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Meet host Erin McCoy
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/18 11:56)
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Cottaging is in Erin McCoy’s blood. Since childhood she has spent countless hours at the cottage with family, creating memories and traditions that continue to this day. It was only fitting that she become the host of Cottage Life Television and share in the history, passion, and laughter of her fellow cottagers. Her enthusiasm for cottage country is infectious and after reading our interview with her, you’ll want to pack the car and head north. CL: Okay, we?re a little bit jealous. You get to explore fabulous places in cottage country and meet wonderful new people as a part of your job. What?s been your favourite part about filming so far? Erin: I am definitely guilty of living in a cottage bubble. I have played in Muskoka my whole life and know very little about other regions. Each episode reminds me how cottagers share the same passion and pride in their cottage, lake, and region. I have truly loved every minute of it, from getting to know the wonderful families ...
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Going Nuts
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/18 11:18)
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A squirrel in a standoff with our dog
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Canada
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/18 11:18)
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Our flag is proudly displayed out front.
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Morning Swim
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/18 11:18)
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On a morning walk we stumbled upon a duck taking a mornig swim
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Beelieve
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/17 17:16)
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Was in the garden, hearing birds and the bees, decided to go “macro” and capture some of these, yes please!
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Latest government closure will affect lake research
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/17 16:06)
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Trust the Federation of Ontario Cottagers? Associations to be at the forefront of breaking news that affects lake stewardship. Here?s an excerpt from FOCA?s May Alert, which arrived in my e-mail today. ?Thursday, May 17, 2012: FOCA has learned that Fisheries and Oceans Canada staff are today being informed of the decision of the Government of Canada to close operations at the Experimental Lakes Area in Kenora, Ontario. This closure, if it proceeds, will mark a significant setback for scientific research and will impede the ability of scientists to be able to understand the effects of human impacts on aquatic environments, by eliminating one of the only facilities in the world where whole-ecosystem experiments can be conducted.? Concerns about this decision should be sent directly to Fisheries Minister Keith Ashfield, keith.ashfield@parl.gc.ca .
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What happened to the shoe tree?
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/17 16:05)
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The shoe trees didn?t just get up and walk away on their own. They were cut down in the fall of 2011, by the City of Kawartha Lakes? Public Works Department. What began as a single tree had morphed over the years into four trees, plus a hydro pole. According to city officials, the trees were dying, and the collection was becoming a safety hazard. Goodbye, shoe trees! May all those old soles rest in peace?
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Who should I contact if I want to expand my cottage?
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/17 15:50)
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You should contact your municipality?s building and planning department. Ask about setback requirements, zoning bylaws, and other factors that will affect what kinds of upgrades and expansions you?re allowed to do to your cottage. Is it okay to increase the existing footprint? Can you add a second storey? Is the current sewage system going to be adequate? What about building a bunkie on the lot? Are there any flood plain requirements for your property? Is your lake governed by a conservation authority? (And will you need its approval?) And so on, and so forth. You can also check your municipality?s website; info about local building regulations and how to apply for permits for construction and demolition is often posted there. And, of course, if you feel like reading a long legal document, the Ontario Building Code is available through the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
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What?s the best way to get rid of bears?
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/17 15:33)
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Those are good anti-bear moves, but you may need to amplify your efforts. Bears aren?t just attracted to cooking smells, garbage, compost, and greasy barbecues; they?ll also go after birdseed, dog food, gasoline, dirty diapers, and other items that you wouldn?t eat even if you were absolutely starving. So make sure these things are stored in odour-proof, wildlife-proof containers (that can?t be knocked over or rolled away). And be super-diligent about your garbage. Freeze meat scraps until trash collection and wash your recyclables. If you?re experiencing break-ins of the ursine variety, try some anti-bear cottage upgrades: Instead of lever door handles, use knobs; put heavy frames and thick glass on the windows; and don?t keep a fridge in the porch where the bears can smell it (especially if it?s an old one with a leaky door seal). As for deterrents, one option is to surround your cottage with electric fence?the shock isn?t harmful, but it can scare the heck out of a bear. Unfortuna ...
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Otters on a cruise
from Cottage Life
(2012/5/17 14:49)
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I had heard that there were otters in our area, but had yet to see any until these guys came cruising by last fall. They were in no hurry though they did not seem interested in stopping to check out the area.
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