Cottager Rental Guide

For those that rent their cottage, below is an excellent guide for lessees and cottagers. This was composed by Valerie McCoy.

 

Welcome to our Community!

You likely came to cottage country for the same reasons we do. Escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life into the great outdoors. You’ve come to the right place! We have fresh air, a clean spring-fed lake, abundant wildlife, starry skies and so much more. Here is what we all do to keep it that way & why.

Garbage is put out on pick-up day only. Overnight garbage is placed in an animal proof bin. Ask a neighbor if you can use their bin if needed. If you are composting – know what should not be put in	Garbage left overnight can be attacked by animals including bears. Bears will return to the same spot they found “food” in for up to 5 years. Then the remains of the torn apart garbage need to be cleaned by others
Phosphate free products are chosen for washing and cleaning. We never wash in the lake	Phosphates and other harmful chemicals make the way into the lake promoting excess plant and algae growth
Septics are kept in good working order by limiting the water entering them, regular pumping, and keeping chemicals and non-degradable items out of them	Letting the system break biodegradable waste down limits the possibility of harmful bacteria, phosphorous and nitrogen entering the lake
Food  is not left outside overnight and BBQ’s are cleaned so animals are not attracted	Wildlife and cottagers live together safely when they respect each other’s boundaries
Boats used in other water bodies are cleaned dried and drained before launching in our lake. Bait buckets and live bait are never emptied into the lake	Invasive species  such as zebra mussels can enter the lake causing disease and damage in native species
Campfires are enjoyed safely. The status of the Muskoka Forest Fire Rating safety sign on Fraserburg Road in noted. Fires aren’t set when windy. Limits to fire width and height are 2m (6.5ft). Don’t leave your fire unattended. Keep a water source handy. Douse your fire thoroughly when finished.	The closest fire station is so far away that a spreading fire poses significant danger to all of us!
Vegetation in and around the shoreline is kept natural and purposely not cut or fertilized	Shoreline vegetation filters out septic effluent and run-off. It is a home for fish, frogs, and turtles. Short grass attracts Canada geese.
Lead sinkers are not used and fishing line is retrieved whenever possible	Line and sinkers left behind can - and have trapped and poisoned wildlife such as loons.
Wildlife is viewed from a safe distance for both you and them and not harassed. Never leave food out overnight or in tents.	We value the creatures here for their beauty and a sign of a healthy environment. Read up on what to do if you encounter a bear.
Enjoy your time here. Be aware if pets, excessive noise and lights are interfering with relaxation or star gazing	We have a small lake so our neighbors are close. We all unwind in different ways so let’s all respect that.