January 2007 - page 1

Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that we are now starting a brand new year - 2007. We hope that Muskoka will soon become the white winter wonderland we all expect because visitors are way down so far this winter. Soon the Toronto Boat Show (January 13-21) will remind us of summer cottaging and boating. I always enjoy looking at the new boats, products and of course the antique boats.

Port Carling Winterfest

Muskoka needs your participation and support during the winter months, so one event in Muskoka that is worth checking out if you haven't done it before is the Port Carling Winter Fest February 1-4. This has great family entertainment with a parade, craft show, skating, sledding, and polar bear dip. There is also a dinner dance on Saturday night. Please support your community in the winter not just the summer. You can download a pdf of the poster and all listed activities by clicking here. Please note that the Bracebridge Festival of the Falls usually held in May has now been cancelled.

New News on Old Lodges

The Lakeside Lodge has just been purchased by Ken Fowler Enterprises. It may be used for staff housing for Red Leaves. Housing that is affordable is very scarce in Muskoka, which greatly impacts young and retired people. This is one of the main threats to the economic viability for many businesses. Reasonably priced housing is almost impossible to find for seasonal workers.

Another old lodge in Muskoka, Bangor Lodge, has been sold by the Siberry family. One o f the reasons was because it needed major changes to compete in the current market. The site which has 105 rooms, 1900 ft frontage and a 9-hole golf course is now closed until the new owners come up with a development plan.

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