VIEW LISTING HERE: https://mymuskokacottages.com/listings/lakerosseau-vacantland-maplehurstrd/

WATERFRONT LISTING
Vacant Land on Lake Rosseau
0 Maplehurst Rd., Seguin
$1,695,000

PROPERTY FEATURES

The post Twelve Dreamy Acres On Lake Rosseau—Your Blank Canvas In Muskoka Awaits appeared first on Muskoka411.

Bob Bates and Barry “Baz” Payne are taking the trip to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first flight around the world. The two departed in a single-engine monoplane from Papua New Guinea on June 1. So far, their excursion has taken them through Japan, Russia, Sweden, the United Kingdom, a handful of islands in the North Atlantic and into Canada. They took off from Happy Valley-Goose Bay in central Labrador on the morning of Aug. 30 and landed at the Muskoka Airport midafternoon.

“The flight to Muskoka was one of the best flights that we have [had] so far,” they said on their blog. “There were no clouds and it was a very smooth flight. It was 900 miles to the south west of Goose Bay and we arrived on schedule at 2:15 p.m.” 

The Muskoka landing was orchestrated with Bruce Hodge, a local cottage owner and a longtime friend of Bates. Hodge founded a Toronto-based travel company called Goway Travel and works with Bates to offer tours in Papua New Guinea.

After doing some interviews with local media, the pilots went with Hodge and his wife Claire to their cottage on Lake Rosseau. They all went out for dinner at Windermere House before settling in at the cottage for the night.

“They met us on the apron as we exited the aircraft after landing at Muskoka, and, gave us the best rooms in their cottage,” they said. “They fed us well and gave us many cups of tea. It was really a relaxing couple of days for us, we needed it, and for this we will be eternally grateful to the Hodges.”

Saturday was a no-fly day for them, so they spent the morning catching up on emails and updating their website. After that, they spent the afternoon on Lake Rosseau with the Hodges, exploring the area on a pontoon boat. 

Bates and Payne said the Hodges were the perfect hosts for their two-night stay in Muskoka. On Sunday, the two men set out for Plattsburgh, New York on their way across the US to Seattle.

“From there, we will pickup the 1924 route through Alaska, along the Aleutian Islands chain to Kamchatka and complete a full circle back at Kagoshima,” they said. “We aim to arrive back in Mount Hagen on 28th September, the same day the two Douglas Air Cruisers landed back at Seattle in 1924.”

Four Douglas Air Cruisers operated by the US Army Air Service left Seattle on April 6, 1924. Two of the airplanes crashed, leaving one crew to brave the elements in Alaska for six days before finding an abandoned cabin. The other crew was picked up by the US Navy after their plane went down in the North Atlantic. 

A cheering crowd greeted the remaining crews in Seattle 175 days after their journey began. Bates and Payne aren’t flying the exact route of the first world-traversing flight, but they are retracing parts of the original flight path. 

They also have handcrafted monkeys made by Paynes’ wife Sandra to keep as mascots – a nod to the stuffed spider monkeys carried by the original crews. They each have one with their names on the back, and Bates’ monkey companion can be identified by its bushy eyebrows.

The combined age of the pilots is 161 years, amounting to 105 years of pilot experience. Bates and Payne are both members of the United Flying Octogenarians (UFO), a US-based organization with over 1,800 members. Meeting other pilots like them is part of what drove them to hit the skies for 100 days.

“[Four] of its members are over 100 years old,” they said on their blog. “We hope to meet fellow UFO’s at a number of towns during our flight and encourage pilots to keep their ratings current no matter how old they are.”

To learn more about their journey, visit Bob & Baz’s Flight Blog.

The post Octogenarian Pilots Visit Muskoka During 100-Day Trip Around The World appeared first on Muskoka411.

The event includes a day of pickleball followed by a gala with auctions, awards and a performance by Canadian rock artist Suzie McNeil. The games will be held at Cleveland’s House and a handful of cottages. Players can sign up in teams of two or four and fundraise to support research on melanoma, one of the few cancers on the rise, as well as other skin cancers. Actors Emily Hampshire, Benjamin Hollingsworth and Billy Baldwin will join SportsCentre anchor Lindsay Hamilton as the tournament’s celebrity participants.

“We’re going to be hanging out in Muskoka, a full-day tournament of pickleball followed by the pickleball gala, and the best part is that it supports a cause near and dear to my heart: Melanoma Canada,” Hamilton said in a promo video. “The goal is to end all deaths caused by melanoma, and we’re going to have a fun day in support of a great cause.”

She urges people to sign up and get their game faces on. She spent the summer hosting the Olympics, so while the tournament is open to all skill levels, she’s ready to bring her A-game.

“I will be channeling that Olympic energy for Rock the Pickle in Muskoka,” she said.

Actor Billy Baldwin said that while the pools and palm trees of Beverly Hills are great, it’s even better to visit Muskoka for Rock the Pickle. He’s familiar with the area after years of attending the Boat Rally for Kids and Cancer. 

“If you’re looking for something fun and exciting to do this summer, I suggest you get off your butts and join me for the inaugural Rock the Pickle tournament to help smash out skin cancer in Canada,” Baldwin said in a video. “Rock the Pickle is going to be August 24th, and we will be playing at five spectacular cottages on Lake Joe and Rosseau.”

He said Muskoka is one of the most beautiful places in the world, so he’s glad to come back for an amazing cause. He can’t wait to see the tournament participants this weekend and hopes to raise a lot of money for the cause.

“Register today and help Melanoma Canada make a difference in the lives of those who are battling skin cancer,” he said. “And hey, if you sign up for a team, maybe we’ll play, maybe we’ll have a couple of cold ones, or maybe both.”

To register for the tournament or make a donation, visit the event website.

The post Inaugural Rock The Pickle Tournament Comes To Muskoka August 24 appeared first on Muskoka411.

In 2021, Hammond and Turnbull rode 500 kilometres in 20 hours for Enliven Cancer Care, biking to the northernmost and southernmost points in Muskoka, and raising over $50,000 for the organization. This year, they’re going to stick closer to home.

The Lake Rosseau loop is a 66-kilometre grind around the lake that features great pavement, beautiful views and some of the steepest hills in the area – once around the loop equals about one kilometre of uphill climbing. From the morning of Saturday, Aug. 17, to the evening of Sunday, Aug. 18, Gav and Scott are going to ride the loop as many times as possible. Five times around the lake would be like riding from Muskoka to Niagara Falls, nine times would be the same cumulative elevation gain as climbing Mt. Everest.

This undertaking is all in support of MiND-AID, a registered charity addressing a huge and growing need in the community. Young people face several barriers when trying to access help in Muskoka, often only receiving care through a hospital ER once they’ve reached a crisis point. MiND-AID staff and volunteers provide navigation assistance and support to young people and their families who are looking for help on their journey to mental wellness.

As many as one in five children and youth in Ontario will experience some form of mental health problem, and five out of six of those kids will not receive the treatment they need. Thirty-six per cent of Ontario parents have sought help for their child; of those who did, four in 10 didn’t receive the help they needed or are still waiting for treatment.

MiND-AID relies on donations, grants and funding from several sources to operate. Without the generosity and support of so many, they would cease to exist.

To donate, visit the Canada Helps fundraiser. All proceeds go directly to MiND-AID. Donors will receive an instant tax receipt for 100 per cent of their donation. Donation pledges per loop around the lake are encouraged!

The post Cyclists Ride Around Lake Rosseau As Many Times As Possible In Support Of MiND-AID appeared first on Muskoka411.

The tournament is open to players of all ages and abilities. Each team will have the chance to play up to eight games in the tournament, with the top four teams playing in the celebrity showdown games.

Participants will play 30 minute matches, in a round robin best-of-seven style. Matches will be hosted at private cottages on Lake Rosseau and Lake Joseph.

Following the tournament, there will be a Rock The Pickle Gala with food, drinks, and entertainment.

The cost of entry is $2,500 per team of two. Participants can register at rockthepickle.com.

The post Register For The Rock The Pickle Pickleball Tournament appeared first on Muskoka411.

One hundred twenty community members attended the first meeting at Peninsula Recreation Centre in Minett on Saturday, and 450 people registered for the Zoom meeting on Monday. The purpose was to present the development plans for the Cleveland’s House property and address community questions.

Goldhar described the plans for phase one of the development, which will include 48 rental cabins, shops, restaurants, a marina, a variety of racket sports courts (tennis, squash, pickleball, padel) and other fitness facilities. Phase two will likely involve a boutique hotel with 50 to 100 rooms.

The presentation included images of the proposed development, showcasing cabins, recreational spaces, and the overall village concept. The team expressed their commitment to thoughtful design and engaged various consultants, including architect Niall McLaughlin, to contribute to the project.

1 of 9

Paula Bustard from the Penguin Group provided an overview of the current planning permissions, explaining that when Goldhar purchased Clevelands House, there were permissions for over 4000 units. However, collaborative efforts with the MLA and Friends of Muskoka have resulted in revisions that limit development permissions to 1700 units, with specific details on heights, setbacks, and other policies.

Goldhar – a Canadian billionaire, the founder of SmartCentres and a Lake Rosseau cottager – explained he was not initially in the resort development business and that his acquisition of the property was driven by a desire to prevent uncontrolled development rather than pursue extensive development himself. The focus, he reiterated, is on balancing the needs and enjoyment of the Muskoka community while minimizing environmental impact.

The community was encouraged to ask questions during the open house, with Susan Eplett moderating the Q&A session. The team said that all questions would be addressed and made available along with the recording of the open house on the MLA’s website. Some of the topics discussed were:

Demolition Delayed Due to Bylaw Appeal:

One of the questions revolved around the timeline for the demolition of the existing Clevelands House. Goldhar explained that while the intention is to adhere to new bylaws and regulations, an ongoing appeal has created uncertainty. The appeal must be heard by a tribunal in Ontario before any definitive timeline can be established. The project’s progress is contingent upon the tribunal’s decision, which could potentially impact the approved plans.

Sustainable Practices in Sewage and Water Treatment:

Goldhar addressed concerns about sewage and water treatment, emphasizing a commitment to municipal standards. He outlined plans to build treatment plants that would eventually be turned over to and operated by the local municipality. He stated the importance of adhering to eco-friendly practices and maintaining high standards in sewage and water treatment.

Increased Traffic:

Goldhar assured the community that extensive traffic studies have been conducted. He expects only a modest increase in traffic during phase one and pledged efforts to minimize disruption during construction.

Cabin Ownership:

Regarding cabin ownership, he intends to retain ownership and rent out the cabins rather than sell or timeshare them. He aims to provide a unique rental experience with various cabin sizes and amenities.

Marina Operation:

Goldhar praised the current marina operator, Geordie Newlands, and expressed gratitude for his contributions. However, the fate of the marina’s operation remains uncertain, pending decisions on the redevelopment. Goldhar outlined plans to increase the number of boat slips while being sensitive to environmental impacts.

Staff Housing:

The plan is to utilize existing cabins for staff accommodation during phase one. However, there are future considerations for constructing purpose-built staff housing.

Dark Sky Protection:

Responding to concerns about the impact on the region’s dark sky, Goldhar acknowledged his love for stargazing and assured the community that efforts would be made to minimize light pollution. While lights are necessary for safety, he expressed a commitment to using subdued and environmentally sensitive lighting.

Historical Preservation of Clevelands House:

Clevelands House was originally built in 1869. Due to extensive dilapidation and safety concerns, the existing buildings will not be part of the redevelopment. However, Goldhar hinted at incorporating architectural elements in the new development to pay homage to the iconic structures.

Emergency Services Expansion:

Goldhar expressed the need for improved medical, dental, and veterinary services. As the local community ages, proximity to healthcare becomes crucial, especially during peak seasons. Goldhar highlighted the possibility of having medical, dental, and veterinary tenants in the village, emphasizing the importance of wellness services and even a physiotherapy facility for active individuals.

Long-Term Vision:

The audience also questioned Goldhar about his long-term vision for the project and the possibility of selling parts of the development after completing certain phases. Goldhar said he takes a long-term approach in business and intends to retain ownership of the properties. However, he acknowledged that circumstances might lead to changes, such as selling land for a senior facility. Despite potential scenarios, Goldhar emphasized that any decision to sell would come with additional restrictions to ensure alignment with the overall nature of the development.

The post The Future Of Clevelands House: Development Plans Unveiled In Open House Meetings appeared first on Muskoka411.

The D3 girl’s field hockey team – who went undefeated in the regular season – hosted the championship tournament on November 3, and secured their victory in an exciting overtime match final against Trinity College School.

Hundreds of fans lined the field to cheer on the squad. The lively atmosphere included music, entertainment from the school’s mascot, and a campfire roasting s’mores.

To kick-off the tournament, the Timberwolves battled Ridley College in their semi-final match.

A back-and-forth stalemate was eventually ended when the Timberwolves’ Maya (Parry Sound) scored the first goal of the game. Her goal was followed by a hat trick from Rhea (Parry Sound).

Goaltender Rosalie (Wasauksing First Nation) earned a shut-out in the 4-0 win.

The championship game was an action-packed nail-biter with big saves and near misses at both ends of the field. After 60 minutes of game play, the score was tied at nil, forcing the teams into extra time.

Minutes into overtime, the Timberwolves’ Anabelle (Hamburg, Germany) scored, and the team ran out the clock to be crowned champions.

“Every small battle that was won, every backcheck that shut down the opponents was a piece in this victory,” said Jacqueline Priolo, Athletic Director at Rosseau Lake College. “The team includes players from all grades and from around the world. The girls are commended for their grit and incredible play.”

The Timberwolves were led by coaches Ms. Pakozdi and Ms. Hickey.

The post Rosseau Lake College Timberwolves Take Home Gold In Girl’s Field Hockey Championship appeared first on Muskoka411.

The two-day outdoor extravaganza will see teams of dedicated fundraisers embark on an Amazing Race-style competition with their boat.

This year’s event is in support of Sunnybrook Hospital’s Odette Cancer Centre and Kids Help Phone, and will feature celebrities including Billy Baldwin, Jason George, and Jay Hayden.

“Pediatric cancer is something very close to my heart, and something so many have been affected by,” said Boat Rally For Kids And Cancer Founder Joel Hock. “This year we also felt it was important to support children’s mental health. We know kids really struggled during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many still are – we want to come together to make a difference.”

To date, Hock and his team have raised in excess of $25M in support of cancer care, and have become the largest single fundraiser event for the hospital.

The event kicks off Friday evening with a draft party at a private cottage, where teams will select a celebrity to compete with them.

Saturday’s scavenger hunt will begin with a newly-added fishing derby, where teams will compete in a points-based fishing expedition, weighed in with help from Rapala.

There will then be a series of physical events to wrap up the competition portion of the day, before the Ibiza-themed after-party, MuskokaBiza.

MuskokaBiza will be headlined by DJs Cale Granton, official DJ for the Toronto Maple Leafs, and DJ 4KORNERS, official DJ for the Toronto Raptors. There will be food, drinks, and a live and silent auction.

To be a part of this year’s event you can register a team to participate, make a donation, become a volunteer, or purchase a ticket to MuskokaBiza.

The post Boat Rally For Kids And Cancer Prepares For Star-Studded Event appeared first on Muskoka411.

Life saving efforts were made however, the man succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased.

Police have conducted a thorough investigation into the collision and have charged 26 year-old Zavier Foyston of Huntsville with Operating a Vessel in a Careless Manner, an offence under the Canada Shipping Act.

He will appear in the Ontario Court of Justice in Bracebridge on February 7, 2023 to answer to his charge.

The post Huntsville Resident Charged After Fatal Lake Rosseau Boating Incident In July appeared first on Muskoka411.

“This is our largest single nature reserve by area,” says Scott Young of Muskoka Conservancy. “It includes two water sources into Lake Rosseau, which makes the area significant to protecting the water quality on this iconic Muskoka lake.”

The Bear Cave-Koetitz Nature Reserve is in a unique location where watersheds of the Rosseau River and the Shadow River come within less than a kilometer of each other on their divergent meandering way through north Muskoka. The two rivers flow into Lake Rosseau about five kilometers apart. The Shadow flows into Rosseau Bay and the Rosseau into Mutchinbacker Bay.

“I’m glad Rose-Maria could do this for the animals and the environment,” says her close friend Janis Gibbs.

Natural wetlands are critical habitat to 20 per cent of Ontario’s species at risk, some of which find their homes on Bear Cave-Koetitz Nature Reserve. In addition, wetlands are important to the filtration of water and slow the flow of water over land.

By protecting wetlands, conservation efforts improve overall water quality, reducing incidents of Blue-Green Algae blooms which have occurred in Lake Rosseau. Reduced flow helps prevent flooding, which has also been an issue on all Muskoka’s big lakes.

“We are very thankful for this generous donation made by Rose-Maria Koetitz,” said Bob Weekes, president of the Muskoka Conservancy. “This is a big deal and it never would have happened without Conservancy volunteers. I’d like to offer a special thanks to Janis Gibbs for facilitating the donation.”

Muskoka Conservancy is the nature conservancy of Muskoka. Its mission is to protect nature. Bear Cave-Koetitz is Muskoka Conservancy’s 49th protected property. The Conservancy protects 3,750 acres of land, 60,000 feet of natural shoreline and 675 acres of wetlands.

The post Donor Gifts 428 Acres North Of Lake Rosseau To Muskoka Conservancy appeared first on Muskoka411.