But no, thankfully, it turns out the roots are poisonous. And so we are cleansed of kale until May. For most of the century before I arrived at Larkspur Farm, this old house hosted a parade of smoker-drinker-carnivores who poured Paris green arsenic on their potato plants and thought cleansing of any kind was weakening. Some of them died in bed, but a lot were killed by falling trees and kicking horses. They did not have the secret to eternal life either, but sometimes I think they had more fun.

So the question remains: When you live in a place the rest of the world views as a retreat, where do you go yourself to retreat? We sometimes put the barn on self-feed for a couple of days, borrow an apartment in the city and drive south to soak up the smog. I mix a pitcher of martinis and order in Chinese with extra MSG. Then I run a hot bath and pour in a bag of oxidants, some gluten for the skin and a pinch of Roundup for overall health.

After a couple of days of this I am re-toxified and ready to return to the fray. ❧ Author and playwright Dan Needles is the recipient of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour. His latest book, True Confessions from the Ninth Concession (Douglas & McIntyre), is a collection from 20 years of his columns for On The Bay and other publications.

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By MLS® dollar volume sales in the Georgian Bay Association of REALTORS® area * As of December 31st 2017

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MA R K E T

BUZZ

Real Estate

Buyers are busy as they compete for the record-low number of homes available for sale

by JANET LEES

❧

illustration by SHELAGH ARMSTRONG-HODGSON

magine you’re looking to buy a home in Southern Georgian Bay (and maybe you are). You look online or consult a realtor and find out there are only 14 single-family homes on town services for sale in Collingwood, and three of those are sold conditionally. If you need three or more bedrooms, that number drops to 10. Maybe you’re looking for a

condo at Blue Mountain but outside the Village? You have three to choose from. In Meaford there are 16 single-family homes on town services available, but if you want to buy a detached home in Thornbury?

There is one. Just one.

That was the reality at one point in 2017, according to Marg Scheben-Edey of ReMax Four Seasons Realty.

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“Compromise is everything; in the current market you may not be able to get exactly what you want, so be prepared to have some flexibility.”

—— MATTHEW LIDBETTER, PRESIDENT, SGBAR

Record-low supply, multiple offers, rising prices and reduced sales numbers continue to be the story in our region’s resale home market – a frustrating situation for both prospective buyers and local realtors who could sell homes like crazy if only there were homes to sell.

“The statistics are deceiving but are driven by the lack of homes available for sale; just ask any active buyer in our marketplace today,” says Scheben-Edey, adding the number of sales in the Collingwood/ Blue Mountain region of Southern Georgian Bay were down in February compared to the previous February by almost half.

“While some may think that means we have turned a corner toward a buyer’s market, the reality is far from it,” she notes. “We have a supply problem. The number of new listings year-to-date is also down by over 50 per cent compared to one year ago, creating a dilemma for buyers who are very much present in the marketplace.

They simply can’t find something to buy.”

I

n what some local realtors are calling a crisis, the inventory of homes available for sale has hit an all-time low while demand remains strong. As a result, unit sales across Southern Georgian Bay fell 14 per cent in 2017 over 2016, yet sales volume rose five per cent from 2016’s previous record due to higher prices and more homes sold in the $1 million-plus category.

The Western District of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of Realtors (SGBAR), which includes Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains and portions of the Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands, remains in seller’s market territory with supply running historically low and prices stable at elevated levels, says SGBAR president Matthew Lidbetter.

“Demand has remained strong since September 2017, with seasonally adjusted (SA) home sales up three per cent from December to January,” says Lidbetter. “By comparison, SA home sales in the Greater Golden Horseshoe region and elsewhere in Ontario were down more than 20 per cent from December to January.

“Meanwhile, SA new listings surged in January after dropping to an unusually low level in December. Even so, monthly new listings for the region have been trending lower since 2012.”

Months of inventory, a measure of the balance between housing supply and demand, represents how long it would take to liquidate inventory given the rate of sales activity during a given month. The SGBAR posted 3.3 months of inventory in January – less than onequarter of the 10-year average for the month. And almost 100 of the homes available for sale actually sold in January – the third best January on record, according to Lidbetter, but taking a further bite out of an already tight inventory.

“Active listings in January 2018 were down from already-low levels recorded in January 2017,” says Lidbetter. “Indeed, they

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reached the lowest level ever for the month of January. With listings in short supply and sales remaining strong, the number of months of inventory set a new low for the month of January.”

Average prices have remained stable at elevated levels since this time last year, with the MLS residential average price for the region coming in at just over $475,000 in January 2018.

“Average price in January 2018 was down nearly 10 per cent from the all-time monthly record reached one year earlier, says Lidbetter.

“However, the average price decline needs to be kept in context, since prices can be more volatile in winter months when sales volumes are lower by comparison to spring and summer months.”

Homes priced at the higher end have been outperforming those in the mid to lower price ranges, adds Lidbetter. “As a result, higherpriced home sales are supporting elevated average price levels.

An ongoing shortage of supply, strong demand (particularly for higher-priced homes), and the relatively short times that listings are spending on the market before being sold are also factors that are keeping home prices elevated.”

I

n addition to shortage of supply, there are some other challenges facing both buyers and sellers in today’s market. Buyers are now required to meet newly tightened mortgage qualifications amid rising mortgage interest rates. “Buyers need to have been pre-approved for a mortgage before making an offer,” says Lidbetter. “Compromise is everything; in the current market you may not be able to get exactly what you want, so be prepared to have some flexibility.”

His advice for sellers: be realistic about pricing. “For sellers, the challenge is to price the home realistically so that it sells in a timely fashion despite an increase in homebuyer uncertainty due to rising interest rates and recently tightened mortgage qualification criteria,” says Lidbetter. “An overpriced property may not sell quickly and may ultimately achieve a lower sale price than if it had been priced correctly.”

With the tightening mortgage regulations, it is more critical than ever for sellers to ensure any buyer has been pre-approved for a mortgage. “The highest price is not always the best offer,” warns Lidbetter.

The forecast for the year ahead is more of the same. Lidbetter notes that the tightened mortgage regulations and qualification criteria have increased uncertainty and caused confusion among some homebuyers, and this could dampen sales activity in the short term as buyers move to the sidelines and/or re-evaluate the price range for which they can successfully obtain a mortgage.

However, he adds, “The fog of uncertainty is expected to dissipate in the second half of 2018 as homebuyers and sellers adapt to recent changes and continue to save a bigger downpayment in the meantime.

“I think all indicators are pointing towards a continuation of the current market conditions, at least through the first half if not all of 2018.” ❧

Editor’s Note: As this issue of On The Bay was going to press, we received the latest real estate statistics from the SGBAR. Home sales in our region fell 46.5 per cent on a year-over-year basis, down 26.7 per cent from February 2017.

“The story in January was about how the Western Region had bucked the trend of falling sales seen across much of the country, but that seems to have only lasted a month, with activity in the Western Region falling sharply in February,” said Matthew Lidbetter, president of the SGBAR. “That said, we’re still in the volatile period immediately following the introduction of the new stress test along with a rate hike in mid-January. The picture will become clearer over the next few months as things start to settle down.”

He added overall supply remains at near record-lows.

RESAL E

HOME

MARKET

What’s Driving Our

Market?

10 trends to help buyers and sellers find the sweet spot

by MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

❧

illustration by SHELAGH ARMSTRONG-HODGSON

I have fifty-seven active buyers, but virtually nothing to sell them!” This lament from Southern Georgian Bay real estate

agent Marg Scheben-Edey exemplifies the frustration she and other agents in the region are experiencing as another spring real estate season arrives.

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With record-low inventory, a seller’s market and rising home prices, Southern Georgian Bay is headed for what may be the most challenging resale season in the region’s history. What are some of the factors that got us here? What is driving our market? How can buyers and sellers navigate the challenges?

On The Bay spoke with several prominent agents in our region to get their observations on the current and future state of the local real estate market – the drivers, the trends, the challenges and the opportunities. Here is what they had to say.

region, and one thing they predict is that Meaford, with much better deals on waterfront property for example, is ready for the next big boom. Whether or not this will happen, who knows?”

Frustrated by low inventory and high prices in our region, many buyers are adjusting their location expectations, spreading the net farther afield of their preferred community to places like Owen Sound, Midland/Penetanguishene and Oro-Medonte.

Demographics & Technology Supply & Demand Retirees and young families from the GTA looking for a seasonal or permanent home, local investors hoping to capitalize on the tremendous growth in the region, and local property owners wishing to downsize from their large homes to something more manageable – all of these buyers are vying for a piece of an ever-shrinking pie.

In terms of demand and inventory, Max Hahn of Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka Brokerage doesn’t see any difference between the communities in our region. “Each area appeals to a select crowd, for different reasons” he says. “As to price, homes in The Blue Mountains are the most expensive, followed by Collingwood, Clearview, Meaford and Wasaga Beach.”

There’s a perfect storm of factors keeping the market tight, observes Scheben-Edey. “Right now, local investors buying up multi-residential units and GTA migrants make up the bulk of

“There is a degree of fear in the marketplace on the buying side, and a bit of a disappointment for sellers because there has been an adjustment in pricing.”

—— MARGARET BYRNE, CENTURY 21 MILLENNIUM single-family home buyers in the region,” she says. “Meanwhile, existing homeowners would like to sell, but are reluctant to do so because they’re worried about finding a new home that suits their needs and their budget.”

Margaret Byrne of Century 21 Millennium agrees with this observation. “I think there is a degree of fear in the marketplace on the buying side, and a bit of a disappointment for sellers because there has been an adjustment in pricing,” she says.

Sherry Rioux of Clairwood Real Estate Brokerage notes, “There is a general perception that home prices in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains are high, so buyers are venturing a little further west or east. Recently, I attended a meeting of local planners in the

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“We have two buyer demographics here: young families who value their leisure time and want their kids to snowboard and hike, and active early retirees who enjoy theatre, culture and the arts,” notes Rioux. “One of the biggest market drivers here continues to be baby boomers who are now reaching an age when they are starting to think about retirement, valuing their leisure time and being close to their children and grandchildren, who don’t mind travelling to visit because there is so much for them to do here.”

The key market drivers in Southern Georgian Bay are investors and GTA buyers who are moving here for a better lifestyle and price advantage, says Hahn. “It’s not just the retiring demographic anymore,” he says. “We recently worked with a young Toronto couple who purchased an older home off the Danforth six years ago $600,000, which they thought was outrageous at the time. They sold this home for $1.6 million seven months ago, paid off their $400,000 mortgage and came to Collingwood to embark on new jobs and a better lifestyle with $1.2 in their jeans.”

Byrne observes that more young families are moving to Wasaga Beach than ever before. “I’ve been selling in Wasaga Beach for 14 years. When I first came here, there were hardly any young families,” she says. “Now there are lots of them moving here because they can a get a large home and property for a good price.

We’re not a retirement community anymore.”

Retirees and young families are also at the top of the demographic list for Karen Willison of Royal LePage Locations North. “I’ve had a lot of clients who needed to move away from our region because of a work transfer,” she says. “They won’t sell their homes here because they plan to come back in five years,” she says. “In the meantime, they rent their places here and choose to either buy or rent in their temporary transfer location.”

Willison also stresses the importance of technology as a major factor that allows buyers to locate to our region. “We have both demographics and technology working in our favour,” she explains.

“The internet has allowed small towns to develop, giving people the option of telecommuting to jobs in the city, living and working in their primary residence outside of urban areas and travelling to the city one or two times per week.”

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weekend retreat north of the city. But today, more buyers are choosing our region because of its easier access and four-season lifestyle.

“Several senior couple clients have told me they are selling their properties in Toronto and Muskoka and moving to Collingwood,” says agent Hahn. “They’re familiar with our region and their friends have already moved here. And this is interesting: they love lining up at the grocery store or the LCBO with all the weekend skiers because it makes them feel younger!”

A Tale of Two Markets According to Desmond Von Teichman, broker of record and owner of Royal LePage Locations North, the current market focus in Southern Georgian Bay is on properties selling for $1 million or more, while at the other end of the price scale, municipalities are focusing on providing more affordable homes for first-time buyers and the lower-wage workers needed to staff the many businesses and restaurants popping up in the area.

“Dollar volume sales on the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) are up, trending to the higher $1-million-plus end, the biggest dollar volume category, mainly because there are a lot of these homes being built,” says Von Teichman. “At the other end of the spectrum, we have a simultaneous lack of affordable homes. Towns are loosening up rules on secondary residences on a property. The Blue Mountains, for example, is offering homeowners money for renovating or building to accommodate apartments, granny flats and coach houses – spaces that could appeal to both retirees and twenty-somethings. This could be interesting.”

Scheben-Edey agrees, adding, “The story now is about growth in the high end of the market contrasted with a demand for affordable homes. How can someone earning minimum wage or a downsizing senior on a fixed income afford to buy or even rent a home in the area? I have a real concern about this. The issue of a labour shortage directly tied to a lack of attainable housing needs to be addressed for the future of our region.”

Buying for Investment “We have a lot of domestic investors who live in our community buying in our community,” observes Karen Willison. “People living and working here and part-time/weekend residents are putting together consortiums of five to seven investors to buy up properties, primarily in Thornbury, renovating them then selling or renting.”

She cites a few examples of this activity, such as the Diamond Studio and the Loft Gallery buildings and the former LCBO building, which was purchased, after beating out five offers, by an investor from Brampton who created three ground-floor commercial units and three residential units on the second floor.

Lorraine McDonald of Royal LePage Trinity Realty reports dealing with many investors from Toronto, but none from overseas.

“This market is hot for domestic investors,” she says. “They’re looking for bargains and presenting low-ball offers which are not necessarily accepted.” While most investors are local or from the GTA, Hahn has also seen an uptick in foreign investment, with many foreign buyers arriving via connections in the GTA. It’s a trend he predicts will continue.

Meanwhile, Rioux has experienced an increasing demand for commercial property in Southern Georgian Bay. “The vacant land

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“There is a general perception that home prices in Collingwood and The Blue Mountains are high, so buyers are venturing a little further west or east.”

—— SHERRY RIOUX, CLAIRWOOD REAL ESTATE

near Lighthouse Point, which was the site of the old Beacon Glow Motel, sold in five days,” she notes. “During the 60-day period of due diligence following the sale, I must have had 15 different calls from investors wishing to build either a hotel, a retirement home or a condo on the site. I was really quite surprised, expecting the sale of this property to be a long haul. Another property I had for sale on Bruce Street in Thornbury a while ago was slow to sell when the market wasn’t good. It’s a hot property now.”

Mortgage Stress Test, Higher Interest Rates “Three mortgage rate hikes and new mortgage rules have knocked about 20 per cent of buyers out of the market,” observes Scheben-Edey, while Willison warns that we need to pay attention to the fact that interest rates are changing, causing affordability to shift down slightly.

However, Von Teichman disagrees with these observations.

“Mortgage rules, which change fairly regularly, are a non-monetary instrument the government uses to cool down an over-inflated housing market, particularly in places like Toronto and Vancouver,” he says. “I don’t think the new mortgage rules are going to have one iota of impact on our region. Our market is not being fuelled by firsttime and immigrant home buyers, who are being affected most by the mortgage rules. Our market is driven by people who have cash.”

Everyone Wants a Bungalow Every agent interviewed for this story agrees that by far the most sought-after type of home type is a bungalow, a bungalow with loft or, at the very least a home with a master suite on the main floor.

This type of home appeals to both aging boomers and young families.

“Everyone is looking for a nice bungalow – not only emptynesters, but also younger families who love the raised bungalow design with a nice, big basement,” says Byrne. “It’s a style of home that is flexible for all ages, and it’s easy to sell because the pool of interested buyers is going to be larger when you’re ready to sell. I tell people, if you’re planning to be in this house for the next twenty years, buy the house you like. If you’re going to be there for only five years, it’s going to be a lot easier to sell a bungalow than a twostorey home.”

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“The internet gives people the option of telecommuting to jobs in the city, living and working in their primary residence outside of urban areas and travelling to the city one or two times per week.”

—— KAREN WILLISON, ROYAL LEPAGE LOCATIONS NORTH

Looking at Collingwood, other realtors noted that the Town is “growing up, not out” in line with the mandate of Ontario’s Places to Grow plan. They see developments like The Shipyards, Monaco and Perfect World in Collingwood as examples of the trend toward small towns wanting to keep their downtowns populated and vibrant.

The Rising Cost of Vacant Land “We’re seeing the cost of vacant land increasing continually, primarily because people can’t find the housing they want in either resale or new properties,” observes Willison. “Forty years of vacant land inventory is shrinking rapidly, while volume sales are increasing dramatically, with an average price of $205,136 across our region. Size doesn’t matter – this includes everything from large acreage without services to small in-town fully-serviced lots.”

Competition/Bidding Wars Rioux says she receives numerous calls every week from people looking for a bungalow or a main-floor master bedroom. “They are thinking about their future needs,” she says. “It’s not uncommon to get bidding wars with several offers on this type of home. When the market was at its peak last spring and summer, there was one bungalow property that had 16 offers.”

Demand for Condos Steady While demand for condos has not seen the dramatic increases experienced by other housing types, it continues to be steady, according to Lorraine McDonald of Royal LePage Trinity Realty.

“Anything under $500,000 is in high demand,” says McDonald.

“Condos are turnkey with nothing to renovate or maintain, so they’re attractive for buyers. The condo market remains strong because we have a lot of seasonal buyers who may only want to be here for 10 weeks in the winter, then rent their home the rest of the year and not worry about it. On the other hand, we are seeing more retired people downsizing to condos as well.”

The story of condo versus single family home sales in our region is really remarkable, adds Scheben-Edey. “According to the sales numbers from 2017, about 47 per cent of all residential sales in the region were condos,” she says. “The difference I think is that 10 years ago, people were buying condos as vacation homes, but they are increasingly being purchased as full-time homes.”

It is early in the season, and most realtors have not yet experienced the intense competition and bidding war activity so prevalent in the spring and summer of 2017. The consensus is that multiple offers will likely occur for properties that show well, are in a desirable area, and are priced right.

“I still think that if you have a really nice, well-maintained home and you’ve priced it competitively, you’ll get multiple offers because we just don’t have the inventory,” says Byrne. “If you put your house on the market on Monday, you likely won’t have 18 offers

by Tuesday. You shouldn’t expect to get $100,000 over your asking price, but you’re still going to sell your home quickly, and for top dollar. It’s still a good time to sell.”

Scheben-Edey notes that many buyers in Southern Georgian Bay are from the GTA, where home values have soared, allowing for early retirement. “The common threshold for buyers downsizing to our region is about $600,000, so homes up to this price level have been scarce, and often sell with competing offers,” she says.

In multiple offer situations, it all comes down to the right price, says Willison. “Sellers are wise to listen to their agents and price their homes in a range that will attract multiple offers – at market value or even 2 per cent below. Buyers should be prepared to write a deposit cheque for at least 5 per cent of the asking price – ‘the queen of deposits.’”

Von Teichman proposes another strategy for buyers involved in a bidding war – a tug at the heartstrings of the seller with a sincere hand-written letter telling them why they should accept your offer.

Picture Perfect Higher-Density Downtown Living “I believe that higher-density, tree-lined downtown living with the ability to walk to everything, is a trend that will continue,” says Willison. “Years ago, I downsized and bought a home on the Millpond in Thornbury because I wanted to be front and centre in town – now and well into my golden years - yet be able to travel and rent out my home. If I had waited to buy this home, other boomers would have scooped it up.”

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What are buyers of a resale home in Southern Georgian Bay looking for? According to local real estate agents, most want a move-in property requiring little or no renovation.

“Gone are the days when you can slap a For Sale sign on any property, regardless of its condition, and expect to get top dollar,” says Byrne. “If you want to sell your home for the best price, people are looking for a picture-perfect property – inside and out. If it needs work, your price should reflect that.”

Willison estimates that about 40% of buyers want a move-in ready home, while another 40 per cent are open to doing minor

renovations. “There is always a small pool of buyers – maybe 20 per cent - that ask me to let them know when a good ‘fixer-upper’ comes along,” adds Willison.

Reality Check #3

Micro Homes, Airbnb “One of the trends I’ve noticed recently is people asking whether or not they can build multiple mini or micro homes on a plot of vacant land,” says Willison. “Right now, I don’t believe our municipalities have planning regulations for this. Our planners are saying they’re not ready for this type of housing option – yet. I’m curious to see where this goes.”

Scheben-Edey says she receives eight to 10 inquiries a week from people looking to invest in a property to rent on Airbnb. “Basically, this type of use has very limited acceptance in our region,” she says. “The Town of Collingwood does not allow it at all. In The Blue Mountains, Airbnb is permitted in a very limited number of areas - mostly in and around Blue Mountain Village, where you need a licence costing $2,000 that needs to be renewed every two years. I believe that the concept is permitted in and around Meaford.

Condos at the mountain are in huge demand. Because short-term accommodations and Airbnb are permitted, some have sold for $100,000 over asking price.”

“The condo market remains strong because we have a lot of seasonal buyers who may only want to be here for 10 weeks in the winter, then rent their home the rest of the year and not worry about it.”

—— LORRAINE MCDONALD, ROYAL LEPAGE TRINITY REALTY

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The Crystal Ball: What’s Ahead The spring resale home market is typically strong, and the agents we spoke to see no reason this year will be any exception.

“Inventory is starting to increase as sellers are getting ready to list in the spring. Over the next year, I see steady, sustained growth in Southern Georgian Bay as people realize that our region has so much more to offer than it did even a few years ago,” says Hahn. “A lot of new residential projects will mean more families, couples and singles, as well as a steady influx of retirees cashing out of the city and coming here to live.”

Home prices will likely continue to climb, but with the U.S. dollar still high, local realtors predict buyers of second properties will choose to stay in Ontario rather than buying south of the border.

“The market here will stay strong – at least for the spring and summer months,” forecasts Rioux. “We’ll see what the fall brings.” ❧

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ON THE BAY

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ith inventory of resale homes at an all-time low in Southern Georgian Bay, buyers are looking to the region’s new residential development projects, while builders and municipal planners scramble to keep up with demand.

According to the planning departments of the region’s five municipalities, 2017 was another record-breaking year for new housing starts, as reflected in the number of units

in application, proposal and construction phases, and the total construction value of these projects.

While this is very good news for developers and municipalities, how long will the trend last, given rising borrowing rates and stricter mortgage rules introduced at the beginning of the year? And what about affordability? Is Southern Georgian Bay real estate still a better value than the GTA and other parts of Ontario?

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ON THE BAY

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In Wasaga Beach, Stonebridge By the Bay is in Phase 6, with 13 units of three-level townhomes.

On The Bay spoke with representatives of the Georgian Triangle Development Institute (GTDI) for their perspective on the state of residential development in our region. According to Ken Hale, GTDI President and VP of Land Development and Acquisitions with Dunn Capital Corporation, Southern Georgian Bay continues to be a “viable economic option,” with opportunities for all types of newcomers – from young families to retirees, from the affluent to the entry level buyer.

“Fortunately, the new home offering in our region is diverse, with something for everyone,” says Hale. “Because we offer a wide selection of properties, from homes priced at entry level to larger single family detached homes that appeal to move-up buyers, everything is selling. If you have a product that delivers high quality and good value, it will move.”

Hale says the new mortgage rules and rising interest rates may result in a moderate slowdown in new residential sales but, considering longer term trends, he predicts that real estate activity in Southern Georgian Bay will continue to grow. “The province of Ontario’s ‘Places to Grow’ plan has predicted significant growth in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach over the next 10 years,” he says. “Statistics Canada has confirmed this trend. All the signs are there, with likely future expansions of our hospital and our regional airport, great plans for Collingwood’s waterfront and a new downtown area and beachfront development for Wasaga Beach. It’s a good time to be positive about our future.”

Christine Brennan, a GTDI director and new residential and resort property real estate specialist, shares Hale’s optimism about the future of Southern Georgian Bay. “Any builder who has inventory product will sell out fast,” she says. “Buyers gravitating here all have one thing in common – the quest for the wonderful lifestyle that our region offers.”

As to the cost of owning a home in our region, Brennan says prices are steadily rising. “In the GTA, the average price of a home in 2017 was up 12.7 per cent from the year before. In the Southern Georgian Bay region, homes went up by 22.2 per cent,” she says, noting that, to a great extent, our region is being buffered from the huge disparity in home prices being experienced in the GTA. To illustrate her point, Brennan notes that the cost of the average home (all types of residences) in the GTA in 2017 was $1.1 million, compared to the average condo price of $512,000. “It’s no wonder that young professionals in

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“Any builder who has inventory product will sell out fast. Buyers gravitating here all have one thing in common: the quest for the wonderful lifestyle that our region offers.”

—— CHRISTINE BRENNAN the GTA are gravitating to condos,” she says. “Although prices are increasing here, our buyers – be they boomers cashing out of the GTA market, move-up buyers or first-time home buyers looking for a better quality of life – are getting more for their money.”

Brennan says typical “empty nester” new home purchasers in Southern Georgian Bay prefer a condo property with zero maintenance, and are happy to pay the extra monthly fee. Younger buyers, who don’t mind doing chores around the house, prefer a home with no maintenance fees.

“Freehold [no maintenance fee] properties are not very common in our region,” Brennan adds. “When they do come up for sale – like Indigo Estates in Collingwood and Trillium Forest in Wasaga Beach – they get snapped up quickly. Younger buyers are very price-point sensitive. They are looking for a vibrant community where they can go out and interact with other people in their age group. This bodes well for us, as we’re seeing an eclectic shift in our demographics. I believe that over the next several years, our area will continue to emerge as an attractive and sophisticated place that appeals to both young and old.”

To get a snapshot of what is happening in new residential development across Southern Georgian Bay, we spoke with the planning departments of the region’s six municipalities, as well as several developers with new projects on the books. Here is what they had to say.

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CLEARVIEW TOWNSHIP Of all the region’s municipalities, Clearview Township – and specifically the town of Stayner – is experiencing the greatest amount of new residential development activity in terms of the sheer quantity of projects in the works.

According to Clearview Director of Community Services Mara Burton, there are about a dozen projects in various stages of proposal, approval and construction.

The active Stayner projects include: Aspen Ridge, a collection of 64 modern town homes; Nottawasaga Station, approved for a staggering 995 units, now selling its first phase of detached single family homes; Zancor Stayner (55 singles); Stayner Ridge Estates; Mamta Homes (town homes and semis); North Street Greens (towns, semis, singles); Ridgeview Estates (Phase 2 – 36 singles); Emerald Creek (towns, singles, condos); Cityscape Development (new application for towns and singles); Ashton Meadows (singles); and Stayner West (towns).

Burton says Stayner’s new development projects are attracting a mix of young families and retirees from the GTA with a combination of affordable pricing, nearby skiing, an abundance of recreational opportunities, and close proximity to Collingwood, Barrie and Alliston.

“Many of the buyers are local people who want to settle down and raise their families in a small town,” says Burton. “Stayner is growing, but we want it to grow at a nice pace in order to build a stronger community. We have initiated a community improvement project for the downtown core, and

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recently hired a General Manager of Parks, Recreation and Culture. A new trail system looping through Stayner is in the works, with the assistance of the developers building here.”

In the village of Creemore, servicing has begun for Alliance Homes’ 498unit Hometown Creemore subdivision, and local resident Doug MacIntosh’s ultra energy-efficient 72-unit Meadows of Creemore condo project has also received the green light.

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“Stayner is growing, but we want it to grow at a nice pace in order to build a stronger community.”

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

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For the first time in its history, the Town of Wasaga Beach surpassed $100 million in the total value of new residential construction in 2017, with demand for single-family detached homes remaining high and demand for detached townhomes increasing. In keeping with its commitment to the province’s Places to Grow plan, the town identified five “growth node areas” focused on intensifying new development within its core.

According to Doug Herron, Wasaga Manager of Planning and Development, the number of new projects continues to grow, with 2017 surpassing the previous year. “We’re in lots of discussion with developers these days, and seeing GTA investors like never before,” he says.

Herron notes that development in Wasaga Beach is shifting from singlefamily homes to condo properties, with a focus on attracting a variety of age groups, from downsizing seniors to younger people moving out of their parents’ homes. “Our younger, zero to 19 population is growing faster than in neighbouring municipalities,” he says, adding that the town’s elementary schools are “bursting at the seams.”

Driving Wasaga Beach’s growth is its ambitious Downtown Master Plan,

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which involves the creation of a heritage-inspired Town Square on Main Street – complete with ground floor commercial space, broad sidewalks and residences – leading to an adjacent entertainment district on beach areas one and two.

Council approved the Master Plan last March. An expression of interest was issued to private developers, who were scrutinized by an auditor for financial strength. The town is moving forward with its “preferred developer,” Fram-Slokker, the builder behind The Shipyards in Collingwood.

“Fram was chosen because they are a leading developer of mixed use projects,” says Herron. “We are currently working on a development agreement with them, which will involve collaborating on the procurement of town-owned and privately-owned lands, and hope to be moving forward with the first phase of the project this year.”

According to Herron, the Master Plan’s beachfront entertainment district will be a “fun destination,” featuring a resort hotel, mixed residential and commercial spaces, restaurants, cafes, and family-friendly attractions such as a water park, a ferris wheel and a carousel.

There may also be a “fun” component for adults in the works. Last May, the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) announced its intention to expand private sector gaming in Ontario by reaching out to the “Zone C7” municipalities of Wasaga Beach, Collingwood, Clearview and Springwater, identified as potential locations for a single gaming facility with three hundred slot machines. ”Wasaga Beach is ready for the possibility of hosting a casino,” says Herron. “Council has approved the idea. We have five potential sites, one of them within our entertainment district. A gaming facility here would create four hundred local jobs and definitely attract more tourism to our town.”

COLLINGWOOD The Town of Collingwood continues to expand its residential development portfolio. According to Director of Planning Nancy Farrer, new project numbers were slightly higher in 2017 (415 units) than in the previous year (402), illustrating a trend well above the municipality’s longterm annual average projection of 250 units.

“Residential developments in Collingwood are expanding and continuing,” says Farrer, identifying noteworthy activity at Mountaincroft, Blue Fairways, Riverside, Indigo Estates, Red Maple, Mair Mills, Balmoral Village, and what she describes as “phase after phase” activity at The Shipyards. According to Director of Sales Tara Parsons, one phase called The New Shipyards will be releasing a collection of three-storey waterfront townhomes, all with elevators, ranging in size from 2,600 to 2,900 square feet.

The building will be similar in its urban industrial design to the developer’s existing Sidelaunch 1 property.

“This year, we’re getting a lot of interest from multi-generational buyers – adult children wanting to purchase a residence with their parents, liquidating larger properties and diversifying the adult/child portfolio so they have a place to come and spend quality time together,” says Parsons. “Our buyers are looking at lifestyle more than ever, wanting to walk downtown.”

Collingwood’s “age in place” Balmoral Village development is also progressing quickly. “When I started the project, I was intending to build it for other people. Now I’m building it for myself,” jokes developer Thomas Vincent, President of Global Hospitality Inc. Vincent says Balmoral’s first phase of residential properties, 96 semidetached bungalows (which sold out in less than 10 months) is complete, with most purchasers now moved in. A second phase of homes is scheduled to be built this year. The development’s 50-unit Balmoral Place rental apartment building opened last December. A five-storey 129-unit condo building is scheduled to break ground this spring, coinciding with the opening of an 8,000-square-foot recreational clubhouse. Balmoral’s 30,000-square-foot Medical Wellness Centre is scheduled for completion in January, 2019.

“Ours is the only concept of its kind in Ontario,” says Vincent. “A year ago, I attended a conference on what seniors’ housing will look like in the future. Identified at the event were several ‘hot points.’ Balmoral Village covers them all.”

When completed, the development will house 650 residents, offering five housing options geared to different needs.

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ON THE BAY

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“Balmoral is a concept that people can understand,” adds Vincent. “The location is excellent – you’re five minutes’ walk from the water, a golf course and shopping. And so are the transportation options. A bus runs right along the property, you can book a car for a reasonable cost through Autoshare right on the premises, we have a permanent taxi stand and a private car service that is available at a competitive flat rate.”

According to Farrer, other new Collingwood properties coming on board include the Charleston Homes project on High Street north of Poplar Sideroad, the luxury Perfect World condo near The Shipyards, and the longanticipated Monaco condo development on the former Admiral Collingwood School site at the corner of Hurontario and Hume streets.

Monaco developer Stonebrook Developments, headed by a group of investors who were looking for opportunities outside of the GTA, purchased the land from another developer after a similar project planned for the site didn’t come to fruition.

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THORNBURY MEADOWS IS READY WHEN YOU ARE. Officially launched in 2017, Monaco will feature 127 condominium suites (including penthouses) with 180 underground parking spaces and 27,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor. Interest in the development has been strong following two initial launches last year, says Stonebrook’s Remo Niceforo, with 2,000 potential buyers (about half local and half from the GTA) on a registration list. A grand opening is planned in May, and construction is slated to begin later this year.

“Our project has had an overwhelmingly positive response from Collingwood’s residential and business communities,” says Niceforo.

“Working closely with our architect, our designers were given free reign with the interior look and feel of the suites. Featuring 10-foot ceilings (thirteen feet in the penthouses), engineered hardwood flooring, Italian kitchens, granite and marble, they will offer residents a truly high-end lifestyle product.”

Noting that the Collingwood market is under-serviced from a condo perspective, Niceforo identifies Monaco’s target buyers as very active people who like to socialize and want easy access to downtown amenities, with no maintenance or security issues.

“Monaco will be very conducive to entertaining,” he says, adding, “It is a unique property in the downtown core that will offer benefits on so many levels: for residents, the convenience of walking to downtown stores, restaurants and boutiques; new customers for retailers; and a $1.2 million residential and commercial tax base for the municipality and the county.”

For the building structure, Stonebrook will use concrete, “the gold standard in construction,” Niceforo adds. “The end product will be something iconic from a Collingwood perspective – a building that everyone will be proud of for many decades to come.”

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS Like Wasaga Beach, The Blue Mountains also reached a development milestone in 2017, topping its 2016 record of 563 permits issued with 674 permits worth $185 million in construction value, creating 353 new residential units.

With a demographic approaching a 50/50 mix of permanent and seasonal residents and an average home price of $613,000 – up 22 per cent over 2016 and the highest of any Southern Georgian Bay municipality – planning and engineering personnel are having to put in overtime hours and the town is

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The latest addition to the highly successful Windfall at Blue Mountain development (top) is Mountain House at Windfall (above), comprising 230 mountain chalet-style suites ranging in size from 673 to 1,072 square feet, housed in 12 mid-rise buildings next door to Scandinave Spa.

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ON THE BAY

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hastily filling contract positions in order to process, evaluate and approve projects from a steady stream of eager developers.

“When we have developers come to us, we work with them to focus on a type and quality (versus quantity) of product that will integrate well into the community and allow us to manage growth,” says Director of Planning and Development Michael Benner. “Although we still have a primarily older population here, we are seeing more young families in the community.

Enrolment at Beaver Valley Community School is increasing year after year, and our local daycare, BVO Preschool, is currently at capacity with 40 families on the waiting list.”

As examples of current development activity in The Blue Mountains, Benner identifies several noteworthy projects: Trailwoods Phase 3 (single family homes), The Villages of Peaks Bay (single detached and townhome condos), Crestview Estates at Blue Mountain (single detached homes), and what he describes as the “hot spot,” Windfall at Blue Mountain.

Crestview Estates from Terra Brook Homes is a collection of detached single-family homes on large lots backing onto the Monterra Golf Course or green space, with views of Blue Mountain. Ranging in price from $670,000 to $1 million, phase one of the development sold out within six months, and phase two “within hours,” according to Terra Brook President Corey DiCarlo. Phase three, consisting of 31 lots with single detached

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“Although we still have a primarily older population here, we are seeing more young families in the community.”

—— MICHAEL BENNER homes, will launch this spring. A fourth phase is scheduled for 2019.

DiCarlo says the majority of Crestview buyers are “cash-rich” semiretired and retired individuals selling their homes in Oakville and Vaughan to move permanently into Southern Georgian Bay. “About three years ago, we started researching The Blue Mountains and Collingwood and decided it was a good time to get into this market,” he says. “This region is certainly booming compared to the GTA and other regions of Southern Ontario.”

The latest addition to the highly successful Windfall at Blue Mountain development from Georgian International is Mountain House at Windfall, comprising 230 modern, mountain chalet-style suites ranging in size from 673 to 1,072 square feet, housed in 12 mid-rise buildings next door to Scandinave Spa. Georgian VP of Sales and Marketing Mike Parker describes the Mountain House buyer as “aged 30 to 50, from the GTA, looking for a second home with a five-year exit strategy from the city.” Appealing to this demographic, the project will feature a spa-inspired amenity space with warm and cold pools, sauna, relaxation room, fitness room, an “après lodge” with outdoor wood fireplace overlooking pool areas, and a bicycle tuning station on the site’s trail system, which connects to the Georgian Trail.

“All Mountain House suites have a chalet look and feel, complete with terraces, and their standard features go beyond the norm in the industry,”

ON THE BAY

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Collingwood’s “age in place” Balmoral Village development includes a 50-unit apartment building that opened in December, as well as semi-detached bungalows and a five-storey condo complex.

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New development projects in Meaford are progressing, although at a somewhat slower pace compared to its neighbours to the east. According to Meaford’s Director of Development and Environmental Services Rob Armstrong, a 70-unit condo project on Collingwood Street has been put on hold because the property is currently up for sale. The former site of Stanley Knight Flooring near Georgian Bay – a key development property identified in Meaford’s Waterfront Strategy – has a potential purchaser who is considering developing a mixed use residential/commercial project on the site, says Armstrong.

“We are also continuing to work with local landowner Lino Toncic on the redevelopment of Nelson and Cook Streets, with a phase one, three-storey, 45-unit condo building with ground floor commercial space and a phase two, 52-unit condo, also with commercial space on the ground floor,” he says.

“Although there are some heritage concerns that need to be addressed, the project sounds promising.”

Elsewhere in the Municipality, a large parcel of land north of Highway 26 and west of Christie Beach has been purchased by a regional developer.

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The Affordability Issue As prices rise, who can (and can’t) afford to live here?

According to area business owners, developers, realtors and those in the hospitality and tourism industries, the single most important issue facing Southern Georgian Bay is a labour shortage – some are calling it a “crisis” – due in large part to a lack of affordable housing.

Georgian Triangle Development Institute (GTDI) President Ken Hale, who also sits on the region’s Labour Supply Task Force, says he is concerned about the scarcity of “attainable” homes available for local workers employed in tourism, hospitality and construction in the region. “Years ago, an entry level single family home with a yard in Collingwood could be purchased for around $200,000,” he says.

“Today, these homes are going for $500,000.”

With rental vacancies virtually non-existent, Hale would like to see municipalities give the green light for the construction of more affordable multi-unit purchase or rental projects in the region. For its part, says Hale, the Town of Collingwood, in keeping with the province’s Places to Grow Plan, is pushing to advance higher density projects. “My company recently received approval for a 150-unit apartment complex in our Riverside subdivision,” says Hale. “The first building will begin construction this year.”

Over in The Blue Mountains, an Attainable Housing Committee made up of citizens, business owners and town councillors, has come up with a two-tiered approach to help address the affordable housing issue – an incentive program offering up to $5,000 to first-time home buyers towards their mortgages, and financial assistance of up to $5,000 for town homeowners willing to create rental accommodations on their properties, which could involve a small detached “secondary unit,” a home addition, a basement renovation or a garage conversion.

As more people flock to our region to enjoy its four-season lifestyle, developers, stores, restaurants and businesses benefit. However, the flipside is that as home prices rise throughout our region, the very people needed to build those houses and staff those stores, restaurants and businesses may not be able to afford to live here. It’s a conundrum that municipalities will be dealing with for the foreseeable future.

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The New Shipyards includes bungalow townhomes with rear lane double garages and optional lofts.

“We’re expecting a development application sometime this year, but the project may have challenges because the site will require an extension of municipal services,” says Armstrong.

On the community front, Armstrong says the new kindergarten to grade 12 “super school” is applying for site approval and hopes to be breaking ground this year, with occupancy in 2020. The former Meaford Community School on Cook Street is being evaluated for various options, including a potential community hub including some affordable housing.

“A lot of young families are looking for accommodations in Meaford, but there isn’t much available,” notes Armstrong. “We’re trying to push projects through as quickly as possible and, moving forward, we see demand and interest continuing from developers outside the municipality.”

OWEN SOUND Development activity in the City of Owen Sound continues to grow at a steady pace. According to Director of Community Services Pamela Coulter, a 367-unit project on the former site of the RCA plant has been approved and is currently in the design stage.

Near the Owen Sound Hospital, Red Hawk Construction’s 367-unit mixed use development – comprising condos, single detached and townhomes – has municipal services installed and will begin selling this spring, with construction scheduled to begin in 2019. An application has also been made

by Red Hawk for Bremont Homes, a mixed use, 338-unit subdivision east of the hospital.

Elsewhere in the city, a 36-unit condo development on the Sydenham River is scheduled for occupancy this year, and several smaller projects are in various stages of approvals and construction. “The most exciting news in Owen Sound is our Downtown River Precinct, located where the Sydenham River divides the city,” says Coulter. “It’s a transformational project that takes back the site and makes it more people-friendly, including a historical building on site, a deck oriented to the river, a pedestrian riverfront promenade and a new farmers market.”

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“The most exciting news in Owen Sound is our Downtown River Precinct, located where the Sydenham River divides the city.”

—— PAMELA COULTER

Throughout the region, municipalities are experiencing continued growth in new housing starts, with developers offering a diverse selection of residential options to suit the needs of a broad demographic, from retiring empty nesters to city weekenders to young entrepreneurs looking for a better place to live, work and raise their families. The average cost of purchasing a home in our region is going up year after year. This, combined with the province’s population growth projections for our largest municipalities, Collingwood and Wasaga Beach, points to a trend that will likely continue into the near future. It will be up to developers to continue offering the right product at the right price. ❧

HAVE YOUR SAY! What do you think of the scope and scale of development planned for our region? Do you think more attention should be paid to affordable or “attainable” housing? We want to hear from you!

Send your letters to readermail@onthebaymagazine.com or go to onthebaymagazine.com and click on “Have Your Say.”

Fresh, seasonal fare inspired by the flavours and harvests of the Georgian Bay region.

As the sights and aromas of spring breathe new life into the Escarpment, they also bring new tastes and flavours that we’ve harnessed into our menus.

Visit us and experience the exceptional service that has made The Pottery Restaurant a favourite of local diners and resort guests for years.

Blue Mountain Resort thepotteryrestaurant.ca | 705-443-5509

25% OFF TREES

WHY TEMPUR-PEDIC? You’ll sleep better.

With an advanced 3-part cooling system that really works, a moisture-wicking fabric cover and TEMPUR-Climate™ material that dissipates heat during the night, you’re sure to get the best sleep.

Available exclusively at: Leon’s Orillia: 555 Memorial Avenue, Orillia ON, 705.326.3505 Leon’s Owen Sound: 1104 7th Street E, Owen Sound ON, 519.376.8394 Leon’s in Collingwood: 4473 County Road 124 S, Collingwood ON, 705.445.6665

DEVEL OP MENT

GUI DE

Windfall at Blue Mountain includes bungalows and bungalows with lofts as well as semi-detached and two-storey models.

NEW HOMES

On The Bay is pleased to present our annual guide to active new home developments in Southern Georgian Bay BLUE MOUNTAINS THE ARROWHEAD COLLECTION www.solcorpdevelopments.com

Offering: Chalet-style bungalows, bungalows with lofts and two-storey models, on lots up to 180 feet deep with

THE MASTERS COLLECTION AT LORA BAY www.LoraBay.com

views of Blue Mountain.

MOUNTAIN HOUSE WINDFALL

BLUE MOUNTAIN TOWNS

# of Units: 30

www.bluemountaintowns.ca

Amenities: Minutes from skiing, golfing,

THE BUNGALOWS AT PEAKS RIDGE

snowshoeing, cycling, hiking, shopping and

www.solcorpdevelopments.com

fine dining.

THE CHALETS AT GEORGIAN SHORES

Price Range: Starting in the $600,000s

Developer: Georgian International Location: 104 Yellow Birch Crescent, Blue Mountains Offering: One-bedroom + den to threebedroom condominiums # of Units: 230 Amenities: Hot & cold pools, après lodge, sauna, fitness and relaxation rooms, bike tuning area.

Price Range: Low $300,000s to low $400,000s Phone: 705-293-0954 Email: sales@mountainhousewindfall.ca www.mountainhousewindfall.ca

www.georgian-shores.ca

THE COTTAGES OF LORA BAY, PHASE III www.reidsheritagehomes.com

CRESTVIEW ESTATES PHASE III

Targeting: Those looking for an active lifestyle.

Phone: 866-861-5228 Email: sales@terrabrookhomes.ca www.terrabrookhomes.ca

Developer: Terra Brook Homes

ELEVEN BAY STREET

Location: Blue Mountain

www.11bayst.com

ON THE BAY

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49

D E VE LO PM E N T

G UID E

THE PRIVATE RESIDENCES AT THE GEORGIAN BAY CLUB www.privateresatgbc.com

THE RESIDENCES OF PEAKS BAY II www.peaksbay.com

SCHOOLHOUSE RIDGE www.schoolhouseridge.com

THORNBURY MEADOWS Developer: Tefler Homes Inc. Location: Thornbury Offering: One- and two-bedroom homes plus den, single homes, semi-detached and townhomes; land lease structure. # of Units: 85 Amenities: Within walking distance to Thornbury’s eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, library and artisans. Recreation centre that is exclusive to homeowners and their guests.

Price Range: Detached bungalows $459,000; semi-detached homes $359,000; townhomes from $339,000 to $359,000.

Targeting: Those looking for an adult lifestyle community Phone: 705-351-1843 Email: sales@teflerhomes.ca

www.thornburymeadows.ca

TRAIL WOODS, PHASE II & III http://trailwoods.reidsheritagehomes.com/

WINDFALL AT BLUE MOUNTAIN Developer: Georgian International Location: Town of Blue Mountains (corner of Osler Bluff Side Road & Mountain Road) Offering: Semi-detached, bungalows, bungalows with loft, two-storey Amenities: The Shed to be built on site (pools, lodge, sauna, relaxation area) Price Range: Mid-$400,000s to mid$600,000s Targeting: Everyone Phone: 705-293-0954 Email: sales@windfallatblue.com www.windfallatblue.com

WINDROSE ESTATES www.windroseestates.ca

Location: 8 & 10 Harbour Street West, Collingwood Offering: Full-service retirement residence, assisted living wing and seniors lifestyle apartments. # of Units: 111 Units in retirement residence, 20 units in the assisted living wing and 50 units in seniors apartment building Amenities: Indoor heated indoor saltwater therapeutic pool, fitness centre with seniorfriendly equipment, sports lounge with licensed pub, games and hobby room, chapel and theatre, library, hair salon, licensed dining room, 24-hour café, activity room with country kitchen, fireplace lounge.

Price Range: Those looking for one of three different types of retirement living options.

Targeting: Seniors 65+ Phone: 705-444-9898 Email: info@balmoralplace.ca www.balmoralplace.ca

COLLINGWOOD

BALMORAL VILLAGE

BALMORAL PLACE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

BLUE FAIRWAY, PHASE 4

Developer: MTCO Holdings Inc.

www.balmoralvillage.ca www.bluefairway.ca

Celebrating 55 Years

Floors for Life.

CARPET • HARDWOOD • LAMINATE • CERAMIC TILES WINDOWS ’N BLINDS • AREA RUGS • SHUTTERS LUXURY VINYL TILE & PLANK

DUNTROON • 705-445-2166 • HIGHWAY 24 JUNCTION 91 L0M 1H0 | MEAFORD • 519-538-2166 • 334 SYKES STREET SOUTH N4L 1X1 STORE HOURS: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm

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Sat: 9am-4pm

VISIT US ONLINE: www.carpetone.ca

GRANDEUR www.sunvalehomes.com

INDIGO ESTATES, PHASE II www.indigoestates.ca

LOCKHAVEN www.sunvalehomes.com

MAIR MILLS VILLAGE www.granitehomes.ca

MONACO Developer: Stonebrook Developments Location: Downtown Collingwood Offering: one-bedroom, one-bedroom + den, two-bedroom, two-bedroom + den, threebedroom, and penthouses # of Units: 127 Amenities: Party room, rooftop terrace, flex space, lobby.

Price Range: Starting from the high $300,000s Targeting: Empty nesters, income over $100,000 per annum, end users, Greater GTA and Ontario.

Phone: 855-666-2260 Email: sales@monacolife.ca

Thornbury Meadows is offering one- and twobedroom homes plus dens in a land lease structure.

Location: 67 Clark Street (southwest side of Collingwood) Offering: Two-storey, bungalows & bungalows with loft. Freehold fully detached Craftsman style homes with full brick or full wood siding exterior. Ranging from 1,270 to 3,650 sq. ft.

Social: www.facebook.com/ MonacoCondosCollingwood/ www.monacolife.ca

MOUNTAINCROFT, PHASE 6 Developer: Grandview Homes

Josh Dolan half OTB.qxp_OTB half 2018-03-06 10:45 AM Page 1

JOSH DOLAN

REAL ESTATE BROKER GEORGIAN BAY VIEW PROPERTY - $1,850,000 Stunning Log Cabin on a Ridge Lot overlooking Georgian Bay. Private yet convenient, this large property boasts 5 bdrms, 4.5 baths, Main Flr Master with Ensuite/Steam Shower

GEORGIAN PEAKS - $599,000 6 bdrm 2 bath Chalet steps to the Champlain Chair. Large open main area w/deck facing the hill, large kitchen, wood stove, mud rm and all the convenience of Ski-in Ski-out.

Come home for lunch.

GEORGIAN BAY VIEWS - $995,000

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING - $1,495,000 One of a kind 40+ Acre View Lot at the Arguably one of the best views in the area looking north over Georgian Bay, Thornbury and beyond. Spectacular.

WATERFRONT - $1,195,000 4 bdrm, 4 bath home centrally located in Craigleith. Open concept main level, large Waterfront Covered Deck, Hot Tub, Steam Shower, Mud Room and Main Floor Laundry. Large Master Bedroom w/Ensuite.

GEORGIAN PEAKS - $799,900 Ski-in, Ski-out

complete re-build.

Open Concept Kit/Liv/Din.

3%

Individually

top of Camperdown Road.

Architecturally designed

3 bdrm 2 bath, large lot,

TOP

4 bdrm, 2 bath Directly on the hill

Close to everything the region offers.

PERSONAL | PROFESSIONAL | PROGRESSIVE | REAL ESTATE SERVICES

National Gross Sales Royal LePage

2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 Thank you for your ongoing business, referrals and support.

NOW is a great time to SELL.

joshdolan.com

and beside the Champlain Chair.

PERSONAL | PROFESSIONAL PROGRESSIVE REAL ESTATE SERVICES

josh@joshdolan.com | 705-446-8404 ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

51

THE NEW SHIPYARDS

Centre Suites on 3rd is offering 31 condos on the third and fourth floors of The Professional Centre in Owen Sound as well as a rooftop terrace.

# of Units: Phase 6 (final phase) is 68 units, with 50 per cent sold out.

Amenities: Brand new park with tobogganing hill, picnic tables with pergola, swings & climbing centres.

Price Range: $454,900 to $729,900

Targeting: First-time buyers, families, retirees & seasonal.

Phone: 705-444-0333 Email: mountaincroftcollingwood@gmail.com Website: grandviewhomesnorth.com

Developer: FRAM + Slokker Location: Downtown Collingwood on the harbour Offering: Bungalow townhomes with rear lane double garages and optional lofts. Main floor 1,200 -1,500 sq ft, featuring main floor masters, laundry and second bedroom or den; open spacious designs with full unfinished or partially finished basements. Two- to fourbedroom designs with flex space bedroom(s) and bathroom included in the loft optional plan. Finishes include hardwood throughout the main floor, porcelain tile foyer and bathrooms, granite kitchen counters, stainless kitchen appliances, nine-foot main floor and vaulted great room ceilings when loft option is selected.

Spring Release: Luxury condominium townhomes on the shores of Georgian Bay with over 3,000 square feet of living space featuring rooftop Georgian Bay view and mountain view Belvedere loft with two terraces. The waterfront Side Launch collection homes feature four-car parking (two in a private garage), a personal elevator, designer kitchens and upgraded

A fresh perspective for Simcoe-Grey

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DEVEL OP MENT features throughout, including oversized showers and free-standing tubs in the ensuite bathroom. The Belvedere loft is the ultimate customizable space, from personal retreat to entertainment space or exercise room. Fully landscaped private patios are steps away from the Waterfront Promenade and docks. # of Units: 300-plus units Amenities: Stroll along the waterfront and harbour and shop in Collingwood’s historic downtown.

Pricing Range: starting from $699,900 Targeting: 50-plus and families Phone: 705-888-8272 Email: tara@thenewshipyards.com www.thenewshipyards.com

CREEMORE HOMETOWN CREEMORE www.hometowncreemore.ca

THE MEADOWS OF CREEMORE www.meadowsofcreemore.ca

MEAFORD GOLF VIEW ESTATES www.rogersenterprises.com

MIDLAND THE GROVE www.granitehomes.com

PERFECT WORLD www.perfectworldcollingwood.com

THE SEASONS ON LITTLE LAKE Developer: Hanson Development

RED MAPLE

Location: 16831 Highway 12 at Sumac Lane,

www.myredmaple.ca

THE REGENT COLLINGWOOD www.theregentcollingwood.com

GUI DE

Amenities: Borders 2,300 feet of shoreline along Little Lake with a boardwalk along the lake; 13 km of planned trails connecting to a regional network; natural parkland and green space; parks throughout the community; 10,000-square-foot Members Club with indoor and outdoor pools, fitness facility, tennis centre, recreational and meeting rooms; retail area with independent shops and services; Area amenities include boat slips at a Georgian Bay Marina, Bay Port Yachting Centre, Midland Golf and Country Club, Quest Art School, Wye Marsh, Midland Cultural Centre, Georgian College, Curling Club.

Price Range: Mid $200,000s to mid $400,000s Targeting: Singles, families, empty nesters Phone: 705-526-2700 Email: info@seasonslittlelake.com Website: www.seasonslittlelake.com

Midland

OWEN SOUND

Offering: 247 acre master-planned community

CENTRE SUITES ON 3RD

with over 1,000 townhomes, semi-detached

Developer: Paul Colangelo Location: Downtown Owen Sound on the third and fourth floors of The Professional Centre.

SILVER GLEN PRESERVE

and single family homes from 724 to 1,625 sq.

www.sherwoodhomesltd.com

ft. with spacious, open floorplans.

Furball Gala

ON THE BAY

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53

LOCAL PROFESSIONALS SERVING LOCAL BUSINESSES As one of the leading national accounting and advisory firms, BDO offers customized advice and a full range of services to help you start, grow, and transition your business. Our team of professionals can help you with a number of accounting and business advisory services, including: X X X X X

Audit and accounting services Bookkeeping and CFO services Business and farm transition services Corporate reorganizations Estate and succession planning

X X X X X

Farm taxation services Personal and business insolvency Personal and corporate tax Risk management consulting Tax strategies and planning

We are proud to live and work in our local business communities.

People who know, know BDO.SM Collingwood 705-445-4421 www.bdo.ca

Forcier Deakin

27

over

years experience

LAWYERS

Real Estate Purchases & Sales • Refinancing • Estates & Wills Family Law • Collaborative Law • Business Law

Offering: Condos # of Units: 31 Amenities: Dedicated elevator and lobby entrance. Connected by foot, public transit or car to the shops, restaurants and services of downtown Owen Sound. Large exercise room and common room. Reserved parking spot, storage locker and access to roof top terrace complete with natural gas BBQ’s and lounge area.

Price Range: $199,900 to $449,900 Targeting: Young Professionals and young-at-heart retirees Phone: 519-377-7627 Email: bill@billmcfarlane.ca www.suiteson3.com

COBBLE BEACH GOLF RESORT COMMUNITY www.livecobblebeach.com

THE SYDENHAM www.sydenhamcondos.com

STAYNER Legal Services Tailored to Your Lifestyle 712 2nd Avenue East Owen Sound, ON N4K 2H1 54

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

519-372-0722

mike@greybrucelaw.ca greybrucelaw.ca

NOTTAWASAGA STATION www.mynextstop.ca

STAYNER WEST www.aspenridgehomes.com

D E V E L OP MEN T

GU ID E

Welcome to Collingwood’s Century of Classics!

First Annual Festival of Classic Cars, Boats, Bikes & Music

Saturday, August 18th

P Crestview Estates Phase III includes chalet-style bungalows, bungalows with lofts and two-storey models with views of Blue Mountain.

ZANCOR STAYNER www.zancorhomes.com

WASAGA BEACH BEACH20 www.bremonthomes.com

GEORGIAN SANDS www.georgiansands.com

STONEBRIDGE BY THE BAY, PHASE 6 Developer: Stonebridge Building Group Inc.

ortrayed in steel, glass and wood, these beautiful samples of kinetic art are the realization of their proud owners who have spent thousands of hours and dollars restoring, modifying or completely re-engineering their breathtaking show stoppers.

A portion of concert

Collingwood’s Century of Classics

Presented on Collingwood’s proceeds to Nottawasaga Presents The Legendary Rock historic main street & Lighthouse Preservation Band embracing the harbour. Enjoy Society food from local restaurants served up street side and visit one of the many eclectic retail shops. And presenting the Legendary Rock Band, Lighthouse!

Photo by John Rowlands c. 1970

LIGHTHOUSE One Fine Memorable Night Only AUGUST 18 2018 AT 6:00 PM

A great day of fun, geared for everyone.

AT THE EDDIE BUSH ARENA

Tickets on sale NOW at ticketpro.ca $45 At the Door $50 [plus applicable fees and taxes]

For tickets visit our website or go to

Location: Main Street and Stonebridge Blvd., Wasaga Beach Offering: Three-level townhomes with main floor master retreat # of Units: 13 Amenities: Private beach club and pool Price Range: $489,900 to $540,000 Targeting: Families, retirees etc.

Phone: 705-422-0880

collingwoodcenturyclassics.com

Email: laura@mystonebridge.ca www.mystonebridge.ca

SUNNIDALE WASAGA BEACH www.redberryhomes.ca

mycollingwood.ca

TM

the place to be in Southern Georgian Bay

ON THE BAY

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55

In Style In Collingwood!

Spring is in the air - time to update yourself and your personal space! Whether it’s the perfect pair of jeans, comfy walking shoes, a unique table lamp or a fresh paint colour, Downtown Collingwood’s many fashionforward boutiques and home décor and design shops have the latest spring trends you’re looking for – with friendly and knowledgeable staff ready to help you on your personalized journey of discovery!

It’s all here waiting for you!

CollingwoodDowntown.com

FE ATU RED

HOME

Dominating the small, formal living room of this century home is a dramatic oil, “Balancing,” by Canadian artist Paul Fenniak. Art books are stacked everywhere throughout the house.

From century home to personal gallery and private garden retreat

by JUDY ROSS ❧ photography by DEREK TRASK f “home is where the heart is,” then this much-loved red brick century house affirms that ancient saying. The house is like a cosy English cottage imbued with affection and surrounded by a lovingly tended garden. The homeowner, a retired magazine publisher, created this stylishly comfortable home and filled it with collections of everything

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she loves. Her garden, a private green retreat, is brightened in the spring by hundreds of tulips that she replenishes yearly. And inside the two-storey house, the white walls act as a backdrop for her fondest possessions, including a collection of black-and-white fashion photography acquired during her years in the fashion and art magazine business.

ON THE BAY

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The renovated kitchen (top) was kept simple and classic with black quartz countertops, white Shaker-style cabinetry and plenty of white walls for framed photography. In the dining room (right), raw silk curtains add a layer of softness and balance the walls filled with art. In a corner of the family room (bottom right), a whalebone sculpture of an Inuit hunter is given a prominent position.

Schneider admits that renovating a century home is harder than building new. “I’ve done both,” he says, “but with old places you have to expect surprises.

“When I left downtown Toronto and moved up here, I was interested in two things: a century home and plenty of wall space to mount my collections,” she recalls. “When this little house came on the market I saw it and thought instantly that it was just perfect.”

Since taking possession in 2006, she has, however, made some significant changes to her little house. She was lucky to find a builder, Thomas Schneider of Thomas Enterprises in Clarksburg, who had renovated homes in the neighbourhood and liked the challenge of working on old houses. With his help over the years, the homeowner has refurbished the house pretty much from top to bottom.

Schneider admits that renovating a century home is harder than building new. “I’ve done both,” he says, “but with old places you have to expect surprises. When you open up walls it’s pretty likely you’ll

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WE’RE DOING IT HERE – Dr. Alyssa Boyd, Family Physician

I

am proud to work at the Collingwood G&M Hospital.

Your care team works hard every day to ensure quality healthcare in our community and across our province.

You probably hear a lot about the innovative work being done in big city hospitals, but we want you to know we’re doing it here too.

I am the lead physician for the new Shared Care Team initiative - a collaboration of care providers in our community. Our goal is to ensure that every patient in our region that would benefit from a palliative care approach receives seamless, timely and compassionate care throughout their illness.

G&M HOSPITAL

FOUNDATION

We have an incredibly hard working and dedicated team. Whether it’s streamlining care, enhancing the family doctors’ abilities to provide gold standard palliative care, reducing the need for ER visits at end of life, supporting families through bereavement or helping patients to focus on living even though they might be dying, this initiative is going to make a real difference to our palliative patients and we are one of only a few communities doing this.

This innovative model of palliative care, being referred to as the “Collingwood Approach”, will make a difference one patient at a time.

For more information, visit: www.CollingwoodHospital.ca

“I am proud to be part of an innovative approach to palliative care.”

FEATU RED

HOME

Taking you beyond the numbers Providing tailored accounting and tax advice.

Lil Rourke, CPA, CGA 69 First St., Unit B, Collingwood 705-980-0180

lilrourke@lmrourkecpa.ca www.lmrourkecpa.ca The family room (above), situated a few steps down from the kitchen, was reconstructed to include shelving for the owner’s vast collection of books. The owner also collects sculpture like this bronze on the living room coffee table (below). A Deborah Samuel photograph in the renovated master bathroom (bottom).

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SPRING MEMBERSHIP SPEcIal

COME TEST DRIVE BLUE! Walk or ride our beautifully maintained 18 hole course in 4 hours!

Established in 1964

BluE MouNtaIN Golf & couNtRy cluB 706 10th Line Collingwood • www.bmgcc.ca foR dEtaIlS call JIM MallEy

(705) 445-3918 x 103 • jmalley@bmgcc.ca

I ended up with a collection that includes many of the famous photographers of that time, from Irving Penn, to Andre Kertesz to Robert Mapplethorpe and Francesco Scavullo. I love them all … they’re really like my family!” find insulation and wiring issues. Houses in that era weren’t built straight either. You almost have to throw away the level and just work to make it look straight. In this house we did a lot of reconfiguring but nothing structural.”

When the owner bought the house it already had an addition across the back of the original 1880s building, but it had been poorly conceived so with Schneider’s help she reworked it, adding new lighting, flooring and windows. It made sense to gut the kitchen at the same time to make it more functional. Now the rebuilt family room, which is three steps down from the kitchen, is a much-used space with a gas fireplace flanked by built-in bookshelves and French doors that open to the garden deck, while the kitchen redesign includes a central quartz-topped island and classic white cabinetry. All the walls in the kitchen and family room were painted a soft white to showcase the beloved photography collection.

In the original part of the house the staircase to the second floor rose awkwardly from the living room with steep winding triangular stairs.

Schneider drew up a plan to replace the staircase by opening up the dining room ceiling and adding a landing. Now the stairs are safer and more open, with the risers as well as the hallway floors painted white to add a feeling of spaciousness to this new upstairs “gallery” area.

Bring the natural beauty OF THE GREAT OUTDOORS INTO YOUR HOME.

OWEN SOUND AND MISSISSAUGA CCHARM.COM

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63

Lighten up Balmoral Place residents tell us how liberating it can be to let go of some of the over-accumulation of a lifetime and enjoy days filled with pleasurable experiences rather than burdensome chores. Let us help you find a lifestyle that’s a perfect fit for this invigorating stage of life.

Right-size your life – but act quickly as suites are going fast. Call Adriane at (705) 444-9898 to schedule your personal visit and complimentary lunch.

Check out our upcoming events at balmoralplace.ca/events

SOURCE GUIDE Photography Stylist Jody Latimer Designer/Builder Thomas Enterprises, Clarksburg Kitchen Designer Barbara Thorne, Gathering Place Kitchens and Design, Wasaga Beach Kitchen Cabinets Corinthian Kitchen and Bath, Thornbury Appliances Macdonald’s Furniture & Appliances, Meaford Blinds & Drapery (including raw silk curtains in living room and dining room) Ashton’s Blinds, Draperies, Shutters, Thornbury Bathroom Vanity, Mirror, Lights & Hardware Restoration Hardware

8 Harbour Street West, Collingwood 705-444-9898 BalmoralPlace.ca Retirement Suites • Seniors Apartments 64

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Claw Foot Tub Georgian Design Centre, Collingwood Exterior Coach Lamps Lowe’s, Barrie Local Artwork Butter Gallery, Collingwood and Curio Gallery, Clarksburg

FE A T UR ED

H OM E

Constantin von Dalwigk, Head of Private Office, is pleased to announce the appointment of

Christine Brennan to the world’s most exclusive real estate network, Engel & Völkers’ Private Office.

Ms. Brennan has been carefully selected to join the elite circle of advisors who provide a reserved brand of service extended to our most valued clients.

Please join me in congratulating Ms. Brennan on this extraordinary achievement.

March 2018 Exchange Awards Ceremony Constantin von Dalwigk Christine Brennan Sven Odia, CEO Christine Brennan Private Office Advisor Senior Vice President & Salesperson Engel & Völkers Collingwood Muskoka www. ChristineBrennan.evcanada.com

Irrigation and Outdoor Lighting, Design, Installation and Service Since 1988 White walls and floors in the upstairs hallway provide a clean backdrop for framed photographs (top). Above, a whalebone Inuit sculpture bought at Huston Gallery North in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia rests on the stair landing between two of the owner’s collection of art and fashion photographs. The prints above the sculpture are by Karel Appel.

Call TODAY for a FREE Estimate

www.georgiansprinklers.com Toll Free: 877-426-5296 Local: 705-428-4608

ON THE BAY

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FEATU RED

HOME

Canine Services

Active Paws North SERVING SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY

ACTIVEPAWSNORTH.COM (416) 456-4800 MARCUS.ACTIVEPAWS@GMAIL.COM

The master bedroom (top) was enlarged and redesigned during the renovation. A landscape by Ryan Allen Sobkovich occupies one wall. By stealing space from the adjacent bedroom, the master bath was made large enough for a glass enclosed shower and a clawfoot tub (above).

Here, big open shelves display a collection of dancing goddess statues from Bali, and the stairway walls are brightened by some colourful Karel Appel prints and lithographs by Robert Frank. A large Inuit whalebone sculpture occupies the ledge of the landing and on the walls of the hallway leading to the master bedroom is a series of black-and-white family portraits taken by a friend, the late photographer John Reeves.

The homeowner’s love of art was nurtured when she was a fine arts student at Queen’s University. Her good friend there was Jane Corkin, who would go on to start the most successful gallery for photography in Canada and still runs the Corkin Gallery in the Distillery District in Toronto. “Jane introduced me to photography, and then I became

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financial financialadvice advice At Assante Management, At Wealth Assante Wealth

Management, wethat understand we understand your financial that your financial situation is situation is unique. From unique.

Fromtaxinvestment, tax investment, and estate planning planning to your toand yourestate retirement, Assante provides retirement, Assante provides complete financial advice. complete financial advice.

Contact us today, Contact us today, and be well-advised. and be well advised.

Dean Taylor BA, CPA, CMA Senior Financial Advisor Dean Taylor BA,CPA,CMA Ltd. Assante Capital Management Financial Advisor Find us atManagement our new location: Assante Capital Ltd. 16 Huron Unit 1 2 Huron Street, POStreet, Box 361 Collingwood, ON L9Y Collingwood ON L9Y 3Z7 1C4 705-444-1457 705-444-1457 dtaylor@assante.com dtaylor@assante.com Assante Capital Management Ltd. isCanadian a member the Canadian InvestorwithProtection Assante Capital Management Ltd. is a member of the Investorof Protection Fund and is registered the InvestmentFund Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada. and is registered with the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada.

1710-1970_E (10/17)

“I recently bought two Ryan Allen Sobkovich paintings,” she enthuses, adding with the enthusiasm of a dedicated collector, “He’s a young artist from Wasaga Beach who I’ve been following for a few years. I’m a big fan.” hooked. When I was working in magazines I used my bonus every year to buy a photograph. I ended up with a collection that includes many of the famous photographers of that time, from Irving Penn, to Andre Kertesz to Robert Mapplethorpe and Francesco Scavullo. I love them all … they’re really like my family!”

For such avid collectors there is never enough wall space. Much of the framed art is stacked on the floors of the spare bedrooms with no place to hang them, yet she can’t help buying more. “I felt I should include some local artists in my collection, so I have a Jennifer Woodburn and a Sue Tupy, and I recently bought two Ryan Allen Sobkovich paintings,” she enthuses, adding with the enthusiasm of a dedicated collector, “He’s a young artist from Wasaga Beach who I’ve been following for a few years. I’m a big fan.”

The second storey of the house has three bedrooms and two bathrooms (one doubling as a laundry room). Both bathrooms were

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67

FEATU RED

HOME

An old-fashioned veranda on the century home (above) looks over the shaded front yard. Moss on the black ash tree trunks and lush mounds of periwinkle attest to the full shade of the garden (right).

The garden faces south but is totally shaded by 15 black ash trees. The former owner was a master gardener who had laboured over the shady quarteracre space for years. renovated and upgraded, with the main bath enlarged by stealing some space from the closet in the adjacent master bedroom. Now with its claw foot tub, glass shower, white cabinetry and hardware from Restoration Hardware, it has the classic style that fits perfectly with a century old house. And it’s flooded with light thanks to an overhead skylight.

Getting enough light is often an issue with older houses, especially those surrounded by ancient shade trees as this one is. To get more light and space in her master bedroom, the homeowner chose to enclose an outside balcony. She needed to replace the lost closet space from the

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bathroom renovation so the former balcony was turned into an alcove with walk-in closets on either side. The French doors that once led to the balcony were retained and now allow plenty of southern light into the bedroom as well as offering a lovely view of the garden below.

The garden faces south but is totally shaded by 15 black ash trees. The former owner was a master gardener who had laboured over the shady quarter-acre space for years. While many people would love to buy a house with an established, well-laid-out garden filled with spring bulbs and masses of perennial plantings, the current owner felt intimidated – but not for long. “I didn’t know anything about gardening,” she confides, “but now I’m passionate about it. I just work away at it, learning as I go and making it my own. It has provided great enjoyment.”

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Snatches of sunshine filter through the dense canopy to brighten the garden (top), with a deck opening off the family room. White clematis thrives on a cedar arbour (middle). Clad in board and batten, the rear addition to the original red brick house offers plenty of access to the garden (bottom).

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850 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705-445-0881

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“I didn’t know anything about gardening,” she confides, “but now I’m passionate about it. I just work away at it, learning as I go and making it my own. It has provided great enjoyment.”

Over the years she has added hostas of many varieties and planted clematis to grow up a weathered cedar arbour. Clumps of echinacea add splashes of colour to the mainly green garden in summer, but it’s in the spring that the garden is at its showy best with lilacs in bloom and masses of tulips filling the perennial borders. “I plant hundreds of tulips every autumn, and have started to be interested in some of the newer exotic varieties.”

For a committed collector whose walls are now filled with her treasured photography and tabletops laden with art books, a garden offers fresh new possibilities. In a garden there is always something new to buy, try out and fall in love with. Much like a home. ❧

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Local Arts Scene Tour the

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original art fine art prints

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ARTIS T

S POTLIGH T

Bee Inspired!

Bees provide a rich canvas for watercolour painter Martha Bull

From top: “Maybe They Have Found Another Home,” 12 x 18 inches, watercolour on panel; “Bee in Blue,” 4 x 6 inches, watercolour on board; “Flying Home,” 8 x 6 inches, watercolour on board.

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ARTIS T

S POTLIGH T

MARTHA BULL After graduating from Ontario College of Art and Design (now OCAD University), Martha Bull began painting in watercolour in 1983 and started teaching painting on canoe trips 12 years ago. Since 2011, she has shared The Mill Street Art studio in Creemore with fellow artists Sue Miller, Peter Adams and Jennifer Johnson.

“Painting en plein air with watercolour lends itself to both quick sketches in the field and sustained study in my studio during winter,” says Bull, adding that while she works and teaches in other media, she always comes back to watercolour, which offers unparalleled vibrancy because the white of the paper shines through. “Watercolour allows us to respond and develop an art practice that suits our different natures, whether one is a flamboyant colourist who enjoys abstract expressionism or a botanist seeking precision,” she notes.

Her “Bee Inspired” show at the Collingwood Library, which ended in February, was an opportunity to immerse herself in the “endlessly fascinating” subject of bees. “I have been living and breathing bees now for quite a while and I’m not done with them yet,” she says. “I have incorporated some mixed media pieces and different substrates as well as some printmaking into the show. It has been a delightful way to work.”

Bull teaches students from beginner to advanced at the Bay School of Art in Collingwood and privately at the Mill Street Art Studio in Creemore, where she also shows and sells her work (www.themillstreetartstudio.com). ❧

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Clockwise from top left: “Tree Series 1,” 24 x 30 inches, watercolour on canvas; “Payrac France,” 12 x 8 inches, watercolour on paper; “Big Bee on Black,” 18 x 24 inches, watercolour on panel; “Little Bumble Bee,” 4 x 4 inches, watercolour on board; “Bee and Delphinium,” 6 x 8 inches, watercolour on board; “Bee in Purple Sky,” 6 x 6 inches watercolour on board.

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What’s trending this year

hen looking at trends, the main news is how quickly technology is changing the way we live

by JUDY ROSS in our homes. Smart TVs, remote-controlled security systems, LED lighting, voice-activated appliances, Bluetooth and wireless are everywhere!

But with all this high-tech gadgetry comes the need for counterbalance. We may be embracing new technology but, at the same time, we’re looking for comfort. We want smaller spaces that can be cosy havens. We’re choosing less shine in our interiors to keep things calm, and more greenery to remind us of nature. As our world speeds up, our homes need to be places where we can slow down.

We spoke to some local designers and business owners about the innovations and products that are already here or coming our way.

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Dr. Robert McCoppen Family Dentistry Dr. Robert McCoppen Family Dentistry Offering Cosmetic and General Offering Cosmetic and General Dental Services to meettothe needs Dental Services meet the needs of the entire of theFamily. entire Family.

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Visit the New Shipyards model home at 20 North Pine, Collingwood. Saturday to Wednesday from 12 to 5 p.m. four seasons realty limited, Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

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Back in the ’70s and ’80s our homes were festooned with greenery. We had spider plants cascading from macramé hangers and potted ficus trees filling awkward corners. But then, for some reason (too much work and too many failures?), indoor plants went out of style. Now they’re back and greenery is once again a home décor statement. Plants that purify the air and grow indoors without sunlight are most in demand, as are easy-care cactus gardens and succulent terrariums.

Heidi Ehlers of Collingwood is one person who wants to put more green in our lives. Her company, Green Love, creates lowmaintenance greenery to make a dramatic statement. “Everyone wants to be surrounded by the beauty of nature, but no one has time to care for it,” she notes.

Her ‘green walls’ are made of preserved moss and ferns, which she imports from Norway. She also creates ‘statement botanicals.’

“On a kitchen island, for instance, I will use a combination of succulents, and low maintenance plants to fill a trough or planter.

And for harvest tables I do custom-designed greenery in a skinny barn board planter.”

Another trend that began in California is growing organic herbs, microgreens and mini-vegetables indoors in specially designed incubators. Companies like Urban Cultivator make climatecontrolled and irrigated units that are the size of a glass-fronted bar fridge. These allow you to grow herbs, flowers and salad greens indoors all year round. One stand-alone unit comes with its own useful wooden countertop where, in the midst of winter, you can toss together a salad with your freshly plucked greens.

H OM E IM PROV EM EN T & S TYLE

THE

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Your eyes are the window to your health!

Wall gardens, such as the one at left, from Collingwood-based Green Love, are a dramatic yet low-maintenance way to bring greenery into your home.

Below, the BeoSound Shape speaker system by Bang and Olufsen are sculpture-like speakers that come in a variety of shapes and colours that can be assembled to look like wall art.

Our office offers a one-stop venue for all things eye health related, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, health information and a great selection of eyewear products.

Call our office to book an appointment.

New patients welcome!

Drs. Hammond, Raymond and Cation, Optometrists 460 Hume Street, Unit 1, Collingwood • 705-445-2970

your mental health is as important as your physical health Georgian Bay Psychology presently has the only Clinical and School Psychologist in Southern Georgian Bay.

2

SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

From Amazon Alexa and Google Home to smart thermostats, smart smoke detectors and even smart plugs and smart locks, the “smart” revolution means if you don’t have something in your home that can’t be voice or cellphone activated, you’re behind the times.

Huge advances in this field have also brought innovations such as voice-activated TV converters. Just speak to the converter and tell it what show or station you want to watch.

New smart home devices have the added advantage of no messy tangle of wiring that has to be shoved out of sight. The hexagonal-shaped speakers made by Bang & Olufsen (BeoSound Shape speaker system) are one example. These can be wall mounted without a wire in sight. The sculpture-like speakers come in a variety of shapes and colours and can be assembled to look like wall art. Nobody will guess what they really are.

Dr. Amber Perry, Ph.D., C.Psych.

Dr. Perry received her PhD from the University of Toronto, and training at the Hospital for Sick Children.

Services for children and adolescents include psycho-educational assessments (learning), individual and group based counselling.

Georgian Bay Psychology

393 First St., Suite 200, Collingwood | 705-888-4234 drperry@georgianbaypsychology.ca | www.georgianbaypsychology.ca ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

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H O M E I MPRO V E M E N T & STYLE

3

BIG WINDOWS, SMART SHADES

Designer Kimberley Seldon puts her imprint on high-end homes and finds that everybody wants everything automated now, including their window coverings.

Karen James of Ashton’s Blinds Draperies Shutters in Thornbury concurs, adding the changes in automated window shades have been dramatic over the past few years. “You can now automate all kinds of shades,” she says, “and operate them either from converters with low-voltage batteries or have them integrated into your home automation system and control them from your smart phone.”

Driving this trend to automated shades is the size and quantity of windows in new homes. “We just did a bedroom with eight windows,” says James, “and now with fabrics available in larger widths (up to 124 inches), we can also put shades on any size of window. In one house we installed roller blind shades on a 19-foot-tall window.”

4

Smart shades, such as the automated window shades at top by Hunter Douglas, can be operated from converters or from your smart phone. Above, GE Geneva WiFi appliances are voice controlled with both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa.

ROBOT-LIKE APPLIANCES

In our newly smart homes, WiFi-assisted appliances will not only listen to us, they’ll soon be talking to each other. GE is leading the pack with WiFi appliances that use Geneva, a voice control assistant, available on both Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. Just speak to your oven and tell it to preheat to 350 degrees.

Or ask your dishwasher if the dishes are clean.

Dacor (now owned by Samsung) makes a Family Hub refrigerator that has a built-in camera. Check the contents from your smart phone when you’re in the grocery store and never again come home with something you don’t need.

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Appliance drawers are in demand for up-to-the-minute kitchens. Dishwashers, microwaves and mini refrigerators all come in pull-out drawer style. Viking has introduced a 30-inchwide warming drawer that doubles as a slow cooker.

Then there’s the Whirlpool Cabrio washing machine that can also be controlled from a smart phone. And, coming soon … a robot to fold the clothes! There are even self-cleaning toilets – what a brilliant idea. Made by Toto, these are in common use in Japan. After usage the toilet cleans and sanitizes itself with electrolyzed water.

On The Bay Magazine is pleased to donate this space to a deserving charity or non-profit in our community. For more information, please contact Jeffrey Shearer, Publisher, at (705) 444-9192.

RISE

Building on Strengths RISE offers educational courses, activities, outings, workshops and more for adults and youth looking to engage in their community, meet new people and enhance their learning.

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BUG FREE OUTDOOR LIVING

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5

HONED & MATTE FINISHES “The trend to less shiny surfaces on countertops has been around for a while,” offers Katherine Arcaro of F.A.D. Inc. (Farrow Arcaro Design), “but now shiny floors and wooden tables coated with urethane are giving way to matte oil-based finishes that absorb into the wood.”

Low-sheen flooring is also in high demand, agrees Chris Bickerton, owner of Northland Wood Products, a new Collingwood company that produces a wide variety of flooring prefinished with natural oils. “The big advantage is how easy it is to repair scratches,” says Bickerton. “You can just redo one spot of damage, not the whole floor.”

Honed countertops include Silestone charcoal soapstone and Caesarstone Statuario Nuvo (an interpretation of Italian Statuario marble). Matte finishes on stainless steel appliances are popular, too, mainly because they don’t show fingerprints.

6

LIGHTING THAT DAZZLES

Silestone charcoal soapstone countertops (top) reflect the latest trend toward hones and matte finishes. Above, LED pendants are getting more sculptural, such as this one from West Elm.

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Lighting has been having its heyday for a few years now. If you want to update your décor, a sure way is to change light fixtures for a more ‘of-the-moment’ look.

New styles of lighting can instantly elevate a room. And designers advise focusing on scale. Nothing looks worse than a ‘too small’ pendant over a dining table.

Independent craftsmen have entered the field with sculptural looking pieces that make a dramatic statement. LED technology is changing rapidly and the new bulbs come in an attractive warm white. Even the Edison-style light bulb now comes in an LED version. Vintage fixtures (like aged copper pendant lights) are making a comeback, too, and are being scooped up from online shopping sites like Etsy and 1stDibs.

HOME I MP ROVEMENT & STYL E

7

LARGE ART & OVERSIZED PHOTOGRAPHY The best way to bring any room to life is to mount thoughtprovoking art or photography on your walls – the bigger the better.

You can even turn your vacation or family photos into oversized art by having them enlarged and mounted on canvas at Gabriele Photography in Collingwood. “You need a good quality photograph shot with a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera to make a 36 x 48-inch enlargement,” explains owner John Gabriele, adding, “Phone shots are okay for enlargements to 8 x 10 or 11 x 14, but the photo loses vibrancy after that.”

Check out the local art galleries and artist studios for large paintings. In general, the larger the canvas, the costlier the painting, but you may find beginning artists selling their large works at more affordable rates. An alternative to buying original art or mounting your own photos is to buy huge posters and have them framed.

“If you can’t afford to buy large original art,” suggests designer Jacqueline Van Strien, “posters (especially vintage travel and ski ones) are a good alternative and add real impact to any room.”

And if you want to disguise the black mass of your wall-mounted television set amongst all this beautiful art, check out Samsung’s The Frame 4K UHD Smart TV. This wall-mountable Smart TV is as slender as a picture frame. Put it into “art mode” when the television is turned off and it looks like a framed painting.

8

FAUX FINISHES

Digital photography has paved the path for some fascinating new products. Wallpapers produced by small boutique companies using digital printing techniques come in bold, funky and graphic patterns that make a great statement wall or eye-popping powder room.

Contemporary porcelain tiles that can be made to look exactly like wood, concrete or stone are in demand for backsplashes, floors and bathroom shower walls. All have the advantage of being able to be wiped down with a wet cloth. Check out Unica Nomad for porcelain floor tiles that look like timeworn vintage silk rugs.

Vinyl flooring, once relegated to laundry rooms and washrooms, is the newest trend in floors. New printing and photographic technologies allow vinyl to replicate wood planks or stone, and in many cases, these tiles can be laid down on top of existing flooring. NuCore vinyl plank flooring and Torlys are two manufacturers to check out. Torlys offers wide plank and extra-long options in an array of beautiful colours and finishes.

These LVTs, or Luxury Vinyl Tiles, are easy to maintain and come with protection from mould and mildew.

Samsung’s The Frame 4K UHD Smart TV, at top, can be put into “art mode” when the television is turned off.

Above, vinyl flooring can now replicate everything from wood planks to stone, such as this NuCore vinyl plank flooring.

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H OM E IM PROV EM ENT & S TYLE

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Quality Flooring That Lasts

Black is the new white on walls, right. Below, prefab outbuildings such as this one from Collingwoodbased The Bunkie Co. are easy to assemble with glass walls to take in the view.

Supplying prefinished & unfinished engineered flooring Office 705.429.7543 Cell 705.333.1509 info@northlandwoodproducts.ca northlandwoodproducts.ca

Collins Barrow SGB is proud to announce managing partner, Janet Currie, has been awarded the FCPA designation, recognizing her professional and community achievements, as well as her commitment to service excellence.

The FCPA is awarded by the Chartered Professional Accountants of Ontario and is one of the highest professional honours in the industry.

Since joining Collins Barrow, Janet has been instrumental in the growth of the firm. Her leadership and knowledge of audit, accounting, tax planning and financial and business consulting continues to strengthen the value Collins Barrow SGB offers to clients.

“It’s humbling to be considered for such a prestigious designation. By investing in and supporting its talent, Collins Barrow has created a truly collaborative and entrepreneurial culture, which has helped me accomplish my goals. I look forward to continuing to build on our firm’s success and to guide the next generation of financial professionals.”

Janet Currie (705) 445-2020 Ext. 227 jcurrie@collinsbarrow.com

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9

LIVING SMALL

Could it really be the end of the monster mansions? Real estate experts say the trend is to smaller living spaces, and furniture is being down-sized accordingly, including smaller sofas, murphy beds and multi-function furniture as well as appliances like the compact washer/dryer units made by LG Signature that can fit in a small closet.

To meet our desire for small, cosy spaces, there’s also a trend toward converting backyard sheds and unused garages into snug retreats. From art studios, guest cabins and kids’ playhouses to “man caves” and “she-sheds,” any existing shed can be upgraded by adding a porch, widening windows, adding rugs and furniture to create an inviting space.

Or you could build new. A new outbuilding on your property won’t require a permit if it’s only 10 feet by 10 feet. Summerwood

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Products, a Toronto company, makes prefab, easy-to-assemble kits for sheds and bunkies. Summerwood’s Bala Bunkie keeps the footprint at 100 square feet but offers 230 square feet of total space by adding a loft. And The Bunkie Co. offers some greatlooking upscale versions with lots of glass walls if you have a view to be featured.

10

BLACK IS THE NEW WHITE

White has been dominating our interiors for years, but now black is making a decorating statement. Think of matte black chalkboard paint on a kitchen wall or a moody black wall as a backdrop to a photo gallery in a hallway.

Window trims in black add a sophisticated look to both traditional and modern spaces. Black is also taking over from stainless steel in kitchen appliances; Moen has introduced a line of faucets, taps and shower heads for kitchens and bathrooms in matte black. And black matte dinnerware is popular with chefs because it offers a neutral backdrop for food.

“I’m loving black right now,” says Collingwood designer Missy Sharp, who likes to add pops of black to almost any room. “One of my favourite things is to paint a ceiling black. It’s like the night sky; it just disappears.”

There’s something for everyone in this year’s home design trends. Whether you’re a techy, an art aficionado or a plant lover, and whether you want to go big or go small, there are more ways than ever to make your home a statement of your personality. ❧

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FARM

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Candice and Chris Currie took over the farm and market from Chris’s dad, Alvin, seven years ago.

Fa r m

F A M I L Y

Currie’s Farm Market, a family business since 1957, is the last surviving vegetable farm in Collingwood

by EMILY WORTS ❧ photography by KRISTIE & BRENDEN WOODS urrie’s Farm Market entered the local food scene long before there was one. The market, the land that feeds it and the people who run it embrace more than the ‘100 mile’ or ‘picked fresh daily’ philosophy and they

have done so for the past 60 years. Here the produce is so fresh you can smell it, and is so sought after – especially during the spring asparagus, rhubarb and strawberry season – it is picked three times a day to keep up with demand.

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Where to Find On The Bay Magazine Beyond our mailing of the magazine to thousands of homes throughout the 20 communities of Southern Georgian Bay, we are also available for pick up at the following locations.

COLLINGWOOD

RAVENNA

COLLINGWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY CRANBERRY INN HURON CLUB LAKESIDE RESTAURANT LIVING WATERS HOTEL SIMCOE STREET ARTS CENTRE

RAVENNA GENERAL STORE SINGHAMPTON MYLAR & LORETA’S STAYNER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOODLAND

CREEMORE CURIOSITY HOUSE BOOKS FOODLAND FLESHERTON JOLLY’S VARIETY GLEN HURON GIFFINS COUNTRY MARKET KIMBERLEY KIMBERLEY GENERAL STORE MARKDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOODLAND MEAFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEAFORD HALL MEAFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY VALU-MART NOTTAWA D&L VARIETY DORNOCK PUB GREENHAWK EQUESTRIAN THE TACK SHOPPE

THORNBURY FOODLAND GOLDSMITH’S THE CORNER CAFE WASAGA BEACH BOSTON PIZZA FOODLAND SUPERSTORE WASAGA BEACH PUBLIC LIBRARY GOLF COURSES SEASONALLY BLUE MOUNTAIN, CRANBERRY, DUNTROON HIGHLANDS, LORA BAY, MAD RIVER, MARLWOOD, OSLERBROOK SKI CLUBS SEASONALLY ALPINE, CRAIGLEITH, DEVIL’S GLEN, GEORGIAN PEAKS, OSLER BLUFF, TORONTO

The magazine is also available at some real estate offices and developer showrooms.

www.onthebaymagazine.com

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The Curries focus on customer service and freshness in everything they do. Above, Larkin Casey (front) and Sam McDonald serve customers in the store.

The farm market started in 1957 when a young Alvin Currie set up a bench and a lawn chair on the corner of Sixth Street and the Tenth Line in Collingwood to sell baskets of green and yellow beans from his parents’ farm. The bench quickly morphed into a trailer tipped on its side, then grew into a portable market that soon became permanent. Every 10 years or so, a new lean-to was added, growing into the Currie’s Market we know today. Located on the same spot as Alvin’s bench and chair is the Currie’s Market sign, which has become a harbinger of spring. So entrenched in the local psyche is the sign that customers will make special trips up Sixth Street to see if the sign is out, heralding the availability of asparagus and with it the beginning of spring.

Like the young Alvin, Chris Currie, Alvin’s son, also saw potential in selling locally grown produce. Seven years ago, Alvin was gearing up for retirement and wanted to shut the market’s doors for good. But the local food movement was beginning to gain momentum, and Chris and his wife Candice saw an opportunity.

The couple not only wanted to keep the market open, they planned to expand it. They would extend the market season (and therefore the growing season) by adding asparagus, strawberries and rhubarb in the spring, and would stretch the season into Christmas with winter squash and garlic. An additional farmhouse was acquired, with 50 acres attached. Seventy-five rhubarb plants were added to the spring harvest along with three acres of Jersey Giant and Millennium asparagus.

It’s an exciting time in farming, and Chris and Candice Currie continue to break new ground.

“Lots of people are having successes,” says Chris. “Farming always seemed like something people weren’t interested in. It’s not new, but in the last 10-15 years it feels new.”

Chris grew up on the Currie farm and he remembers friends saying, ‘Oh that’s too bad’ when he told them where he lived. “Now

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From the moment you walk through the Currie’s Farm Market doors, the experience is a sensory one. The food is vibrant, the smells are intoxicating, and the chatter includes local gossip at the register.

it’s the opposite,” says the father of two, who adds that every night at dinner he and his family recognize just how fortunate they are.

“When we make our dinners at night we go out and cut asparagus, pick raspberries and we always say, ‘How can we be so lucky?’ We pull potatoes and beets out of storage, and tomorrow we can go out and pick something new.”

Their positive attitude is so contagious it also infuses their employees. As soon as the first tips of asparagus peek through the farm’s clay soil, the family hires local high school students to cut the stalks at least once a day after school and on weekends. A few years ago, they hired an entire Peewee Rep hockey team to help with the asparagus harvest. “I had one kid who really wanted to go to hockey camp. He would meet me at the farm by 7:30 and this kid would pick 100 pounds of asparagus by lunch time,” remembers Chris, who pays by weight, not by the hour. “That kid put himself in the hockey camp.”

April 2nd - May 18th Sunday to Friday

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FARM

Go for what’s on tap.

Visit mycollingwood.ca wherever you connect to the web and nd a fabulous list of amazing restaurants, pubs, microbreweries, specialty food shops, take out & delivery and so much more. Sign up to receive noti cations about our famous Double Dollars Marketplace where you can purchase gift certi cates for ½ price at 10am sharp every Wednesday!

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WINTER 2017

w w w . o n t h e b a y m a g a z in e . c o m

Grassroots Heroes 6 groups that make a difference

Homestead Revival A pioneer cabin gets an update

Like • Reply • 1d

On Patrol Keeping us safe on the hill

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OPEN YEAR ROUND! Bringing you the highest quality fresh produce, homemade baked goods and artisanal groceries.

207600 Hwy 26, just west of Thornbury • 519.599.3246 www.goldsmithsmarket.com

Above, the market includes fresh produce as well as a variety of food products.

“I remember a customer calling before the harvest and they wanted asparagus for a dinner party,” says Candice. “We weren’t even open for the season and Chris went out in the middle of a rain storm to cut.”

Chris was taught the same strong work ethic decades ago from his grandma, Barbara Currie, and he believes it is a great way for kids today to learn a similar lesson.

“They work harder, they earn more,” explains Chris. “What they get paid is what they earned.”

Cutting asparagus is labour intensive, and the Curries still harvest the way Grandma Currie did. Pickers walk the rows, bent over, cutting with a knife as they go. In Grandma Currie’s day, they used baskets strapped to old seatbelts from the seatbelt factory in downtown Collingwood. Today they use a similar ‘old school’ method, notes Candice, and it works. The farm cuts between 60 and 100 pounds a day, with each basket holding up to 25 pounds.

In addition to instilling a strong work ethic in their employees, the Curries have another important lesson to teach, and it’s one the market prides itself on: customer service. From carrying out groceries Fresh from the farm, top to bottom left, the Curries grow and sell their own rhubarb, corn, honey and garlic.

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There’s nothing better than farm-fresh asparagus in the spring.

Recipe For me, there is nothing quite like the first bite of local asparagus.

I respect and honour the asparagus season more than any other. I have long believed that buying asparagus out of season, from some distant farm, is just not an option. When I see it on restaurant menus in the winter I skip to the next item (unless of course it is pickled in a relish or garnishing a Caesar). There is no comparison between fresh local spring asparagus and the limp, well-travelled and woody variety we see in the 10 months of the year that aren’t May and June.

I guess I am an asparagus snob, but I don’t think I am alone.

My favourite way to eat asparagus is simple: I steam it. I have a special asparagus steamer that allows the stalks to steam upright, tall and proud. I steam them al dente, and like Chris Currie I don’t rely on taste to tell me when they are done. I let the smell of the steamed asparagus guide me, along with the emerald-green hue signalling they are just right.

I can’t give you an exact time to steam your asparagus because it changes by a matter of seconds depending on the thickness of the stalks. I can tell you it takes mere minutes and to overcook it is a crime, so do not leave unattended.

To bring out the freshness of the asparagus, I make a simple Lemon Aioli.

Lemon Aioli Zest of half of a lemon • Juice of half of a lemon • 3 Tbsp. Mayonnaise • Salt and Pepper Mix together and drizzle over asparagus as a vegetable side, cut asparagus into pinky-sized pieces and toss with aioli for a salad, or serve as a dip on a crudité platter.

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Chris Currie works the asparagus fields on the Currie farm.

to the old-fashioned paper bags used to pack goods (which Candice reminds people they can use for green bin liners), the service offered at Currie’s Market remains the same as it was three generations ago. And the Curries are sure to practice what they preach.

“I remember a customer calling before the harvest and they wanted asparagus for a dinner party,” says Candice. “We weren’t even open for the season and Chris went out in the middle of a rain storm to cut.”

The Curries are so appreciative of their loyal customer base, they’ve been known to hand-deliver bundles of the first little sprigs of asparagus to the doorsteps of some of their long-time supporters.

From the moment you walk through the Currie’s Farm Market doors, the experience is a sensory one. The food is vibrant, the smells are intoxicating, and the chatter includes local gossip at the register. A basket of berries might be waiting on the counter for sampling, and you can’t help but pick up a plump heirloom tomato to test its ripeness. But it is the smell that Chris relies on the most.

“Anything that comes off the farm, I notice the smell rather than the taste first,” says Chris. “When I cut fresh asparagus, I smell it and I know what it’s going to taste like.”

In addition to their own produce, the Curries rely on other local farms to help stock their shelves. Due to demand, variety and growing conditions, they also source some of their fruits and vegetables from farms a little farther afield, but they commit to only selling products grown or made in Ontario by people they know and trust.

To preserve their produce at its peak, when it smells just the way Chris thinks it should, the Curries turn it into products their customers can enjoy year-round, under their ‘Currie’s Own’ label.

“It helps us take advantage of peak season produce that isn’t pretty enough for the shelves,” says Candice.

FARM

Currie’s Farm Market offers a variety of fresh produce, much of which is grown on their own land and other local farms.

Chris and Candice have experimented with hundreds of recipes for things like asparagus salsa and asparagus vegetarian antipasto, tasting and fine-tuning their creations until they are ready for public consumption.

While much has remained the same, life on the Currie farm has changed over the years. New developments have eaten up neighbouring farms to the extent that the Currie farm is the last vegetable farm remaining within the confines of Collingwood. Chris and Candice have diversified the market’s original corn, tomato and potato repertoire by planting foods like garlic, which were barely used in Grandma Currie’s kitchen. And where only seven years ago Alvin saw a dead end, the next generation is feeling good about the future of farming and their role in it.

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The farm market started in 1957 when a young Alvin Currie set up a bench and a lawn chair on the corner of Sixth Street and the Tenth Line in Collingwood to sell baskets of green and yellow beans from his parents’ farm.

But some things will never change, says Candice. “The family conversations around the dinner table are still the same,” she says. “It’s always about the weather.”

And, she says, just like in Grandma Currie’s day, you have to plan for everything. And planning they are. The Curries are investing in their future and in the future of locally grown food. Plans are in the works to enhance the coffee shop they added to the market a couple of years back, the shelves of the market continue to evolve, and the Currie’s are securing a future in locally available food and our accessibility to it.

“We have another 20 years ahead,” says Chris. “We’re going to see a lot of changes and we’re looking forward to it.” ❧

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ETPLACE K R A M A G u i d e to M e rc ha nt s & S e r v i ce s

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Full Line of Services & Products Pets • Grooming Small Animals Birds • Reptiles Pond Supplies 276 Main Street E. Stayner, ON 705.428.6668 Mon to Wed 10am-5pm • Thurs & Fri 10am - 6pm Sat 10am - 5pm • Sun 11am - 3pm

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PH OTOGRAP HER

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Natural

SELECTIONS

Collingwood photographer Richard Garner captures the wonders of nature with his lens

Clockwise from top: Black Swan; Blue Heron; Canada Goose at Sunset.

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PHO TO GRA P HE R

S P OT L IG H T

Clockwise from top left: Swan and Signet; Yellowjacket; Mallard; Hibiscus; Swans; Sharp Shinned Hawk; On The Bay.

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RICHARD GARNER Collingwood photographer Richard Garner explores landscape and nature photography around Southern Georgian Bay. A lifelong musician, Garner turned to photography as a creative outlet, following the artistic motto of “passion, patience and persistence” as a guide to finding artistic excellence. His photos capture a unique warmth, revealing the beauty that surrounds us in everyday life.

Garner is a regular contributor to On The Bay Magazine, and recently displayed an exhibition of his works at the Simcoe Street Theatre for the month-long Collingwood Whiskylicious Festival in February, 2018. He also works with his son and daughter-in-law, partnering his love of architectural photography with real estate. To view or purchase his work, go to RichardGarner-Photography.com ❧

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Jim Acsai, left, Tim Bulmer and of Allstate Insurance Collingwood.

Remo Niceforo (left) and Ian Wookey of Monaco Condominiums.

Ian Whitton is now Associate Partner of Collins Barrow’s Collingwood office.

The latest new business openings and business transformations including new owners, moves and major renovations. More great reasons to shop local!

ALLSTATE INSURANCE COLLINGWOOD AGENCY Allstate Canada’s newest location is now open in Collingwood, providing auto, home and property insurance as well as customized or combined coverage. Tim Bulmer and Jim Acsai are Business Development Agents for the Collingwood region, backed up by support staff in Barrie.

Bulmer and Acsai both grew up in Collingwood. Jim has a nine-year background in protecting families through home monitoring and insurance. Tim has spent six years in the insurance business.

“Although Allstate is a big company, it’s a home-grown company that likes to be in the community, hands-on, so it was a perfect fit for us,” said Acsai. “Through our work with the Chamber of Commerce in the area, the Nottawasaga Lighthouse Preservation project and numerous other charitable organizations, Tim and I have spent many years helping and making our mark on the community. This understanding and knowledge are why we are so passionate about helping our clients protect their most precious possessions.”

In addition to regular home and property insurance, Allstate also offers add-on packages

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covering water damage resulting from flooding, sewer or sump pump overflow, seepage and surface water. Specialized packages are also available to cover ski or golf equipment as well as hunting and fishing gear.

“Insurance doesn’t matter until you have a claim, but if you have a claim, Allstate’s difference really shows,” said Acsai, adding, “We’re here to help. We will review your coverage with you to make sure you have an understanding of what you have and what you need.”

Hours: By appointment only 393 First Street, Suite 203, Collingwood 249-225-0311 www.allstate.ca

MONACO CONDOMINIUMS There’s a new condo residence slated for the corner of Hurontario and Hume streets in downtown Collingwood. The “boutique building” will house commercial space on the ground floor and five floors of condos above.

“Monaco is a luxury condominium residence located in downtown Collingwood [and] is set to become a premier address,” said Ian Wookey, a principal in Stonebrook Developments, which is behind the Monaco project. Wookey, along

with his father, was largely responsible for the redevelopment of Toronto’s Village of Yorkville.

The Monaco website describes the building design as a “hint of heritage character with Beaux-Arts inspired architectural façade,” with pedestrian access from Hurontario Street, two elevators and a “virtual concierge including two-way communication from selected common areas.” The condos will feature 10-foot ceilings and “spacious floorplans” with amenities such as underground parking and a rooftop terrace, party room and fitness centre.

“Stonebrook Developments is dedicated to participating in the growth of one of Canada’s most attractive regions, said Wookey. “Recognizing that Monaco will be located within an exclusive, designated heritage area, the developers worked closely with Georgian Planning Solutions, a planning consulting firm with a strong commitment to the local community and extensive experience in land use planning, development approvals and project management.”

25 Huron St., Collingwood (sales centre) 855-666-2260 monacolife.ca All photos courtesy of business owners

Photo by W&R Media

SPECIAL INFORMATION SECTION

Phil Macdonald and his family are the new owners of Leon’s Furniture Superstore in Orillia.

Shelly Palmer, owner of the newly relocated Style Boutique in Collingwood.

TRANSFORMATIONS COLLINS BARROW SGP LLP Collins Barrow has merged its Collingwood office with local independent accounting firm Ian H. Whitton Professional Corporation.

“We see this merger as the perfect marriage of two local firms to better provide our professional services,” said Whitton, who joins Collins Barrow as Associate Partner. “Our professional staffing will be 33 strong for the 2018 tax season.”

Whitton and his team bring 35 years’ experience in personal tax, bookkeeping, small business accounting, corporate accounting and estate planning to Collins Barrow.

“We’re delighted to welcome such a respected group to our firm,” said Janet Currie, Collins Barrow’s Managing Partner. “This significant growth initiative enables us to bolster our expertise, offering additional value to clients and building on our mandate to provide the highest quality of service.”

Collins Barrow is a full-service public accountancy offering personal and corporate tax services, family trusts, estates and estate planning, U.S. non-resident filings, and accounting and audit services for small and large businesses. The company includes 24 independent member firms nationally, with offices coast to coast and clients ranging in size from large publicly traded companies to ownermanaged and emerging businesses.

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8:30-5 115 Hurontario Street, Collingwood 705-445-2020 www.collinsbarrow.com

LEON’S FURNITURE The Macdonald furniture family is growing again. Phil Macdonald, daughter Lindsay Brooks and son Matt Macdonald recently added the Orillia Leon’s Furniture Superstore to their Collingwood and Owen Sound Leon’s locations.

The purchase means all three stores will now be able to offer a wider selection of inventory

across a larger geographical delivery zone, said Phil, who is company president. “Being franchise stores allows all three stores to have more access to private local vendors that most corporate stores don’t have access to carry, such as Munro’s solid wood bedroom furniture handcrafted in Barrie, and Ashley Furniture, the largest furniture manufacturer in the world.”

The purchase means the Macdonalds now own the largest chain of Leon’s franchises in Canada, with a larger geographical spread across central Ontario.

“Lindsay, Matt and I have been working closely with Bill and Jill Brown, the previous owners, for over a year, making every effort to make this acquisition and transition possible,” said Phil.

“The Browns, who were the owners of the Leon’s Superstore in Orillia for 25 years, were ready and eager for the change, as were we.”

In all, Leon’s has close to 100 corporate and franchise stores coast to coast, offering a wide range of home furnishing, electronics, appliances and accessories.

Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 9:30-8, Fri. 9:30-9, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5 555 Memorial Avenue, Orillia 705-326-3505 www.leons.ca

THE STYLE BOUTIQUE Shelly Palmer has moved her Collingwood women’s clothing, footwear and accessories store just down Hurontario Street to a larger location beside Becker Shoes.

Palmer said the reason for the move is “to provide a bigger space for our growing clientele, additional brands including loungewear, and more natural fibre options,” adding, “Our new space will provide double the space that we previously had.”

Palmer opened The Style Boutique in 2005 to offer a wide array of clothing and accessories to women of all ages. “Focused on fit, fabrication, style and trend, we are known for something different and unique,” she said. “Our friendly and knowledgeable staff (with combined experience

Chris Millsap of Yard Boys, which has partnered with Georgian Sprinklers.

of over 40 years) is hands-on, ensuring your shopping experience is exceptional and fun.”

Hours: Mon. – Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-5. Sun. 11-4 75 Hurontario St., Collingwood

YARD BOYS LTD. Yard Boys, which offers year-round outdoor maintenance services throughout Southern Georgian Bay, has teamed up with Georgian Sprinklers. The merger was a natural fit, said Chris Millsap, president of Yard Boys, as irrigation has become the fastest-growing part of the business.

“We have been in the irrigation business offering design, installation and maintenance for over 20 years,” said Millsap. “In Georgian Sprinklers we saw an opportunity to substantially increase our resources to service our current customers and provide new sprinkler systems to the people relocating to the area.”

Chris and his cousin Andrew Millsap founded Yard Boys in 1993. Over the past 25 years the business has grown into one of the area’s largest property maintenance firms serving residential and commercial customers.

Georgian Sprinklers, started by father and son Gord and Jason McLean, is a Certified Irrigation Contractor that provides installation and maintenance services to homeowners, landscapers, builders, park districts, schools and commercial property owners. Jason McLean will remain involved in the operation.

“We combine some of the most current, reliable and proven irrigation components available today,” said Chris, adding, “Our plan is to make no changes to the business. We want to make sure existing Georgian Sprinklers and Yard Boys irrigation customers get the excellent level of service that Yard Boys is known for.”

7429 Highway 26, Stayner 705-428-0408 www.yardboys.ca ON THE BAY

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READER BUYING GUIDE For more information, link directly to Our Advertisers at www.onthebaymagazine.com ANIMAL/PET SERVICES Active Paws North Page 66 Georgian Triangle Humane Society Page 53 Stayner Pet Centre Page 94 Stonehedge Horse Hay Page 94

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY/MUSEUMS BMFA Arts Centre Page 72 Bonnie Dorgelo Jewellery & Paintings Page 72 Butter Gallery Page 72 Collingwood Art School Page 72 Deborah Masters, Artist Page 72 Gallery de Boer Page 72 Kilby Gallery Page 72 Mad & Noisy Gallery Page 72

Northland Wood Products Inc. Page 84

FOOD/DRINK Chef Patrick’s Gourmet Foods Page 89 Goldsmith’s Orchard Market Page 91

Country Charm Mennonite Furniture Page 63 Leon’s Page 48

Blue Mountain Golf & Country Club Page 63 Mad River Golf Club Page 38 OslerBrook Golf & Country Club Page 29

Scandinave Spa Page 43 Soapstones Natural Skincare Page 40 Thornbury Leg Vein Clinic Page 37

Kids Camps at Blue Mountain Resort Page 14

CLEANING Applewood Cleaning Services Page 94 Maid in Collingwood Page 66

COMMUNITY/BUSINESS SERVICES Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation Page 42, 61 E3 Community Services Page 81 mycollingwood.ca Page 90 The Agency Page 44

Collingwood Century of Classics Page 55 Everest Challenge Page 42 Furball Gala Page 53

FASHION/JEWELRY

HOME IMPROVEMENT & SUPPLY

Besse Merrifield & Cowan LLP Page 85 BlueRock Wealth Management Page 31 Brian Renken Professional Corporation, Barristers & Solicitors Page 66

LM Rourke, CPA Professional Corporation Page 62

Paul Lauer Page 36

Properties by HER Page 36

Georgian Sprinklers, A Yard Boys Company Page 65

Seeley & Arnill Construction Page 23

Elaine Dickinson’s Fashions Page 9

Shouldice Designer Stone Page 61

Exchanging Vows Bridal Boutique Page 9

The Landmark Group Page 11

MEDICAL/DENTAL PROFESSIONALS Collingwood Sport Medicine and Rehabilitation Centre Page 39 Comly Eye Care Page 85

Sutton Sound Realty Inc., Brokerage Bill McFarlane Page 40

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS Balmoral Place Retirement Community Page 64 Centre Suites on 3rd Avenue Page 40 Crestview Estates (Terra Brook Homes) Page 17 Monaco (Stonebrook Developments) Page 24

(Georgian International) Page 33 Stonebridge by the Bay Page 12 The Seasons on Little Lake (Hanson Development Group) Page 111 The Shipyards (Fram + Slokker) Page 15 Thornbury Meadows (Telfer Homes Inc.) Page 41 Windfall Blue Mountain (Georgian International) Page 32

RESTAURANTS Copper Blues Bar & Grill Page 89 Mylar & Loreta’s Restaurant Page 89 The Huron Club Restaurant & Bar Page 91

SEPTIC SERVICES Mac Taylor Corporation Page 44

Van Dolder’s Home Team

Environmental Pest Control Page 94

Jane Moysey & Lorraine McDonald Page 8

The Pottery Casual Dining Page 47

The New Classical 102.9 fm Page 4

Clarke’s Tree Spade Services Page 70

Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage

PROPERTY CARE

Theiner Painting Page 69

LANDSCAPE/GARDEN

Page 106

Jennifer Graham, CPA Page 43

RADIO

D.C. Taylor Jewellers Page 112

SPRING 2018

Chartered Accountants Page 54

Tall Tree Construction Inc. Page 69

Mulch-It Page 71

ON THE BAY

BDO Canada LLP,

Stannah Stairlifts Page 45

Custom Exteriors Page 76

Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage

Mountain House at Windfall

Premier Kitchens Custom Cabinetry & Design Page 94

The Chris Keleher Team Page 3

Barriston Law LLP Page 62

RBC Dominion Securities Inc.,

Seeley & Arnill Construction Page 23

Brokerage

Mountaincroft (Grandview Homes) Page 27

Cabneato Page 34 Peak Living Page 94

Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc.,

Assante Capital Management Page 67

Meridian Credit Union Page 42

Sassenash Page 6

100

Allstate Insurance Company of Canada Page 78

A-1 Toilet Rentals Page 94

Green Earth Landscaping Page 70

Dean’s Carpet One Page 50

PROFESSIONAL/FINANCIAL/LEGAL

Forcier Deakin Lawyers Page 54

Brabary Fine Lingerie Page 9

FLOORING

Simcoe-Grey Page 52

Salnek’s Window Fashions

Bonnie Dorgelo Jewellery & Paintings Page 72

The Style Boutique Page 9

Wasaga Beach Denture Clinic Page 94

Collins Barrow SGB LLP Page 84

Wrightway Renovations Page 81

EVENTS

Dr. Amber Perry Page 79

FAD Farrow Arcaro Design Page 67 & Accessories Page 13

CAMPS

Georgian Bay Psychology

Dan Hambley, Provincial Liberal Candidate for

HOME DÉCOR/DESIGN

Read it Again New & Used Books Page 94

Optometrists Page 79

GOLF

AUTO/SMALL ENGINE

BOOKS

Drs. Hammond, Raymond & Cation

POLITICS

Good Health Mart Collingwood Page 39

Walkers Small Motors Page 71

Family Dentistry Page 78

Orangeville Furniture Page 2

HEALTH/BEAUTY/FITNESS

McKee Muffler Page 94

Dr. Robert McCoppen

Erie Street Dental Page 84

FURNITURE

The Loft Gallery Page 72

Auto-Tech ‘n Tire Page 70

Culford Family Hearing Page 37

TRAVEL/TOURISM Collingwood Downtown Page 56, 57

REAL ESTATE Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage Page 101, 107, 108, 109 Clairwood Real Estate Corporation, Brokerage Page 102, 103 Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka, Real

Marlin Travel Page 79 Secondary Ownership Group Page 36 Wheel & Anchor Page 38

TREES

Estate Brokerage

Clarke’s Tree Spade Services Page 70

Christine Brennan Page 65, 86

Maple Leaves Forever Page 47

Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Page 104 Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Doug Gillis, Maddy Gillis Page 105 Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Tara Parsons, Loretta McInnis Page 78 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 5, 18, 19 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc., Brokerage Josh Dolan Page 51

UPHOLSTERY/FABRIC Georgian Bay Upholstery Page 94

WINDOW FASHIONS Ashton’s Blinds, Draperies & Shutters Page 62 Salnek’s Window Fashions & Accessories Page 13 Shades & Shutters Page 85

S O UTH ER N GEO R G IAN BAY & G RE Y BR U C E | W W W . C H E S T N U T P AR K . C OM | 705.445.5454

Chris Kapches, President and CEO, and Diana Lea Berdini, Broker/Office Manager Collingwood and Owen Sound are pleased to announce the 2017 Award Recipients for outstanding sales performance.

CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Barbara Picot*

Ellen Jarman*

Heather Garner*

Gary Taylor**

Dave Moyer*

Lori Schwengers**

Rob McAleer*

Cheryl MacLauren*

John M. Kacmar**

Read Hilton*

Sandee Roberts**

Mark McDade* Designate

Gerry McIntyre* Designate

PRESIDENT’S AWARD

VICE-CHAIRMAN’S AWARD

Debra Gibbon*

Gail Crawford*

Dave Armstrong*

Sue Mallett*

Vanessa Burgess-Mason*

Jennifer Ridsdale**

Brendan Thomson*

DIRECTOR’S AWARD

Michael Biggins**

Kimberly Brine* Designate

Anita Lauer*

Joan Malbeuf* *

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE - FROM THE BAY TO THE BRUCE COLLINGWOOD

393 First Street, Suite 100 collingwood@chestnutpark.com 705-445-5454

OWEN SOUND

957 4th Avenue East, Suite 200, owensound@chestnutpark.com 519-371-5455

WIARTON

551 Berford Street wiarton@chestnutpark.com 519-534-5757

**

BROKER

BUYERS… GET TOP-NOTCH EXPERTISE IT’S A COMPETITIVE MARKET TRUST CLAIRWOOD IT’S ABOUT VALUE......

CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD NOT TO CHOOSE CLAIRWOOD REAL ESTATE??

EMMA BAKER**

JACKI BINNIE*

Emma@ SellingBlueMountain.com

CHRIS MOFFATLYNCH*

KAREN POSHTAR*

KPoshtar@rogers.com

Chris@LynchHomes.ca

MAUREEN GOWANS***

David.Holman@ rogers.com

SHERRY RIOUX** SherryRioux@ rogers.com

BRENDA CROWDERº

MaureenGowans@ ClairwoodRealEstate.com

DAVID HOLMAN*

Jacki.Binnie@ gmail.com

BrendaCrowder@ ClairwoodRealEstate.com

PETER LAMY*

PeterLamy@gmail.com

BARBARA THOMPSON*

Barb@MovieGal.ca

JANICE ATKINSONº

Contact.col@ ClairwoodRealEstate.com

MICHAEL MAISH Michael@ MichaelMaish.com

CHERYL WEATHERALL*

CherylWeatherall@ gmail.com

SUSAN BREENº

Contact.col@ ClairwoodRealEstate.com

ANNE YOUNG*

AnneSpencerYoung@ gmail.com

ALMIRA HAUPTº RiouxBakerTeam@ gmail.com

* Salesperson ** Broker *** Broker of Record ºAdministration

COLLINGWOOD 705.445.7085

TO L L

TOLL FREE 877.445.7085

FRE E

TORONTO 1 . 41 6 . 6 4 2 . 1 4 2 9

877. 4 45. 7085

SELLERS… IT’S A HOT MARKET TAKE ADVANTAGE LIST NOW

Waterfront with 40ft Boat Slip

3 bdrms, 2 baths, 1470 sq. ft. $850,000

Just Reduced

Walk to Ski Hills

4 bdrms, 3 bath, 2247 sq. ft. $729,000

7 bdrms, 9 baths, 9845 sq. ft. fin. $3,450,000

David Holman* 416-930-2558

Sherry Rioux** 705-443-2793

Historic Snowbridge

Custom Home Close to Blue Mtn

Beautiful Log Home on 1.15 Acres

3 bdrms, 2 baths, 2260 sq. ft. fin. $564,900 Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

Sherry Rioux** 705-443-2793

Lighthouse 2 Storey

2 bdrms, 2 baths, 1042 sq. ft. $369,900

5+2 bdrms, 5 baths, 5920 sq. ft. fin. $1,795,000

Sherry Rioux** 705-443-2793

Peter Lamy* 705-888-5809

New in Windfall

3 bdrms, 2.5 baths, 1644 sq. ft. $599,900 Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

Magnificent Horse Farm with a View

4 bdrms, 3 baths, 3300 sq. ft. $1,300,000

Commercial & Industrial Lands

6+6 bdrms, 7 baths, 8801 sq. ft. fin. $3,495,000

2 opportunities in Thornbury From $325,000

Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

Chris Moffat-Lynch* 705-606-0850

Seasonal View to Georgian Bay

4 bdrms, 3 baths, 2360 sq. ft. fin. $500,000

Main Floor Living

3 bdrms, 2 baths, 2445 sq. ft. $998,000

T O L L Cheryl F519-373-6664 RWeatherall* E E 8 7 7Karen . 4Poshtar* 4 5705-443-0351 .7085 C L A I R W O O D R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

MEMBER OF THE SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS ® AND THE TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD

Visit us at ClairwoodRealEstate.com

Excellent Agents.

Outstanding Results.

WE KNOW SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY

SNOWBRIDGE

Luxurious 4 bdrm, 3 bath turnkey townhome.

48 ACRE HOBBY FARM

3 bedroom, 3600 sq. ft. red brick home.

SINGHAMPTON

2 storey, 3 bedroom red brick century home.

GREAT OPPORTUNITY - 9.41 ACRES!!

Ideal land investment: residential / commercial

$599,900 MLS®#104991

$995,000 MLS®#1700145

$429,000 MLS®#106890

$615,000 MLS®#104460

Bob Allan* 705-606-0166

Todd Brooker**

Janet Piotrowski* 705-994-5858

Derek Crespy** 705-441-0112

705-888-1818

ZONED COMMERCIAL - STAYNER Brick duplex 2 1/2 storey home centrally located.

ACRE +/- OF PRIVACY

4 bdrm, 3 bath stunning designer home.

15+ ACRES WITH POND & STREAM Newly renovated 5 bedroom, 2 bath farm house.

49.15 ACRES

Very private parcel between Kimberly & Duncan.

$399,000 MLS®#105393

$829,000 MLS®#108543

$949,000 MLS®#108337

$315,000 MLS®#104745

Tara Parsons*/Loretta McInnis*

Mark Veer**/ Mary Riopelle*

705-888-8272/705-443-1659

705-443-7911/705-446-5466

Greg Grossmann* 705-443-7093

Alan Robert Ewing* 705-444-9778

CLOSE TO DEVIL’S GLEN SKI CLUB 3 bedroom, 2 bath, modern bungalow.

DEVIL’S GLEN

6 bdrm, over 3300 sq ft custom built chalet.

CONTEMPORARY STYLE BUNGALOW Huge in-law suite with separate entrance.

NEW HOME UNDER CONSTRUCTION 4 bdrm, 3 bath, 2890 sq. ft. open concept home.

$799,000 MLS®#1723867

$435,000 MLS®#106779

$949,900 MLS®#110331

$839,900 MLS®#108751

Blair Thompson** 705-446-8507

Blair Thompson** 705-446-8507

Lorraine Champion* 705-441-3642

Blair Thompson** 705-446-8507

four seasons realty limited, Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated *sales representative **broker ***broker of record

67 First St., Collingwood 705-445-8500 47 Bruce St., Thornbury 519-599-2600 202 Montreal St., Stayner 705-428-4500

Shop for your new home online at www.remaxcollingwood.com

Doug Gillis

Maddy Gillis

Direct: 705.444.3853 doug@douggillis.ca

Direct: 705.888.1616 maddy@maddygillis.ca

Sales Representative

Broker of Record* A track record of excellence

NIPISSING RIDGE

EXCLUSIVE LISTING

$1,649,000

109 Cortina Crescent 3/1

$2,950,000

Lot 50 Alta Road

Blue Mountains 6

3,100 Total FT

2

7 W NE ICE R P

7/1

100 George McRae Road Blue Mountains 3/1

4,260 Total FT

2

GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

7,000+/- Total FT

2

#504-10 Bay Street East Thornbury 2

2

2,121 Total FT

2

INDUSTRIAL LOTS

185 Mountain Road

Building Lot

Vacant Land

GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

4

4/1

Blue Mountains

3,453 Total FT

GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

Collingwood

1.5 - 4.38 acres

107 Georgian Bay Lane Blue Mountains 4

3/1

3,340 Total FT

2

AVAILABLE FALL 2018

3/1

2,496 Total FT2

CLOSE TO BLUE MOUTAIN VILLAGE

$829,000

185 Brooker Blvd Blue Mountains 5

3/1

3,271 Total FT2

TIMBER WOLF LODGE

$2,500,000

105 Stone Zack Lane

106 Alpine Springs Court #7 Blue Mountains

Blue Mountains 3

3/1

4,610 Total FT

2

BUCKINGHAM WOODS

DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

$349,000

$2,495,000

$459,000

5

$1,995,000

$525,000-$1,000,000

100 Stone Zack Lane

106 Alpine Springs Court #8 2

$839,000

$399,000 Blue Mountains

$1,695,000 Blue Mountains

PENTHOUSE WITH WATER VIEWS

$2,300,000

TIMBER WOLF LODGE END UNIT

124 Arnot Crescent

Blue Mountains

NEW BUILD AT PEAKS RIDGE

4

EXCLUSIVE LISTING

4

3/1

2,186 Total FT2

COMMERCIAL

$799,000

Lot 14 Timber Leif Ridge

5 Buckingham Blvd

1120 Sixth Street

453 Hume Street

Building Lot

Building Lot

Vacant Land

Great Location 4,395 Total FT2

Blue Mountains

Clearview

100 RE/MAX Agents in Canada * Top 1999, 2000, 2002, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Clearview

99 acres

Collingwood

www.douggillis.ca RE/MAX four seasons Doug Gillis & Associates Realty, Brokerage 67-A First Street, Collingwood

Direct:

705.444.3853

Helping you is what we do.

705.444.1420

•

1.800.610.4868

www.trinity-realty.com

Brokerage, Independently Owned & Operated

Caring and Committed to our Communities! Proud supporters of:

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Georgian Triangle • Birchview Dunes Elementary School • Collingwood General & Marine Hospital Collingwood United Soccer Club • Georgian Triangle Humane Society • Home Horizon • Theatre Collingwood • Wasaga Beach Minor Hockey

Rental Division • Seasonal • Annual • Chalet • Condo • Waterfront

EXECUTIVE LIFESTYLE

WELCOME HOME

PIECE OF PARADISE

VIEWS TO THE MOUNTAIN

GRAND CENTURY HOME

5 bdrm, 5 bath townhome with gorgeous Bay views. $1,800,000

Fully renovated 7 bdrm, 4 bath home with in-law suite. $1,399,900

4 bdrm, 2 bath log home set on 25 acres with 2 ponds. $1,449,000

3 bdrm, 3 bath bungaloft set on a premium lot at Windfall. $829,900

Updated 5 bdrm, 3 bath Century home in Creemore. $799,000

HEART OF COLLINGWOOD

FOUR SEASON PLAYGROUND

FOR THE GROWING FAMILY

EAST OF CREEMORE

UNFINISHED DREAM

3 bdrm home set on a huge lot in desirable neighbourhood. $629,000

3 bdrm in Alpine / Craigleith area. Many improvements. $689,900

Immaculate 5 bdrm, 3 bath, 3155 sf home in The Villages. $599,900

3 bdrm, 1200 sf bungalow with fenced yard. On 1+ acres. $449,900

2180 sf log home on 3 acres.

Overlooking Creemore. $899,900

WATERFRONT COMMUNITY

CENTRALLY LOCATED

MOVE IN READY

EASY LIVING

RARE OPPORTUNITY

Fabulous 3 bdrm, 2 bath condo with views of Blue Mountain. $374,900

2 bdrm, 2 bath ground floor end unit condo in Cranberry. $244,900

2 bdrm ground floor condo at Marlwood Golf Course. $299,000

1 bdrm south facing unit with indoor parking & storage. $319,000

LOCATION, LOCATION!

DON’T MISS OUT

DOWNTOWN COLLINGWOOD

COUNTRY MEADOWS

SINGHAMPTON

3 bdrm, 2 bath downtown home on a full sized town lot. $389,000

Fantastic opportunity. 3+1 bdrm, 2 bath on large lot. $358,000

3 bdrm upper level unit and 1 bdrm unit in basement. $459,900

1200 sf open concept home in desirable Wasaga Beach. $349,000

Affordable residential lot close to shops and restaurants. $99,000

Beautiful 3+1 bdrm Short drive to ski hills. $459,000

Katia Abaimova** 705.888.8979

Barbara McCowan** 705.443.9784

condo.

Pamela Bacchus* 416.575.9523

Lorraine McDonald* 705.444.4216

Christina Beauchamp* 705.441.6136

Cheryl J. Morrison*** 705.444.1420

Dana Calder** 705.441.3607

Brenda Caswell* 519.378.3894

Melanie Moss* 705.888.1578

Rebecca Cormier* 705.888.5100

Jane Moysey** 705.888.1982

Jenna Davis* 705.888.6365

Tracie Pearson* 705.888.6910

* Sales Representative

** Broker

Jill Does* 705.331.3341

Deb Saunders-Chatwin*

705.443.2191

*** Broker of Record

Dan Halos* 705.441.1966

Sandy Shannon** 705.445.7833

Melissa Heffernan* 705.888.0860

Greg Syrota** 705.446.8082

Graig King* 705.293.0898

Fran Webster* 705.444.9081

Michelle Kingsbury* 705.888.8177

Sara White** 705.828.6202

Great homes.

Great lifestyles. $20,600,000

$3,388,000

$2,988,000

$2,895,000

ROVERS ESTATE BRUCE PENINSULA

FRANK LLOYD WRIGHT INSPIRED

GORGEOUS GEORGIAN BAY VIEWS

11TH FAIRWAY GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

Largest privately-owned lands (3277 acres) on Bruce Peninsula with 3.74 miles of shoreline. Home features 6 bed/3 baths, 6680+ sq ft of living space.

Property offers: mixed forest lands, inland lakes, guesthouse, boathouse & garage at main entrance. www.garytaylor.ca

“Raven Stone” Exceptional residence on 36 acres spanning over 5,000 sq ft, walls of glass, views to Georgian Bay & the escarpment. 6 bdrms, 6 baths, gourmet kitchen, floating staircase & in-ground saltwater pool. 5 mins to Thornbury. MLS®SG1625311

“Tranquil Waters” A custom-built Post & Beam residence with over 8,000 sq ft, 6 bdrms, 6 baths, gourmet chef’s kitchen, 3 car garage & award-winning manicured grounds with water feature & views to Georgian Bay & the 11th fairway at GBC. MLS® SG1709683

Exceptional 4 Season Property featuring award winning outdoor living & 5381 sq.ft of custom built interior living to share with family and friends.

Fully automated smart home. VISIT THE TOUR: http://tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/788125

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Paige Young* 705.241.2433

Gary Taylor** 519.378.4663 $2,495,000

$2,195,000

$1,888,000

$1,599,000

ALPINE SKI HILL VIEWS!

CUSTOM BUILD AT PEAKS RIDGE

PRIVATE ESTATE RESIDENCE

Nestled amongst towering pines on 5 acres, custom-built residence w/panoramic views from the escarpment to the shores of the bay. 4,575 sq ft w/4 bdrms & 3.5 baths. Reclaimed hemlock floors, Rumford wood-burning fireplace, 20’ ceilings. MLS®SG1618833

Rare combination - forward-looking design set on extraordinary property. Expansive windows take in ski hill views/natural light. 6 bdrm/4 baths. Miele appliances, lacquer cabinetry, deck off dining & master. 4820 sq.ft finished inc. full basement.

Stunning 5,017 sq. ft. residence with 4 Bedrooms, 5 Baths, Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen w/marble counters, custom gas fireplace, Media Room, Home Gym, Games Room, heated floors, generator & garage with parking for 5 cars. MLS®110210

Rare opportunity on 2.8 acres above the 17th & 18th holes of the Georgian Bay Club with no common element fees. Views to Georgian Bay, 5 bdrms, 3 baths, in-ground salt-water pool, rock gardens & det. 2,700 sq ft workshop/garage. MLS®SG1710479

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Anita Lauer* 705.446.6446

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

EXPANSIVE VIEWS - GEORGIAN BAY

$1,575,000

$1,498,000

$1,200,000

$1,190,000

WALK TO BLUE MTN SKI SLOPES

147 FEET OF WATERFRONT IN CRAIGLEITH

172 ACRE FARMLAND

CONTEMPORARY TIMBER FRAME

Exclusive location on an extra large lot. Over 3,800 sq ft, 5 bdrms, 5 baths, flagstone fireplace, soapstone bar, finished basement with recreation room & office. Tranquil creek, outdoor kitchen, manicured gardens & in-ground heated pool. MLS®SG1716346

147’ of waterfront, well maintained Dove Tail Log home with 4 bdrms, 2 baths, granite counters, large dining room, double sided fireplace, finished basement with walk-out, manicured grounds, large deck & beautiful sunrises & sunsets. MLS®SG1721322

Offering rolling hills & views of the Beaver Valley. Build your Dream Home or continue to farm the property with 80 acres for hay & corn. Barn on property but not suitable for present use. Potential to sever the land into 3 large parcels. MLS®SG1723860

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Stunning home on 14 acres w/ 3300+ sq.ft of custom living space. Open concept, vaulted ceilings,views of mature maple & pine forest. Walk to 900 ac.Kinghurst Nature Reserve, enjoy the outside courtyards, relax by the fire or enjoy the games room.

Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996

S O UTH ER N GEO R GI A N BAY & G R E Y BR U C E | W W W . C H E S T N U T P AR K . C OM | 7 05.445.5454

$997,900

$1,100,000

$949,999

RARE OPPORTUNITY IN THE HEART OF CENTRAL COLLINGWOOD

STUNNING SAUBLE RIVERFRONT

MINUTES TO THE SKI HILLS!

Investors and Builders take note of this rare occasion to acquire five lots (listed as a package). Included is a beautiful two-storey red brick home c. 1905 fronting onto Napier Street, with four additional lots fronting Minto Street, all within walking distance of the hospital, schools and Central Park. As per the official plan the home is zoned R-2 and the four lots on Minto Street are zoned R2-20. The R2-20 permits several options including single family homes to opportunities related to Medical uses. Contact listing agent for information specific to property details and zoning uses.

Fronting on the Sauble River with Sauble Beach across the road; home offers 4 beds/2.5 baths & 2nd floor sunroom. Features: built-in appliances, loft walk-way, 2nd floor man-cave, garage with heated floors & 80’ of riverfront w/telescopic deck. www.garytaylor.ca

Fantastic Short-Term Accommodation Investment Property! Walk to the action of ski hills & Village at Blue - 6 bdrm, 3 bath 2 storey 3190 sq. ft. chalet has sleeping provisions for 16. Enjoy access to seasonal pool & tennis. A proven income producer!

Keith Hull** 705.444.4855

Gary Taylor** 519.378.4663

Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

$849,000

$798,000

$774,000

$779,000

CASTLE GLEN ESTATES LOG CABIN

RETREAT HIGH ABOVE THORNBURY

GEORGIAN BAY VIEWS

FURNISHED TOWNHOME AT BLUE MTN

Backing on to the beautiful Silver Creek with 5 Bdrms & 3 Baths. Open concept Living/Dining with custom stone woodburning fireplace. Kitchen features Limestone counters & Breakfast Bar. Hot tub overlooking the private, treed back yard. MLS®SG108357

Enjoy scenic views of the Peaks & Beaver Valley from this beautiful ridge-side custom-built residence with apartment potential. 3,220 sq ft, 4 bdrms, 4 baths, granite counters, gas fireplace & salt-water pool. MLS®SG1723660

Upgraded home with 4 bdrms, 4 baths, open concept living/kitchen/dining & heated floors in foyer/bath.

Granite counters & walk-out to balcony from Kitchen.

Gas fireplace, 12’ ceiling in the living room & large master bedroom w/ensuite. MLS®SG106707

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Rockcliffe Estates - Scandinavian Luxury w/roof top terrace. 1800 sq.ft modern bungalow - fully complete and ready to make memories! Beamed ceilings, open concept living, ICF - full unfin bsment. Near Meaford. Stunning views from this elevated lot.

$749,900

$749,000

Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996 $739,000

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580 $729,000

BREATHTAKING VIEWS - TOBERMORY

4 BDRM CHALET -NIPISSING RIDGE

41 ACRE COUNTRY ESTATE

STUNNING SUNSETS-SANDY BEACH

Imagine life on Georgian Bay with this 3 bdrm, 2 bath waterfront home in Tobermory. Open concept design, watch both sunrise & sunsets. Garage / workshop. Virtual home & property tour available at www.markmcdade.com

Close to Craigleith/Alpine Ski Clubs, large lot (100’x165’) New roof 2015, most new windows 2015, new kitchen appliances 2017, upgraded wiring/plumbing 2006, loft w/2 bdrms above garage, (one bedroom can be converted to a bathroom). MLS®SG107553

Mark McDade* 519.387.7650

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Custom built stone exterior bungalow located in a much sought after area, 5 minutes from Owen Sound. Spring fed swimming pond w/ cabana + trails throughout the property. 2852 sq.ft of quality with 4 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms. Truly a special property!

Beautiful waterfront property on aptly named SUNSET BLVD-Georgian Bay. Gorgeous sunsets from your sandy beach! Currently a 2 bdrm cottage - you can use as is or build your dream home on this desirable location. 1/2 way between Thornbury & Meaford.

Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996

Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

$675,000

$669,000

$548,800

$629,900

HIDDEN GEM IN JACKSON’S COVE

WWW.23WELLINGTON.CA

AWESOME WATER VIEWS

ALTERNATIVE TO SKI CHALET

Beautiful private cove with beach-front & umbrella of mature trees. Home/cottage has 4 bed/3baths & unique open concept design. Features vaulted ceilings, hardwood floors, cozy fireplace, wall to wall windows/doors & composite wrap around deck. www.garytaylor.ca

A rare find! Just 1 block from downtown village of Creemore’s quaint shops & restaurants. This architectural marvel built in 2017 offers superior workmanship+environmental qualities, modern design & long term comfort. 2300 sq.ft. 3 bdrm, 3 baths.

Four season resort living in this fabulous 5 bedroom/3 bath open concept bungalow loft, located between Collingwood & Wasaga. Stylish w/ fresh neutral tones, abundance of light, glowing hardwood, cathedral ceilings. Full use of Club House Amenities.

Charming property on almost 1/2 an acre. Mins to Blue Mountain & ski hills. 3 bdrms, 2 baths, Family Rm w/ gas stove, single att garage w/large mudroom & inside entry. Large storage shed, immaculate landscaped yard backing on greenspace. MLS®SG1707872

Gary Taylor** 519.378.4663

Rob McAleer* 705.888.3981 Cheryl MacLaurin* 705.446.8005

Debra Gibbon* 705.888.5832

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Christie’s International Real Estate

OUR GLOBAL PARTNER

S O UTH ER N GEO R G IAN BAY & G R E Y BR U C E | W W W . C H E S T N U T P AR K . C OM | 705.445.5454

$541,000

$450,000

$229,900

$399,000

STUNNING HOME ON 1.6 ACRES

READHILTON.COM

LOT AT GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

OWEN SOUND - DOWNTOWN LOCATION

Over $100K in recent upgrades! Stylish floor plan filled with natural light. 2383 sq.ft. Custom modern kitchen and renovated baths! Main floor master with ensuite.

Metal roof plus insulated double garage. Conservation forest 5 minute walk away! Tranquil country setting!

Perfect Beaver Valley Ski Chalet in the Winter but also a great home base to explore the gorgeous Grey Highlands area year-round. Open concept 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, sleeps 8, hot tub, escarpment views, economical to run and completely renovated.

Over 1/2 acre residential building lot at the Georgian Bay Golf Club with escarpment and 4th Fairway views.

Build your dream home or weekend getaway in this great location w/all the four-season activities this area has to offer. MLS®SG1710518

Well maintained & updated commercial/ residential building w/ 1250 sq ft loft style 2 bdrm apt. & main floor retail, partly rented. Full bsmt & 5 parking spaces.

A great work/ live space or straight investment with endless possibilities for the entrepreneur in you!

Lori Schwengers** 226.974.1818 Ralph Schwengers* 416.300.5899

Read Hilton* 705.351.8100 Gail Crawford* 705.445.3751

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Cynthia Razum* 519.377.9134

Dave Armstrong*

Chris Assaff*

Diana Berdini**

Michael Biggins**

Kimberly Brine*

Barbara Brunton*

Office Manager

Debra Gibbon*

Heather Garner*

Read Hilton*

Rob Holroyd**

Keith Hull**

Ellen Jarman*

Vanessa BurgessMason*

John M. Kacmar**

Gail Crawford*

Judy Crompton**

Stefanie Kilby*

Martin Kilby**

Mona Deschamps*

Anita Lauer*

Aaron Garner*

Cheryl MacLauren*

Joan Malbeuf*

Sue Mallett*

Betty Marshall*

Rob McAleer*

Melanie McBride*

Mark McDade*

Gerry McIntyre*

Dave Moyer*

Barbara Picot*

Ron Picot*

Cynthia Razum*

Jennifer Ridsdale**

Sandee Roberts**

David Rowlands**

Lori Schwengers**

Ralph Schwengers*

Al Shreeve**

Chris Stevenson*

Gary Taylor**

Brendan Thomson*

Richard Wiles**

Carol Whyne*

Paige Young*

Thank you for your business, your trust and your confidence.

It is our pleasure to work with you! *

SALES REPRESENTATIVE

CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE - FROM THE BAY TO THE BRUCE COLLINGWOOD

393 First Street, Suite 100 collingwood@chestnutpark.com 705-445-5454

OWEN SOUND

957 4th Avenue East, Suite 200, owensound@chestnutpark.com 519-371-5455

WIARTON

551 Berford Street wiarton@chestnutpark.com 519-534-5757

**

BROKER

BA CK

PHOTO COURTESY OF TORONTO REFERENCE LIBRARY

LOO KI NG

Strolling Downtown

by JANET LEES

B

ruce Street in Thornbury was already a bustling downtown by 1901, when this photo was taken.

Looking from south to north towards Georgian Bay, this photo shows the town’s many businesses, which included Carr Bros. & Co. General Merchants, C. J. Lougheed Bakery, Charles E. Keast’s tailor shop, and Thomas W. Eastland’s store, where groceries were displayed on one side and dry goods on the other side while shoes, boots and hardware could be found at the back of the store.

The furniture store shown in the lower right of the photo, on the corner of Bruce and Louisa streets, was owned

by T. G. Idle, an undertaker in the area, and George Reekie, one of the township’s earliest settlers and a renowned carriage maker (in those days, funeral services were often

110

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2018

provided by local carriage makers and furniture makers, as undertakers needed a reliable supply of carriages and coffins). Today, Idle’s former furniture store is a hair salon.

Evolving from a backwoods wilderness after first being surveyed in 1833, Thornbury’s population had already passed the 1,200 mark by the turn of the century, and a “modern” downtown had grown to serve the local community. The coming of the railroad in 1855 had further expanded trade and made the town a desirable summer resort for the wealthy from Toronto.

Today the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Thornbury, with Bruce Street still bustling with an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and artisans. ❧ Sources: Thornbury Remembered 1887-1997, Thornbury & District Historical Society.

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TE STAR

Live The Life At The Seasons!

So much is happening at The Seasons! Located on the shores of Little Lake in Midland, in a magnificent setting with trails and every type of recreation at your doorstep, The Seasons is the perfect community for active, healthy living. Choose from townhomes with front and back entrances, in bungalows or two storey designs. With work onsite underway, your fabulous Seasons’ home is closer than ever! Visit the Presentation Centre now to select yours.

Get More Out of Life. Exciting 4-Season Living at The Seasons on Little Lake in Midland.

Condominium Towns & Semis Starting From The Upper $200s Visit The Presentation Centre Now! 16831 Highway 12 at Sumac Lane, Midland, ON Call (705) 526-2700

SeasonsLittleLake.com

A Life-Enriching Community Brought To You By Hanson Development. Exclusive Listing Brokerage: Engel & Volkers Collingwood Muskoka Real Estate, Brokerage.

Brokers Protected. Prices, specifications and information subject to change without notice. Renderings are artist’s concept. Map not to scale. E.&O.E.

HWY 12

Presentation Centre 16831 HWY 12

King Street

Sumac Lane

HWY 93

Little Lake