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Our newsletter is personally researched and written  by us, and is designed specifically for the needs of Muskoka cottagers.

We focus on the interests and issues of families cottaging in Muskoka, covering topics such as building and renovation ideas, bylaws changes affecting cottagers, Muskoka Real Estate Statistics, and anything else of importance or interest.

We are pleased that many families value our newsletter sufficiently, that they send us their updated address when they move, so as not to miss receiving an issue. We receive many compliments on this publication, that we provide on a complimentary basis.

If you would like to receive our newsletter, email us at thelma@royallepage.ca or call us at 705-645-2110, and we would be happy to put your name on our list of recipients.

This month we have covered Muskoka Real Estate Sales statistics, some bylaw changes, information about slipcovering your cottage sofa, reminders about chimney maintenance, instructions on recycling some annuals, and have provided a handy set of instructions with a diagram, to keep in your car, which reminds you how to boost your battery if it gets low in cold winter trips to the cottage.

Email us now ( thelma@royallepage.ca) to start receiving your newsletter each month. September’s newsletter is currently available, and back issues are available on request.

The number of listings on the three big lakes has increased each month, as the numbers of sales is down from previous years. Price reductions are up.

Number of Current Listings

                                      May              June             July

Lake Muskoka                73                 125               135

Lake Rosseau                 16                  29                35

Lake Joseph                    20                 34                42

Number of Sales               May               June              July         Total/yr

Lake Muskoka                   14                  6                   10              39

Lake Rosseau                    5                    2                    3               12

Lake Joseph                      5                     3                    4               13

Number of Price Reductions on big lakes

April  1

May   27

June  41

July  62

Price Spread of Sales to August 1st 2008

Millions                       Lake Muskoka     Lake Rosseau   Lake Joseph

0-.5                                  9                           1                       1

.5-1.0                              14                          4                       4

1.0-2.0                            10                          7                       5

2.0-3.0                             4                           0                       1

3.0-4.0                             2                           0                        0

4.0-5.0                             0                           0                        1

5.0-6.0                             0                           0                        1

With no notice that is was coming, the Township of Muskoka Lakes has made an interim bylaw affecting boathouse construction and use.

The allowable uses of the first storey of a boathouse have been restricted to an area to shelter boats and marine equipment, a 50 sq ft bathroom and a 50 sq ft utility room. No longer can there be bar areas, gyms, saunas, bedrooms and such.

The  second storey of a boathouse is limited to a sleeping cabin, a covered area, and a sundeck with no covering. Pergolas will not be allowed, as they are, in effect, a roof covering.

If you are planning boathouse construction, check the bylaws carefully before your architect begins the design work.

There have been 39 cottages sold between January 1st and July 31st 2008 on Lake Muskoka. During the same period in 2006 there were 66 cottages sold.

There have been 12 cottages sold between January 1st and July 31st 2008 on Lake Rosseau. During the same time period in 2006 there were 24 cottages sold.

There have been 13 cottages sold between January 1st and July 31st 2008 on Lake Joseph. During the same period in 2006 there were 32 cottages sold.

There have been 63 prices reductions across the three big lakes in the month of July.

Watch this blog for more statistics, now that the end of the month has arrived.

This little Donzi was at the Gravenhurst Antique and Classic Boat Show.

There will be a great boat show in Port Carling in August, with gorgeous antique wooden boats.

The dates and details of the Port Carling boat show will be on this blog later this week.