On The Bay Spring 2016 Issue by On The Bay Magazine

SPRING 2016

w w w . o n t h e baym ag az i n e . c o m

$5 .9 5

Our Housing Market is

Blooming!

Tips from the experts on buying and selling

All Decked Out

Making the most of outdoor living Container Gardening Bright ideas for colourful planters

LUXURY HAS A NEW ADDRESS IN COLLINGWOOD.

FINELY CRAFTED ESTATE HOMES ON 1 TO 2 ACRE LOTS STARTING FROM $1.35 MILLION Construction is well underway at Windrose Estates with purchasers already moving in! Visit our Model Home located on Osler Bluff Road next to Ontario’s premier ski hills. From 2,600 to over 4,000 square feet with three and four car garages, Windrose Estates offers the finest in four season living.

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The Britannia Elevation B, Lot 11 - 4200 sq. ft.

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Sixth St. Meadowlark Way

Prices and specifications subject to change without notice. All images are artist’s concept only. Broker’s protected. E. & O. E.

SO LD

Visit www.chriskeleher.ca to view Video Home Tours

Chris

Keleher Broker BBA M.Ed

705.888.4624 www.chriskeleher.ca

SO LD

ALPiNe Ski CLuB ViewS $1,495,000 MLS®1554574

chriskeleher@mac.com 877.705.445.5520 Ext 236

PRIVACY ON 3 ACRES - Open concept living & custom kitchen with views to the forest, pastoral land & backyard oasis. 4 beds & 3 baths w dbl car garage. $798,000 MLS®1602870

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MARINERS HAVEN The best of waterfront living in Collingwood! exclusive enclave of 32 private, condominiums. Views of the harbour are second to none. $899,000 MLS®1601467

BUNGALOW WITH TENNIS & POOL Rare opportunity in Creemore! Own 8 acres of land, surrounded by 192 acres of Nature Conservancy. Private access to all the trails, peace & tranquility, mins to Creemore, Blue Mountain & Collingwood! $1,100,000 MLS®1600513

MONTERRA RIDGE Premier location in sought after Monterra Ridge, Blue Mountain. 4 bedrooms, 3+1 baths. A perfect vacation condo, or full time residence. $579,000 MLS®1603234

CLASSIC RED BRICK Century home on coveted Beech St! Original trim and pine floors, 4 beds, 2 full baths, fireplace, garage, & 1,370 finished Sq. Ft. $589,000 MLS® 1604120

leeann Matthews

Sales Representative

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DEEP WATER DOCK waterfront living mins from Blue Mountain Resort and 5 private ski clubs. Jump off your dock into your private lagoon right in your backyard! $2,495,000 MLS® exclusive ThePhoenixValleyViews.com The Phoenix is a high end home in a prime location to Thornbury, Collingwood and Ravenna. Panoramic views of Beaver Valley. Custom built, 6000 Sq.Ft. home with thoughtful design details. The acreage includes walkways, gardens, a labyrinth and much more! $1,795,000 MLS® 1546967

DOWNTOWN COLLINGWOOD Charming investment opportunity, offering both sides of this semidetached in one property! 3 units total. A Must See! $599,000 MLS® 1603696

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wenDY eMMett

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All illustrations are artist’s concepts. All dimensions are approximate. Prices, specifications, terms and conditions subject to change without notice. E.&O.E.

INTHISISSUE FEATURES 20 Where Have all the Houses Gone? Home buyers are flocking to Southern Georgian Bay, thanks to continued low interest rates, our attractive four-season lifestyle, and a low Canadian dollar that is making it attractive for Canadians to sell their vacation properties in the U.S. and invest those American dollar

windfalls north of the border. BY JANET LEES

39 Growth Spurt Buoyed by a sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s real estate market, new home building is humming along in Southern Georgian Bay as buyers, primarily from the GTA, cash out of the hot city market and look for their perfect weekend or retirement retreat. BY MARC HUMINILOWYCZ

45 New Homes On The Bay presents our annual guide to residential developments with homes and properties for sale in Southern Georgian Bay.

50 Dream Life in the Country History and natural beauty abound at Lavender Farm. BY JUDY ROSS

69 On Deck! Making the most of outdoor living.

BY JUDY ROSS

79 Container Gardening Bright ideas for colourful planters. BY JUDY ROSS

87 Eating Below the Poverty Line The many lessons of the $2 a day food challenge. BY EMILY WORTS

91 Peaceful, Easy Feeling

DEPARTMENTS 10 From our Publisher 12 From our Readers 16 Fence Posts, by Dan Needles 94 Marketplace 98 Gallery of Realtors 109 Reader Buying Guide 110 Looking Back

Grey County painter Janet Liesemer infuses her acrylic landscapes with emotion, serenity and calm.

95 Openings

SPRING 2016

www. o n t h e b a y m a g a z i n e . c o m

The latest on new business openings and business transformations

$5.95

Our Housing Market is

Blooming!

including new owners, moves and major renovations. More great

Tips from the experts on buying and selling

reasons to shop local! BY JANET LEES All Decked Out

Making the most of outdoor living Container Gardening Bright ideas for colourful planters

ON THE COVER: Pink lilies add a burst of colour to a Meaford garden.

PHOTO BY DEREK TRASK

FOUR SEASON RETREATS Invest in Enjoyment! ICE

VOLUME 13, ISSUE 1 P UB L I S H ER

CRESTVIEW AT BLUE MTN Superbly crafted 4 bdrm bungaloft. 2561 sf, private enclave - 39 homes, open concept, soaring ceilings, gas f/p, hrdwd flrs, kitch granite counters, full bsmt, 2-car grg, premium golf course lot. $718,900

CRAIGLEITH WATERFRONT Townhome with private sand beach & breathtaking Bay & Mtn views! 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, radiant heat floors, granite counters, vaulted ceiling. HST applicable. Asking $465,000

ICE

Jeffrey Shearer jshearer@onthebaymagazine.com ED I T OR

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

Holger Meiche ADMIN . , CI R CUL AT I ON A N D P R OD UCT I ON

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

Tara McLellan

P R OOF R EA DER

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

INVESTOR ALERT Legal STA rentals since July ‘15. Ideal Sierra Lane at Blue Mtn! Park free, walk to ski lifts, golf, Village. 3 bdrm + loft, 3 baths, high ceilings, f/p, Mtn view, outdoor pool, contents incl! Asking $365,900

LIGHTHOUSE POINT Sought-after bungalow style condo (no stairs), 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, patio, single car garage. Backs onto the environmentally protected area and has a glimpse of the Bay. Asking $329,900 ICE

W NE

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

Marc Huminilowycz, Janet Lees, Dan Needles, Judy Ross, 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, Darren Bosch, Robert Carter, Jessica Crandlemire, Janet Liesemer, Bill Slavin, 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 PAT T I B OW DEN

pbowden@onthebaymagazine.com

GROUND FLOOR LIVING 3 Bedroom upgraded condo in popular Wyldewood Complex no stairs, 2 bathrooms, 2 parking spaces, 2 patios - overlooks year round pool. Asking $308,000

INCOME CONDO Ground lvl, near spa in Cranberry. Currently two 1 bdrm, 1 bath condos w/ sep entrances; could be one 3 bdrm, 2 bath. Rent combined is $1420/mth + util’s. Pools, tennis, golf on site. Asking $194,900

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 On The Bay is published by On The Bay Magazine Inc. 4 issues per year and 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.

CRANBERRY CONDO Spacious 2 bdrm, 2 bath open concept upper unit, all one level living. Can also be used as 1 bdrm lock-off, perfect to share w teens or for add’l rental income during personal use. 3 pools, tennis, golf on site. Asking $169,900

SHORT RENTALS ALLOWED Cranberry - bright & charming, reno’d 1 bdrm, 1 bath upper end unit, private location overlooking green space. Near skiing & beaches; golf, pools, tennis on site, & on town bus route. Asking $119,500

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

Two heads ARE better than one!

Lorraine McDonald Sales Representative (705) 444-4216 lorrainemcdonald@ royallepage.ca

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

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

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 201, 186 Hurontario St., Collingwood, Ontario, L9Y 4T4 Tel: 705-444-9192 Toll-free: 1-888-282-2014 Fax: 705-444-5658 Printed in Canada by Ironstone Media.

www.onthebaymagazine.com

Little touches are the signature of luxury

When choosing a luxury home it’s smart to consider the big things. Start with a breathtaking location, like at the award-winning Georgian Bay Club and its reputation for impeccable service. Then continue with exquisite design and superior quality, including a myriad of custom home features rarely found in a condominium. At the Private Residences it’s the thoughtful little touches that make a big difference, like the remote smart home monitoring which lets you turn up the heat and lights on the drive home, or the master bedroom ‘Good Night’ switch which eliminates the

need to get up to make sure everything is turned off. The list goes on and on, in fact it prompted someone recently to say, “You really have thought of everything.” Add to this the benefits of being five minutes to the Georgian Trail, seven minutes to the beach, a fiveminute drive to skiing and right outside your door, the Health Fitness Centre coming soon. This is the key to a brand new healthy lifestyle. It’s where the Private Residences combine all the big things with a host of thoughtful touches to make living here an undeniable luxury.

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Model Home Open Fri, Sat, Sun, Mon 1-5 pm

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F R O M O U R P U B L I S H E R

Against the

WIND When we launched On The Bay 12 years ago, editor Janet Lees and I were clear that we wanted to tackle the issues that affect our communities and our way of life in Southern Georgian Bay. And if in our opinion they posed a threat, we would take an advocacy position to protect what we all hold dear. We’ve covered a number of high-profile issues over the years, but no subject has gotten more attention over a longer period of time than the looming onslaught of industrial wind turbines into our community. Our first article about wind turbines goes back to our very first issue in the summer of 2004. We knew little about the wind turbines then and our opening paragraph of the piece read: “Graceful structures that enhance an area’s natural beauty while harnessing the wind to produce good, clean energy … or ugly concrete giants that belong in an industrial park?” From that innocent, open-minded position 12 years ago, we have learned the reality of what turbines will bring to Southern Georgian Bay. In 2009, our cover line was “Windmills, Friend or Foe?” as we began to write about the damage turbines could do to the rolling hills and prime farmland of our community. We learned that there were negative health impacts for people living even several kilometers away from the turbines. We wrote about the results of a public health study in Sweden on wind turbines that concluded: “Sleep disturbance and psychological and physiological stress-related symptoms have been associated with noise exposure.” And we wrote about the then-new Green Energy Act, which “strips local municipalities of any power to zone or require site plan approvals for any wind turbine projects.” A year later, in 2010, we reported that citizens’ groups were taking on local and provincial governments and turbine developers in an attempt to keep the “behemoths” from taking over our rural communities. And we began to learn about the staggering impact on real estate values for homes within even a five-to 10-kilometre radius of wind turbines. We reported that 20 communities had attempted to pass bylaws to control the placement of turbines in their communities but with no success, as their concerns fell on the deaf ears of Ontario’s Liberal government who politically didn’t need Conservative rural Ontario to stay in power. In the summer of 2011 in our feature article entitled “Not Here, Not Now, Not Ever!”, we wrote about the politics of wind turbines and captured in dramatic pictures a rare parade of local Clearview residents riding on hundreds of tractors, trucks and hay wagons in opposition to the Green Energy Act. Soon after we also had the opportunity for an exclusive interview by our editor at our offices with then-Conservative leader Tim Hudak, who said that if he was elected Premier, he would cancel the Liberals’ feedin-tariff program that was subsidizing the wind developers to the tune of billions of dollars and driving hydro costs through the roof. By 2012, our summer issue article titled “Wind Wars” reported on 15 landowners filing suits, claiming damage to the value of their homes and property. They would eventually lose since the court ruled that damage cannot be proved until after the turbines are built. Talk about locking the barn after the horse has been stolen! Last month, the Ontario government announced that the WPD turbine project, just south of the Collingwood Airport and north of Creemore, had been approved. This decision to proceed was in spite of the airport’s plans to bring jobs and aviation training to an expanded airport facility and the serious threat to the safety of pilots and passengers in building 50-storey structures

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

within a few kilometres of the runways. But local residents have not given up. Six legal appeals have been lodged against the Liberal government’s decision, based on a number of environmental and aviation issues. Private citizens’ groups have filed three of the appeals, while the municipalities of Collingwood, Clearview and Simcoe County are behind the other three. The next few months will tell the tale of this one wind project, but there will be many more to come. We have argued time after time in the pages of On The Bay that turbines are not “green.” They work less than half the time, require additional gas-fired electric plants to offset their unreliable value, and have cranked up our electricity costs to the highest in North America. There is an argument that if turbines are only placed in remote locations, the damage to people and communities is limited, but this does not address the broader issue that turbine wind power is simply not a long-term, economically sound solution to help solve climate change and in the near-term, has caused electric power to become unaffordable for consumers and industry. There are 7,700 turbines either built or approved in Ontario. Where will they strike next? Be assured that when they do, we will be joining the fight, even if it takes another 12 years. ❧

Publisher Jeffrey Shearer P.S. Don’t miss the letters section in this issue for more details, facts and opinions about the turbine issue.

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READERMAIL

FROM OUR

READERS

With virtually no government funding allocated to purchasing capital equipment, it has become necessary for foundations like ours to continue to support their community’s greatest need – health care – through pledges, donations and planned/legacy giving. Again, thank you for your ongoing support of our communities through On The Bay Magazine. Keep up the great work! Pauline Stanley President, Meaford Hospital Foundation

RE: GRASSROOTS HEROES, WINTER 2015

RE: CHARITABLE AD DONATION, FALL 2015

I was honoured to be nominated and featured in your latest issue and was overwhelmed with the response. Clearly your magazine has wide readership as I was congratulated by many people – friends and family of course but also total strangers who recognized me from the cover! In one instance I was walking across the street and a fellow in a car opened his window at a stop sign and yelled, “I know you – you just landed on my doorstep!” Many such instances occurred and I was awarded celebrity status in the Espresso Post by the regulars! The feature profiled the Art Crawl and has greatly helped to spread the word and take the Crawl to the next level. I have had many conversations as a direct result of the article and am incredibly thankful to your magazine for creating a wider exposure for this event. I now use the issue in my marketing efforts, particularly relating to the Art Crawl, and it has generated a lot of positive feedback for my art as well, which has been a wonderful side effect. There were numerous compliments on the photography and cover design, which I pointed out was entirely the quality of your camera crew and design team. Once again, my sincere appreciation for the feature, which continues to have a positive impact on my day-to-day life both from an artwork and event promotion perspective. Andrea Rinaldo, Collingwood

It is my pleasure to say thank you on behalf of the Meaford Hospital Foundation for granting us free advertising space in the Fall 2015 issue of your wonderful magazine, On The Bay! The ad featuring Marilyn Morris of Meaford and her story about her journey through her diagnosis with breast cancer touched the hearts of many people. We have all been touched by cancer in some way and it is a relief to know we have excellent health care in our hospitals – right here at home.

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ON THE BAY

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RE: FROM OUR READERS, WINTER 2015 I would like to add to Noelle Wansbrough’s excellent letter to the editor in the previous issue wherein she discusses the negative environment between cyclists and drivers. I think a lot of the problem derives from a general lack of knowledge of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) as well as a lack of empathy among drivers for what it means to be a vulnerable road user. Many drivers believe that riding two abreast is illegal. There is no section of the HTA that prohibits two-abreast cycling, yet many drivers are absolutely convinced it exists. What the HTA does require is that when vehicles pass bicycles, they provide a minimum of one metre space and pass only when the road ahead is clear. In other words, drivers can’t squeeze in between on coming traffic and cyclists, not just because it’s dangerous but also because it’s illegal (HTA section 148). What many drivers don’t realize is the HTA is trying to protect vulnerable road users from aggressive drivers and the law is balanced towards safety rather than a driver’s expediency. Drivers need to understand that cyclists are extremely vulnerable to the actions of drivers. Drivers have the upper hand; they are surrounded by a ton of protective steel, the benefit of a forward perspective and the undeniable ease of operating a car, truck or SUV. Just stop and think about how easy it is to turn the car’s steering just a couple of inches more to give some extra passing space. Yes, sometimes you may have to slow down for a moment but it’s almost always measured in mere seconds. Let’s all just calm down, show some patience and do what’s safest for vulnerable road users whether they be cyclists, walkers or runners. Steve Varga, Vice President, Collingwood Cycling Club

RE: ARTHRITIS, WINTER 2015 I would like to commend Marc Huminilowycz for his comprehensive overview of osteoarthritic joints. In my practice, most patients who are diligent

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in following these treatment options are, as in Todd Brooker’s case, able to “stay active and relatively pain free.” Unfortunately some knees or hips are so worn out that conservative treatments no longer work. At that point, it’s time to talk about surgery. Although joint replacement was beyond the scope of Marc’s article, it’s important for people to know that this is a very viable option. In spite of post-op pain, and the hard work required to get the joint functional, the end results are worth it. This decision is made easier knowing that we have in our community a great team of orthopedic surgeons skilled in doing joint replacements. Dr. John Bowman, Collingwood I enjoyed the piece in On The Bay concerning healthy joints, although I was a little disappointed that there was no mention of the benefits of yoga. Yoga, with

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READERMAIL its stretches and movement, is well documented as the number one self-help modality to relieve pain in the joints and to keep them mobile and healthy. I am also partial to this since I am a yoga therapist and have seen the amazing benefits and improvements with my students and clients who have arthritic joints. The increased mobility and reduction in pain is quite evident. Nevertheless, I appreciated the article and felt it offered some valuable information to readers. Joanne Pineau, HBSc., Cert. Yoga Therapist, Thornbury

RE: THE HILLS ARE ALIVE! WINTER 2015 The Winter 2015 issue featured a fantastic article on the ski scene in Southern Georgian Bay. It certainly highlighted how many passionate people are involved in skiing and the ski business in our area. With the slow snow start to the winter it was the snow-farmers mentioned in your article who shone brightly. These guys and gals worked around the clock, seven days a week, through January to lay down a ribbon of white. Our snow farmers got the resort open, and kept it open through some unseasonably warm weather. Kudos to the unsung heroes of the 2015/16 South Georgian Bay ski scene: the snow farmers. Doug Wansbrough General Manager, Devil’s Glen Country Club

RE: NOT HERE, NOT NOW, NOT EVER! SUMMER 2011

CORRECTION: In our Featured Home Source Guide and caption for the above photo in the Winter 2015 issue of On The Bay, credit for the stone masonry on the fireplace should have gone to B. A. Wood Masonry Ltd. of Mono. The homeowner, who provided the Source Guide information, apologizes for the error and commends B.A. Wood for the excellent workmanship.

O N2016_DCTaylor_05_outl.indd T H E B A Y S P R I N G 2 011 6 Docket No.

File Name

At almost 500 feet high, the industrial wind turbines slated for the Fairview wind farm at Highway 90 and Airport Road will not only be a blight on our rural landscape, they’re a government folly of the worst kind. The turbines work only 30 per cent of the time and feed the grid only 87 per cent of that time. In 20 years the subsidized contracts will end, and Ontario will have spent $65 billion with only a graveyard of turbines to show for it. In 15 to 25 years they will start to break down, not to be replaced. In the meantime, they’ve already jacked up our electricity costs by over 80 per cent. Adding to the insanity, the MOE has approved the Fairview wind farm, right in the flight paths of the Collingwood airport and Kevin Elwood’s private airport. The Town of Collingwood, Clearview Township, Simcoe County, Kevin Elwood and I have launched appeals to the Environmental Review Tribunal (ERT), to fight for all those affected. Our lawyers are coordinating efforts to reduce costs and maximize talent. They’re confident the aeronautical issues and environmental issues that have had success in recent ERT hearings are strong. The Green Energy Act’s approval process has thrown democracy out the

3/8/2016 10:34:41 AM

window. The MOE is approving wind farms throughout Ontario with complete disregard to all objections. We’re outraged. We’re going to fight this folly. John Wiggins, Collingwood. Our beautiful Southern Georgian Bay area provides us with a wonderful natural vista as it rises from Georgian Bay to the top of the Escarpment. We are concerned this magnificent view could be forever changed if the proposed WPD Fairview Wind Farm is permitted to be put in place, as the scale of this industrial development is the equivalent of adding eight 50-storey buildings to our landscape. These 152-metre (500-foot) turbines will be 90 per cent higher than the 133 80-metre (262-foot) wind turbines at the Melanchthon wind facility near Shelburne. When compared to the Collingwood Grain Elevator, the proposed 500-foot turbines would tower over this building and be approximately 70 per cent of the height of the ski hills at Blue Mountain and 83 per cent of the height of the TD North office tower in downtown Toronto, 182.88 meters (600.0 feet). The visual impact of adding eight 50-storey machines to our horizon, forever changing our view to be something more representative of a large-scale cityscape, is something neither our local population nor our weekend visitor population will appreciate. We hope with all our hearts that the appeals against the WPD Fairview Wind Farm are successful and that our South Georgian Bay vista will remain the natural view we love and live in every day. Barb & Ron Picot, Blue Mountains

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FENCEPOSTS

A PUFF OF STRAW True confessions from the 9th Concession by DAN NEEDLES

❧

illustration by SHELAGH ARMSTRONG-HODGSON

Farming is currently the ninth most dangerous occupation on the continent. Statistically, it’s a lot safer than commercial fishing or garbage collection, but it’s more than twice as dangerous as police work or firefighting. I know very few farmers who have made it through to retirement without missing fingers or a limp. On a cold night last November, I was climbing a ladder in the barn to get some hay bales down for the sheep, the same ladder I have climbed daily for over 25 years. I stepped over onto the haymow floor and put my foot down on a puff of straw that went out from under my boot like a bar of soap. Next thing I knew I was hanging by my fingers from the edge of the haymow. But fingers do not support me anymore and I dropped six feet down onto the arms of the loader tractor, bounced once and landed full length in the manure bucket. This was not good. My right leg and my left arm wouldn’t work and it was very painful to breathe. I have never carried a cell phone around the farm and there was no way to signal the house. My trusty guard dog Dexter was sleeping on the chesterfield in front of the fire, dreaming of rabbits. I tried to pull myself up into a sitting position with my writing hand, which has never failed me yet, but the most I could manage was to slither out of the bucket like an inchworm and get my head up against the front tire of the tractor. There was nothing else to do but lie there patiently and wait until my wife noticed I was missing. She would likely send my daughter out to look for me first, so it was important not to alarm her too much. I tried to keep my head up and began practising an opening line. “I’ve had a little mishap here.” Irony is lost on sheep. They studied me through the steel gate of their pen, puzzled as always by my behaviour. “Why is he lying on the floor talking to himself when we need a bale of hay?” The temperature had dipped to the freezing mark and a stiff wind blew across the concrete floor. I was wearing a heavy barn coat but my legs were

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

stretched out into that wretched wind. Within minutes I began to shiver. Whenever I am in pain, facing extensive dental work or sitting through an evening of throat singing and interpretive dance, I close my eyes and go to a special place I call “airport mode.” The last time I whacked myself this severely was about 20 years ago, falling out of the same haymow and landing in the same place. On that occasion, I had an excuse because I was escaping from a nest of angry yellow jackets. I didn’t get stung but I did crush my heel and ever since, I have limped on rainy days, the way all my wife’s brothers and western cousins limp. Not quite the same, for they are cowboys, and a cowboy’s limp is part of his rugged charm. When a writer limps, people just assume it is stiffness brought on by too much deskwork. I tried telling people that my bull-riding days were over, but no one took me seriously. The sheep gave up and lay down without their supper. The wind howled and the barn doors banged. My neighbour drove by in his truck, but he was scanning the road for my dog and not looking at the barn. I drifted in and out of consciousness and lost track of time. Then suddenly, she was there in the doorway carrying a barn lantern, my very own Florence Nightingale. The dog was beside her, very sheepish that he had been dozing instead of dashing to the house to write “Fire” in the mashed potatoes. No citation for bravery for Dexter. “I’ve had a little mishap here,” I said, teeth chattering uncontrollably. Farm women always curse their husbands for two minutes before they call an ambulance. That’s because they saw this coming and can’t understand why you would own a ladder and not learn to tie it off. Then she put a blanket over me and held my hand. Some people sit on a waiting list for a year for a hip replacement. If you fling yourself off a cliff they will do it in eight hours, but I don’t recommend it. Thanks to modern science I am walking again without a cane, not quite sure which leg to limp on. ❧

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ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

REALESTATE

WHERE HAVE ALL THE

HOUSES GONE?

stories by JANET LEES illustration by ROBERT CARTER

ome buyers are flocking to Southern Georgian Bay, thanks to continued low interest rates, our attractive four-season lifestyle, and a low Canadian dollar that is making it attractive for Canadians to sell their vacation properties in the U.S. and invest those American dollar windfalls north of the border. The result: there are more potential buyers than homes available for sale, creating a strong sellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s market for the first time in almost a decade. What does this mean for buyers and sellers? On The Bay talked to local realtors from across the region to bring you everything you need to know to navigate todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot real estate market.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

REALESTATE

REAL ESTATE Q&A Exactly how hot is the current resale home market?

What a difference a year makes! Last year at this time, the resale home market in Southern Georgian Bay was just starting to nudge its way out of several years of “slow and steady” growth, with most areas of the region in a balanced market position and some areas beginning to tip over into seller’s market territory. Over the past 12 months, the market has taken flight, with sales running at nearrecord highs and supply falling to near-record lows. “That means price growth will likely heat up again heading into the spring and summer,” says Kevin Woolham, president of the Southern Georgian Bay Association of Realtors (SGBAR). On The Bay interviewed Woolham to get his insights into today’s resale home market. His responses are based on the SGBAR’s Western Region data and in consultation with a senior economist from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA). The Western Region includes Wasaga Beach, Springwater, Clearview Township, Collingwood, The Blue Mountains, Municipality of Meaford and Grey Highlands. On The Bay: How hot is the current real estate market in this area, and why? Kevin Woolham: Sales are currently running at all-time highs. This has drawn down the supply of listings to record lows. If a hot market is defined as one where many people want to buy, but scarce supply results in competition among those buyers, then the housing market is currently hot. One thing that would make it even hotter is double-digit price growth, which we’re not seeing at this point.

OTB: Is it still a seller’s market? KW: We make that call based on the degree to which the number of months of inventory (i.e. active listings divided by sales) and/or whether the sales-to-new listings ratio is deviating from its long-term averages. By both measures, the Southern Georgian Bay Western Region housing market is currently well into a sellers’ market. OTB: Is it likely to be a seller’s market for the near future? KW: Likely. The low interest rate and low dollar environment is likely here for some time yet. The demand and supply trends that have led to a strong sellers’ market in the region have been intensifying.

OTB: What are the economic reasons for the hot market? KW: Interest rates play an important role, but low interest rates have been around for a while and aren’t enough on their own. Housing market trends that we’re seeing locally are at play throughout the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Ontario cottage country. In the Greater Golden Horseshoe, it’s a story about the ever-expanding commuter ring around Toronto, with buyers going farther and farther out to find affordable single family homes. Farther north in cottage country, hot markets seem to coincide with the lower Canadian dollar and the rise in home prices in and around the GTA. The increase in demand likely reflects the combination of American money coming here and Canadian money staying here.

OTB: What are some key numbers that illustrate the current state of the market? KW: Some 2,099 residential properties changed hands in 2015 – a new annual record. The all-time monthly record was set last October, but the seasonally adjusted January 2016 data came in just one sale short of that all-time record, so sales momentum has carried over into 2016. There are currently fewer than four months of inventory compared to a long-run average of more than eight months of inventory. The sales-to-new-listings ratio is currently sitting at more than 75 per cent compared to a long-run average of about 40 per cent. These are historically very tight market conditions.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

OTB: Do you have any anecdotes or real-word examples

illustrating the current market conditions, challenges, opportunities, etc.? KW: In my own personal experience, there was a time when we would take buyers out to see five to 10 properties that met their criteria; they could then choose one that was the best fit and begin negotiating a purchase. If that didn’t work out, they still had other options to choose from. Today I find myself talking to buyers about what they’re looking for and then beginning a search and/or waiting for a suitable property to come on the market. Properties in sought-after neighbourhoods and within desirable price ranges experience high-volume showings and quick sales – most buyers are financially prequalified and ready to move into action when they find a property they like.

OTB: As president of the SGBAR, how would you characterize the current and near-future real estate market?

KW: Our housing market is the hottest it’s ever been from the standpoint of market tightness, while price growth has remained muted. That said, prices have begun to heat up. 2015 was a record year for sales and 2016 could be even stronger, provided sales aren’t crimped by a shortage of properties for sale. The average price in the region rose seven per cent year-over-year in 2015, and it’s likely this story will also be repeated in 2016. Based on current market conditions, prices may rise by even more this year.

OTB: What do sellers and prospective buyers need to know in order to navigate the current market?

KW: They should talk to and work with their local realtor. It’s a great time to be a seller, but sellers will want to make sure they’re taking full advantage of current market conditions. Local realtors will also ensure fair and knowledgeable property valuation in the current market, thus avoiding improperly priced properties. For prospective buyers, the current market can be challenging. Buyers should work with their local realtor on strategies for making a successful bid, particularly where they may find themselves competing with other buyers.

OTB: Is there anything else our readers need to know about the current and near-future resale home market in the area? KW: Every community in Southern Georgian Bay is unique. Readers should consult their local realtor for market conditions and home value information specific to their neighbourhood. Our realtors live, work and play in Southern Georgian Bay and have the local knowledge you simply need to know!

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REALESTATE

In a seller’s market, competing offers can occur more frequently and conditional offers are scrutinized more closely.

THE GAME HAS

CHANGED! 5 things you need to know about a seller’s market Over the past few years, when it comes to real estate, home buyers have been in the driver’s seat for the most part. They’ve had lots of homes to choose from and could take their time to find the perfect home that checked off all the items on their wish list. Sellers, meanwhile, often had to wait until the right buyer came along, while their listing languished or they were hit with low-ball, conditional offers. That has all changed. With the dramatic drop in inventory of homes for sale, sellers are taking the wheel for the first time in over a decade. And that dramatically changes the way houses are being bought and sold. For buyers especially, it’s important to be patient and most of all, to be prepared. “I have a list of potential buyers who are waiting on that ‘dream property’ to become available, and when it does, they know they’ll need to act quickly,” says Mark Murakami of Royal LePage RCR Realty in Flesherton. “The most recent property I listed on Lake Eugenia sold in one day to a gentleman who had been waiting patiently for two years. He was pre-qualified, knew the area, knew what price range made sense and was prepared to put in a solid offer as soon as a suitable property became available – and today he couldn’t be happier with his new purchase.” Here’s what both buyers and sellers need to know in order to navigate today’s market successfully.

The housing market is cyclical and conditions can change quickly.

Yes, we’re in a seller’s market now, but that could change, says Murakami. “Interest rates, employment, new construction and political changes are all factors that can cause the market to shift quickly,” he warns, “so potential sellers should be prepared to act while the market is in their favour and the opportunity is good!”

Education and market awareness are key.

Hesitation can result in the loss of your dream property, so buyers need to be prepared. “Getting prequalified for a

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

mortgage by a bank helps the buyer to know their budget and any obstacles that they may have to deal with,” says Murakami. Buyers also need to be familiar with market values and recent comparable sales in the area they’re considering. “They need to be educated on the geography of the area, amenities and future development,” notes Murakami. “As a buyer, you need to be in the best possible position to move confidently and quickly when you find a home that speaks to you.” There are definite advantages to dealing with a local realtor who lives and works in the area, knows the neighbourhood well and is aware of details such as municipal bylaws and zoning changes that non-residents could overlook.

Making your best offer is more important than ever.

In a seller’s market, competing offers can occur more frequently and conditional offers are scrutinized more closely. As a buyer, this means putting your best offer on the table – not just in terms of dollar amount, but also conditions and size of deposit. “Limiting your purchasing conditions and increasing the deposit amount will help to make your offer as attractive as possible to sellers,” advises Murakami.

Properly priced homes are in great demand.

A seller’s market doesn’t mean the sky’s the limit on your asking price. “Getting greedy and over-inflating your asking price can result in extended days on the market, eventual price reductions, or even the loss of a prospective buyer, ultimately resulting in having to sell for a lower dollar amount than a properly priced home of equal value,” warns Murakami.

Now is not the time to get lazy or complacent.

Even though we’re in a seller’s market, that doesn’t mean that literally anything sells. As a seller, it’s still important to make sure your home shows to its best advantage in order to get it sold quickly and profitably. “A well-staged home will still bring you maximum dollars, so it is worthwhile to continue to pay attention to detail and keep your property clean, tidy and looking sharp,” says Murakami. The current seller’s market represents a dramatic shift in the way homes are bought and sold, and both buyers and sellers need to be prepared.

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REALESTATE

SELL, SELL, SELL! 5 reasons now is the perfect time to sell your home Thinking about selling your home? If you’ve been on the fence, we’ve got good news: it’s a great market for sellers! Limited inventory means you can likely sell your home faster, and for more money, than you could 12 months ago. “There are always compelling reasons to sell your home, especially when you need to downsize, upgrade, relocate or are looking for a lifestyle change,” says Diana Berdini, broker and manager of Chestnut Park Real Estate in Collingwood and Owen Sound. “However, when you have the opportunity to choose your timing to sell, consider selling your home under seller’s market conditions.” Here’s why this is an ideal time to sell:

1. Supply and Demand The sales-to-listing ratio is a measure of market activity that compares the number of sales to the number of listings in the market being measured. It basically sets the balance between supply and demand. While there is no standard ratio for any market, some analysts agree a ratio less than 40 per cent is a buyer’s market, 40 to 60 per cent is a balanced market and over 60 per cent is a seller’s market. “2015 ended with the December sales-to-listing ratio at 74.71 per cent, clearly indicating a seller’s market,” notes Berdini, adding that 2016 has started off with a continued shortage of listings. “In a seller’s market there are a lot of qualified buyers in the marketplace and not enough homes for sale. When these conditions occur, bidding wars can drive up prices and sought-after properties may attract multiple offers.”

“Low interest rates will continue to support sales and prices during 2016 and could be a great reason to trade up to a more expensive home.”

are more likely to achieve a higher sale price, you may be in a position to buy the larger, more expensive home you have had your eye on, or downsize with an extra cushion in your financial portfolio,” says Berdini.

4. Cash-in Equity Where is the demand coming from? The city, of course. Many empty nesters are cashing out their Toronto and Muskoka (or Arizona and Florida) properties and heading here for a premium lifestyle at a still-under-premium cost. “During 2015, we saw many empty nesters who owned a home in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) sell high and make a lifestyle move to the Southern Georgian Bay area where they can downsize, put some equity away and enjoy an active lifestyle,” says Berdini. “With fewer listings currently available and an influx of buyers from the GTA, now is a great time to get your home on the market.”

5. Take Advantage of Resale vs. New 2. Low Interest Rates Low interest rates are great for both buyers and sellers, and according to the Canadian Real Estate Association’s (CREA) report at the end of 2015, interest rates are expected to begin rising later than previously projected, holding at their current low rates until late in 2016 or beyond. “Low interest rates will continue to support sales and prices during 2016 and could be a great reason to trade up to a more expensive home without having a significant increase to your monthly mortgage payments,” says Berdini.

3. Buy and Sell in the Same Market This is a great time to sell if you are considering a larger home, a smaller home or a lifestyle change. “Because you can typically sell more quickly in a seller’s market and

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

One of the first decisions buyers need to make is whether they will buy/build new or shop for an existing home. In many cases, comparable resale homes may be less expensive and move-in ready, whereas buying a new home might involve waiting for it to be built. “If you live in an established neighborhood or own a particular lifestyle home that may be desirable for someone moving from another location, now may be the best time to list, while inventory is low and you can attract a buyer for your existing property rather than the buyer waiting for a new home to be built,” notes Berdini. All in all, this is without a doubt the best time in at least a decade to list your home for sale!

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REALESTATE

READY, SET, LIST! 10 tips for selling your home in a seller’s market As a seller in a seller’s market, it might seem that a quick, easy and financially rewarding home sale is assured no matter what you do – or don’t do. But don’t be fooled – it’s as important as ever to be well prepared and well informed before you put your home up for sale. Here are 10 tips to ensure that you take full advantage of today’s hot market. With the right approach, you may even get multiple offers within days of listing your home!

2 28

ON THE BAY

Price your Home to Sell Just because it’s a seller’s market, don’t think you can slap a sky-high price on your home and still get multiple offers – or any offers, for that matter. As always, it’s important to price your home properly based on location, size, condition, amenities and what other comparable homes recently sold for. “Your realtor will provide you with a comprehensive presentation of the true market value of your home by pulling the historic data from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) system to show you the most recent sales in your area and also the current listings that your home will be competing with in the marketplace,” explains Joanne Evans, Broker of Record for Century 21 Millennium Inc., which has locations in Collingwood, Thornbury and Wasaga Beach as well as Oakville and Brampton. “Remember that a good buyer sales representative will educate their client about what your price should be as well. They will also share all the comparable sales and current listings so that their buyers are well informed of the value of your home.” Price your home too low and you will leave money on the table. Too high and there will be no offers. Watching your home just sit on the market will be especially frustrating as you watch “Sold” signs go up all over town in record time. “Everyone is tempted to start with a high price to see what happens, but over-pricing can be a bad strategy,” says Evans. “Too long on the market and the buyer wonders, what’s wrong with that house?”

Choose the Right Realtor Your realtor is the person you’re going to trust to get you the very best deal on your house, so choose your salesperson wisely! Find a successful, experienced realtor with a proven track record, and ask for a thorough market evaluation. “You should expect a presentation from your realtor that includes all comparable sales within the most recent time period as well as a detailed review of all the current listings that your home will be compared to by any active buyers,” notes Evans. “Be sure they are well informed on your neighbourhood and all it has to offer. The job of a qualified real estate salesperson is to educate you so thoroughly on the market as it pertains to your house that you will understand the pricing recommended for your property.” Ask your realtor about their marketing plan for your property. “A good realtor will not only promote the selling features of your house,

SPRING 2016

but will also know your neighborhood and understand how to present the lifestyle benefits, whether proximity to waterfront, ski hills or walking trails,” says Evans. “Many provide brochures for buyers that showcase the benefits of family activities, schools and even the best restaurants in your area. A good realtor will save you time and money!”

3 4 5 6

Have a Creative Online Strategy “Ninety per cent of all buyers start the home hunting adventure online,” notes Evans. “To get them out of their house and into yours, the online presentation of your home needs to be compelling and exciting.” Choose a realtor who strongly embraces technology and uses tech-savvy tools to promote and provide maximum exposure for your house. “This will include sending in a professional photographer to do still shots, drones for exterior views, professional virtual tours or videos of your home,” says Evans, adding there should also be a strategy to promote your home on Facebook, YouTube and other social media platforms.

Let There be Light! Buyers want a bright, cheerful feeling in their new home, so make sure their first impression is light-filled and positive. “Maximize the lighting in your home by cleaning the windows and taking down heavy window coverings,” advises Evans. “Replace lightbulbs with higher wattage bulbs and replace old light fixtures. Also, mirrors make dark rooms appear bright.”

Create Curb Appeal You only have one chance to make a great first impression, and when it comes to your home, that first impression begins at the curb. “Be sure to get exterior maintenance done,” advises Evans. “Repair or resurface driveways and get your landscaping done. Put planters at the front door with fresh flowers to welcome the buyers. Make sure the walkways are safe and have good lighting. Spruce up the front door with new hardware. Watch that roof! They can see it from the curb.”

Complete Renovations Evans’ number one suggestion: paint! “You will get the full return on your money with a fresh coat of paint,” she

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REALESTATE says. Stick with neutral tones – that bright fuschia you love so much might be a complete turnoff to potential buyers. Do the quick fixes by replacing door handles, cabinet hardware and leaky faucets. The kitchen is the heart of the home and needs to be welcoming. Functionality is key, so clear the counters to optimize the feeling of space. “Keep things clean and fresh,” advises Evans. “Never forget how strong our sense of smell is!” Bathrooms also are an important place to spend some reno money. Clean that grout, replace old countertops and vanities, and make your bathrooms as spa-like as possible.

The Old Bank in Clearview Meticulously preserved art deco building with soaring 10’ ceilings, light-filled mullioned windows with potentially 4 bedrooms or storefront and 3 bedroom apartment upstairs. Fantastic weekend getaway or full time home and/or business. $299,900

Centur y Farm House in Mulmur On 28 acres – Beautifully renovated with great room addition. Slate and hardwood floors, gorgeous custom kitchen, beautiful bathrooms and huge master suite with vaulted ceiling. Separate legal apartment on property as well as great bank barn. $849,000

BEAUTIFULLY RESTORED FIELDSTONE FARMHOUSE

9 Rare, fully restored and updated fieldstone farmhouse offering 6 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms. 50 rolling acres on a quiet country road north of Creemore between Devil’s Glen Country Club and The Mad River Golf Club. Property features a barn with water & hydro, spring fed swimming pond, glorious gardens and gorgeous vistas & trails adjacent to the Bruce Trail. $2,250,000

RCR Realty, Brokerage

Independently Owned & Operated

RCR Realty, Brokerage

Independently Owned & Operated

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

basia Regan, Sales Representative

BASIA REGAN

Tel (705) 466-2115 Toll Free (800) 360-5821 basiaregan@royallepage.ca basiaregan.com

De-clutter! No matter how hot the market, your house isn’t likely to sell if it is cluttered and messy. Clutter makes spaces appear smaller, dirtier and dingier (even if you are a clean freak). So toss out those old magazines. Clear off the counters. Make space in your closets. Pack up and store your off-season clothing. Rent a storage space if necessary. “De-cluttering your home will show the maximum space that’s available for the new family,” says Evans. Can’t handle the job yourself? There are local businesses that will help you with the paring down process and some will even haul away your junk!

De-Personalize This is related to de-cluttering, but there may be many items in your home that you don’t see as clutter but a buyer will. So pack away those family photos, knick-knacks and dried flower arrangements to give potential buyers a “blank canvas” that will enable them to picture themselves living in your home. “The new buyer needs to imagine their family living in your house, not your family,” warns Evans. “You will be moving anyway, so the first items to be packed up should be your personal pictures and your treasures. This is your chance to purge and do the longawaited spring clean.” Your children and pets may be much-loved family members, but to a potential buyer they also count as personal items, so get everyone out of the house whenever possible for showings.

Hire a Home Stager Show off your home to its best advantage by hiring a professional home stager. “This is money well spent and some salespeople will include a stager in their marketing plan,” says Evans. “They will arrange furniture to best showcase the floorplan and maximize the use of the space.” Stagers use their design backgrounds to make the home most appealing to buyers. “Most sellers feel like their home looked like a model home when the stager finished and often wonder why they didn’t do this for their own enjoyment!”

Hire a Home Inspector This is a wise thing to do before your home goes on the market. “It will save any unexpected surprises that could surface after the offer is accepted but during the conditional period when the buyer brings in their own home inspector,” explains Evans. “Many realtors will recommend this be done prior to listing so that you are aware of any issues that could obstruct receiving the best possible price for your home.” Getting ready to sell your house in a seller’s market isn’t vastly different than doing so in any other type of market. It’s all about preparation. But the happy result in today’s market could be selling your home quickly and lucratively!

BUYING STRATEGIES 6 tips for buying in a sizzling hot market While a seller’s market, by both name and nature, favours the seller, today’s hot market can be a daunting prospect for buyers. “It can be uncomfortable for a buyer to be told they are buying in a seller’s market, especially if they are not familiar with the area and what is happening,” says Emma Baker of Clairwood Real Estate in Collingwood. Here are a few tips that can help ensure success as a buyer in a seller’s market, especially when you are bidding against other buyers.

1. Time is of the Essence – When properties are being snapped up before you take your dinner out of the oven, timing is important. “A hot market doesn’t often allow you the luxury of time to mull over things that you might otherwise may want to think about,” says Baker. “You like the house, but you want to think about it overnight and maybe go back on the weekend? Chances are it will be too late.” Time is of the essence, so if you decide that this is the house you want, it’s time to write up the offer without a moment to lose. A delay can create the opportunity for other buyers to come forward and you can end up in a multiple offer situation. “You are better to get your offer in and use your conditional time for those extra visits, contractor quotes, etc.,” advises Baker. 2. The Price Must Be Right – Seller’s markets are not the time to look for a bargain property. With few houses on the market in relation to the number of buyers looking for a home – including buyers for whom price is no object – you must be prepared to compete on price or you may risk losing out on your dream home. “When you are competing against another buyer, you only have one chance to put your best foot forward,” says Baker. “Be prepared to pay full price or even over asking.” 3. Make a Healthy Deposit – A deposit is a sign of good faith. “Show the seller that you mean business and that you are willing to put down a healthy deposit,” advises Baker. “The deposit will go towards your final payment and is held in trust until closing, so there is little risk. But if a seller is dealing with several offers at once, a strong deposit can make a difference.” The seller needs to know that you won’t walk away from the deal, and a strong deposit can indicate just that. 4. Don’t Ask For Extras – The days of being able to get freebies thrown into the deal are over! “Forget about asking for the blue couch or the patio heater,” says Baker. “Make your offer clean, and try and stay away from asking for those little extras.” 5. Delay Buyer Possession – This little trick is not something you will see or hear of very often, and only works if you do not need possession of the home on the day of closing. “Offer to close the property, but give the sellers a few days extra to move out. This can reduce stress and give your offer an advantage over another,” says Baker. 6. Get Pre-approved – Many buyers will require financing as a condition of sale, so not having a financing condition could put you in an advantageous position compared to other buyers. “If you can show the seller that you have been pre-approved, this can give them a sense of security that the deal may not die due to financing” explains Baker. “Again, this is more a sign that you are acting in good faith, but when you are competing with others, it can help give you an upper hand.” Buying a home in a seller’s market doesn’t have to be frustrating and disheartening. With a little knowledge and advance preparation, you can ensure that you are a winner in today’s real estate game.

The right tools today bridge the gap to the future. Southern Georgian Bay is growing! A new hospital is on the horizon but the horizon is the end result. Our community’s healthcare needs won’t wait. We can’t stop investing in this hospital because another one is still years away. We need your help to build a bridge between the present and the future of healthcare at CGMH. We need to renovate and re-equip our emergency department so we can provide each patient with privacy and personalized care in traumatic moments. We need to give our staff the tools to do the best job possible. With your help, we’ll make wise investments based on today’s needs and those of the future. Please, support the patients of today, and those of tomorrow. Your impacts will be felt next hour, next week, next year, and even next decade. Visit collingwoodhospital.ca or call 705-444-8645 to donate. Thank you.

Invest in your Hospital

collingwoodhospital.ca ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

THE BEST

Meaford Mortgage Exchange

BIDDER

Both of these houses are listed for 1.5 million dollars. Only one is located in the Municipality of Meaford, the other is in the Greater Toronto Area.

10 tips on dealing with multiple offers

What you decide to do with the equity in your house is up to you. You may not want a larger house with a panoramic view or lakefront. Perhaps you want to retire early, travel or to be your own boss. The Meaford Mortgage Exchange is the lottery ticket you didn’t realize you had.

Meaford, freedom to enjoy. Shipyards Downtown Waterfront Community

$699,000 This modern sleek 3 bedroom home is loaded with upgrades including 3 spa bathrooms and a glamorous powder room for guests. Finishes include porcelain, solid maple hardwood and travertine on each level. Solid wood interior doors including several pocket doors, 7” baseboards top of the line appliances, Scavolini Italian kitchen with double wolf wall ovens, and Miele induction cooktop, quartz counters and seamless shaped waterfall island. Main floor master & laundry. Enjoy music throughout the home with an integrated Russound home audio system. Step out of your underground garage with Rhino flooring (total of 4 car underground parking) onto the heated travertine floors and feel the warmth and luxury of the infrared sauna and spa bathroom. Enjoy downtown Collingwood amenities and Georgian Bay waterfront at your doorstep! Tara Parsons, Sales Representative Direct 705.888.8272 • 1.800.610.4868 taraparsons2@gmail.com

thenewshipyards.com 32

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Trinity Realty

Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

Bidding war. There are no two sweeter words for a home seller, and today’s seller’s market may conjure up images of hitting the jackpot on your home by pitting buyers against each other to “win” your home with the highest bid. We’ve seen it in Toronto and Vancouver, where homes routinely sell for hundreds of thousands of dollars over asking price. Meanwhile, buyers may dread the idea of a bidding war, worrying they will either get caught up in the competition and pay too much, or risk losing a house they love. Before you start counting your cash – or bracing for battle – it’s important to understand the difference between a bidding war and a multiple offer situation, and set your expectations accordingly. “It is important to consider the difference between a seller’s market in Collingwood/Blue Mountains and a seller’s market in the GTA,” explains Chris Keleher, broker at Royal LePage Locations North, which has offices in Collingwood, Thornbury and Meaford. “Here, it’s not as much a case of a ‘bidding war’ as it is that there are two or more bidders, all with reasonable expectations and knowledge of the market value overall. Keep in mind that these multiple-offer situations do not always result in a sale that is over asking price. Each case is unique, so ask your realtor for case-specific advice.” There are many factors that come into play when getting into a multiple offer situation. Here are 10 things for both buyers and sellers to consider during the multiple offer process.

Tips for Buyers

Dollars, Deposit and Financing

Dates & Timing

Many people focus on the offer amount as the paramount decision-making factor. “Although it is true that money talks, there are other important aspects to consider,” notes Keleher. These include the deposit amount, especially as it relates to financing conditions. “Some sellers will see a large deposit as a stronger offer, even though the deposit is virtually impossible to be lost to the seller in the process of buying a home. It gives sellers comfort that they have your money, even though they don’t. It is in a trust account until closing.” If you are going to include a financing condition, a large deposit can hold value, and can also give a seller comfort that you are likely to be approved for financing if you have a large amount of cash on hand to be held in trust until closing.

The closing date and the date of the expiry of conditions can play a big part as well. “Consider a scenario when a very long closing or very quick closing would be of more appeal to a seller than the dollars and cents, should those amounts in the offer all be relatively close,” explains Keleher. “Some sellers may want cash and a quick closing, versus a bit higher dollar amount. Others may have reason to prefer a longer closing to put things in place with their next purchase or build. With vacation homes, some sellers want the time to finish out the season. Timing matters with closing dates and can have a huge impact.”

REALESTATE The other date to consider is the length of time for your conditional period. If conditions are even accepted in a multiple offer situation, they need to be minimal and removed sooner rather than later.

Conditions

The strength of your offer is not based on price alone. Although it is not uncommon in this region for conditions to be accepted in a multiple offer situation, you need to seriously consider the value of having those conditions, versus making your offer firm and binding upon acceptance by the seller. “This will differ from seller to seller, but often a firm offer out of the gate will win over a higher-priced offer which will require the seller to wait on removal of conditions before realizing the final sale,” says Keleher. “Depending on the value of the home in question, we have seen an offer $5,000 lower win out, and even as much as $30,000 lower on higher-priced homes, based on the offer being free of conditions.”

Irrevocable: Long, Short or as Requested?

The irrevocable period given with an offer (the time a seller has to accept the offer as delivered) can also play an enormous part in the way a multiple offer situation is handled. “Pressing a seller to respond quickly can backfire on you, or, with the right dollar amount, can put you ahead of the competition,” notes Keleher. “It is a delicate balance of timing and price. A long irrevocable can allow a seller the time to make the best choice, or even to further play the offers against one another. It could also allow them to beat the bushes a bit more to try and produce yet another offer.” Before making a decision regarding your irrevocable, discuss the options in detail with your realtor.

Inclusions

When you’re in a multiple offer situation as a buyer, you might want to consider leaving out that extra fridge, the nice sectional, the snow blower, or whatever else you were hoping would be thrown into the deal. “This is the item that can seem to be the most innocuous and unimportant, but can be the thorn in the side of the seller and crush a deal, even without a multiple offer situation,” warns Keleher. “There is a 99 per cent chance that your idea of the value of that item is dramatically different than the seller’s perception. Don’t complicate things with so many moving parts in the process.”

Tips for Sellers Now, for sellers, here’s what to do, what to know and how to go about a multiple offer situation in a realistic, honest and above-board way.

Send Them All Back!

Use Irrevocables to Play for Time

This is one tactic that is sometimes applied when two offers are received, usually delivered with the implication that the offers are “too close to choose.” It could make all parties sharpen their pencils and make their offers a bit better in terms of the points above. Or it could discourage a buyer and they could pull out. “It is a risk on a seller’s part, but has a history of benefiting a seller in some cases,” says Keleher. “In this position, buyers must seriously consider how much they want to sharpen their pencil, if at all. It could simply be a play to get more money, even if your present offer is already good enough for the seller.”

If the irrevocable period on the offers allows enough time, a seller can begin a dialogue with one party and discuss how much better they are willing to make their offer, while still being within the time frame to accept any of the

offers on the table. “Going back to each buyer individually to see if any are willing to improve their offer is a strategy that can greatly benefit a seller, but should be done with full disclosure,” says Keleher, adding that communication during this process with all parties is important to keep things cordial and positive. It’s gamesmanship at its best, but don’t take it personally or assume you’re being played. “The goal of a listing agent is to get the most money possible for the seller, and the opposite is true of a buying agent. So, irrevocable periods can play a massive part in that process on both sides.”

Holding Off Offers and Bully Offers

Commission Adjustments

Phantom Offers

You may hear a listing agent say they aren’t looking at offers until a certain day and time. This gives the listing some time to gather steam and get some hype, in order to produce more interest and more offers. During the period where the listing agent is holding off offers, you will sometimes see a ‘bully offer’ – the buyer ignores the rules given by the listing agent and delivers an offer in advance of the hold-off date in order to get the property without having to compete. “These offers will usually be enticing enough that the seller will seriously consider taking that offer in lieu of going to a multiple offer situation,” notes Keleher. However, there is a new twist that could make bully offers more difficult or even impossible: a listing agent can have an official document signed that does not allow any offers to be presented to the seller until a certain date and time. “This must be disclosed with the listing so that the hold-off date and time is known by all,” says Keleher. “This prevents a bully offer from coming in and ruining the process.”

In some cases, a brokerage may adjust its listing agreement at the time of an offer in order to slightly reduce fees to a seller and sweeten the deal. “In the case of multiple offers, if there are any adjustments being made that will affect the bottom line of the offer, these must be fully disclosed,” notes Keleher.

As a buyer, the fear is that a slimy sales agent will claim, “We have another offer coming in as well,” in order to drive up your offer price (sometimes referred to as a “phantom offer”). The good news here is that amendments to the Real Estate Brokers Act (Bill 55), which came into effect in July 2015, have made sure such posturing to try to raise the offer amount is no longer possible. “At this time, it is against RECO (Real Estate Council of Ontario) regulations to posture that there is another offer, until it is written, signed and in your hands,” confirms Keleher. “Further, at any time, a request may be made for RECO to confirm the actual number of offers that were registered on a particular home. Brokerages are required to keep all registered offers on file for this purpose.” This is something every buyer and seller should know about before entering a multiple offer situation. In short, it protects everyone and assures absolute full disclosure in all multiple offer situations. Ask your realtor for full details.

It is important to consider a host of factors when entering a multiple offer situation. No two situations are the same, and people are, after all, unpredictable. However, you can ensure that you make the most of a multiple offer situation, either as a buyer or as a seller, without sacrificing your integrity or getting taken to the cleaners. “Lateral thinking, intelligence, knowledge and experience will all benefit you in the process of staying a step ahead in a multiple offer situation,” says Keleher. “There is no set way. You must adjust your strategy to each situation. “In the end, the market never lies, and it will quickly tell you the value of your home and how well you have priced it. Gone are the days of properties sitting on the market being hopeful on price. Today, price your home right, out of the gate, and that could be what ultimately gets you more for your home than you may have thought.”

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

REALESTATE

When people initially think of owning an acreage property, what comes to mind is an idealized vision of rural life.

GOING TO THE

COUNTRY? Key considerations when building on a rural property

Owning some acreage and building a country home is the dream of many who flee the city to enjoy life in Southern Georgian Bay. “Property with views of the lake are in high demand,” says Todd Brooker, a real estate agent with Re/Max Four Seasons Realty. “Likewise are old farm properties with tree-lined laneways, rolling hills of pastures and forests.” When people initially think of owning an acreage property, what comes to mind is an idealized vision of rural life, but there is plenty to consider when choosing a country property. Following are some key points to keep in mind when planning the site plan and construction.

ACCESS “My last driveway was 3,300 feet long, so I love long driveways that access the best views on the property,” says Brooker. “But they are expensive to build and to maintain. Building a proper, enduring laneway is imperative.” A bulldozer or any big machine will cost you $1,000 per day, plus trucking to get the machine to your property, notes Brooker. “For some days during construction, you will need two machines to work in unison. A load of gravel will cost you about $500 per truck, [so] a one thousand foot driveway might cost you $25,000 depending on the degree of contouring your property needs.” A culvert and roadside access requires a municipal permit and inspection. “A good raised driveway with adequate ditching on both sides will provide the longestlasting level surface, which will shed water in the spring and fall and alleviate drifting snow in the winter,” says Brooker.

HYDRO Solar and wind power are great ideas for new builds, but if you’re bringing in standard hydro, consider the following: • Hydro on poles requires a clearing of 24 feet (12 feet minimum on each side of the line). • If you have forest between your building location and the last pole at the road, you may not have a desired routing for the line without losing trees. • If you bury hydro underground, the necessary cable

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

will cost a minimum of $25 per metre plus ditching to bring from the last pole to your house. “To save money, you might be able to bring the hydro in on poles part way to the site, then bury the remainder to the house,” suggests Brooker. “In any case, a one-thousandfoot run to the house, plus transformer box, machine work, etc, may cost $20,000.”

WATER A primary consideration for your new build is water supply. “Because of the heavy clay soil, many areas of our region have little water, or poor hard water, red with iron produced from deep wells,” explains Brooker. But there is an upside to clay: it is the perfect material for crafting a pond, lining the banks and moulding the landscape. “If you have a location suitable for constructing a pond, the material you take out will make for great fill to build up areas around the house or on the property,” he advises. “And a healthy pond will make a great water supply for every use in your home and barn, for your animals and for swimming. Pond water is easy to treat for residential purposes with a UV light and other filters.” If you are lucky enough to hit springs in the pond, you will have cold water and a supply to keep the pond filled during the evaporation of the summer. “The pond bottom is also the best place to locate the ‘loop’ for a geothermal heating and cooling system, if that is what you are planning to use in your home’s mechanical plan,” notes Brooker. “Pre-planning all of these elements takes time and is the key.”

PLANNING Rule number one, according to Brooker: don’t be in a rush to build! “Know your property first. Take a couple of lawn chairs and go sit at your building site – in the morning, at mid-day and in the evening. You might first focus on the view, but never turn your back on the rest of the sites of the property. Document the exposure of the sun and the shadows, the direction of the wind and how those integrate with the view.” When you start formulating your plan, hammer some stakes into the ground and run some orange tape to show the location of the house. Then sit and enjoy. “I highly recommend that you do the same routine for a full winter as well, documenting the drifting snow banks and the changing views without summer leaves,” says Brooker. “Don’t pull the trigger on the design of your building or your site plan until you’ve had a good opportunity to first find out how you want to live on and use the property.” Unlike the cost of building a driveway or bringing in hydro, the important work of observation and site planning doesn’t cost you anything but will increase the value of your property if done wisely. Keep these tips in mind when looking for your dream property and building your rural estate, and soon you will be enjoying life in the country.

• Garage Doors • Gate Systems • Door Openers • Residential • Commercial • Agricultural

SALES SERVICE INSTALLATION Come visit our showroom in Stayner, 7607 County Rd 91

705-428-4610 | www.ALLDOORSySTEmS.NET Play Mad Open House Golf Day, June 15

Photo Hilton Tudhope

At Mad River we do things a little differently. It’s in our nature.

In celebration of our 25th anniversary we are opening our doors to the local golfing community by offering a one-time opportunity to play one of the top-rated private courses in Canada. $125 plus HST includes golf, cart, lunch and exclusive introductory membership offer for participants. Foursomes welcome, twosomes and singles will be paired with other participants. Call 705-428-3673 today to book your tee time for Wednesday, June 15th. We look forward to welcoming you.

Celebrating 25 Years of Success!

2 5th Anniversar y www.madriver.ca

REALESTATE

THINKING OF INVESTING

IN REAL ESTATE? 12 things to consider before taking the leap You’ve just heard another story about someone making a fortune on a real estate investment. Should you get into the market? With the Canadian dollar falling and the stock market fluctuating, more and more people are choosing to add real estate to their investment portfolios, says Tara Parsons, a sales representative with Royal LePage Trinity Realty in Collingwood. Parsons has helped dozens of clients make the move into buying real estate as an investment, and she has personally been investing in properties for over 30 years. “It’s a big part of our market,” says Parsons. “The stock market has been very volatile, and interest rates are at a historic low, so people are looking to diversify their portfolios, and what better way to do it than buying property that may eventually fulfill their retirement needs. In the meantime lease it to tenants who cover the carrying costs. Another key aspect playing a significant role is that as our dollar has slid considerably compared to the U.S., some who purchased in 2008-2013 in Arizona or Florida may be weighing the viability of keeping those homes or offloading them so they can use that money in Canada.” Now that we’re in a seller’s market, prices are increasing, but that doesn’t mean real estate is less of a worthwhile investment, adds Parsons. She says diversifying your portfolio with real estate when you are over 40 makes sense to better balance your income stream into retirement, adding our local market makes for a strong investment case due to the influx of Zoomers from the GTA. “I assisted multiple couples looking to invest in bungalows in town because there was a sense of where the market was heading. A typical purchase was $269,000 to $289,000 in 2014. In today’s market the same home is selling for $340,000,” notes Parsons. “Currently an in-town brick bungalow is selling for $300,000-plus with multiple competing offers – but it is worth it. Buy the right one and invest, for example, $10,000 into improvements and you may have increased your equity to $340,000, and in the meantime lease it for $1,600 a month plus utilities, with little worry of finding good tenants and watch it appreciate.” Buying investment property is all about return on investment – having the property pay for itself while increasing its value over time. Knowing what types of properties will give you the best return on your investment is key. One of Parsons’ clients purchased a bungalow in 2005 for $234,000 with a $60,000 down payment. The tenants’ rent covered the monthly costs with a small monthly profit. Over the five years they owned the home, the tenants paid down the mortgage by $30,000. The owner then invested $30,000 in improvements and sold it for $340,000 – for a total profit of $106,000 after five years. “There’s a formula I use for properties when advising clients,” says Parsons. “It has to hit a certain price point, brick bungalow works best, preferrably with a garage, on a town lot, and ideally own it for at least five years … you have to have parameters because you want it to be as liquid as possible.” She adds that television shows in which people buy a home, renovate it in the course of an hour-long show and greatly increase its value are also having an impact. “There are many more people jumping into the market than even five years ago. This whole investment market segment has emerged in a big way largely due to TV.”

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

However, a real estate investment is not something to be entered into lightly. It’s important to know what your parameters and your capabilities are. Below is the checklist Parsons uses herself and shares with clients who are looking to make a real estate investment purchase.

1. What length of time is ideal for your investment? Is it a five-year plan? If so, forecast what investment will be required over the term for maintenance and improvements as well as what you might need to spend in the end in order to resell (e.g. painting, windows and carpet).

2. Are you interested in commercial

or residential real estate?

These are two very different markets and require different skill sets. How stable are each of these markets in your target area? In a smaller market, downtown commercial is often substantially impacted by the introduction of big-box retailers traditionally located on the fringe of a town. Also, the way commercial properties are valued is very different than residential properties, as are the costs and financing options. Those interested in residential real estate investing need to consider factors such as the neighbourhood/location, comparable property prices, financing options, the investment property purchase and sale process, and finding residential tenants.

3. What area or location specifics are important? What is the best location for the demographic that you are targeting for lease and for resale? Evaluate properties based on return on investment. In addition to the building and property, there are often crucial factors that are vital. For example, proximity to downtown, walkability score, library, restaurants and lifestyle considerations.

4. What is the current and future viability

of leasing opportunities?

Who is the ideal tenant and what is the demographic? How do you attract them? What qualities are most important to maximize the income and care of the property? Ask and answer the simple questions: does it need to have a garage or main floor master bedroom? How many bedrooms? Is your target demo 50-plus or family? Recreational or professional?

5. What is your construction, structural

and maintenance knowledge?

Are you familiar with fire and safety building codes? Are construction and maintenance in your realm of expertise, or are you hiring professionals? If it’s the latter, this will impact your profitability. Monitor any improvements closely and do not over-improve.

6. What are your desired non-negotiables? Do you want brick exterior structure, or are you okay with siding? Townhouse or detached? Bungalow or multi-storey? What about the furnace? Air conditioning? Newer roof and/or windows? Or could these be replaced at the onset of purchase or between tenants or at resale? Ideally, build in staggered expenses to offset income.

7. What are the associated costs? These include taxes, insurance, mortgage, closing costs and potential repairs. Come up with a best and worst case scenario for each cost. Have you calculated a formula that illustrates the best return on your investment? For example, if you want to invest in a brick bungalow in downtown Collingwood, figure out your maximum purchase price and your downpayment amount. Who will manage the property? Do you have the ability to set aside a contingency fund to handle unexpected expenses?

8. How many properties should you realistically purchase? You want to diversify your portfolio, but not over-extend your time and attention. Should the strategy be to start small and then stagger subsequent purchases to reflect best-case conditions and cash flow?

9. Be prepared to act quickly. It may take a year to find the correct property. When you do find it, others will also see it as ideal. Act quickly and decisively! Don’t low-ball your offer; you will loose in a competitive market or worse, end up in a bidding war where the price could rise beyond your acceptable range. Offer what you think is fair based on your research. It is imperative to enter the process with as few conditions as possible and if a quick closing would benefit the seller, make sure that you can accommodate that. Obviously, mortgage pre-approval and an inspection prior to making an offer will allow you make an informed decision about conditions to include and exclude. Arm your agent with enough knowledge of your personal philosophy to negotiate in a multiple offer situation on your behalf.

10. Be selective with whom you choose as a tenant. The difference between a good tenant and a bad tenant can be the difference between being profitable and loosing money. The offer to lease should be accompanied by a rental application, credit checks and as much background information as you can obtain.

11. Educate yourself on the landlord/tenant act of Ontario. You need to be aware of your responsibilities and your tenant’s responsibilities and limitations to remedy situations. What if you encounter issues with pets, damage or smoking? Have the lease drawn up by a professional.

12. Know the zoning and bylaws in the neighborhood,

and check with the planning department if you plan to renovate or duplex.

Use an experienced and competent real estate professional to guide you, look after your best interests and help you to avoid some of the potential pitfalls. Request that they share their related knowledge and background, as well as their strategy for negotiation. In order to maximize your return on investment, real estate should be considered a long-term investment to allow for changing market conditions. A short-term flip in our market is risky, notes Parsons. However, if you do your homework and understand the ins and outs of investment properties, real estate investing can pay big dividends both now and in the future. “I and many of my clients are diversifying our portfolios to ensure into retirement that our portfolios remain strong,” says Parsons, “keeping in the back of our minds future options of downsizing or allowing for travel, in which case living in a bungalow in town could also be an excellent lifestyle strategy down the road.” ❧

LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEO

by Kristie & Brenden

tiedphotography.com ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

This is Your Windfall Be a part of the next inspired enclave of semi-detached and single-family mountain homes. Introducing the next phase of mountain homes nestled between Blue Mountain Resort and the award winning Scandinave Spa. A community set proudly apart yet connected by nature. Distinctive architecture inspired by Georgian Bay cabins and mountain chalets. This is everything you want Blue Mountain living to be. This is your Windfall.

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to the mid

600’s

Scandinave Spa

IN A T N S U L O IL M H E I U SK

400’s

N L

TWO STOREYS

from the low

BUNGALOWS

Osler Bluff Rd.

SEMIS

Mountain Rd.

Blue Mountain Village

3km To Collingwood

For more information visit the RE/MAX at Blue Realty Inc., Brokerage office located in Blue Mountain Village beside Starbucks.

Developed by:

GEORGIAN INTERNATIONAL

DEVELOPMENT

GROWTH SPURT Buoyed by a seller’s real estate market, new home building is humming along in Southern Georgian Bay as buyers, primarily from the GTA, cash out of the hot city market and look for their perfect weekend or retirement retreat by MARC HUMINILOWYCZ illustration by ROBERT CARTER

t is a fact that the majority of new home buyers in our region are from the Greater Toronto Area. Whether they are Boomers planning to retire here or young families looking for a weekend retreat amid our many recreational amenities, they are coming in droves for a laid-back lifestyle “far from the madding crowd” (without being too far), replete with fresh air and limitless diversions. Over the years, some of our local real estate developers have experienced a roller coaster ride, trying to lure buyers by offering the right product at the right price point. Fortunately, the local development industry has survived and thrived, meeting the demands of the GTA’s varied buyer demographics. Today, the region’s developments offer a variety of new home options, ranging from 1,200-square-foot bungalow townhomes to luxurious 2,500-plus-square-foot single family homes. On The Bay interviewed several local developers to get their insights into the current new home market in Southern Georgian Bay and learn about their new home offerings. The Shipyards development in Collingwood, approved many years ago, is a purposefully-designed high-density development that has succeeded in appealing to buyers looking for maintenance-free living

within walking distance to downtown shops, restaurants and amenities. “Our goal has always been to create a sense of community here,” says director of sales Tara Parsons. “We appeal to the 50-plus market from outside Collingwood and the GTA – people who have owned many homes, done renos and want what they want. They are looking for quality, upscale finishes as standard, and efficient design with flexible space to accommodate their lifestyles.” With 135 units currently occupied, The Shipyards will be launching 16 new bungalow towns this summer, which will feature brick and stone construction and 1,600 square feet of main floor space including a large great room, master bedroom and two bathrooms. Private double garages will be conveniently accessible from lanes in the rear of the buildings. The developer plans to offer the new towns for sale after breaking ground and beginning work on servicing and roads this summer. A model home will be available for viewing as soon as possible. Elsewhere in Collingwood, other developers are building communities with higher densities and a mixed offering of home styles. Appealing primarily to downsizing retirees and “ski families” from the GTA, MacPherson Builders’ Blue Fairways development offers a collection of 83 townhomes ranging from

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

DEVELOPMENT

1,217 to 1,473 square feet. All of the developer’s bungalow towns are sold out, with 50 per cent of its two-storey towns still available for purchase. MacPherson’s second development, Windrose Estates, is made up exclusively of large single-family homes on one- to two-acre lots. At press time, only 32 lots remained. Both developments are offering generous standard features and purchase incentives such as upgrade allowances, appliance/furniture vouchers and landscape packages. The company’s interior designer, Michelle Pasquale, says developers in Southern Georgian Bay are reaping the benefits of a seller’s market, primarily due to lack of inventory in the resale home market, the increased energy efficiency of new construction, and the convenience of choosing desirable home features. “I see increased demand in the future for the four-season lifestyle our developments have to offer,” says Pasquale. “They suit our target buyers perfectly – from young families looking for adventure to retired emptynesters to professional couples desiring privacy, space and luxury.” As to the future of single-family homes, Pasquale predicts that demand will continue to be strong in the region. Melinda Anley-Grams, sales manager at Grandview Homes, agrees with this view. “We’ve sold more single-family homes over 2,500 square feet in the past two years than we have in the past five years,” she declares. “I believe this is because buyers are getting a lot more for their dollar here than in the city.”

says Chaaya, adding that Royalton is hoping to open its sales office in Cranberry Mews and to have its semi-detached model home in construction by the beginning of April. The independent apartment building and retirement residence in the Balmoral Village project, to be developed by MTCO Holdings, is scheduled to begin construction this spring. The commercial building and condominium lands in the project have yet to be sold to a developer. While there may be an increasing need for retirement homes and assisted living as our population ages, judging by the success of another local development near Craigleith, it appears that the demand for single-family homes will not subside anytime soon. Nipissing Ridge, a large tract of land owned by the Fleming family (whose famous ancestor Sir Sandford Fleming proposed worldwide standard time zones) is currently selling phase 3 – a collection of mountain view and ravine lots near the ski hills, a short walk from Georgian Bay. The new community will feature 53 estate lots on tree-lined streets, with full services, down-light street lights, Escarpment views and trails connecting to Georgian Woodlands (the development’s first phase) and the Georgian Trail. Under a subdivision covenant, those who purchase the lots are required to build homes that are a minimum of 2,400 square feet in size. Sales have been brisk, according to Barb Picot of Chestnut Park Real Estate, who along with her husband, Ron, is the sales representative for Nipissing Ridge. “There is nothing out there new that is available near the mountain,”

“The market is crazy here!” Anley-Grams exclaims. “We have a huge waiting list of buyers – 187 people. Most are coming from the GTA, and our demographics include everybody.”

Situated at the south end of Collingwood, Grandview’s Mountaincroft development has had a successful run. With its phase 3 sold out, the developer is now marketing phase 4 – 60 lots with bungalow and raised bungalow homes featuring full brick or full wood siding construction, offering new standard features and buyer incentives. “The market is crazy here!” Anley-Grams exclaims. “We have a huge waiting list of buyers – 187 people. Most are coming from the GTA, and our demographics include everybody: weekenders, Boomers, people looking to relocate or work from home, and people commuting to Barrie and even Toronto.” Another new development in Collingwood is geared exclusively to people over 55 and exemplifies mixed-use residential development with a wide range of housing options in one location. Balmoral Village is the brainchild of Thomas Vincent, a successful entrepreneur in global corporate hospitality who was inspired to develop this community through a combination of family responsibilities and contacts in Ontario’s healthcare field. When completed, this master-planned, graduated housing adult lifestyle community will include 96 residential homes, two five-storey condominium buildings, 45 seniors’ independent rental apartments, a 116-suite retirement home, an 8,000-square-foot recreation centre, and a commercial building which will include a medical centre, a pharmacy and perhaps a coffee shop. Royalton Homes, which owns half of the Balmoral property, will be developing all of the residential homes in the project: 46 semi-detached homes and 50 bungalow townhomes. According to Royalton spokesperson Samer Chaaya, these homes will be built to the highest standards, appealing to retired empty-nesters from Southern Georgian Bay, the GTA and all over Southern Ontario. “On the outside, they will feature a front stone skirt, wood siding and a 40-year roof,” he says. “Inside, all units will have main floor masters, cathedral ceilings in the great room, hardwood floors and granite countertops. Some will have flush-mounted fireplaces.” To accommodate for accessibility, Chaaya notes that all homes will include 34-inch-wide doors on the main floor and raised toilets in the bathrooms. “Our semis will be priced from $349,990, and our towns from $299,990,”

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

she says. “In the first nine months, we sold 21 lots. We’ve had a great deal of interest from potential clients, agents and builders.” She notes Nipissing Ridge appeals to two categories of private buyers: young families who are ski club members looking to eventually retire here, and retirees from the GTA with extended families. The lots, ranging in price from $229,000 to $339,000, are also attracting buyers and builders looking to invest for re-sale, adds Picot. Over by the mountain, strategically located near the ski slopes and Blue Mountain Village, Windfall Mountain Homes has successfully sold all 37 of its phase 1 single-family homes, which are now in the final stages. Windfall, with a total of six stages approved for development, is now selling phase 2 – a combination of semi-detached and single family homes on 56 residential lots, priced from “the high $300s to the mid $500s.” Windfall president David Bunston agrees that the new home market in our region is becoming stronger. “Every five years or so, the amenity offerings of Collingwood and The Blue Mountains add a different layer to the market,” he says. “Our typical customers, aged 55 from the GTA, have a long history of coming here for recreation. They’re looking for a secondary home in a great ‘centre ice’ location, with a view to retiring here. We’re always trying to evolve and adapt to the marketplace with new designs.” According to Bunston, a home does not necessarily have to be large to satisfy the needs of our region’s new home buyers, so long as it provides all the bells and whistles. “While Boomer customers are looking for main floor masters, they come here because of our broad-based four-season lifestyle, with something for every member of the family,” he says. “Collingwood and The Blue Mountains have done a great job linking our amenities with trails. Other places in Ontario just don’t measure up to what we offer.” This beautiful and dynamic region that many of us call home continues to offer the very best quality of life. As local developers have shown, Southern Georgian Bay is poised for another growth spurt. Buoyed by a strong seller’s market, our region’s developers are strategically building a variety of home types that cater to the desires of a growing and increasingly diverse buyer demographic.

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DEVELOPMENT

What are buyers looking for in new homes in our region? According to Brennan, the types of homes being built vary according to demographics. “For example, we are experiencing a huge migration of empty-nesters from the GTA who are transitioning and right-sizing,” she says. “Embodying lifestyle is paramount here. There is a lot of time and effort being put into developing a product that caters to the diverse market.” Hill agrees. “Lifestyle, amenities and features are the focus and target for new home development here,” he says. “In order for developers to deliver the right product, price points are being driven up. This reality is sustainable for the long-term prospects of new home development in our region.”

Is the Southern Georgian Bay new home market married to the GTA?

Development

Q&A

Does the current seller’s market in the region apply to new home sales? What types of new homes are today’s buyers looking for? How much does the success of development projects depend on the current real estate boom in the GTA? Does the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe impact Southern Georgian Bay? On The Bay spoke with two representatives from the non-profit Georgian Triangle Development Institute (GTDI) to get their insights into the current state of residential developments in the region: president Andrew Hill, who is senior director of architecture and construction with Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, and director Christine Brennan, president of Windstone Real Estate, a brokerage specializing in residential development sales and marketing.

How is the current seller’s market impacting new home sales? “We are experiencing the tightest seller’s market in 10 years,” says Christine Brennan. “This is the best time for developers to capitalize on the opportunity by finding the ‘sweet spot’ and customizing finishes.” That being said, Andrew Hill cautions that the development community, faced with the challenge of absorption, is resisting building too much inventory without sales in place. “The GTDI works closely with area municipalities to advocate for good development policies and costs – our industry’s most significant challenges to meeting the demands of the current strong buyer market,” says Hill. “Our members have experienced long and costly approvals, high development costs and outdated planning policies. Much needs to change. Thankfully, we are now seeing positive efforts to improve municipal policies and attitudes.”

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Not necessarily, says Hill, who believes that our market, while significantly influenced by the GTA, is not completely dependent on it. “A seller’s profit from their GTA home sale can position a buyer relocating here to spend more on their purchase,” Hill explains. “This will continue to drive our new home prices up.” Brennan agrees. “Because we draw from such a diverse population, from young families to active empty-nesters, we are not dependent on one market segment,” she says. “As prices in the GTA go up, the trend will continue to drive demand here, and we will follow. We have to continue delivering the product.” But what if the GTA bubble should burst, as some real estate experts are predicting? Will people still keep coming? “If this should happen, market prices here will likely see moderate softening, but in my opinion our lifestyle assets will continue to be attractive and drive sales,” Hill says. “We are working with local municipalities to help us be prepared for changes in economic cycles. I believe that we will continue to grow. The real estate bubble may burst in the GTA, but not here.” Noting the “massive price difference” between average home prices in Southern Georgian Bay ($335,000) compared to the GTA ($622,000), Brennan believes that our region will continue to attract GTA buyers because of the relative affordability of new homes here, combined with all of the lifestyle amenities that our region has to offer.

The Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe is mandating higher-density development with mixed housing types. How does that impact new developments here? The time-honoured single family home on a large lot may be a thing of the past in the GTA – and, for that matter, in the Town of Collingwood. While some Collingwood developers were previously approved for singlefamily communities, new projects in town must abide by the Growth Plan requirements. A case in point: the Linskview subdivision approved by council last December for 600 units including semi-detached homes, townhomes, single family homes and a 190-unit apartment building. “Some local municipalities are trying to implement density policies, but mixed-use development may not apply to our region because we are rural and therefore not the norm,” says Hill. “It’s a question of economics. High development costs and a long approval process may necessitate higher density development, with more condos becoming an economic reality. But there is a risk that this type of development may not be targeted to the demands of buyers here,” he says. Brennan adds that demand for single-family homes could wane in the near future, making way for more condo developments in the region. Citing the quick sell-out of the Collingwood Library condo conversion as an example, she notes that many retirees are looking for convenience and want to be near amenities. From single-family homes to townhomes and condominiums, Southern Georgian Bay developers are fine-tuning their residential offerings to deliver the right products that cater to a broad and diverse range of buyers - primarily from the GTA, but from other parts of Southern Ontario as well. With a red-hot GTA real estate market and a seller’s market here, demand for new housing – and its price tag – will likely continue to increase in the coming year.

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SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

New

Homes On The Bay presents our annual guide to residential developments with homes and properties for sale in Southern Georgian Bay

BLUE MOUNTAINS The Arrowhead Collection www.solcorpdevelopments.com

Blue Horizon www.bluehorizonluxury.com

Crestview Estates Developer: Terra Brook Homes Location: Blue Mountain Offering: Chalet-style bungalows, bungalows with lofts and two-storey models, on lots up to 235 ft. deep with views of Blue Mountain.

# of Units: 39 Amenities: Minutes from skiing, golfing, snowshoeing, cycling, hiking, shopping and fine dining. Price Range: Starting at $555,900 and up Targeting: Those looking for an active lifestyle. Email: sales@terrabrookhomes.ca Website: www.terrabrookhomes.ca

Lora Bay www.lorabay.com

ABOVE: The Private Residences at The Georgian Bay Club are luxury semi townhomes with floor-to-ceiling great room windows facing the bay.

Millpond In The Village www.bradwilliamsrealtor.com

Nipissing Ridge III Developer: George H. Fleming & Associates Limited and Condo Developments Limited

Location: At the base of Alpine and Craigleith Ski Clubs in the Town of Blue Mountains. Offering: Selling vacant building lots only. You choose your own custom homebuilder to build your home, townhome, etc. # of Units: 58 executive building lots with 21 sold so far and one conditional offer pending. Amenities: Nipissing Ridge tennis courts, walking trails in the development hooking up to the trails in Nipissing Ridge and Georgian Woodlands, walk to Georgian Bay and Northwinds Beach. Price Range: $229,000 to $339,000. Most of the lots have 50 - 60 foot frontages with views of the Niagara Escarpment and the ski hills. Targeting: Retirees, single professionals, young professionals with families that ski at Craigleith, Alpine or Blue Mountain, builders. Telephone: 705-445-5454 or 705-444-3452 (Barb Picot) Email: picot@rogers.com Website: www.nipissingridge.ca or www.thepicotteam.com

Peaks Ridge Developer: Solcorp Developments (Peaks Ridge) Inc. Location: Camperdown Road, west side above Georgian Bay Club property Offering: Permit-ready lots. # of Units: 36 including 12 lots sold (3 have homes built on them); 24 single residential lots available. Price Range: $135,000 to $449,000 per lot plus HST Targeting: Retirees, second home buyers and young professionals. Telephone: 705-444-3853 Email: doug@douggillis.ca Website: www.douggillis.ca

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

The Private Residences at The Georgian Bay Club Developer: Georgian Bay Estates Limited Location: Along the 10th Fairway at The Georgian Bay Club in the Town of Blue Mountains (see website for map). Offering: Luxury semi townhomes featuring floor to ceiling 18-foot great room windows facing the bay, main floor masters, double attached garages, luxury kitchens by Downsview, luxurious bathrooms by Gingers, Crestron home automation, luxurious landscaping, custom lighting, Sub-zero & Wolf appliances, custom built to meet ownersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; needs. # of Units: 56 with several already sold. Building underway and model for viewing. Amenities: Golf, pool, clubhouse, dining, practice facilities, fitness, steam, sauna, hot tub, spa and wellness programs. Price Range: From $1.1 to $1.7 million, four models from 1,900, 2,400, 2,800 to 3,400 sq. ft. Targeting: Year-round weekend residents (skiers, bikers, golfers, hikers) and residents that winter in Florida. Telephone: 705-444-3597 Email: relliott@georgianbayclub.com Website: www.privateresatgbc.com

The Residences of Peaks Bay Developer: PB Holdings Limited Location: Hwy. 26 across from the Georgian Peaks Ski Club, between Collingwood and Thornbury Offering: Permit-ready lots # of Units: 24 registered and fully serviced lots in Phase 1. Total of 12 lots available for single-family dwellings (10 residences built to date). One lot scheduled to start construction and one house under construction. Road construction and streetscaping complete. Amenities: Beachfront access Price Range: From $195,000 to $375,000 per lot Targeting: Retirees, second homes and young professionals. Telephone: Doug Gillis 705-444-3853 Email: doug@douggillis.ca Website: www.peaksbay.com

For the discriminating buyer! Stone home on 36 acres with trout stream! Minutes to collingwood. Westerly views to Blue. Over 6000 sq. ft. with custom finishes throughout. 5 baths, 5 bedrooms, full walkout, extensive landscaping, detached shop and amazing barn/studio. $1,695,000

Glen Huron hilltop on 21 acres minutes to the Glen! Over 2800 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 3 full baths, separate master suite, radiant in floor heating, walk out lower level with separate entrance and in law perfect for guests. extensive landscaping. elevated views over country side. $899,900

Vicki Bell,

Top 6-10% Sales in canada

Broker

Direct 705-446-4539 ringabell@royallepage.ca www.vickibell.ca

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

ABOVE: The Mountaincroft development in Colllingwood is offering a mix of fully detached homes including two-storey models (pictured), bungalows, raised bungalows and bungalows with lofts, ranging from 1,270 to 3,650 square feet.

SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

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drkhandentistry@gmail.com TOP: With 32 lots available sized between one and two-plus acres, Windrose Estates has a number of large single-family home designs to choose from. ABOVE: Located across the road from Blue Mountain Resort, Windfall at Blue includes detached bungalows (pictured) as well as semi-detached homes.

Schoolhouse Ridge www.schoolhouseridge.com

Snowbridge Towns www.snowbridgetowns.ca

Summit Shores www.summitshores.com

Trailwoods www.trailwoods.com

Windfall At Blue Developer: Georgian International Location: Across the road from Blue Mountain Resort and adjacent to Scandinave Spa, The Blue Mountains Offering: Semi-detached homes and detached bungalows. Phase 1 is sold out and currently selling Phase 2. # of Units: Initial collection of 37 detached homes in Phase 1 with the addition of 24 detached and 32 semi-detached homes being offered in Phase 2. Amenities: Distinctive architecture; 35+ acres of trails, parks and preserved green space; a barn-inspired year-round clubhouse with swimming pool called ‘The Shed’. Price Range: Semi-detached homes starting from the upper $300,000s. Detached bungalows from the mid $400,000s. Two-storeys from the mid $500,000s. Targeting: Families, retirees and secondary homeowners, aged 35 to 60+, looking for a primary residence, weekend retreat, recreational home or real estate investment. Telephone: 705-445-0440 Email: info@WindfallAtBlue.com Website: www.windfallatblue.com

21 LOTS SOLD! PRESTIGIOUS RAVINE/MOUNTAIN VIEW LOTS FOR SALE $229,000 - $339,000 IT’S YOUR TIME to DESIGN & CUSTOM BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON THIS 58 LOT DEVELOPMENT Prime location on the edge of the Escarpment, close to private ski clubs. Minutes to Blue Mountain Village with select shops & fine dining. Hike/ bike the trails. Walk to Georgian Bay. Everything for the active lifestyle is right here for you to enjoy.

BARB PICOT & RON PICOT Sales Representatives

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage

393 First Street, Suite 100 Collingwood, ON L9Y 1B3 705-445-5454 • ThePicotTeam.com

T R U S T • I N T E G R I T Y • K N OW L E D G E • D I S C R E T I O N ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

ABOVE: Offering chalet-style bungalows, bungalows with lofts and two-storey models on lots up to 235 feet deep with views of Blue Mountain, Crestview Estates backs onto Monterra Golf Course.

COLLINGWOOD The Anex www.theanex.ca

Balmoral Village Developer: Royalton Homes Inc. Location: 14 Harbour Street West, Collingwood Offering: Site servicing. The sales office will have a grand opening approximately the beginning of April and at that time we will be accepting agreements of purchase and sale. # of Units: 96 semi-detached and townhome units. The freehold ownership semis are offered in both stone and siding, with impressive pitched rooflines with high quality lifetime shingles and with or without a full walkout basement. Eight designs with two elevations, including optional lofts with dormers. All bungalows come with either a one-and-a-half or double-car garage with coach house doors. Townhome units are freehold with optional basements, offered in stone and siding bungalows as well as two-storey towns. A selection of designs are available and all homes include high quality lifetime shingles and a one-car garage. All semi-detached and townhome units have interior finishes which include quality ceramic tile, luxury 40 oz. carpet, solid oak hardwood flooring, granite kitchen countertops, wider interior doors, right height plumbing fixtures and walk-in showers. The condo fees include your membership in the Recreation & Leisure Club and all landscaping and snow removal is included. Amenities: Private, year-round clubhouse with organized activities, pool and exercise room, and a fully landscaped Village Centre. Development is close to the Georgian Trail System and within walking distance of the Cranberry Golf Course with discounts available on Cranberry Golf Resort Memberships. Price Range: Semi-detached units from $349,990 ranging from 1,335 sq. ft. to 1,880 sq. ft. Townhomes from $299,990 ranging from 1,110 sq. ft. to 1,720 sq. ft. Targeting: Balmoral Village lends itself to the lifestyle age of 55+, single professionals and retirees. Telephone: 705-293-9000 Email: info@balmoralvillage.ca Website: www.balmoralvillage.ca

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Blue Fairway Developer: MacPherson Builders Limited Location: Hwy. 26 and Cranberry Trail East, Collingwood Offering: Two-storey townhomes have garages and full unfinished basements with 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms.

# of Units: 69 two-storey townhomes and 14 bungalow loft townhomes. Phase 1 is sold out. Phase 2 is now open for sales and is already 50 per cent sold out. Phase 2 bungalow loft townhomes are already sold out. Amenities: Fitness centre and pool coming soon. Price Range: Low $300,000s for two-storey townhomes (1,219 to 1,473 sq. ft.) Targeting: Retirees and families Telephone: 705-293-2201 or 705-446-7601 Email: Jennifer@macphersonbuilders.com Website: www.bluefairway.ca

Dwell at Creekside www.devonleighhomes.com

Mountaincroft Developer: Grandview Homes Location: 67 Clark Street, corner of Poplar and High streets, Collingwood Offering: Phase 3 sold out, New release of Phase 4. # of Units: 60 fully detached lots/homes, mix of bungalows, raised bungalows, bungalow with lofts and two-storey plans ranging from 1,270 sq. ft. to 3,650 sq. ft. on 35, 40, 45 and 50-foot wide lots. Amenities: Community park, Georgian Trail system, walking distance to downtown, mountain views. Price Range: Starting in the $300,000s Targeting: Ranging from young families to seasonal and retirees. Telephone: 705-444-0333 Email: mountaincroftcollingwood@gmail.com Website: www.grandviewhomesnorth.com

SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

MEAFORD

The New Shipyards

Gates of Kent

www.thenewshipyards.com

www.reidsheritagehomes.com

Pretty River Estates

TerraceWood

www.sunvalehomes.com

www.terracewood.ca

Pretty River

OWEN SOUND

www.briarwoodhomes.ca

Red Maple

The Residences of Cobble Beach

www.myredmaple.ca

www.livecobblebeach.com

Silver Glen Preserve

The Sydenham

www.sherwoodhomesltd.com

www.sydenhamcondos.com

Windrose Estates

WASAGA BEACH

Developer: Osler Bluff Estates Inc./MacPherson Builders Limited Location: Southeast corner of Osler Bluff Road/Grey Road 19 &

Bayside Meadows www.baysidemeadows.com

Sixth Street, Collingwood Offering: 36 lots available, exquisite model home to view and a new model home now under construction. # of Units: 32 one to two-plus acre, single family detached estate home lots remaining. Amenities: Private parkland runs through the site, for all owners to enjoy. Price Range: $1,349,900 to $1,598,900. Targeting: Recreational and/or principal residence in an exclusive enclave of estate lots. Telephone: 705-293-2201 or 705-446-7601 Email: jennifer@macphersonbuilders.com Website: www.windroseestates.ca

BeacH20 www.bremonthomes.com New England Village www.baywoodhomes.com

Tru-Star Homes www.tru-starhomes.com

The Village of Trillium Forest www.zancorhomes.com

Wyldewood Cove

Wasaga Heights

www.wyldewoodcondos.ca

www.pinevalleydevelopments.com

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7 0 5 . 4 4 4 . 1 5 9 3 ON THE BAY

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Dream Life in the

History and natural beauty abound at Lavender Farm stories by JUDY ROSS photography by DEREK TRASK

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

FEATUREDHOME

The views are stunning in every season but perhaps most spectacular in summer, when the gardens are in full and colourful bloom.

Lavender Farm sits on 100 square acres of the Niagara Escarpment. In the distance the Bruce Trail traverses the property.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

FEATUREDHOME

TOP: From the pool deck a stone stairway cuts through the perennial gardens and up to the house. ABOVE: The front porch of the classic centre hall brick farmhouse, built in the 1850s.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

icture the dream-like perfection of country life in a charming heritage farmhouse near Dunedin. Surrounding the house are bountiful vegetable and flower gardens, a Har-Tru tennis court, a spring-fed pond, a swimming pool and, from every vantage point, pastoral views that stretch out forever across rolling acreage. This dream life is the reality for SueAnn Wickwire and Stephen Headford, the owners of Lavender Farm. Their house sits at the top of a long driveway, nestled comfortably on the land as it has been since it was built in the 1850s. At that time the nearby village of Lavender was a thriving stage coach stop on the route from Toronto to Collingwood, complete with a hotel, post office, blacksmith shop, two churches and a successful cheese factory that processed milk from the local dairy farmers. Today, all that remains of the original village of Lavender is a small church, now privately owned. “We would love to know more of the history and who built our house,” says Headford. “It doesn’t seem typical of farmhouses because of the handsome architectural details like rich moldings, stained glass and deep-set windows.” All that richness has been thoughtfully restored and now the heritage house with its surrounding 100 acres is the couple’s much-loved, full-time home. Twenty-six years ago, both Headford and Wickwire were working in Toronto but wanted to spend weekends in the country, so they bought a property near Ravenna. “It had a great view but a crummy house,” offers Headford, “and it was too far from the city. So we sold it and moved closer to where we are now, to a great house, but it was lower down and had no view.” After two experiences with country living, the pair knew exactly what they wanted: a beautiful house on a hilltop with a spectacular view. When they discovered this property back in 1995 they knew right away that it could fulfill their dream. But it took vision. The red brick farmhouse had “great bones but was a total wreck when we bought it,” recalls Wickwire. “It hadn’t been lived in for four or five years.” They made the decision to do everything all at once: gut the house, modernize it and add a three-storey addition as well as revamp the property by

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TOP: The sunroom features a custom concrete table from River Craftsmen Co. in Shelburne. French doors from Pella open to the deck and garden. The floor mat was purchased at Deans Carpet One in Duntroon. ABOVE: A practical pass-through to the family room adds to the airiness of the kitchen design. Countertops made of maple butcher block are the chefs’ favourite. Custom cabinetry is by Don Doucette of Design Craft Carpentry Contracting in Tottenham.

putting in gardens, a swimming pool and a tennis court. As Wickwire remembers, “we were undecided about the tennis court, and at the time there were seven bulldozers here working on the property. I said to Steve, ‘It’s now or never – we’re not bringing bulldozers back.’” In the end they agree that installing the tennis court was the right decision. It has been the focus of many annual tournaments and happy gatherings. With the house, the couple’s goal was to keep the best of the old farmhouse, like the amazing moldings and floors, update everything and open it up for more light and wider views. Their long-term plan had always been to retire and live here full time, so they built with this in mind.

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The red brick farmhouse had “great bones but was a total wreck when we bought it,” recalls Wickwire. “It hadn’t been lived in for four or five years.” Their team of designer Ron Martin and builder Don Doucette were “a joy to work with.” Together they pored over plans and researched historic architectural details. Most of the moldings, door trim, wainscoting and baseboards are original, but some had to be replicated. The windows are all new but look vintage, with four large glass panes. At the front door, new stained glass panels were installed in the transom and sidelights. The pine floors throughout the old house were preserved. In the new addition the couple chose wide plank pine boards and had them treated to look like the flooring of an old granary. The board-and-batten addition on the back of the house includes the kitchen, family room and sunroom on the ground floor and a master bedroom suite on the second. To achieve a balance between past and present, the couple chose wide openings and tall ceilings to add an airiness that is unusual in older houses. The kitchen has a large pass-through to the family room with its imposing stone wood-burning fireplace. “This fireplace is a work of art,” enthuses Headford, “and every bit of limestone was dug up on the property. It took a bit of convincing to get the builder to give up the idea of flagstone facing, but it was the one thing in the house I really cared about. After all the work, the builder loved it, too.” Both Wickwire and Headford are serious cooks, and their kitchen is proof of their passion. It was designed so they could work side by side and has the warmth and human touch so often missing in newly built gourmet kitchens.

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FEATUREDHOME

ABOVE: Stephen Headford’s office occupies one end of the spacious living room. His desk is from Restoration Hardware. RIGHT: The master bedroom suite occupies the second floor of the addition. White painted floorboards pair well with the antique pine furniture. Bedding is from Victorian Values in Creemore. LOWER RIGHT: Vaulted ceilings and a window with “the best view in the house” give the master bath an open feeling.

With the house, the couple’s goal was to keep the best of the old farmhouse, like the amazing moldings and floors, update everything and open it up for more light and wider views. The timeless design of white panelled cabinetry, maple butcher block countertops and open shelving looks just as good as it did when the kitchen was built over two decades ago, with a few small changes made five years ago when the couple retired here full-time. “We had a great old woodstove but it wasn’t practical,” says Wickwire, “so we put in the wall ovens and added some new cabinetry and the Italian marble backsplash.” Between the kitchen and dining room is an open area with a handsome pine table that serves as both island and serving counter. It was made by builder Don Doucette using the pine boards from an old shed he dismantled at the back of the house. He gave it to the couple as a house-warming gift. Across from this table are two tall pantry cupboards. “These are ingenious,” Wickwire points out as she unfolds the layers of shelving that open out and are stacked with preserves, dried herbs and pickled vegetables – home-made treasures that would only be found in the pantry of chefs and gardeners like Wickwire and Headford. The second floor of the original house was opened up, moving walls to create three guest bedrooms and a spacious guest bathroom. Tall reclaimed pine doors, which Wickwire had been saving for years, open from the old part of the house into the master suite, a bright lofty space with windows on three sides. The suite includes Wickwire’s office, a walk-in closet and a

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

bedroom with a marble wood-burning fireplace. There’s a window beside the clawfoot soaker tub that they claim has “the best view of the property in the whole house.” The views are stunning in every season but perhaps most spectacular in summer, when the gardens are in full and colourful bloom, the pool is sparkling, the sun is setting over the distant hills and someone is out hitting a ball on the tennis court. It all adds up to the perfection of country life at Lavender Farm. ❧

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TOP: The family room fireplace, one of three in the house, was made from limestone gathered on the property. Sofa and chairs are from Restoration Hardware. Draperies are from Dovetail Interiors in Nottawa. LEFT: In the dining room, family heirloom furniture looks at home with the newly painted wainscoting and mouldings. The walls were painted and stenciled by Beth Halstead. Over the table is a light fixture from Bellhaven Antiques in Creemore. LOWER LEFT: During the renovation, the houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s front porch was extended across the front and along one side to allow for a screened porch and sunroom. BELOW: SueAnn Wickwire and Stephen Headford enjoy their new firepit from Restoration Hardware. The wooden sculptures are by Creemore artist Ralph Hicks.

ON THE BAY

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ON THE BAY

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Source Guide BUILDING TEAM Designer – Ron Martin, Collingwood Builder – Don Doucette, Design Craft Carpentry Contracting, Tottenham EXTERIOR Windows & Doors – Pella, Hunt Windows and Doors Pool – Bonavista Pools, Mississauga Board & Batten Addition Paint Colour - Main colour Para Coconut Leaves P5242-62; trim, Para Buried in Sand P5224-44 HALLWAY Painting (to left of dining room door) – Yana Headford, artist, Mississauga Stained Glass in Doors – Made by Eleanor Brownridge, Turtle Creek Art Glass, Collingwood (deceased) Flooring - Original Staircase – Original Paint Colours – Light Gray (17), Farrow & Ball Painter – Jim Dougal, Stayner LIVING ROOM/LIBRARY Furniture – Chesterfield from Foleys, chairs from Elte, desk and metal chest from Restoration Hardware Reading light – Restoration Hardware Rug – Elte Carpets, Toronto Paint Colours – Double Click Right (P5222-44), Para Paints SUNROOM Table – Custom Concrete Table by Michael Curtis, River Craftsmen Co., Shelburne

Chairs – Three Herons, Collingwood Light fixtures – Restoration Hardware Floor Mat – Custom, Deans Carpets, Duntroon FAMILY ROOM Furniture – Chesterfield and matching chairs Restoration Hardware, black chairs and bench from Moya Boya, Creemore (no longer in business) Fireplace – Made using stone from the property, wood burning Cabinetry – Don Doucette, Design Craft Carpentry Contracting, Tottenham Draperies/Blinds – Dovetail Interiors, Nottawa Floor Lamp – Rustic Interiors, Collingwood Flooring – K&I Flooring, Collingwood Area Rug – Restoration Hardware Sculpture in Corner – Ralph Hicks, sculptor, Creemore Paint Colours – Pewter Cast 7673, Sherman-Williams Paints Painter – Jim Dougal, Stayner

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UPSTAIRS HALLWAY Light Fixture – Belhaven Antiques, Creemore Paint Colours – Light Gray (17), Farrow & Ball Painter – Jim Dougal, Stayner KITCHEN Cabinetry – Don Doucette, Design Craft Carpentry Contracting, Tottenham for all the original work; upgrades done in 2010 to install new ovens, new sink, tiling backsplash, and some new cupboards - done by Talbot Carpentry, Creemore Island Table – Don Doucette, Design Craft Carpentry Contracting, Tottenham Light Fixtures (antiques) – Victorian Revival, Toronto Photo Shelves – Built by Don Doucette, Carpentry Contracting, Tottenham Sculpture on Table – Horsefeathers, Toronto Flooring – K&I Flooring, Collingwood DINING ROOM Table, Chairs, Sideboard & Area Rug – Family heirlooms Light Fixture – Bellhaven Antiques, Creemore Flooring – Original Sconces – 507 Antiques, Toronto Paint Colours & Painting – Custom paint and stenciling by Beth Halstead, Art Studio of Halstead & Co., Toronto GUEST BATHROOM Bathtub – Victorian Revival Antiques, Toronto Vanity/sink – Original and restored by Addison Plumbing, Toronto Paint Colours – walls Light Blue (22), floors Hardwick White (5), Farrow & Ball Painter – Jim Dougal, Stayner OUTDOOR DECK Firepit – Restoration Hardware Bench & Cushions – Custom Wood Sculptures – Ralph Hicks, Creemore MASTER BEDROOM Bedding – Restoration Hardware, Toronto and Victorian Values, Creemore Pine dresser– Antique Curtains – Custom by Barb Koturbash, Toronto Flooring – Painted Pine Pine Box – Belhaven Antiques, Creemore Paint Colours – Teasel E02, Martha Stewart Painter – Jim Dougal, Stayner

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Tomahawk Golf Course 18 Hole Par 3 Course Open 7 days a week No tee times required $7 fee per round, Children (12 and under) free 417230 10th Line Thornbury, ON 519-599-3131 Ext 340 www.thebluemountains.ca/tomahawk.cfm

POOL Pool Installer – Bonavista Pools, Mississauga Stone sculpture – 507 Antiques, Toronto MISCELLANEOUS Security System – Huronia Alarms Editor’s Note: The above information was provided by the homeowner and is as complete and accurate as possible. ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

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All-Season

SPLENDOUR The stunning gardens of Lavender Farm

es, lavender does grow happily at Lavender Farm. But so does everything else. Masses of perennials spill down from the house, a large vegetable garden offers up bountiful produce, and a sweet circular kitchen garden overflows with aromatic and medicinal herbs. “We started gardening 26 years ago at our first country house in Ravenna,” recalls SueAnn Wickwire, “and that was the beginning of a great journey for both of us.” Today both Wickwire and her husband Stephen Headford are consummate gardeners; during the season both of them will be out for hours digging in the earth somewhere in the two or three acres of gardens that surround their heritage farmhouse. They have huge perennial gardens to the south of the house, which they planted when they purchased the property in 1995. Much of the success of the gardens is due to the protected sunny location and to the truckloads of aged manure that enriched the soil from the start. A cedar trellis along the back of the perennial beds supports 25 varieties of clematis, which grow to amazing heights. While most of the property gets plenty of sun, there is a shade garden at the bottom of the driveway filled with maintenance-free plants like hostas, ferns, bleeding heart and sweet Woodruff. Wickwire’s favourite plot is her 60-by-20-foot vegetable garden, a fenced-in potagerie of six raised beds with enough variety of produce to keep the couple supplied with food for months and months. Wickwire is known locally for her success at growing and propagating heirloom tomatoes, and sharing them with other local gardeners. In her tomato patch she now grows 30 varieties with quirky names like Marvel Stripe, Red Brandywine and Kellogg’s Breakfast. As she explains, “Anyone who tries an heirloom tomato can’t believe the difference. There’s just no comparison in taste.” She also grows 20 varieties of lettuce, four varieties of heirloom carrots, four varieties of heirloom beets as well as collard, garlic, swiss chard, leeks, beans

TOP: The setting sun casts long shadows on the home and gardens of Lavender Farm. MIDDLE: Headford loves sculpture and has placed many throughout the property. This iron globe sits amid clumps of Clary sage in the medicinal herb garden. ABOVE: Bees are attracted to the purple Hyssop.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

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GET THE LOOK ABOVE, TOP TO BOTTOM: With no sprinkler system, watering the gardens at Lavender Farm is a time-consuming task. A grouping of 12 by 4-foot raised beds provides the perfect place to grow herbs and vegetables. Purple Hyssop and variegated Comfrey in the medicinal herb garden. The swimming pool, from Bonavista Pools, is surrounded by Wiarton Stone decking. A cedar pergola at one end provides shade for dining al fresco.

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ABOVE: A log cabin with salvaged windows has been repurposed as a garden shed.

and peppers. About the only thing she doesn’t grow is corn, “because the raccoons always pulled it all down the night before we were going to harvest. We just don’t bother with it anymore.” Other than that raccoon episode, Wickwire feels lucky that they haven’t had many problem with animals. The deer stay up on the ridge and don’t come close to the house, and the groundhogs and rabbits are discouraged by the fencing around the vegetables. Wickwire starts her seeds under grow lights in the basement in late March and then, in late April, moves cold weather plants like lettuce, parsley, peas and kale outside to raised beds with greenhouse tops that she designed and had built. “I have a lot of raised beds, all 12 feet by 4 feet and surrounded by pea gravel paths,” she says. “We used wood framing for some of the beds and stones from the property for others.” About 10 years ago the couple met master gardener Mike Donnan from Creemore and he has been working with them on – and in – their gardens ever since. “He took our level of gardening up by leaps and bounds,” says Wickwire. “Even though we had gardened here for 10 years when we met him, he taught us about enhancing our soil, he fixed flaws in our garden design, and he introduced us to such interesting new plant material.” A lot of the most interesting plants are in the “medicinal garden,” a 30-foot round cow patch which features unusual herbs and plants like angelica, comfrey, clary sage, sweet Cicely, artichokes, Asian pokeweed and sea kale, among others. Aromatic and beautiful to look at, the herbs are used in cooking, not in medicinal remedies. “I don’t know enough about herbal medicine,” laughs Wickwire, “I might end up killing us.” Despite the extent of the gardens at Lavender Farm, there is no irrigation system, so a lot of time is spent keeping things watered. In the midst of the property is an old log cabin that acts as a garden house. It has a water pump outside and a line-up of watering cans at the ready. “I love this old shed,” enthuses Wickwire. “It’s really cute inside; I call it my Martha Stewart shed.” One of the biggest challenges for gardeners is to create gardens that will look lush and lovely all through spring, summer and fall. With the help of master gardener Mike Donnan, Wickwire and Headford have risen to the challenge, and their hard work has produced gardens that are thriving and beautiful in all three seasons. As Wickwire reflects, “They really just never look bad.” ❧

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HOMEIMPROVEMENT

On Deck! Making the most of outdoor living by JUDY ROSS

f all worthwhile home investments, perhaps the one that gives the most enjoyment is a deck added to the back of the house. If designed and built well, it will offer a pleasing architectural element to the back yard as well as extra outdoor living space. In summer it will enhance your garden and become a favourite

place to dine, lounge and entertain. Then, when the leaves start to fall, the deck takes on a campfire vibe as you gather around an outdoor fire pit. In winter, an integrated hot tub steps away from the house will keep you outside on the coldest of nights. Year-round outdoor living has never been so good.

ABOVE: Tempered glass is the preferred choice for railings on contemporary decks, offering unimpeded views and an open feel.

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SPRING 2016

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ABOVE & LEFT: This deck by The Landmark Group blends into the natural landscape, made of western red cedar and featuring a built-in rock garden with a flagstone bridge inlay.

BEFORE YOU BUILD If you plan to build a deck yourself, first contact the utilities companies to identify gas, power and water lines. Then check zoning by-laws and building permit requirements. You will probably need a permit. “We won’t build a deck without a permit,” says Chris Cayley, owner of the Hickory Dickory Decks franchise in Collingwood and Wasaga Beach. “Getting one protects the homeowner; it means the local municipality is inspecting every stage of the construction.”

The best way to add style and space to your deck is to build it in tiers with varying levels. A good way to get a sense of the deck coverage is to first stake the area. The combination of your house and deck can only cover 80 per cent of your property. In other words, if you have a big house on a small property, there won’t be much allowable room for a deck. Staking also allows you to gauge the path of the sun. You may be able to angle the deck or add a wraparound section to get more or less sun (or wind). Think about how you want to use your deck. For outdoor dining you’ll want to have the deck close to the kitchen and have space for the barbecue

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ABOVE: Firepits, inset pools and hot tubs extend deck use into all seasons.

Outdoor living rooms have now replaced kitchens and bathrooms as the best place to put your home improvement dollars. and perhaps a planter full of herbs. Consider whether a bistro table for two is all you need, or whether you require a table big enough to feed a crowd. If kids are involved, make room for things like a built-in sandbox, toy chest and some small-people furniture. For entertaining, create a series of rooms on different levels, each one serving a different purpose. Pay attention to the flow of movement and have clear paths for people to get from one area to another. Plan ahead if you want to take advantage of high-tech innovations like outdoor sound systems and weather-resistant LCD television sets.

DESIGNING YOUR DECK Andrew Lansdale, a landscape designer with The Landmark Group, says it’s important to match the deck style with the architecture and interior of your house. “You’ll want that feeling of carrying the space from inside to outside,” he notes, adding, “With contemporary houses we use a lot of glass panels and steel cable railings.” A more traditional or country-style house may suit a deck that features white pickets, decorative post caps and built-in pergolas and benches.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

BELOW: Carefully placed outdoor lighting enhances the deck setting and adds ambiance for outdoor enjoyment.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARREN BOSCH, THE LANDMARK GROUP

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF DARREN BOSCH, THE LANDMARK GROUP

Come in for a free consultation to discuss how Dr. Miller can help you.

ABOVE & LOWER RIGHT: The Landmark Group built this deck using ipe (Brazilian walnut), an incredibly durable hardwood that is three times harder than cedar and with the same fire rating as steel. The custom glass railings use a short-post railing system for an unobstructed view.

If your deck is less than two feet off the ground you won’t need railings (or a permit). And always go big if you can. Ryan Baker of Springscapes Landscaping in Stayner builds a lot of decks for clients and maintains that the best way to add style and space to your deck is to build it in tiers with varying levels. “It will look a lot more interesting,” he maintains. “You’ll get more usage and it won’t add too much more to the cost.” Night-time ambiance can be created with innovative new outdoor lighting. You can make your deck and stairs safe with low-voltage fixtures that cast light downwards and then put up some rope lighting (a string of low intensity lights fitted into clear PVC tube) for interesting accents. Uplights in shrubs and trees that surround the deck extend the feeling of space. For further comfort, there are patio heaters to keep you warm on cold nights, and misting fans to cool you off in summer

MATERIAL CHOICES WOOD The question usually comes down to either pressure-treated or cedar. Pressure-treated lumber is the most economical. Made of yellow pine, it has had a chemical preservative forced into the wood cells under pressure. Many builders are now using ‘brown’ pressure treated lumber, a new product that, unlike the original green-tinged wood, looks like cedar. Cedar is still a popular, if more costly, choice. It’s a soft wood that is aromatic and contains natural oils and tannins that are somewhat resistant to rot. It is durable and quick to weather to a silver-grey colour. Some form

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A new product that is making a difference in deck building is helical piles, manufactured steel foundation posts that screw into the soil.

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of treatment or sealing is recommended. To save money, cedar can be used for the decking and posts, but the substructure can be built with less costly pressure-treated lumber. Ipe and other exotic woods from South America are the frequent – and expensive – choice of high-end clients, according to local landscape architects. Ipe is very dense and labour-intensive to install, but it has a lovely finish and will last longer than cedar.

COMPOSITE MATERIALS Advances in decking materials have made this option far more attractive (and less plastic-looking) than it was in the ’80s and ’90s. Composite decking is created by mixing polyethylene with wood fibre and other fillers. The boards look and feel like wood but are low maintenance, won’t fade or stain, and never need to be painted, stained or sealed. “We deal with about 15 different suppliers of composite decking,” says Chris Cayley, “and we use composite in 90 per cent of the decks we build.” While composite costs more than wood up-front, Cayley says it pays for itself because it comes with a lifetime warranty.

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A new product that is making a difference in deck building is helical piles, manufactured steel foundation posts that screw into the soil. “These are much more efficient than putting in concrete footings,” maintains Cayley, who uses these steel posts in more than half of the decks he builds. “They cost more money, but it speeds things up so you can save on time and labour costs.” For return on investment, outdoor living rooms have now replaced kitchens and bathrooms as the best place to put your home improvement dollars, according to real estate experts. That means more outdoor fun now and a bigger bang for your buck when you sell your house. A worthwhile investment, indeed. ❧

The partners and staff of BDO Collingwood are pleased to announce that Paul Moloughney, CPA, CGA, BAdmin has recently joined our tax group as a Senior Manager. Paul brings with him over 25 years of tax experience in government, industry and public practice. He has extensive experience in a variety of industries, and will specialize in strategic tax planning and consulting assignments for owner-managed small business corporations. In doing so, he will assist our clients with planning for their existing operations, purchase and sale transactions and estate and succession planning goals. Paul’s general business acumen and broad financial background will further strengthen our Collingwood tax group. BDO is a national accounting and advisory firm, but our strengths

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ABOVE & BELOW: Composite decking from companies like Trex looks and feels like wood but is environmentally friendly, low maintenance, won’t fade or stain, and never needs to be painted, stained or sealed. BOTTOM: Helical piles are manufactured steel foundation posts that screw into the ground, and are quicker to install with less soil displacement than concrete footings.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

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PHOTO BY DEREK TRASK

GARDENING

Container GARDENING Bright ideas for colourful planters

by JUDY ROSS

cattered throughout Charlotte Vorstermans’ half-acre garden are 16 different containers all brimming with bold punches of colour. They look like vibrant floating islands. Vorstermans loves planting in containers because it is “the best way to add bright accents in the garden from spring until fall.” Although she has gardened since childhood,

Vostermans became a Master Gardener in 2009 and her Creemore garden, an ongoing labour of love, has been featured on countless garden tours. The garden itself is divided into “rooms,” where perennials, vegetables and herbs all flourish in artfully divided sections. But it’s the containers that provide most of the colour.

ABOVE: Containers add character and a designer’s touch to patios and decks. These planters are made of new composite materials, which can be left out over winter and last forever.

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ABOVE: Healthy clumps of ferns make a lush, natural statement in tall planters, while containers at ground level add pops of colour to a poolside seating area.

Container ChoiCes Choosing the right kind of pot to hold the plants is critical to success in container gardening. And, from a design perspective, the container should complement your home style. A pair of rustic oak barrel planters, for instance, will not suit the front entrance of a sleek, contemporary house. More material choices are available than ever before, so here are some container types to consider: Plastic – The most inexpensive option, plastic pots are lightweight, which is great for balconies where weight is a consideration, but not suitable for windy locations. Available in many shapes and sizes, they can be spray painted and grouped together for a consistent look. However, plastic doesn’t last; it dries out quickly and degrades when exposed to sun. Terracotta – This is a classic choice, and the earthy colour complements most plant materials. Relatively heavy, terracotta pots won’t topple over in the wind but they will freeze and crack if left out in winter. Glazed Ceramic – Planters made from this material come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. These look great when clustered in groups of one colour. They retain moisture better than unglazed ceramic but will also crack in winter. Wood – Wooden planters look natural and can be custom built as window boxes or deck planters. They will require another container to put inside and prevent timber rotting. (Charlotte Vostermans’ husband

ON THE BAY

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built wooden boxes specifically to hold blue plastic recycling boxes as inserts.) Wood planters can be left to weather naturally if made of cedar, or can be stained or painted. They are good for large-scale container gardening where many plant varieties are used. Metal – Classic cast iron containers are elegant, especially flanking a formal doorway. They will last forever, but are heavy and expensive. Other metal containers like galvanized washtubs and pails must have holes drilled in the bottom. For Elaine Kettlewell of Kettlewells, the fun is in finding salvaged containers (old wagons, wheelbarrows and milk crates) and using them as planters. Come spring, her store on Hwy. 124 near Poplar Sideroad will be brimming with planted containers for sale. Composite – These newer style planters are made from blends of material, some of them resembling wood or concrete. Virtually

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ABOVE, TOP TO BOTTOM: Salvaged containers like old tin mail boxes create interesting tableaus. Grasses grow well in containers with lots of drainage. A repurposed oak barrel serves as a herb garden container.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

maintenance-free, they are guaranteed to last for years. “I like to use the heavy-duty plastic composite planters,” says Teresa Matamoros of Garden Holistics, who designs and plants dozens of containers for clients every year. “They will withstand winter and can be used year after year so they end up paying for themselves.” Hanging & Wall-mounted Baskets – These come in different materials, but the best looking ones are not in plastic containers but have a framework of plastic-coated wire with natural liners made of coconut fibre or sphagnum moss. They blend naturally with the plant material to create a dazzling clump of colour.

Planting Know-How If you reuse old – or even just last year’s – pots, clean them with an environmentally friendly all-purpose cleaner. Then rinse and dry before planting. Buy a good potting soil such as triple mix. Garden soil contains too much clay and is too heavy, so never use earth from your garden; it will hold the moisture and drown the roots. Soil can get expensive and Elaine Kettlewell says, “it’s easy and much cheaper to mix your own potting soil. Just use equal amounts of pre-sterilized garden soil, sphagnum moss, and perlite or vermiculite.” If you have large containers, fill the lower third of the pot with sand, or, as many gardeners do, simply invert a plastic pot in the bottom of the container and fill soil in and around it. Make sure the base has proper drainage. If the holes are too large, use a piece of plastic window screening to cover them.

Container plants need warmth and sun, which is why the best results come from bright, sunny locations.

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Come see for yourself, all that we offer. Assess how much sun the planter will get before choosing plant material. You can use a sun calculator, or simply observe and record the number of sun hours wherever you plan to put planters. Carefully read the plant tags at nurseries; they give you all the information you need. Placing containers in a sunny spot will give you more choice of bright-coloured plant material. You can mix annuals and perennials in planters. If you use perennials, they can be replanted in the garden at the end of the season. And remember, all plants in the same pot must share the same need for sun and shade, water and food. Go to a good local nursery and pay attention to sections for shade and sun. You can ask for help in choosing a healthy specimen, or find out when the plants are delivered and buy on that day. One advantage of containers is that they can be moved if they’re not thriving in their original location. Fertilizing is essential for container plants. Charlotte Vorstermans recommends using a slow release fertilizer in pellet form. Before putting in her plants in the spring, she likes to put the fertilizer in the soil, give it a thorough watering and leave for two or three days to let the soil settle. Usually this fertilizer will last from spring planting until the end of July, at which point she will start giving weekly (or more) doses of liquid fertilizer.

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plants. “I don’t like to see any soil,” says Teresa Matamoros, who stuffs containers as full as possible, “and I think texture is really important. I use a combination of big leaves and smaller spiky leaves.” For colour combinations, try taking a photo of a favourite painting – a Van Gogh with blues, purples and yellows, for instance – and replicate the colours with plant material. Proportions are important. In gardener-speak this is called “thrillers, fillers and spillers.” Get plants for the middle of the container that are tall, upright and striking (thrillers), surround them with shorter varieties (fillers) and then put trailing plants (spillers) close to the edge so they’ll fall down the sides. Container plants need warmth and sun, which is why the best results come from bright, sunny locations. If you have total shade, choose plants that are white or bright with golden or chartreuse leaves to give the illusion of light.

GARDENING

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Watering One advantage of shade is that containers don’t need as much water. Sometimes they can be left to survive on Mother Nature’s doses of rain and dew. However, “most people don’t water containers enough,” warns Charlotte Vostermans, who has spigots and watering cans placed throughout her garden so she can keep on top of the watering requirements. A general rule of thumb is to water until the water starts running out of the drainage holes in the bottom. New self-watering containers are a good choice if you can’t be around to attend to the watering yourself.

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L to R: Tyler Rennie and Jay Anstey

gardeners’ Favourites What gardeners love about containers is the ability to change the look from season to season and year to year. So many varieties will work together in a container. You can even put a trellis in the centre and grow cherry tomatoes surrounded by basil, rosemary and trailing vines. Herbs, vegetables and flowers will all co-exist happily. “If I want to make a big statement I have a favourite combination; I plant a four-foot-tall Limelight hydrangea tree in the centre, surround it with (white-edged) Francee hostas and have white Scaevola trailing around the edges,” offers Elaine Kettlewell. “Then I place a solar light in the planter so it glows at night. At the end of summer I plant the tree in the garden, cut back the hostas and replant them as well. The only discard is the Scaevola. In the spring I’ll divide the hostas and re-use them.”

The partners of Collins Barrow SGB LLP are pleased to announce that Jay Anstey and Tyler Rennie have become partners at the firm in the Collingwood and Meaford Offices. Tyler Rennie, Partner

Jay Anstey, Partner

trennie@collinsbarrow.com

janstey@collinsbarrow.com

519.538.1690

705.445.2020 ext 252

With all this new inspiration, you’ll be ready to start planning your colourful containers! Just don’t forget the old rule … wait until after May 24th to leave containers outside. Many a beautiful planter has been ruined by a late spring frost. ❧

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

FOODFORTHOUGHT

EATING

BELOW THE POVERTY LINE The many lessons of the $2 a day food challenge

story by EMILY WORTS

round this time last year my family and I embarked on a food challenge that turned out to challenge more than just what we put on our plates. The Live Below the Line initiative is a global antipoverty campaign that invites families and individuals to take a hard look at how and what they eat by spending less than $2 a day on food, for five days, with the goal of spreading awareness of the hardships faced by those who live in extreme poverty. After we announced our intentions on social media, our community quickly rallied around our Live Below the Line challenge. Several friends, family members and strangers joined us, some donated money and still others showed up on our doorstep in support, with muffins or other goodies. The camaraderie and money we gladly accepted – together with our friends we raised $4,000 for Tin Roof Global, a local water charity – but the muffins (and even asparagus from our neighbour’s garden) we had to refuse; the rules of the challenge said so. We also weren’t allowed to use rice and other staples from our pantry unless we priced out each serving. Foraging, however, was acceptable, so I gathered leeks, wild ginger and fiddleheads to supplement my lentils, beans and rice. I made bread daily from scratch (as did my 15-yearold nephew, who took on the challenge with us) and I picked spilled grains

from the floor and plunked them in the Dutch oven instead of sweeping them up. My husband and I shared one tea bag each day, we traded in boxed cereal for oatmeal, and we said goodbye to fresh fruit, vegetables, dairy and meat. It quickly became clear how unrealistic the challenge was, but at least the conversation was happening, in an honest, deep and meaningful way. The discussions we had around the dining room table and in the schoolyard made all of us, aged 6 to 76, question how and what we eat. To think our lives for that week were in any way comparable to those whom poverty forces to live on $2 a day is ludicrous (for starters we have access to clean water, fuel and food all day, every day), but it was a jumping off point. Now, a year after my family and I took the Live Below the Line challenge, I look back on what we took from that experience. We’ve since bought a bread maker, we soak and cook our beans instead of buying canned, we forego boxed cereal, and we try not to throw anything out. Just the other day my six-year-old son Remy was lamenting the fact that all the remaining kiwis in the fruit bowl were too soft for his liking. Having adopted our ‘no food waste’ policy, he quickly came up with a solution. He had me on Google before I could come up with my own suggestions, searching for kiwi muffin recipes. Together we made two-dozen muffins, which provided

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

FOODFORTHOUGHT

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No-Knead Bread Laura Woodhouse, RDH

The least footwork for finding summer fun. Go to mycollingwood.ca and discover all of the best dining options in the region. From take out to cafés and fine dining we’ve got it covered. Check out menus and compare your options. Feel like staying in? You can surf though our list of specialty food shops and find the right ingredients to make your dinner spectacular or the perfect caterer to make your dinner party the talk of the town. Looking for things to do? We’ve got that covered too. You’ll find a great list of area attractions and our events calendar that make planning your stay in the area that much easier. By the way, if you shop using our Double Dollars Marketplace you’ll save 50% on gift certificates for local restaurants, shops and services.

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My Friend’s House www.myfriendshouse.ca A fast paced team or solo mountain bike relay race that promises fun, excitement and a great ride on a private course! Spaces are limited so talk to your friends, family and coworkers to get a team together. Registration is open now. Platinum Sponsor

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ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

I found this recipe online during our challenge and it quickly became a staple in our house. It beats the bread maker every time in flavour and texture (although it is not quite as convenient). It uses no special ingredients, equipment or techniques, and it requires very little effort — only time (it takes 24 hours to create the bread, but most of that is unattended waiting for the slow fermentation of the dough that results in a perfect loaf). The recipe is one of the most popular the New York Times has ever published, for good reason! I have adapted it slightly but not much. INGREDIENTS • 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour, plus a little more for dusting • ¼ teaspoon instant yeast • 1 ¼ teaspoons salt • 1 5/8 cups water

Taking a long look at how we eat, how much we eat and how much we waste is sobering. PREPARATION 1. In a large bowl combine flour, yeast and salt. Add water and stir until blended; dough will be a bit tacky and sticky. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let dough rest at least 12 hours, at warm room temperature. 2. Dough is ready when its surface is dotted with bubbles. Lightly flour a work surface and place dough on it; sprinkle it with a little more flour and fold it over on itself once or twice. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest about 15 minutes. 3. Using enough flour to keep dough from sticking to work surface or to your fingers, shape dough into a ball. Generously coat a cotton tea towel with flour (this is important or it sticks to the towel and creates quite a mess). Put dough seam-side down on towel and dust with more flour. Cover with another cotton towel and let rise for about 2 hours. When it is ready, dough will be double in size. 4. At least a half-hour before dough is ready, heat oven to 450°F. Put a large heavy covered pot (cast iron, enamel, Pyrex or ceramic) in oven as it heats. When dough is ready, remove pot from oven and turn dough over into pot, seam side up; shake pan once or twice if dough is unevenly distributed. 5. Cover with lid and bake 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake another 15 to 30 minutes until loaf is browned. Cool on a rack and enjoy!

PHOTOS EMILY WORTS

ABOVE: Writer Emily Worts came up with some hearty, low-cost recipes to feed her family of four on $2 a day by keeping ingredients simple, using lots of pre-soaked beans, and flavouring with wild leeks. Clockwise from upper left: Chickpea curry; sweet potato soup with wild leek; baked beans; foraged wild ginger, fiddleheads and leeks.

It quickly became clear how unrealistic the challenge was, but at least the conversation was happening, in an honest, deep and meaningful way. our family of four with a sweet snack for each day of the following week. Food waste in Canada is astounding. The Cut Waste, Grow Profit, 2014 report suggests that almost half (47 per cent) of the estimated $31 billion of food wasted in Canada every year ends up in household garbage cans and green bins as unwanted leftovers. That’s over $14 billion dollars of food waste annually from homes alone! This waste doesn’t only end up at our curbside. As consumers we have very high expectations for the quality and quantity of our food. We want aesthetically pleasing apples, we want a lot of them and we want them cheap. The energy and resources we put into the production and delivery of that food blows my mind: infrastructure, labour, energy, disposal fees, packaging, repackaging and transportation are just a few examples of the supplementary costs associated with food waste. We are among the world’s most well-fed people, and it’s easy to take this for granted at every meal. Taking a long look at how we eat, how much we eat and how much we waste is sobering. The one aspect of this challenge that raised a red flag for me, as we tried to eat as ‘cheaply’ as possible, was this: as Canadians we have become accustomed to an abundance of cheap food, most of which is either heavily processed or travels thousands of miles to get here. But when you visit Creemore’s 100 Mile Store or Collingwood’s Currie’s Farm Market, you are seeing the real cost of real food. As most farmers and producers working

their booths at weekly farmer’s markets will tell you, even though their prices may be slightly higher than those found at large supermarket chains, they are still not high enough to keep farmers out of the red. Our farmers are our best source for healthy, fresh, local food, but they are struggling. Good food is expensive. And it should be. We spend a fortune taking care of our bodies in so many ways (a trip to the salon, a little R and R on the beach, supplements and teeth whitening … the list is endless), but when it comes to food we always look for the best deal and the cheapest price. I am as guilty of this as the next person. When my boys started drinking a litre and a half of milk a day, I stopped buying organic. Our own village has a dairy and yet that milk is considered a treat in our family. Yet, ironically, we don’t think twice about supporting our local brewery regardless of its premium prices. For me and my family, there is a complete mind and lifestyle shift, still in the works, thanks to the lessons of the five-day food challenge. We learned – and are still learning – to slow down and prepare good, healthy meals using real food; to search out quality over quantity; to appreciate where we live and to support the growers who support us. Most of all, we are learning to prioritize our budget to sustain our own health and that of our community. The old adage, “you are what you eat” really does apply. Eating for $2 a day taught my family that what we eat – as well as how we eat – can make a huge difference on so many levels. ❧

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Local Arts Scene Tour the

QUIT YOUR JOB BecOme an aRTIsT

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705-293-1771 collingwood art academy & alexander’s aRT sHOPPe

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Andrea Rinaldo 87 Hurontario St., Collingwood

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Loft Gallery Inc. Artist: Julie Anderson Fine Art Blown Glass Pottery Giftware

NEW LOCATION

705-441-6625 www.rationalexpressions.ca 7252 Hwy 26, Stayner

766 Mountain Rd., Collingwood www.bonniedorgelo.com 705 718 7737 | 705 441 4109

Art for your home, cottage, chalet or office. Resident Artist Debra Lynn Carroll

83 Marsh St. Clarksburg, ON www.loftgalleryart.com Cell: --- -- - Gallery: -- --- - -

ARTISTSPOTLIGHT

Peaceful, Easy

FEELING

Grey County painter Janet Liesemer infuses her acrylic landscapes with emotion, serenity and calm ABOVE: Nottawasaga, Collingwood Lighthouse, 20 x 30 inches. RIGHT: Quietude, 24 x 36 inches.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

ARTISTSPOTLIGHT

CLOCKWISE FROM ABOVE: Pointe Au Baril, 18 x 24 inches. Forgotten, 24 x 36 inches. Heading Out, 12 x 24 inches. North Channel, 18 x 48 inches. All acrylic.

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Janet Liesemer A move to Grey County in 1999 enabled Janet Liesemer to finally return to her love of art after many years pursuing another career path. In 2012 she became a full-time artist, and now specializes in acrylic landscape paintings using the surrounding countryside as a source of inspiration. Liesemer’s work takes simple scenes from the local area, removes the “clutter” and infuses them with emotion, focusing on their calm, serene beauty. “Whether it is the cold barrenness of a winter scene or the wide open farm fields in the spring, they evoke different emotions which I love to try and capture on canvas,” she says. “I want the viewer to experience that calm feeling and be filled with a sense of peace and well-being.” Her favourite subjects include boats,

water scenes, lighthouses, old wooden barns, and the North Channel at Killarney. Liesemer displays and sells her work through the Loft Gallery in Clarksburg, where she has been a permanent exhibitor for over two years and recently started offering acrylic painting workshops for every level of painter. She is also a member of the Blue Mountain Foundation for the Arts (BMFA) and has participated in the BMFA’s summer art and gift shows as well as other local art shows throughout the year. In addition to the Loft Gallery and shows at other local galleries, Liesemer also sells her art through her own studio in Ayton. She welcomes commissions and personal visits to her studio. www.janetleisemer.com. ❧

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

A Guide to Merchants and Services in Southern Georgian Bay. Services Construction Events (Large/Small) Weddings Festivals Emergency Service 519-599-2859 705-441-3500 www.a1toiletrentals.ca a1toiletrentals@gmail.com

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Full Line of Portable Rentals Standard/Flushing Deluxe/Executive Deluxe Accessible Units Sinks/Hand Sanitizers Contact Us For a Quote

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Open late April to late September 7 days a week, 8am to sunset

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Wasaga Beach DENTURE CLINIC Need a new smile? Let us give you one of ours! We do house calls & nursing home visits

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Serving Collingwood and area

• Over 20 years experience • Personal training in your home • Strength training and Pilates training for all ages • Cycling coaching level 3

Call to make an appointment 519.215.0758 • Fulvio Cubello www.esteemtraining.com • esteemfc@hotmail.com

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• Property Maintenance and Management Franchises available

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SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

Adam Martynuik, DC has relocated his Michel De Lecq Marguerie and Kathy Pourtangestani, chiropractic practice to The Northwood owners of downtown Collingwood’s newest, hottest Club in Collingwood. restaurant, The Strand.

Executive chef Marc Bery and executive sous chef Emily Mallen are at the helm of the new, waterfront Lakeside Seafood & Grill.

Jeff Anderson, chef at the new Gustav Chophouse and Bar in the Georgian Bay Hotel, is cooking up classic steak and seafood.

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

THE CORNER CAFÉ & GRILL, THE CORNER APARTMENTS

Thornbury residents have been watching eagerly as this new restaurant takes shape on the corner of Bruce St. and Hwy. 26 after 40 years as Wong’s Chinese Restaurant. Randy and Jane Litchfield bought the historic building in September, 2015 and spent over six months restoring and renovating it with their son Jack and restaurant manager and business partner Adam Politeski. “It’s a welcoming restaurant with good food at reasonable prices and space for groups to meet,” says Randy Litchfield. “The Corner is dedicated to welcoming everyone with reasonable prices, free Wi-Fi, space for 120 people, and an accessible washroom. Because it is in the heart of the town, we want The Corner to be a community hub where people gather with friends, family, colleagues or their customers.” There is a Community Room for group events, meetings or parties, with audio-visual equipment provided. Live entertainment will also be coming to The Corner Stage. Litchfield has a history of restoring old buildings, and he says this one cried out to him every time he drove by. Politeski has worked in the restaurant business locally for 15 years. In addition to the restaurant, the building also houses three apartments upstairs featuring spacious decks overlooking Georgian Bay, gas fireplaces, 11-foot ceilings and elegant arched windows. 3 Bruce St. South, Thornbury www.cornercafegrill.ca

GUSTAV CHOPHOUSE AND BAR

If it’s steak and seafood you’re hankering for, Gustav Chophouse and Bar in the newly renovated Georgian Bay Hotel offers an “upscale but comfortable” dining experience featuring classic chophouse fare with a modern touch. “We started designing the menu by including the best steaks you can buy, added in 100 years experience from the back of the house and

offer professional service and presentation from the front-of-house staff,” says executive chef Jeff Anderson, adding, “I’m very excited to be bringing back classic tableside service of Chateaubriand and Caesar salad.” Steaks are certified Angus beef that has been aged for a minimum of 38 days, and all steaks can “surf” with a myriad of surf-and-turf options. Seafood lovers can choose from escargot, oysters, shrimp, scallops, lobster, crab, sea bass and tuna. There are even chicken, rib and pasta choices as well as a full kids’ menu and weekly specials. The bar features an extensive wine list, local craft brews and signature cocktails. In addition to the main restaurant, Gustav’s also houses private dining rooms and a spirited lounge with live entertainment and an “après” daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Chef Anderson will soon be offering cooking classes. Georgian Bay Hotel, 10 Vacation Inn Drive, Collingwood 705-443-4461 • www.gustavs.ca Hours: Sun. – Wed. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – midnight.

LAKESIDE SEAFOOD & GRILL

Finally, a waterfront restaurant in Collingwood! This new lakeside eatery located in the Living Water Resort has been custom built for full-service dining, offering extensive à la carte lunch and dinner selections with an earth-to-table menu approach focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Dinner choices include a diverse selection of appetizers, sustainable seafood, steaks, chops, ribs and pasta, complemented by a well-chosen wine list, craft beers and cocktails. “Our bright, stylish dining room and bar offers comfortable seating in the winter by the fireplace and breezy watersedge terrace seating in summer with an amazing view,” says executive chef Marc Bery, who was recruited from Alberta by owner Larry Law. “We also offer an open presentation kitchen for an entertaining or educational evening or afternoon out.” The private dining room is available for gatherings or business meetings of up to 32 guests, fully equipped with AV ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Blair Rowbotham of Bayside Sales is now renting and repairing RVs for those who love camping.

Brian and Susan Leduc’s bright new Thornbury Foodland store is three times larger than the old store, with more fresh foods and more parking.

capabilities and a flat-screen television. There will also be live entertainment by local musicians and cooking classes in the chef presentation kitchen. 9 Harbour Street East, Collingwood 705-446-3274 (Living Water Resort internal extension 569) • www.lakesidegrill.ca Hours: Mon. – Thurs. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sun. 11:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.

THE STRAND

Collingwood is abuzz about this new upscale casual restaurant, piano bar and event venue. Located in the former Bank of Montreal building on Hurontario Street at Second, The Strand includes a more formal dining room for up to 56 people and a walk-in bar with seating for up to 44 with a casual bar menu. “The elegance and grandeur of the interior is entirely unique in the area, as is its purpose-built piano stage featuring a Yamaha grand piano,” says Michel De Lecq Marguerie, who owns the restaurant along with his wife, Kathy Pourtangestani. “As a converted bank we preserved the vault as a private dining room for up to 14 people, with a screen, a projector and separate sound system facilities.” Executive chef Scott Saunderson brings his experience at restaurants in Toronto and the U.K. to The Strand. All the food is cooked fresh from scratch, and features local fare including signature olive oil from The Lively Olive, cheese from Dags & Willow, fish from Kolapore Springs and coffee from the Lethal Buzz. “We wanted to create a place that we would like to go as guests,” says De Lecq Marguerie. “That means music, great food and atmosphere – elegant but accessible!” The Strand is also available for weddings, parties and events for up to 100 people, with a 100-inch dropdown screen and built-in projector for event usage. 79 Hurontario St. Collingwood 705-293-7979 • www.thestrandcollingwood.com Hours: Tues. – Thurs. 5 p.m. – 11 p.m. (kitchen closes at 9 p.m.), Fri. & Sat. 5 p.m. – midnight (kitchen closes at 10 p.m.). Sat. & Sun. lunch/brunch 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TRANSFORMATIONS BAYSIDE SALES & SERVICE

Blair Rowbotham has added RV rentals and repairs to his business of retailing safety and industrial equipment, janitorial supplies, RV and marine parts, and U-Haul moving supplies. “We wanted to give people an opportunity to try out camping without having to make a big purchase,” explains Rowbotham. “Some people only go camping once or twice a year, if that. Why purchase a trailer if it’s just going to sit in storage month in and month out? Sometimes, renting is the better option. Our mission is to provide quality camper trailer rentals at reasonable rates, thereby making family fun affordable and stress free.” Bayside offers 3- and 7-day rentals of Coachmen Clipper pop-up trailers. The trailers sleep up to seven people and include a dinette area, stove, refrigerator, furnace and awning. 501 Hume Street, Unit 3, Collingwood 705-444-2834 • www.baysidesales.ca and shopgeorgianbay.ca Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. in summer

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Andrew and Meghan Berofsky, owners of Blue Mountain Vacuum, have moved around the corner to Third Street in Collingwood.

Jason Alexander has moved and rebranded the Collingwood Art Academy and Art Shoppe so artists can find everything they need in one place.

BLUE MOUNTAIN VACUUM CENTRE

This 30-year-old Collingwood business has moved around the corner from Hurontario to Third Street. “Everything has been newly renovated to look bright and fresh: floors, walls, ceiling, showroom … the works,” says Andrew Berofsky, who owns the business with wife Meghan. He adds the new location features a “more streamlined and organized setting, larger showroom with floor models to test the product before you buy, more product lines to fit everyone’s budget and/or lifestyle needs, and easier access to parking.” Offering sales, repairs and installations of residential, commercial and built-in vacuum cleaning systems, Blue Mountain Vacuum services and performs warranty work on all vacuums it sells, with brands including Miele, Dyson, Panasonic, Sanitaire, Nilfisk, Karcher, Beam, Electrolux, Cana-Vac, Henry Numatic, Sebo. “We also repair many other brands including, but not limited to, Kenmore, Tristar, Filter Queen, Kirby, Miracle Mate and Broan-NuTone,” says Andrew. He adds customers will soon be able to make their purchases online through a new e-commerce website. 8 Third St., Collingwood 705-444-1022 • www.bluemountainvacuum.com Hours: Mon. – Fri. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

BONNIE DORGELO JEWELLERY & PAINTINGS

Artist Bonnie Dorgelo has moved her downtown studio boutique and gallery to a 120-year-old schoolhouse on Mountain Road in Collingwood. “An abundance of natural light, colourful paintings, sculptures and sparkling jewels all contribute to an uplifting, magical and inspiring experience,” says Dorgelo, whose casually elegant jewelry creations combine sterling silver, Swarovski crystal and semi-precious stones. Her colourful, contemporary Earth Series paintings are inspired by nature, using an interplay of oil paint and fluid acrylics to express aerial perspectives, landscapes, waterscapes and an “intuitive abstract view of the world around us.” Gift certificates, gift wrapping, wish lists, art consultation and installation are also available. Stay tuned to Dorgelo’s website for upcoming classes, events and exhibitions. 766 Mountain Road (corner of Mountain Road and Osler Bluff Road, beside Mountainside Sports) 705-718-7737 • www.bonniedorgelo.com Hours: Wed. – Sun. 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Mon., Tues. & evenings by appointment.

CLAIRWOOD REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE

This full-service boutique real estate brokerage is now located in Cranberry Mews in Collingwood’s west end. “Progressive in philosophy, Clairwood’s office complements this trend in its design, complete with all the benefits of up-to-date technology and contemporary décor,” says owner Maureen Gowans. “As a boutique brokerage, Clairwood fills a unique niche position in our real estate market.” With plenty of free parking, the new location is a fully accessible, with a bright and airy reception area with a coffee station. “Our transformation to one floor allows us to have a cohesive environment with camaraderie among colleagues” while ensuring client privacy, says Gowans. 10 Keith Ave., Unit 306, Collingwood 705-445-7085, 519-599-1195 or toll-free 1-877-445-7085 www.clairwoodrealestate.com Hours: Mon. – to Sat. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

SPECIALINFORMATIONSECTION

Bonnie Dorgelo and Nic Gallo of Bonnie Dorgelo in their new studio boutique and gallery, located in a heritage schoolhouse on Mountain Road.

Janice Atkinson, administrator for Clairwood Real Estate, which has a new office in Collingwood’s Cranberry Mews.

StoneTree Clinic’s naturopathic doctors (l-r) Shelby Worts, Kendra Reid, Candice Soldaat and Tara Gignac at their new downtown Collingwood clinic.

COLLINGWOOD ART ACADEMY AND ART SHOPPE

Local artist Jason Alexander has moved and re-branded his business to offer art classes and supplies in one location in the heart of downtown Collingwood. “The store is on the main level and the Art Academy is in the lower level,” says Alexander. “The Art Shoppe has all the art supplies an artist would desire: oils, acrylics, watercolour, canvas, panels, brushes, sketch books, pencils and the list goes on and on.” Collingwood Art Academy offers classes in oils and acrylics for students of all levels, and students can purchase a five-class pass for the flexibility to drop into any of the classes offered. Alexander has been involved with the art community in Collingwood for almost a decade as an artist, retailer and A.O.C.A. art instructor. “Being able to teach people how to paint is extremely fulfilling to me; the creativity that shines through each student, the learning process is very enriching,” he says. “Each student has their own individual style and I enjoy helping them to fine-tune their paintings while exploring new and creative styles, as well as colour theory, blending techniques and application.” 10 Third Street, Collingwood 705-293-1771 • www.collingwoodartacademy.com Hours: Mon. – Sat. 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Sundays by chance.

THE NORTHWOOD CHIROPRACTOR

Chiropractor Dr. Adam Martynuik has relocated his practice to The Northwood Club’s downtown Collingwood fitness facility. Rebranded as The Northwood Chiropractor, he is offering existing and new patients more comprehensive and accessible services with a focus on exercise and activityrelated conditions. He offers extended treatment times, including a 60-minute Executive Treatment, which can consist of any combination of chiropractic adjustments, active release techniques, massage, acupuncture and specific exercise recommendations within one session. He also works with the club’s personal trainers to further tailor exercise programming. “This aims to help members continue to reach their fitness goals by identifying and resolving specific physical limitations and risk factors for exercise in addition to indicating when manual therapy might be required,” explains Martynuik, who has experience as a rehabilitative kinesiologist and a personal trainer himself. No membership or physician referral is required and treatments are covered by most extended healthcare plans. 119 Hurontario St., Collingwood 705-607-9849 • www.northwoodchiropractor.com Hours: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.

RE/MAX AT BLUE REALTY INC., BROKERAGE

After five years of successful operation as a boutique real estate brokerage in the heart of Blue Mountain Village, Village Realty Inc., Brokerage is transforming into Re/Max at Blue Realty Inc., Brokerage. “The decision to purchase a Re/Max franchise just seemed like a natural progression for the brokerage,” said Gerry Wayland, owner and broker of record. “We were busting at the seams with incoming prospects and real estate inquiries. We needed a brand with a system and support to take the brokerage to the next level.” After researching many different real estate partnerships and franchise options, Wayland says he decided on Re/Max

Gerry Wayland, owner and broker of record at the new Re/Max at Blue Realty office in Blue Mountain Village.

because it had the brand recognition and support he needs to attract top sales talent and accelerate sales pace. “Our location in the heart of The Village at Blue Mountain has always been a great asset for the brokerage, but convincing agents to work for a relatively unknown boutique brokerage has been a challenge,” notes Wayland. “Now we’ll have location and brand recognition – an unbeatable combination. We want to earn the trust of homeowners in the area so RE/MAX at Blue Realty Inc., Brokerage becomes the natural choice to list and sell their property.” 156 Jozo Weider Blvd., Suite 9, Blue Mountains 705-445-0440 • www.remax-bluemountain.com Hours: 7 days a week, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

STONETREE NATUROPATHIC CLINIC

Collingwood’s largest naturopathic clinic has moved to a heritage building in downtown Collingwood. After an extensive renovation, the new clinic offers a bright and inviting space for patients, says Tara Gignac, ND, founder and clinic director. “We’re excited to be able to stay downtown, and finally offer free parking. We were limited in our office hours at our previous space, but we’ve already opened some evening hours here and they’re filling up fast. We’ve also added a wheelchair ramp, which is going to be increasingly important as people age and our patient numbers continue to grow. With four busy naturopathic doctors, we were starting to outgrow our old home; it’s great to invite our patients into such a wonderful space.” StoneTree Naturopathic Clinic provides naturopathic services, IV therapies, laboratory testing, colon hydrotherapy and nutritional counselling. The larger space provides room for more specialty health products, and Gignac says she hopes to offer a selection of healthy foods that fit the diet requirements of patients, including gluten- or dairy-free meals that are healthy, organic and easy to prepare. “That will make it far easier for our patients to stick to their treatment plans,” she notes. 27 Third Street, Collingwood 705-444-5331 • www.StoneTreeClinic.com Hours: Mon. 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Tues. – Thurs. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Fri. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

THORNBURY FOODLAND

Thornburyites can rejoice – the highly anticipated new Foodland store has opened! Residents are thrilled with the huge, bright, 35,000-square-foot store on Arthur Street (Hwy. 26) at the west end of Thornbury. “Not only has the size tripled, but the offering and services have tripled as well,” says Brian Leduc, who owns and operates the store with his wife, Susan. “This location is the new prototype for the Foodland banner going forward. Our location is the first to have an in-store pizzeria, deep fried chicken, sushi bar, antipasto bar, large hot and cold meals to go, massive cheese and fresh cut salad/fruit departments, large bulk selection, full isle of health and wellness products including frozen and refrigerated, a sitdown, eat-in area, and so much more.” This is also the first Foodland in Ontario to have a 60-40 split – 60 per cent fresh food such as meats, seafood, deli and produce, and 40 per cent grocery. The store has doubled the size of its staff, and provides full service in all fresh departments, as well as carry-out service to the large, spacious parking lot, which also houses a new LCBO store due to open soon. 105 Arthur St. W., Thornbury 519-599-3077 • www.foodland.ca Hours: Open 24 hours, 7 days a week ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

Helping you is what we do. 705.444.1420

Trinity Realty

•

1.800.610.4868

www.trinity-realty.com

Brokerage, Independently Owned & Operated

GREAT VALUE

BLUE MTN VILLAGE

LOVELY WASAGA MEADOWS

LOTS OF POTENTIAL

WALNUT WOODS

THE FOREST BUILDING LOT

Located on a quiet street, this 1 bdrm like new bungalow ranch home boasts many upgrades.

Great value in the ‘Grand Georgian’. This spacious 1 bdrm 2nd floor condo is well located.

Open concept 2 bdrm 1 ½ bath end unit in adult community. tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/461374

Spacious 4 bdrm, 1 ½ bath 2 storey end unit in quiet neighbourhood. Many upgrades.

Fabulous 2 bdrm unit, open concept floor plan with south facing balcony, 7 appliances.

Admiral School district, cul-desac of executive class homes, municipal water at lot line.

$169,900 Sandy Shannon** 705.445.7833

$185,000 Debbie Bunston* 705.444.2925

$194,900 Katia Abaimova* 705.888.8979

Barbara McCowan** 705.443.9784

$215,000

$228,000 Sara White** 705.828.6202

$248,800 Jane Moysey** 705.888.1982

2 ACRES OF PRIVACY

HEART OF BLUE MOUNTAIN

LUXURY CONDO

4 SEASON PARADISE

WELCOME TO CRAIGLEITH

LIVE IN ELEGANCE

Near Dunedin renovated 1 bdrm home includes 16 x 24 ft barn and 18 x 52 ft workshop.

Fabulous 3 bdrm, 3 bath condo unit with tons of natural light. tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/418304

2 bdrm, 2 bath open concept with 70 sqft of private balcony. Close to skiing, golfing & shops.

Private neighbourhood, treed building lot 90 feet x 222.93 feet near rare sandy beach.

This 4 bdrm with wonderful makings of a family home or 4 season retreat. 87 x 175’ lot.

Classic craftsmanship in this 3 bdrm century home boasting extensive improvements.

$259,900 Fran Webster* 705.444.9081

$262,000 Jenna Davis* 705.888.6365

$342,900 Greg Syrota** 705.446.8082

$349,900 Shelly Paul** 705.888.0225

$355,000 Melanie Moss* 705.888.1578

$359,000 Linda Murphy* 705.351.1420

WATERFRONT

CUSTOM BUILT

CORE COLLINGWOOD

LUXURIOUS CONDO

4 SEASON LIVING

CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN

On the shores of Georgian Bay this 1 bdrm cute Craigleith chalet boasts amazing views.

1700 sqft of main floor living in this upgraded 3 bdrm 2 bath home plus drywalled basement.

Opportunity knocks with this 1680 sqft all brick building with 185 ft frontage & 183 ft depth.

Beautiful open concept 3 bdrm, 3 bath villa. Spectacular lifestyle. myvisuallistings.com/vt/162374

3+ bdrm, 4 bath waterfront townhome with sandy private beach & breathtaking views.

Great family style Victorian home with 3 generous bdrms, 3 full baths, on landscaped lot.

$388,000 Connie O’Shell** 705.444.3154

Candace Armstrong* 705.817.1007

Larry Reid*

$449,000 705.293.0898

Lorraine McDonald* 705.444.4216

$465,000

$499,000 Dana Calder** 705.441.3607

PERFECT LOCATION

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED

LIVE LIFE ON THE BAY

VIEW OF THE MOUNTAINS

VILLA AT LORA BAY

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

Beautifully maintained open concept 3+1 bdrm, 2 bath home. tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/401829

Relax in this 4 bdrm 4 bath home with over 3700 sqft. myvisuallistings.com/vt/185830

Gorgeous Beachcomber loft model. 3 bdrm, 3 bath home on prime lot backing on to pond.

Stunning 6 bdrm, 4 bath home boasts slate and oak flooring throughout.

Beautiful and bright 3 bdrm, 2 ½ bath open concept end unit.

Ranch bungalow boasts 4646 sqft, 5 bdrm, 3 ½ bath, set on large private lot close to schools.

$528,000 Rebecca Cormier* 705.888.5100

Deb Saunders-Chatwin*

$574,900 705.443.2191

Brenda Armstrong** 705.828.4571

Larry Reid*

BEAUTIFUL & CUSTOM

AN IDYLLIC RETREAT

BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE

OVERLOOKING COLLINGWOOD

SET ON 3 ACRES

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

Modern and sleek 3 bdrm, 3 spa bath loft townhouse loaded with upgrades and parking for 4.

Incredible 4 bdrm, 2 ½ bath open concept country style.

150 acres of breathtaking country side. Explore the many opportunities this farm provides.

Unique 26.64 acre parcel with approved re-zoning & building envelope for single family home.

One of the finest family homes in our area! Space abounds in this 5 bdrm, 4 ½ bath country estate.

This 4+ acre property has the potential for medium density residential development.

$729,000

$1,200,000 Melissa Cairns* 705.888.0860

Barbara McCowan** 705.443.9784

$1,400,000

$1,400,000 John Kirby* 705.441.0117

Jill Does*

$699,000 Tara Parsons* 705.888.8272

$390,000

tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/394981

Cheryl J. Morrison*** 705.444.1420

$419,900 705.606.0955

$585,900

Graig King*

$599,900 705.443.2351

Katia Abaimova*

Brenda Armstrong**

Candace Armstrong*

Debbie Bunston*

Melissa Cairns*

Dana Calder**

Brenda Caswell*

Rebecca Cormier*

Jenna Davis*

Anne McRae*

Cheryl J. Morrison***

Melanie Moss*

Jane Moysey**

Linda Murphy*

Connie O’Shell**

Tara Parsons*

Shelly Paul**

Larry Reid*

* Sales Representative

** Broker

*** Broker of Record

tour.thevirtualtourcompany.ca/361539

Graig King*

Jill Does*

Deb Saunders-Chatwin*

$615,000 705.293.0898

John Kirby*

$690,000 705.441.0117

$1,449,000 705.331.3341

Graig King*

John Kirby*

Barbara McCowan**

Lorraine McDonald*

Sandy Shannon**

Greg Syrota**

Fran Webster*

Sara White**

Why Choose Chestnut Park?

The combination of our stellar reputation, local expertise, meaningful community connections and the international reach of our global marketing programs makes Chestnut Park unique in the Southern Georgian Bay, Owen Sound, Wiarton, Toronto, Muskoka, Haliburton, Huntsville, and Prince Edward County areas. MOUNTAIN LUXURY PANORAMIC BAY VIEWS

CLIFFSIDE SERENITY

$2,749,000

JOIN US! April 1st-3rd 2016

CHESTNUT PARK Proud to support

ARTS & CULTURE in Southern Georgian Bay

$2,299,000

Magnificent property on 42 acres w/pond & panoramic views of Georgian Bay. Over 7,200 sq ft, 6 beds, 4 baths. Architecturally designed & mins to all 4 Season amenities. MLS ®1548289

Secluded custom built home abutting prestigious Georgian Bay Golf Club, acre+ natural wood setting overlooking Georgian Bay. 6,200 sq ft finished. Open concept Great Rm w/soaring ceiling/woodburning fireplace/Gourmet Kitchen/wrap around stone patio. Main flr master plus 4 Guest Beds. MLS®1600966

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

SCOTCH MOUNTAIN

$1,999,000

$1,950,000

SPECTACULAR WATERFRONT

$1,495,000

Award winning historic Georgian stone home on 100 picturesque acres. Panoramic views, stocked pond, modern barn and 3 + garage, guest cabin and more!

Prime 83.16 acres fronting on the corner of Sixth Street and Osler Bluff Road. Commanding views to the mountain. A great location for a future development or personal retreat.

Dave Armstrong* dave@chestnutpark.com 905.713.9414

Soak up breathtaking views across Georgian Bay from a professionally landscaped backyard w/waterside deck. Over 3,200 sq ft, 4 Beds. Immaculate throughout and only minutes to Collingwood. MLS®1543399

Martin Kilby** 705.444.4483

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

PRESTIGIOUS SNOWBRIDGE CLOSE TO VILLAGE AT BLUE

SAVE THE DATE CHESTNUT PARK’S

6th Annual

Fall Showcase OF HOMES

$1,399,000

PEACEFUL RURAL RETREAT

$1,299,000

Views to Blue Mountain ski hills/golf course from this stunning property. Over 5,400 sq ft finished. 2 storey Great Rm/Gourmet Kitchen/upgraded appliances/high end finishes. 4 beds including oversized Master suite w/balcony/5PC en-suite. Expansive open concept living. Professionally landscaped/oversized patio/hot-tub. MLS®1600079 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Idyllic property on 53 acres/abutting Pretty River Provincial Park yet mins to Collingwood. Open concept, vaulted ceilings, separate Guest Cottage. Tennis court, Pond and Children’s playground. MLS®1556214 Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

RARE OPPORTUNITY

SECONDS TO OSLER BLUFF SKI CLUB

September 24th, 2016

$1,299,000

Exceptional Pan-a-bode Log chalet a short walk to the north chair at Blue Mountain & Toronto Ski Club. 5 bedrooms all w/ ensuites, total 6 full bathrooms. Gourmet kitchen. 2 large dining rooms, 1 formal, 1 casual. Master has 4 pc ensuite, walk in closet & 18 ft. covered deck. Games/family room w/ 15 ft. bar & billiards table. 4 gas fireplaces, club size sauna, hot tub. 14 ft. x 35 ft. formed fiberglass salt-water pool with in floor cleaning system. Screened sun porch. 10 ft. x 20 ft. attached workshop. MLS®1559350

John M. Kacmar** 705.446.4152

$975,000

Charming century square cut log home on almost 1 acre w/fantastic views of Georgian Bay. Recent upgrades inc: UV/ water systems, furnace, plumbing, kitchen, windows / doors, spray foam insulation, completely re-wired, deck and more! MLS®1536614 Judy Crompton** 705.444.9312

www.chestnutpark.com | 705.445.5454 CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE 393 FIRST STREET, SUITE 100 COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO L9Y 1B3

Why choose Chestnut Park?

As an exclusive affiliate of Christies International Real Estate and as one of Ontario’s leading luxury real estate companies, you know you’ll be working with professional REALTORS® who are the best at what they do. EXCEPTIONAL HOME

WATERFRONT LUXURY

$949,000

$925,000

Private location surrounded by mature trees, close to the shores of Georgian Bay. Over 4,300 sq ft finished living space this exceptional home w/Gourmet Chefs Kitchen, main flr master, Library, Media/Games Rm is close to private golf/ski clubs. MLS ®1536614 Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

Immaculate 3 Bed waterfront condo loaded w/ upgrades. Over 2,100 sq ft w/heated marble/ hardwood mahogany flrs, granite counters, custom cabinetry, top end appliances. Pool & Hot-tub. MLS®1600765 Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

50 ACRES + 3400 sq.ft. CENTURY HOME

BLUE HORIZON LUXURY HOMES

$850,000

Restored 1890’s farm house with Net Zero solar system, geothermal heating and cooling. 5 bdrms, 2 baths, new addition w/ 4 car garage, managed forest, streams and horse stalls in the barn. Located minutes to Meaford MLS® 1557032 David Rowlands** 705.321.8717

From $799,000

9 new views of Blue. Exceptional 4 and 5 bedroom mountain homes with magnificent four-season mountain views, a stroll from the Blue Mountain Village. Stunning light filled open concept interiors. Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

2 FAMILY CHALET IN BANKS

$649,000

23 acres in the Hamlet of Banks. New septic, well, 200 amp service. 40 x 45 ft. barn that could have multi-use. Home is well- suited for two families. Two separate living areas, each with kitchen and family room. Hot tub, sauna. Ponds and mature trees. Possible small horse farm potential. MLS®1549164

John M. Kacmar** 705.446.4152

CEDAR STREET CHARMER

VISIT eyespyfarm.ca

$895,000

Stone house on 50 rolling acres w/ sweeping panoramic views. 5 bedroom, 3 bath home w/ 3600 sq. ft. offers a main floor bdrm, laundry & family room 4 km north of Creemore, close to Mad River Golf Club and Devils Glen Ski Club. MLS®21602506

$649,000

$624,000

$894,000

Cheryl MacLaurin* 705.446.8005 Rob McAleer* 705.888.3981

Builders/Developers 2.3 Acre opportunity in fast growing area of Collingwood. Over 2,600 sq ft finished this renovated family home w/original features/open floor plan and 3 Beds is within walking distance of downtown. MLS®582610261 Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

www.ReadHilton.com

COBBLE BEACH GOLF CLUB!

$795,000

Constructed to the smallest detail by Scott Hay Handcrafted Log Homes 3 Bdrm, 3 Bath, Tastefully landscaped on a large 9 Acre Lot, just south of Eugenia. Stocked swimming pond, w/dock, night lighting, and the Bruce Trail and more. MLS®1556866

$675,000

Read Hilton* 705.351.8100

Overlooking the signature 17th Hole and with expansive views of Georgian Bay, this 1/2 acre property with 110` of frontage is one of the finest building lots currently available. Cobble Beach is Georgian Bay`s extraordinary waterfront Golf Resort Community. MLS®420358002045000 Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996 davemoyer@chestnutpark.com

ONE OF A KIND BUNGALOW LOFT

SNOWBRIDGE ON GOLF COURSE

$649,000

$625,000

Gorgeous 3+1 bedroom corner Bungalow Loft Townhome in the exclusive Enclave of “Blue Fairway.” Main Floor Master. Upgrades galore – 2 fireplaces, California shutters. Large deck w/ walk out from Master & Dining room. Professionally fin. Bsmt. MLS® 1558647 Joan Malbeuf* 705.888.0663

Cozy single family home in the prestigious Snowbridge community located on the golf course with mountain views and a creek running by the side. Sit out in the screened in porch and soak it all up. MLS®1601545

B&B POTENTIAL

CIRCA 1870

CLOSE TO PRIVATE SKI CLUBS

Stately red brick Victorian located in the heart of town. Original craftsmanship throughout the 9 bdrms on 3 levels. Recent upgrades to kitchen, roof, eaves, soffits, updated bathrooms, flooring, heating system & many new windows. MLS® 1554101.

COLLINGWOOD CENTURY HOME

Jennifer Ridsdale ** 705.888.4636

$524,900

$450,000

Delightful chalet on oversized mature treed lot. Open concept/2 storey stone wood burning fireplace. 1,900 sq ft, 4 Beds, patio for seasonal entertaining. Awaits your personal touch. MLS®1600402

Unique property in Collingwood close to all 4 Season activities. 3 Beds, attached garage, almost half an acre w/landscaped gardens and waterfall feature. MLS®1555525

Country living with natural gas and perfect design for extended/large family. Upgraded with many original features maintained. 4 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths, gas fireplace & central air. 8 minutes to Owen Sound & Meaford shops and hospitals. MLS®1553596

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

Heather Garner* 705.888.0758

Sue Mallett* 705.444.7181

Sandee Roberts** 705.446.7775

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage

Dave Armstrong*

Ilse Ayers**

Diana Berdini**

Office Manager

Michael Biggins**

Gail Crawford*

Judy Crompton**

Mona Deschamps*

Heather Garner*

Read Hilton*

Ellen Jarman*

John Kacmar**

Sales Representative **Broker

Martin Kilby**

Stefanie Kilby*

Anita Lauer*

Cheryl MacLaurin*

THE WOODS AT APPLEJACK

APPLEJACK $450,000

INVESTMENT POTENTIAL

$449,000

VIEW OF GEORGIAN BAY

$439,000

BREATHTAKING VIEW!!

$389,900

Charming and cozy log home with open concept, stone surround wood burning fireplace, cathedral ceiling, granite counters. Ask me about revenue potential! Close to Thornbury, Meaford and ski hills! MLS®1552924 Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

Renovated bungalow on 2 acres with pond overlooking Georgian Bay. Features 3 bedroom, 2.5 baths, great room w/ vaulted ceiling, 2 wood burning fireplaces & lower level family room with walkout. Short walk to beach.

Panoramic view of Georgian Bay, Meaford harbour & the Niagara Escarpment from this 3.38 acre property, Recent upgrades to the geo-thermally heated house inc. furnace, architectural shingles, hardwood flooring & windows. MLS®1558807

Carol Whyne* 705.441.6709

Michael Biggins** 705.378.6336

TRIPLEX INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY

YEAR ROUND ENJOYMENT!

15 MINUTES FROM OWEN SOUND

KALEIDOSCOPE VIEW

Great investment opportunity on a Collingwood “tree street” just 3 blocks from downtown on a full town lot. Two- 2 bedroom apartments and One – 1 bedroom apartment, currently tenanted. Tenants pay own utilities & maintain snow removal.

$374,900

$349,000 Very large brick bungalow on a private 1+ acre country lot! 3 bdrms/3 baths & many upgrades inc. geo thermal furnace, kitchen appliances & hardwood flooring throughout main floor. 24` x 30` shop w/ hydro and inside pool for year round enjoyment!! MLS®1600452

Very spacious 4 bedroom bungalow with walkout basement situated on a picturesque 150`x400` lot with its own spring-fed pond, meticulously kept grounds & southwest exposure & a short walk or bike ride to the shores of Georgian Bay.

Unforgettable view of the Bay on 2.5 AC , 2000 sq ft bungalow, w/ 3bdrms 2.5 bths , grd flr fam rm , sauna & inside hot tub within 5 min of Meaford groc, hospital, beaches & marina. MLS®1542040.

Ellen Jarman* 705.441.2630

Dave Armstrong* 905.713.9414

Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996 davemoyer@chestnutpark.com

Sue Mallett* 705.444.7181

CONTEMPORARY CHALET

LAKE EUGENIA

LOT IN THE BLUE MOUNTAINS

THORNBURY BUILDING LOT

YOUR THORNBURY CONDO SEARCH WILL END HERE. 2000 + sq ft 4 bdrm 3.5 bth open concept bungalow loft w/grd flr master, 2 gas fp, eat in kitchen, finished rec rm w/sauna for 6. Pool and tennis. MLS®1603689 Sue Mallett* 705.444.7181

$319,000

$279,000

$349,000

$249,000

$109,000

3 bdrms / WATER VIEWS & spectacular sunrises over Georgian Bay. Relax by the fireplace in the open concept living/dining/ kitchen or enjoy the multiple decks. Be one with nature immersed in views of the Escarpment, Bay and diverse wildlife. MLS®420362000721404

Fantastic 4 bed / 2 bath cottage steps from lake access w/ above ground pool, wrap around deck, large lot. Well maintained, open concept, full kitchen, separate dining room, wood stove, detached garage. Winter rental potential. MLS®1601721

Build your 4 Season retreat on this level lot surrounded by mature trees. Close to Alpine & Craigleith ski clubs & short drive to Blue Mountain. MLS® 20142829

Build your Dream retirement/home on this treed lot in a sought after neighbourhood. Walk to shops and restaurants in Thornbury. Close to ski clubs, golf courses and Thornbury marina. Call for details. MLS®371400502

Dave Moyer* 519.379.1996 davemoyer@chestnutpark.com

Gail Crawford* 705.445.3751

Barb Picot* 705.444.3452

Ron Picot* 705.446.8580

“OUR ASSOCIATION WITH CHRISTIE’S DIFFERENTIATES CHESTNUT PARK IN THE ONTARIO LUXURY REAL ESTATE MARKETPLACE. Chestnut Park clients are drawn to the global platform we are able to provide through our relationship with Christie’s. The International Referral Network afforded to us by our exclusive affiliation with Christie’s has been of great benefit. Our exclusive connection to this long established luxury brand and access to the best real estate agents in the world gives us a crucial competitive edge in today’s luxury marketplace.” CHRIS KAPCHES LLB, PRESIDENT AND CEO, BROKER OF RECORD CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage

Joan Malbeuf*

Sue Mallett*

Rob McAleer*

Dave Moyer*

Maggi Olson*

Barbara Picot*

Ron Picot*

Jennifer Ridsdale**

Sandee Roberts**

David Rowlands**

Chris Stevenson*

Gary Taylor**

Brendan Thomson*

Sales Representative **Broker

Barbara Thompson*

Carol Whyne*

Paige Young*

$164,900

$884,900

Great Floor Plan

Lora Bay Home on the Ridge

$619,000

$319,000

New Custom Home in Thornbury

Private Retreat, Almost 20 Acres

• 2 bdrms, 2 baths

• 3 bdrms, 3 baths

• 3 bdrms, 2 baths

• 1,050 sq.ft.

• 2,382 sq.ft.

• 2,090 sq.ft.

• 1,456 sq.ft.

Drew Easterbrook 705-446-7611

Helen Kimble 705-446-7146

Holly Richardson 705-441-0346

Nancy Agnew & Stan Kukla 705-446-7976

$299,000

$479,900

Build Your Dream Home

$379,000

Stunning Bungalow Loft

$579,000

Luxury Townhome

www.232LakeshoreRdSouth.com

• Panoramic Views 2.64 Acres

• 4 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths

• 2+1 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths

• 3+1 bdrms, 3 1/2 baths

• MLS®1601733

• 3,060 sq.ft.

• 1,770 sq.ft.

• 3,050 sq.ft.

Lorraine Bull 705-446-5034

Doug Fraser & Monika Gibson 705-607-0445

Betty Hancey 705-444-4139

Jim Chapman 705-446-7733

$849,000

$699,900

7 Plus Acres

$849,900

Restored Swiss Style Chalet

$399,900

Equestrian Centre

Stunning Bluewater

• 3 bdrms, 1 baths

• 5 bdrms, 2 baths

• 4 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths

• 3 bdrms, 3 baths

• 1,400 sq.ft.

• 2,880 sq.ft.

• 86 acres

• 1,830 sq.ft.

John Seymour 705-888-1155

Maureen Light 705-896-1027

Jen Scholte 705-444-4949

Connie & Bill Thompson 705-888-0808

$574,000

$364,900

Waterfront Family Retreat

$699,900

$1,899,000

Luxury Townhome Wasaga Beach

Equestrian Paradise

Excellent Getaway

• 3 bdrms, 3 baths

• 3 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths

• 6 bdrms, 5 baths

• 4 bdrms, 1 1/2 baths

• 1,900 sq.ft.

• 1,576 sq.ft.

• 5,136 sq.ft.

• 92 acres

Carole Kneeshaw 705-790-1463

Deb Fittler 705-888-8045

Brad Gabriel 905-379-RIDE

Doug Fraser & Monika Gibson 705-441-6810

COLLINGWOOD 705 w w w. 4 4 5 5 6 4 THORNBURY 519 w w w. 5 9 9 3

MILLENNIUM

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. facebook.com/ C21Millennium

www.joinjoanne.ca

C o l l i n g w o o d

™

T h o r n b u r y

300.COM

WASAGA BEACH 705 w w w. 4 2 9 2 1 2 1

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Getting Sold in Collingwood & Thornbury

SUPER EFFICIENT NEW HoME

MoNTERRA RIdGE

CollINGWood

A lITTlE PIECE oF PARAdISE

ICF Construction, 3+ bedrooms, 3 baths.

3 bedroom, 1763 sq. ft. end unit.

2 storey, 6 bedroom, 3 bath red brick.

Overlooking the Beaver River.

$799,000

MLS®#1601769

Lorraine Champion* 705-441-3642

705-443-7911/705-446-5466

Red brick farm house with 40’ x 75’ shop.

MLS®#1557673

Alan Robert Ewing* 705-444-9778

Private setting - views of Georgian Bay.

MLS®#1601796

Jean Rowe* 705-444-4035

135 ft. waterfront on Sunset Blvd.

$2,800,000

MLS®#1559596

BlUE MoUNTAIN 3 bedroom traditional chalet.

$637,000

MLS®#1602628

Coral Robinson** 705-446-4748

dEVIl’S GlEN

MCKEAN SUBdIVISIoN

3040 sq. ft. chalet with 5 bedrooms.

$539,000

FRENCH CoUNTRY SToNE HoME

Donna Vande Beek* 705-888-0103

loCATIoN loCATIoN!! $799,000

MLS®#1602290

Mark Veer**/ Mary Riopelle*

APPRoXIMATElY 17 ACRES $569,900

$529,900

MLS®#1602782

Greg Grossmann* 705-443-7093

3 bdrms, 2 1/2 baths, economical heating.

$489,000

MLS®#1602293

Blair Thompson** 705-446-8507

four seasons realty limited, Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated

$579,900

MLS®#1602888

CUSToM BUIlT BUNGAloW 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, gourmet kitchen.

MLS®#1559594

58 ACRES - BEAVER VAllEY Rd 4 bedroom, 2 bath country home.

$899,000

MLS®#1602009

Todd Brooker**

Judith Traynor** 705-446-8977

705-888-1818

WYldEWood - ToP FlooR UNIT Elevator. Heated outdoor pool. Mtn views.

$279,000

MLS®#1541917

Dennis Klinsky** 705-443-9794

Dustin Doyon* 705-795-2727

$759,000

$449,900

MLS®#1603030

WAlK To THE SKI HIllS 3 bedroom chalet in great location.

$749,000

MLS®#1601859

Colleen Flynn**/Bill Flynn*

Brad Williams**

705-446-5006/705-441-3163

705-444-4646

2 ACRE PARCEl WITH VIEWS 2 storey, 3 bedroom, 2 bath home.

$459,900

Rosanna Balloi* 705-606-0267

MLS®#1602649

CoMPlETElY RENoVATEd CHAlET 3 bedrooms plus den. Oversized garage.

$649,000

MLS®#1603620

Bob Allan* 705-606-0166

67 First St., Collingwood 705-445-8500 47 Bruce St., Thornbury 519-599-2600 *sales representative **broker ***broker of record

Visit us in our NEW COLLINGWOOD LOCATION...... 306-10 KEITH AVE. in CRANBERRY MEWS Welcome to Clairwood “Clairwood Real Estate feels like HOME. Everyone in the oﬃce is friendly and willing to share their expertise. I know that this will help me make sure my clients are given the best experience possible. Clairwood’s reputation for attention to detail and putting the customer 1st is a perfect match for my business style. I am very excited to be a part of the Clairwood Team!” DEBBIE COLLINS** debbiecollinssellshomes@ gmail.com

IT’S ABOUT VALUE...... CAN YOU REALLY AFFORD NOT TO CHOOSE CLAIRWOOD REAL ESTATE??

MAUREEN GOWANS***

MaureenGowans@ clairwoodrealestate.com

MELANIE MCBRIDE*

MelMcb@gmail.com

EMMA BAKER** Emma@ sellingbluemountain.com

GERRY MCINTYRE*

GerardMcintyre@icloud.com

KIMBERLY BRINE*

Kimberlysells@live.ca

KAREN POSHTAR*

KPoshtar@rogers.com

AGGIE DAVIDSON*

PAUL GATT*

HELEN LIGHTBODY*

AggieDavidson@rogers.com

Paul.Gatt@rogers.com

Helen@helenlightbody.com

CHRISTINE RICE*

SHERRY RIOUX**

CHERYL WEATHERALL*

ChristineDRice@gmail.com

SherryRioux@rogers.com

CherylWeatherall@gmail.com

MICHAEL MAISH

Michael@michaelmaish.com

ANNE YOUNG*

AnneSpencerYoung@gmail.com

* Salesperson ** Broker *** Broker of Record

TOLL FREE 877.445.7085 COLLINGWOOD

TORONTO

BEAVER VALLEY

705.445.7085

416.642.1429

519.599.1195

TO L L

FRE E

877. 4 45. 7085

EXPAND, FLOURISH THRIVE, GROW… SPRING! EXPERIENCE OUR SERVICE Custom Home w/Views 2+3 bdrms., 5 baths, 4,310 sq. ft. fin. $1,690,000 Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

In-law Suite w/ Sep Entrance

5 bdrms., 4 baths, 3,142 sq. ft. fin. $499,000 Sherry Rioux** 705-443-2793

Meaford Waterfront Bungalow

2 bdrms., 2 baths, 1,140 sq. ft. $549,000 Paul Gatt* 705-446-6627

Adorable Affordable Condo

2 bdrms., 2 baths, 1,206 sq. ft. $219,000 Aggie Davidson* 705-441-4711

Beaver Valley – 35 Acres

Building Permit. Hydro & house plans avail. $258,000 Helen Lightbody* 519-477-1144

Executive Family Chalet

5 bdrms., 3.5 baths, 3,824 sq. ft. fin. $1,349,000 Kimberly Brine* 416-708-6644

Acreage Near Osler

Backing onto Meadow & Pond

Peaks Meadows

Beaver Valley Condo

Blue Mountain Resort

Build your Dream Home

7+1 bdrms., 3.5 baths, 5,159 sq. ft. fin. $1,690,000 Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

3 bdrms., 1 bath, 1,050 sq. ft. $148,000 Michael Maish* 705-606-5814

What a View!

4 bdrms., 2 baths, 1,695 sq. ft. $729,000 Karen Poshtar* 705-443-0351

Peace & Tranquility

3 bdrms., 4.5 baths, 3,300 sq. ft. $419,000 Cheryl Weatherall* 519-373-6664

4 bdrms., 2.5 baths, 3,032 sq. ft. $569,000 Sherry Rioux** 705-443-2793

Waterview lot, 95’ x 175’ $399,000 Debbie Collins** 519-777-1390

I have buyers for your Blue Mountain Village property. Melanie McBride* 519-670-6357

Lora Bay Lot, 76’ x 126’ $150,000 Gerry McIntyre* 705-888-5033

Devil’s Glen

Bungalow Heated Shop

4 bdrms., 3 baths, 3,745 sq. ft. fin. $850,000 Emma Baker** 705-444-3989

Close to Ski Hill

7 bdrms., 5 baths, 3,750 sq. ft. fin. $925,000 Anne Young* 705-994-2566

T O L L F R E E 877. 4 45. 7085 C L A I R W O O D R E A L E S TAT E . C O M

2 bdrms., 2 baths, 1.7 acres, 1,400 sq. ft. $299,999 Christine Rice* 226-668-4797

37.5 Scenic Acres

5 bdrms., 4.5 baths, 6,600 sq. ft. fin. $2,675,000 Sherry Rioux** 705-443-2793

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

Visit us at ClairwoodRealEstate.com

PROUDLY SERVING COLLINGWOOD, BLUE MOUNTAIN & THORNBURY

FEATURED PROPERTY

Beautiful chalet walking distance to Blue Mountain Village $699,000

Gerry Wayland Owner/ Broker of Record

Andrea Wright

Sales Representative

Trish Duncan

Sales Representative

Debbie Pearce

Sales Representative

Maggie Smyth

Sales Representative

LISTING, BUYING, OR RENTING? Call 705-445-0440 or visit our website

REMAX-BLUEMOUNTAIN.COM or visit our office in... Blue Mountain Village next to Starbucks *Nobody in the world sells more real estate than RE/MAX 速

Jessica Shaw

Administrative Assistant / Contract Coordinator

Doug Gillis Broker

Top 100 RE/MAX Agents in Canada

1999, 2000, 2002, 2011, 2013, 2014 Jan to Nov and 2015.

A track record of excellence

www.douggillis.ca

Direct: 705.444.3853 | doug@douggillis.ca

GEORGIAN WOODLANDS

NEW PRICE

$749,900

138 St. Moritz 3

$1,095,000

3/1

5,384 Total FT2

3+1

Building lot on cul-de-sac GEORGIAN BAY CLUB

3/1

3,194 Total FT

148 Stone Zack Lane Blue Mountains

MagniďŹ cent, large lot w/views of Georgian Bay

3,464 Total FT

1120 Sixth Street Clearview 2

11+ ACRE ESTATE

795789 Grey Road 19 Collingwood

Future Development Potential DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL

Development Potential ALTA SUBDIVISION

$1,449,000

$1,195,000

627492 119 Grey Road Blue Mountains 4

4/1

6,493 Total FT2

BUILDING SITE WITH VIEW

$999,000

1,211 Total FT

Collingwood 2

Lot 53 Alta Road Blue Mountains

Building Lot w/ Mnt View

Lt 10 Pt 3 19 Grey Road

15+ Acres

6.7 Acres

8.3 Acres

Direct:

705.444.3853

316839 3rd D Line Grey Highlands 7

6/1

5,275 Total FT2

CLOSE TO ALPINE SKI CLUB

$995,000

9-109 Alpine Springs Ct. Blue Mountains 5

Blue Mountains

3,600 Total FT2

99 ACRES

$199,000

Lt 10 Pt 2 19 Grey Road

four seasons realty limited, Brokerage 67 First Street, Collingwood

$2,700,000

BUILDING SITE WITH VIEW

$189,000 Blue Mountains

100 ACRE VIEW PROPERTY

$349,000

Lot 62 19 Grey Road Blue Mountains

4,395 Total FT2

$2,495,000

Blue Mountains

45+ ACRES

453 Hume St.

99 ACRES

589214 19 Grey Road 2/1

$899,000

Blue Mountains

$679,000

3,700 Total FT2

COMMERCIAL

132 Teskey Drive

RECENTLY REDUCED

$1,199,000

(Including Guesthouse)

4/1

$499,900

Blue Mountains

LAKE ACCESS

216 Snowbridge Way

105 Hemlock Court

Grey Highlands

2,670 Total FT2

$875,000

$329,000

196093 Grey Road 7

Collingwood

BACKS ONTO GOLF COURSE

CLOSE TO ALPINE SKI CLUB

$1,995,000

243 Hurontario St.

Blue Mountains 2,270 Total FT2

50 ACRE VALLEY RETREAT

$479,000

144 Craigleith Road

Blue Mountains 5

COMMERCIAL

$1,299,000

998296 8th Line Mulmur 4

2,400 Total FT2

For additional photos and details of all my listings visit

Experienced. Professional. Client-focused. We are your Southern Georgian Bay real estate team. Expand your real estate knowledge and follow us on the Peak FM, Facebook and Twitter for insightful updates and advice. When it comes time to buy or sell your home, choose Windstone Real Estate - your competitive edge!

FOUR BEDROOM hOME in ThE PRESTiGiOUS GEORGiAn WOODlAnDS

Just steps to Georgian Bay and minutes to the Alpine and Craigleith ski slopes. This home, nestled on over half an acre, is an ideal weekend getaway or full-time residence with: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, a total of 2,956 sq. ft, large laundry room, extra storage, outdoor shed and workshop, sauna, landscape lighting and more.

$719,000

MlS 1603879

150965_Hanson_AP-TC_FL.pdf

15-08-11

10:18 AM

WElCOME TO SilVER GlEn PRESERVE

This property is minutes from Craigleith, Alpine and the Village and walking distance to the Bay. A cozy home exists on site that could be renovated, or build the custom home of your dreams in this picturesque setting.

RED BRiCk CEnTURY FARMhOUSE On 12 ACRES

WYlDEWOOD GROUnD lEVEl 3 BEDROOM

Rare opportunity to acquire a red brick century farmhouse on 12 acres just minutes to Collingwood. The five-bedroom home still with many of the original features.

A premium ground floor 3 bedroom unit with 2 patios backing onto the Georgian trail. home boasts a upgraded kitchen with an open concept living/dining, 5’ x 3’ storage locker and 2 deeded parking spaces.

$479,000 MlS 1547564

$800,000

$295,000 MlS 1604070

3 ACRES On lAkEShORE RD EAST

A 3 bedroom end unit complete with numerous upgrades including a finished basement with and three-piece bathroom. Enjoy access to the recreation centre with outdoor in-ground pool, sauna, exercise room and entertaining lounge.

$329,000 MlS 1602728

1-888-990-9120 | 705-444 -9527

RiCk WilES

JEFF DAViS

Broker F.R.i.

Broker SRES® ABR®

647-839-9582

705-441-6001

TOVAh SOChA

CinTOn ROChE

CAMillA PATTEn

Salesperson

Administrator

Salesperson

Marketing & Project Manager

416-799-5050

705-444-9527

416-209-6398

705-790-8702

ChRiSTinE BREnnAn

kEiTh hUll

Owner | Salesperson

Broker of Record

705-444-9527

705-444-4855

ROB hOlROYD

ChRiS ASSAFF

nATAliA DiAMOnD

Salesperson

705-8 1 8-2040

705-446-6440

info@windstonerealestate.com 524 First Street, Collingwood

windstonerealestate.com

Windstone Real Estate, Brokerage. independently owned and operated.

READER BUYING GUIDE For more information, link directly to Our Advertisers at www.onthebaymagazine.com ACCOMMODATION

Leuk Page 57

Clarke’s Tree Spade Services Page 53

Cranberry Golf Resort & Conference Centre Page 37

Shoe Kat Shoo Page 77

Concrete FX Page 53

Clairwood Real Estate Corporation Brokerage Page 104, 105

Squire John’s Page 57

Eagles Weed Control & Lawn Service Page 53

Re/Max at Blue Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 103

Georgian Bay Hotel & Conference Centre Page 43

Wasaga Casual Wear & Boutique Page 57

Garden Holistics Page 81

ANIMAL/PET SERVICES

FLOORING

Stayner Pet Centre Page 94

Dean’s Carpet One Page 73

Kettlewells Garden Centre Page 75

Floorcrafters Page 60

Maple Leaves Forever Page 84

Meaford Carpets & Interiors Page 62

Maxwell Garden Centre Page 83

Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Page 106 Re/Max Four Seasons Realty Ltd., Brokerage Doug Gillis Page 29, 107 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 18, 19, 25 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc. Chris Keleher Page 3 Royal LePage Locations North Realty Inc. Vicki Bell Page 46 Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage Basia Regan Page 30 Royal LePage RCR Realty, Brokerage Suzanne Lawrence Page 30

ART/PHOTOGRAPHY/GALLERIES Andrea Rinaldo Page 90 BMFA Arts Centre Page 90 Bonnie Dorgelo Jewellery & Paintings Page 90 Collingwood Art Supplies & Art Classes Page 90 Gallery de Boer Page 90 Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre Page 81 Rational Expressions Gallery Page 90 Roberts Gallery Page 54 Susan E. Eck Page 90 Tara McLellan Page 90 The Loft Gallery Page 90 Tied Photography Page 37

AUTO/SMALL ENGINE/ HEAVY EQUIPMENT

FOOD/DRINK/CATERING

The Landmark Group Page 11 Williams Landscape Contracting + Design Page 70

Wren’s General Store Page 63

FURNITURE/APPLIANCES Home Furniture & Appliances Page 60 Leon’s Furniture Page 64 Orangeville Furniture Page 112

GOLF Cranberry Golf Resort & Conference Centre Page 37 Mad River Golf Club Page 35 Monterra Golf Page 27

Collingwood Fine Cars Page 94

Tomahawk Golf Course Page 63

Kubota Page 111

MacPherson Builders Page 2, 41

COMMUNITY SERVICES Collingwood G&M Hospital Foundation Page 31 mycollingwood.ca Page 88 Municipality of Meaford Page 32

CLEANING Applewood Cleaning Services Page 94 Blue Mountain Vacuum Centre Page 49 Glass Dancers Window Cleaning Page 61

EVENTS & RECREATION A-1 Toilet Rentals Page 94

HEALTH/BEAUTY/FITNESS Camelot Salon & Day Spa Page 49 Esteem Fitness & Wellness Page 94 Georgian Bay Cosmetic Clinic Page 85 Glow Hair Studio & Gallery Page 63 Good Health Mart Collingwood Page 81, 83 Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery Page 76

Blue Horizon Dental Hygiene Page 82 Collingwood Dental Centre Page 76 Comly Eye Care Page 82 Dr. John Miller Family Dentistry Page 74 Dr. Noreen Khan Family Dentistry Page 47 Dr. Robert McCoppen Family Dentistry Page 62 Drs. Hammond, Raymond & Cation Optometrists Page 67

Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage Page 98 Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage Jane Moysey Page 8 Royal LePage Trinity Realty Inc., Brokerage Tara Parsons Page 32 Sotheby’s International Realty Patrick Prime Page 27 Windstone Real Estate, Brokerage Page 108

REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENTS Balmoral Village (Royalton Homes) Page 44 Blue Fairway (MacPherson Builders) Page 41

Harbour Dental Hygiene Page 88

Crestview Estates (Terra Brook Homes) Page 6

Orthopaedic Sport Institute Page 83

Mountaincroft (Grandview Homes) Page 23

Royal Centre of Plastic Surgery Page 76

Nipissing Ridge Page 47

StoneTree Naturopathic Clinic Page 80

Peaks Ridge (Solcorp Developments) Page 29 The Private Residences at the Georgian Bay Club Page 9

The Northwood Chiropractor Page 85 Wasaga Beach Denture Clinic Page 94

The Residences of Peaks Bay Page 29

MOVING & STORAGE

Windfall (Georgian International) Page 38

Mountain Moving & Storage Page 59

Windrose (MacPherson Builders) Page 2

HOME AUTOMATION Red Brick Property Solutions Page 61

OFFICE/JANITORIAL SUPPLIES

Mylar & Loreta’s Page 68

HOME DÉCOR/DESIGN

Bayside Sales Page 74

The Corner Café & Grill Page 68

Saunders/Holst Office Pro Page 75

The Flying Chestnut Page 68

FAD Farrow Arcaro Design Page 70 Fresh Design Custom Interiors Page 63 House Rules Design Shop Page 62 Kitchen Painters Page 55 Salnek’s Window Fashions & Accessories Page 13

Creemore Vintage Festival Page 86

HOME IMPROVEMENT & SUPPLY

Gibraltar 6hr Relay Race Page 88 Springlicious Page 68

ADS Advance Door Systems Page 35 Bill Brown Woodworking & Builders Supply Page 53

Wilmer Trout Ponds Page 94

Clarksburg Contractors Page 54 CRS Contractors Rental Supply Page 53

FASHION/JEWELRY

Hands For Hire Page 94

Appeal Boutique Page 56

Kitchen Painters Page 55

Blink Eyewear Page 66

Meaford Carpets & Interiors Page 62

Bonnie Dorgelo Jewellery & Paintings Page 90

The Generator Guys Page 94

Candice Ruhl Designs Page 67

The Paint & Woodcare Co. Page 70

D.C. Taylor Jewellers Page 14

Wrightway Renovations Page 71

Echo Trends Page 56

MEDICAL/DENTAL PROFESSIONALS

Storage Zone Page 94

Canada Day Celebrations Page 63

mycollingwood.ca Page 88

Shouldice Designer Stone Page 73 Springscapes Landscaping Page 82

Bayside Sales Page 74

BUILDERS

Natural Stonescapes Page 67

Goldsmith’s Orchard Market Page 63

Oslerbrook Golf & Country Club Page 17

Walkers Small Motors Page 80

Hickory Dickory Decks Page 53

Foodland, Thornbury Page 43

Audi Barrie Page 15

McKee Muffler Page 94

Georgian Sprinklers Page 53

Elaine Dickinson’s Fashions Page 66

LANDSCAPE/GARDEN

Hildebrandt & Co. Indulgence Cashmere Page 57

Bloom ‘n Nursery & Tree Farm Page 53

PEST CONTROL

RESTAURANTS

The Huron Club Page 68 The Lodge Page 68

Environmental Pest Control Page 53

The Pottery Page 59

PROFESSIONAL/FINANCIAL/LEGAL

THEATRE

BDO Canada LLP, Chartered Accountants Page 77

Meaford Hall Arts & Cultural Centre Page 81

Besse Merrifield & Cowan LLP, Law Firm Page 67 Collins Barrow, Chartered Accountants Page 85 Davis Rea Investment Counsel Page 4, 5 Meridian Credit Union Page 46

RADIO 102.9 The New Classical Fm Page 86 97.7 The Beach Page 78

REAL ESTATE Century 21 Millennium Inc. Brokerage Page 102 Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage Page 99, 100, 101 Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage Barb Picot & Ron Picot Page 47

Theatre Collingwood Page 80

TRAVEL Expedia Cruise Ship Centres Page 12, 49 Marlin Travel Page 49 Secondary Ownership Group Page 49

UPHOLSTERY/FABRIC Wayne Dziedzic Custom Upholstery Page 94

WINDOW FASHIONS Ashton’s Blinds, Draperies & Shutters Page 62 Salnek’s Window Fashions & Accessories Page 13 Shades & Shutters Page 55 ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

109

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON BOOTH PHOTOGRAPHY

L O O K I N G B A C K

Tunnel to the Past

n this postcard, circa 1907, hunters pose at the Eugenia Tunnel, a 264-metre long, 2.5-metre wide turbine tunnel through solid rock, which was completed that year to divert water from the Beaver River as part of a hydro-electric project. Unfortunately, the company behind the project went bankrupt and the tunnel was abandoned. The limestone façade still stands, however, in the middle of the Bruce Trail conservation lands near Eugenia Falls, with a popular hiking trail running under the arch. At the time, the hydro project was just the latest failed attempt to put Eugenia on the economic map. The area’s first claim to fame arrived in 1852, when a farmer named Brownlee, an early settler near Flesherton, heard the whisper of the nearby falls while hunting one afternoon and followed the sound to the awe-inspiring sight of water flowing 30 metres over the Niagara Escarpment to the Beaver River below. Brownlee shared the news of his discovery with his neighbours and returned with one of them a few days later. The men noticed the glint of gold on some of the rocks around the falls, swore each other to secrecy and quickly returned to mine their fortunes. However, word of the clandestine mining quickly spread, causing an explosion of activity as 200 men flocked to the area in a veritable gold rush. However, prospecting ceased within three weeks when reports came back that the “gold” the miners had been eagerly collecting was nothing more than worthless pyrite, or “fool’s gold.”

110

ON THE BAY

SPRING 2016

After the gold seekers had left, the water power potential of the falls drew William and Robert Purdy in 1859, who opened a store, ran a post office and built the first of several mills to line the river. Soon there was a hotel, general stores, churches, blacksmiths, coopers and carpenters in the burgeoning town near the falls. Ex-French military surveyors who were surveying the townsite, named the town and falls Eugenia, in honour of Empress Eugenie, the wife of Emperor Napoleon III. The town’s population grew to about 200, but after the railways bypassed Eugenia in favour of Flesherton, settlement dwindled and today only a small population remains. In 1914, Ontario Hydro purchased 10,125 hectares of surrounding land, constructed a power plant, a dam and a water reservoir (now known as Lake Eugenia), and began generating power. The plant was upgraded in 1988 and now produces a continuous 6.3 MW of power. Today, The Eugenia Power Station, run by Ontario Power Generation, has the highest head of water of any hydroelectric generator in Ontario, and has provided a significant amount of electricity to the provincial grid for over a century. Each July, Eugenia hosts Gold Rush Days, celebrating its rich history with festivities, entertainment and power station tours. This year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, July 2. ❧ For more historical photos of Southern Georgian Bay, check out Jason Booth’s Facebook page or the Collingwood Historical Photos Facebook group.

WITH KUBOTA, ITâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S ALWAYS A FAMILY MATTER.

The Kubota team prides itself for being able to always be there and offer you a loyal service, reliable advice and outstanding support. You can trust our family of products to make sure the job is done well. Because you are always there for your family, Kubota is always there for you. Visit us at KUBOTA.CA