MAY 2018
WETLAND
GIANTS Iconic Moose Roam Muskoka
ADVENTURES to challenge
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Rolling Right Along: Tradition Returns
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Here today - Here tomorrow 705-765-6176 www.realestateinmuskoka.ca Richard Wallace Real Estate Limited, Brokerage. Photo: Lyle McIntyre
May 2018
...telling the Muskoka story [25]
Features 18
Calling Out Your Inner Wild
By Dawn Huddlestone Find Your Wild, a Muskoka-based outdoor company, is putting unique new twists on some of the latest adventure crazes. From escaping rooms in full firefighter gear to axe-throwing competitions, a variety of challenging activities are offered.
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Moose in Muskoka - Wetland Giants
By Doug Smith The largest living deer found in the northern parts of North America, moose can consume more than 20 kilograms of water lilies and other aquatic vegetation in a day. Spring is one of the best times to see moose in Muskoka.
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Rolling Right Along - Lawn Bowling Returns to Muskoka
By Matt Driscoll Lawn bowling was once ubiquitous in Muskoka, with facilities in many of the towns and resorts. After considerable hard work, tireless fundraising and community advocacy, the long tradition of lawn bowling has returned to the district.
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The Art of Fusing Copper and Glass
By Meghan Smith Blending stained glass into coppersmithing work is an effect that is resulting in positive feedback for coppersmith Richard Ellard and stained glass artist Gail Wilson. Glass and copper fuse at the same temperature making them ideal to pair.
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Muskoka's Non-British Pioneer Communities
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By J. Patrick Boyer Icelanders and Germans, besides creating important new settlements, enriched Muskoka’s society with their skills and culture. Their descendants, through generations of intermarriage and engagement in district life, are melded into that unique blend of Canadians known as Muskokans.
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Muskoka Calendar
Muskoka’s May calendar is filled with a wide array of events from artistic to sporting. From rock concerts and Broadway music to an art battle and gallery shows, these are just some of the activities of interest for Muskoka’s artistic community. An archery tournament, Cottage Country Cuisine fishing tourney and a paddling film festival is certain to catch the attention of In just 10 years, a Port Sydney couple has grown their the sports minded. aquaponics business into a major supplier of Muskoka’s restaurants and food retailers. Utilizing “the What’s Happened [ 11] most sustainable system of food The unveiling of a new exhibit on the production in the world,” they’re Muskoka River watershed will explain producing their crops on a and explore this integral, worldrenowned resource. The long history of year-round basis. the Anishinaabeg First Nations in Muskoka is celebrated in Dorset. Living in Muskoka Muskoka’s Dara Howell returns to the podium as a gold medalist. These are just Living in Muskoka a few of the newsworthy occurrences in While a big win changed the life of Tim and Cindy Thompson, it Muskoka. didn’t change their focus. The home they built in Huntsville allowed the Thompsons to better welcome their family and friends for entertaining and special events.
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Opinion 9
Muskoka Insights By Don Smith
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Muskoka Moments By Scott Turnbull
Our Cover
Photograph by Eleanor Kee Wellman Sighting an adult moose, standing knee deep in a pond, is an iconic Canadian experience.
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Vaughn Barry Mathieu Bélanger J. Patrick Boyer Heather Douglas Matt Driscoll Tanya Grainger Dawn Huddlestone Eleanor Kee Wellman Rebecca Krawczyk Doug Smith Meghan Smith Tomasz Szumski Scott Turnbull Karen Wehrstein Andy Zeltkalns Contributors Annual Subscription Rates: (including HST where applicable) In Ontario $30.00 All Other Provinces $36.00 U.S. $45.00 All Other Countries $59.00 HST: 773172721 Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement Number: 43268016 Copyright © 2018 Unique Publishing Inc. No content published in Unique Muskoka can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Mailing Address Box 616, Bracebridge ON P1L 1T9 Street Address 28 Manitoba St., Bracebridge ON P1L 1S1 www.uniquemuskoka.com info@uniquemuskoka.com 705-637-0204
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Muskoka Insights kilometres from Muskoka, this is a tragedy that strikes at the very core of communities throughout Canada. Muskokans could not look in the mirror without realizing they shared in a communal interest with those in Humboldt. It is this strong sense of community that has held Muskoka in good stead for generations. While it may provide support for those who make their year-round homes here, it is also one of the features that attracts seasonal residents and visitors to the district. For many who do not live in Muskoka, they welcome the opportunity to be a part of the community when they are here. Muskoka is where they connect, away from busy and often impersonal lives. In this issue of Unique Muskoka, contributor J. Patrick Boyer tells the story of two community groups who were among the first to settle in the district. While they initially retained many of the cultural differences from their homelands, they also became a part of the larger Muskoka community. Generations later, their families remain a part of many Muskoka communities, contributing as both participants and leaders. Elsewhere in this issue of Unique Muskoka, you’ll find interesting reading on Muskoka’s largest mammal – the moose, the revival of Muskoka’s lawn bowling tradition, challenges for the adventuresome and artisans who are fusing stained glass and copper. And, there’s the culinary feature on a husband and wife team who have grown an interest in healthy eating into a business that supplies many of Muskoka’s chefs. As we prepare for the busy summer season, we hope this issue of Unique Muskoka provides you with some insight into your community. Happy reading!
LES IS MORE
Photograph: Susan Smith
Muskoka is a community of communities. From the earliest days of settlement, pioneer Muskokans embraced each other in their efforts to survive the district’s harsh environment and build futures for their families. While most had made individual decisions to realize a dream, escape hardship or create a new life, they quickly found it was by working together they were most likely to succeed. Individualism may set one apart but the reality of hefting timbers to build a new home or barn quickly reinforced the importance of co-operation – the necessity of a community to work together. A read of the many books on the subject of the early development of Muskoka tells the stories of groups coming together – building a community. Soon, schools were constructed, the faithful had churches to attend and the first steps towards the creation of municipal infrastructure were taken. Interestingly, the spirited individuals, who had often left repressive circumstances, were establishing a new future in ways that reflected their shared past. Today, Muskoka is blessed with many communities of common interest. Setting aside the obvious municipal infrastructure, those who share common interests in the arts or sporting pursuits are numerous and contribute much to the lives of all Muskokans. Faith groups, while undergoing a transition, feed the souls of many. Those dedicated to preserving our environment, reaching out to those in need, ensuring the welfare of our animal friends and many causes far too numerous to mention in the space allocated for this column – all work together to make Muskoka a better place. It was that sense of community – of being one – that brought so many Muskokans together in support of the families and friends who have suffered from the wrenching losses of the Humboldt Broncos. While Humboldt may be a western Canadian town, many thousands of
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Muskoka Calendar followed by the show at 8, and you can opt for just the show if you like. gravenhurst.ca/en/opera/shows.asp
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
Calling all Robin Hoods: give it your best shot at this tournament
Muskoka Rock Choir returns to the stage at the Rene Caisse Theatre on Friday, May 4 to present its second Reelin’ in the Years.
On exhibit at the Chapel Gallery in Bracebridge until May 19 is photographer Jane Croteau’s show Pond: A series of images created over time of one wetland in Muskoka. Croteau’s subject is off the beaten path and seen by few; the photographer’s fascination with its changes and moods has repeatedly brought her back to capture them using different cameras in all seasons, over 12 years. Through her lens, the pond becomes a character, “hiding in the open, unnavigable, dressed in changing light, sometimes a jewel, other times a dowd.” muskokaartsandcrafts.com/Calendar_of_Events/ calendar_of_events.htm
Muskoka Rock Choir Bracebridge rocks the Rene Caisse The Bracebridge branch of the Muskoka Rock Choir sold out its premier concert in December. On Friday, May 4 it presents its
second, Reelin’ in the Years, at the Rene Caisse Theatre. Directed by Ian Crowley and performing with singer/guitarist Sean Cotton, bassist Mike Phillips, drummer Shon Roper and keyboardist Frank Berg, this talented and passionate collective of local singers will apply its unique vocal harmonies to songs by Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Nirvana, John Mayer, Pink Floyd, Depeche Mode, Three Doors Down, Steely Dan and many more. thecaisse.com/muskoka-rock-choir.html
One-woman show explores the rollercoaster ride of motherhood The Winnipeg Free Press described this one-woman play, written and performed by Anne Marie Scheffler, as “a comedy about the struggles of attempting to be a super mom and having it all,” and “hilariously funny and charming.” Back in Muskoka by popular demand, it’s playing as a dinner-theatre show at the Gravenhurst Young marksmen are given support and Opera House on May 5. Dinner, provided encouragement at the Dwight Outdoor 3D-Target by Muskoka Catering, is at 6 p.m., Archery Tournament.
May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 11
Photograph: Tanya Grainger
Show catches the many moods of one pond
Bow-and-arrow enthusiasts of all ages are invited to the tenth annual Dwight Outdoor 3D-Target Archery Tournament on Sunday, May 6. The tourney runs 9 to 5, rain or shine, at 2845 Highway 60, across from the Logging Chain Lodge in Dwight. It’s a 40-lane course (meaning you take 40 shots) using realistic-looking foam animals as targets. Prizes include donations from businesses such as restaurant gift cards, golf passes and archery equipment. Register at the start or pre-register by visiting Erika’s Bakery or the Dwight Garden Centre. Barbecue lunch and T-shirts are provided for everyone, prizes for the best markspersons. For more information call, Tanya Grainger at 705-380-1835
"Broadsway" is Broadway (and more) as you’ve never seen it
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Presented by The Muskoka Concert Association, the female trio of pianist/ vocalist Diane Leah, vocalist Heather Bambrick and vocalist Julie Michaels will present their unique show Broadsway at the Gravenhurst Opera House on May 6, at 7 p.m. Performing tunes by Cole Porter, Irving Berlin, George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, Rossini with just “meow” for lyrics and many more in arrangements created specifically for the trio, Leah, Bambrick and Michaels put on a show full of feeling and humour.
Photograph: Huntsville Festival of the Arts
gravenhurst.ca/en/opera/shows.asp
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May Marché, an evening of sampling fine foods and wines, kicks off the summer for the Huntsville Festival of the Arts. Rotary Centre for Youth 131 Wellington St., Bracebridge
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Eat, drink and be merry at Hunstville Festival’s May Marché As ever, the Huntsville Festival will kick off its summer with its biggest and tastiest fundraiser, the May Marché. This event will return to the Grandview Mark O’Meara Clubhouse, near Huntsville, providing a decadent evening of sampling gourmet food from the best restaurants in town, tasting wine, beer and spirits from the best breweries and wineries, and happy socializing with old friends and new. It happens on Saturday, May 12, 7-10 p.m. huntsvillefestival.ca/shop/product/may-marche-ticket/
to Sean Cotton and Muskoka Connection, with many more great acts in between. It all happens at River Mill Park in Huntsville on May 19. downtownhuntsvilleadventures.ca/ Photograph: Barra MacNeils
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How big a pike can you catch in Lake Muskoka? The multi-talented Barra MacNeil family will be returning to the Algonquin Theatre in May with their dynamic performance.
Visit all of Muskoka’s craft breweries on one tour
Start the 2/4 weekend at the 2/4 Craft Beer Festival
The first Muskoka Brew Tour of 2018 happens on May 12. Participants will meet at Sawdust City Brewery in Gravenhurst at 11 a.m., then jump on the bus for an all-day guided tour with samplings and facility tours at Sawdust, Lake of Bays Brewery and Muskoka Brewery, with lunch and samples at the Griffin Gastropub.
A Muskoka summer starts on the Victoria Day weekend, and what better way to celebrate than by sampling highquality beers from 16, count them, sixteen craft breweries including all the Muskoka ones. There will also be quality snack foods and great live music ranging from the Cameron of Lochiel Pipes and Drums to Juan Barbosa to the Swingin’ Blackjacks
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The 2018 Lake Muskoka Pike Open happens on Saturday, May 19, running from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., though boats must report for inspection from 5-7 a.m. at the Boston Pizza dock at Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst. Each boatload of anglers is allowed to enter five fish for measuring. Fish must survive the experience to qualify. From blast-off, you have the run of Lake Muskoka, so if you already know some excellent pike territory, you’re at an advantage. muskokapike.webs.com
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Cape Breton comes to Muskoka with the Barra MacNeils
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The musical Barra MacNeil family plays the Algonquin Theatre on May 23, to perform tunes from their new release On the Bright Side. Called “a treasure of the East Coast, rich with tradition and unmatched in ensemble performance,” the multi-talented MacNeils not only sing and play a wide range of musical instruments, but step-dance and might get you doing the same in the aisles. They can go from raucous to soulful in a beat, delivering Gaelic songs that’ll bring tears to your eyes, rousing traditional Cape Breton fiddle tunes, and selections that are decidedly classical. algonquintheatre.ca
Summit focuses on Restoring our Relationship with the Natural World We’re much more than another summer shopping store. Open year-round, seven days a week, we are here for all your décor needs. Our four showrooms are filled with timeless items that you will love for both your home and cottage. Let us help you find that classic table, that comfy chair, or the perfect piece of art. Because at Veranda, you live beautifully.
On May 24 and 25 at the Rene Caisse Theatre in Bracebridge, the Muskoka Summit on the Environment’s 2018
Natural World Summit will address the fact that the human species has become so populous that it is now causing rapid and possibly catastrophic changes to the planet. Speakers are Stephen Scharper, Meg Lowman, John Smol, F. Stuart Chapin (Terry), James Gordon and Dan Longboat. For participants interested in exploring the role of religion in environmentalism, a companion workshop is being hosted at the Bracebridge United Church. muskokasummit.org/2018-summit/
Gravenhurst Opera House’s Gala ushers in the summer mood 2018’s Summer Season Gala at the Gravenhurst Opera House plays on the evening of May 25, beginning with a reception at 6 p.m. with delicious offerings by award-winning chefs from the Gravenhurst area and live music. The show begins at 8. Hosted by Canada’s own The Yes Men, Neil Crone, Kevin Frank and Patrick McKenna, it will be a star-studded evening of music and comedy, with Debbie Collins, Jane Miller, Mary Pitt, Robin Clipsham, Muskoka’s own, Peaches and many more. gravenhurst.ca/en/opera/shows.asp
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Muskoka Art Battle will involve spectators in judging the works produced by artists in 20-minute sessions.
"I Got You, Babe" showcases the art of the rock duet For 50 years, the greatest rock and pop singers have doubled up to create relationships in song, whether as lovers, friends disagreeing or what-have-you. Mad Raven Dinner Theatre presents a delicious three-course meal followed by Muskoka’s finest talent, including Sean Cotton, Juan Barbosa and Leaynne Connolly singing iconic duets by Sonny and Cher, Aretha Franklin and George Michael, Johnny Cash and June Carter, James Taylor and Carly Simon, Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush, Elton John and Kiki Dee, Phil Collins and Philip Bailey and more. It runs two nights, May 25 and 26, at the ClubLink Grandview O’Meara Ballroom.
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Spin the Lakes offers a fun, scenic, non-competitive ride The 13th annual Spin the Lakes Cycle Tour will take place May 26, starting at Hidden Valley Resort near Huntsville. There’s something for every rider with four different lengths of course, from the easy 20 km for rookies to the hardcore 172 km for athletic types. The routes are designed to offer the most spectacular views of local lakes, especially Peninsula Lake and Lake of Bays, and challenge you with rolling hills. bikemuskoka.ca/events/spin-the-lakes/
The brush is mightier than the sword at Muskoka Art Battle In an art battle, 12 artists (six each in the first two rounds) have 20 minutes to create a painting while ticket-holding spectators walk around the easels viewing the process. The spectators vote their three favourites in each round and those six artists enter the final round. Spectators then vote for the champion, making them eligible for the regional Art Battle competition, possibly
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leading to national and international victories. Organized by Andrea Balmer of Let the Cat Go Art Studio, this epic live art event happens on May 26 at Bracebridge Memorial Arena, and some of Muskoka’s well-known artists plan to enter. Live music will be provided by Kurt Dunlop on guitar, with food and Muskoka Brewery beer available also. bracebridge.ca/en/explore/Festivals-and-Events.aspx
Reel Paddling Film Festival has the best paddling movies Photograph: Paddling Film Festival
If you’d like cinematic inspiration for your canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding adventures, don’t miss the 13th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival. Its World Tour screens in 120 cities around the world, and Muskoka gets its turn on June 1 at the Algonquin Theatre in Huntsville. Thrill to films featuring paddling of all kinds in rivers, lakes and oceans worldwide, and wild places from the spectacular to the serene.
This is the 13th annual Reel Paddling Film Festival to be screened in Muskoka.
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Article by Dawn Huddlestone
D
espite days spent in offices, sitting at computers, we all have a little bit of wild in us that yearns to break free. Finding it just requires an appropriate challenge. You may be surprised at what you can do. To help you find out, a Muskoka-based outdoor company is putting unique new twists on some of the latest adventure crazes. Even if you regularly challenge yourself, it’s unlikely you’ve experienced anything like this. If you’ve tried escape activities, you probably haven’t done them in full firefighter gear, experiencing some of what firefighters encounter at the scene of a fire. If you’re a fan of outdoor adventure, you may not have spent a few hours throwing axes at targets in the bush or throwing cast iron frying pans for distance. If you like to be on the water, you likely haven’t taken a
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stand-up paddleboard – the closest you can get to walking on water – through a quiet river wilderness to the site of a beautiful waterfall. You’ll find all of these challenges and more at Find Your Wild. Created by former outdoor education teacher Jamie Honderich, known to most as simply Hondo, Find Your Wild is based at an 80-acre property just east of Huntsville. It’s on the lands of a heritage farm where Hondo and fibre artist Pam Carnochan run a bed and breakfast. They also keep a small number of animals like sheep – the wool from which Pam uses for her Watercolour with Wool artworks – a donkey, a horse and chickens. It’s an idyllic scene with its old farmhouse and barn, a small lake, a creek, a beaver pond and mature hardwood forest as far as the eye can see. But tucked away in the bush are unique activities you’d be
May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 18
at a fire scene. Both the escape room and obstacle course are visible to the rest of your group, so they can cheer you on and help out with a bit of coaching if needed. Then there’s Hide and Seek. You get called to a building and have to get a variety of
victims out – mannequins in this case – but they aren’t always easy to find. In a real fire, frightened children may try to hide. Your job is to get them to safety. Finally, there’s the B&E and Bail. You’ve been called to an industrial site where you have to break in a door and haul a hose to where the “fire” is. But you get trapped and have to find another way to get out. One of the solutions is a head-first bail out of a second-story window. At a real scene, that could be a long way up but for the purposes of Find Your Wild, it’s just seven feet off the ground with a well-padded landing. Even that can be a challenge in full gear. In all of the escape rooms, there are riddles along the way that will help you solve the problems you encounter. There’s no reward, however – other than bragging rights – for completing the course quickly. Firefighters never run, says Hondo. They move with a sense of purpose. “You have to keep your head on. It could be chaos otherwise,” he says. “You solve problems as a
Photographs: Find Your Wild
hard pressed to find elsewhere. There are the firefighter adventures led by National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) certified firefighters, including three escape rooms designed to give you a taste of what it’s like to respond to different fire call scenarios. First, you gather at the vintage pumper truck to don your firefighter bunker gear. Then you head to the Tangles in Tight Spaces escape room where you have to navigate a low profile space, wriggling under and between beams like a firefighter might squeeze under a garage door or break through a wall, and then find your way through a box full of wires. Some adventurers choose to do the challenges with an oxygen tank strapped on their backs, others opt to do it without. Always, the activities are challenge by choice – you can choose more or less of a challenge and can skip an activity completely or back out of it when you’re part way through, if it makes you uncomfortable. Once you’ve escaped those tight spaces, you’ll complete an obstacle course using gear that might be used
Certified firefighters provide program participants a taste of what it’s like to respond to different fire call scenarios. Jamie Honderich (right) familiarizes a group with their gear. May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 19
Photographs: Find Your Wild
team and move with purpose to complete the challenge.” Also at the Find Your Wild base is another unique challenge: Bush Poker Axe Throwing. You may have tried axe throwing and you may have played poker but have you done both while on a hike or snowshoe through the bush? Targets painted with card values in different suits are strapped to trees throughout the Find Your Wild forest. Some will require you to throw the axe with your non-dominant hand, from behind a tree, or from one knee.
Bush Poker Axe Throwing is one of the unique challenges offered by Find Your Wild at its base camp.
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www.WaterfrontatGrandview.com 20 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
challenge that incorporates axe throwing, crosscut saws and cast iron pan throws, or a secret garden path where you have to navigate a rope maze blindfolded.
Photographs: Find Your Wild
The better your aim, the better your poker hand. It’s one of many bush challenges available. There’s also a low ropes course, a bouldering wall, a lumberjack
Created by former outdoor education teacher Jamie Honderich, Find Your Wild is based at an 80-acre property just east of Huntsville.
excelrailings.ca 705-646-2508
May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 21
Photographs: Find Your Wild
Not all of the Find Your want to bring wee ones, Wild adventures are at its too. The Find Your Wild base, though. Hondo dog – Stanley, a Norwegian regularly leads groups into Elkhound – is optional or nearby Algonquin Provincial you can bring your own Park or Arrowhead furry friend. Provincial Park. Two of Find With Find Your Wild, Your Wild’s most popular Hondo is following his summer adventures are the dream of spending his full-day Big Easy Stand-Up post-retirement life Paddleboard Adventure and outdoors. He was a the half-day Big Easy Fun geography teacher at Family Float. Huntsville High School The full-day adventure where he also ran school begins at the beach in eco programs. He’s been a Among Find Your Wild’s most popular summer adventures is the full-day Big Easy Arrowhead Provincial Park, wolf and cougar researcher. follows the Little East River Stand-Up Paddleboard Adventure. And now he’s sharing his down to scenic Stubb’s Falls and then carries a shorter version of the same trip, ending love for the outdoors by giving people the on into the sparsely populated Big East River with s’mores over the fire. You can stand, ability to explore the wilderness and challenge where, after some stops for snacks and kneel or sit on your board and either paddle themselves to try something new, something swimming, you’ll arrive at a private beach for or let the current carry you along. There’s maybe a bit outside their comfort zone by a campfire cookout. The Family Fun Float is even a Zodiac boat available for parents who finding their own inner wild.
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Article by Doug Smith Photography by Eleanor Kee Wellman
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May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 24
I
f Canada had a big five list of must-see animals, the moose would certainly be on that list. Its huge size, massive antlers and dominating presence are impressive. Muskoka is home to a viable population of these big creatures, the largest living deer found in the northern parts of North America, Europe and Asia. The latest moose survey, done in 2015 by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forests (MNRF), showed an estimate of 408 moose in the region, give or take 90. The large allowance for variation has to do with the methodology of tracking moose from the air. Done every three to five years by the MNRF, using a small aircraft, the moose survey involves counting individuals in sample plots during the late winter. When there are no leaves on the trees, the moose are more visible. The numbers from the sample plots are then extrapolated for the region, explains Ron Black, wildlife biologist with the MNRF, out of the Parry Sound office. Good moose habitat includes lots of wetlands, such as beaver ponds. When that is available, moose are quite content. “The population density may vary throughout the region,” Black says, explaining they are found all over Muskoka, and even as far south as Orillia. “This survey showed the population is down less than 10 per cent since the 2010 survey," says Black, adding that variation is “nothing alarming.” These concentrated efforts are done to manage the moose population for hunting purposes, providing the MNRF with the information needed to determine the number of tags to issue for adult bulls and cows. “We target a proportion of the population and issue tags for adult moose, based on the known success rate of hunters,” Black explains, adding, “Anyone with a moose license can hunt a calf, as they are subject to higher mortality anyways.” The open hunting season on moose in Muskoka is in early fall. “Traditionally it was for six days from the third Monday in October,” Black states, “but now it starts on the Saturday closest to October 22nd, and lasts for seven days, unless Sunday hunting is not allowed locally.” In part due to hunting, fall is not the easiest time to find a moose. It is a good time to see
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In preparation for the leaner winter months, moose fatten up during the summer and into the fall on vast quantities of water lilies and other aquatic vegetation – eating up to 20 kilograms or more in a day. one, however, as they are in their best condition. Fall is their mating season or rut. The males are especially impressive at this time, with their fresh rack of antlers. The booklet Mammals of Algonquin Provincial Park (which borrows information from research done in the park) points out that “males in their prime, roughly between four and eight years of age ... grow great racks, often measuring more than a metre from tip to tip, and weighing as much as 25 kilograms.” The same publication explains more about a moose’s antlers, “They start to grow in April and, during their development, are covered and nourished by the ‘velvet,’ a layer of skin densely covered with short hair and richly supplied with blood vessels. Growth is completed by early September and the velvet is then rubbed off on trees and
shrubs to expose the solid bony antlers.” The booklet also points out that a moose’s antlers are, “Not used for defense but are for the sole function of improving the chances of success in late September and early October mating season, or rut.” Battles between rival bull moose are rare. The bulls make a show by “thrashing their antlers in shrubbery, producing a surprisingly
far-carrying noise,” the booklet points out, adding “when bulls meet they usually quite quickly assess each other’s strength ... and the intimidated animal does not contest the other’s dominance.” A rutting moose is not an animal to contend with when out hiking in the woods in the fall, as they are entirely focused. Black states, “there is always a risk during the fall rut of bulls becoming aggressive.” Be wary, as aggressive behaviour is a possibility. Once the rut is over, both the bulls and the cows – along with their first year calves – settle down to the difficult task of surviving a Muskoka winter. Having fattened up during the summer and into the fall on vast quantities of water lilies and other aquatic vegetation – up to 20 kilograms a day, according to the booklet – they are better
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Moose calves spend their first winter close to their mother. Having survived winter ticks and a limited food supply, they are sent off on their own in the spring, as the mother shoos them away just in time to give birth to her next calf or calves. prepared for the leaner diet of winter, which sees them losing weight until spring arrives. They also grow a thicker coat of fur. Like many animals in Muskoka, the young are most vulnerable in wintertime. One of their only enemies, wolves, will attack adult moose especially during winter. Black bears are another natural enemy, but not in winter and usually predate young calves in the spring. By mid-winter, the bulls have dropped their antlers, most likely in a place where they’ll never be found, except by mice and squirrels and other rodents, which gnaw on them for the minerals. Winter is a good time to search for moose by tracking them in the snow, but avoid following too close to keep from stressing the animals at that time of the year. The moose’s long legs also help it in winter, allowing it to get through the deep snow. The park booklet states that moose even straddle small trees and walk up them to reach edible portions. Their long neck allows them to browse up high. Moose are better equipped to survive a Muskoka winter than their cousin, the whitetailed deer, whose population has been noticeably reduced by the harsh winters
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Muskoka experienced in 2013 and 2014. A smaller deer population is an advantage to moose, as deer share a parasite, brainworm, that is a problem for moose. At one time called moose disease, the afflicted animals are often “blind, lack coordination and eventually lose the capacity to stand,” according to the booklet, which also explains that park research discovered the villain. It is “a nematode worm that lives in the brain and spinal column of deer, without apparently doing that animal harm. But after it has passed through the deer it takes up the next stage of its life cycle in a slug or snail. In the course of acquiring huge quantities of browse each day, some moose are bound to eat some of the infected snails, which are clinging to the low vegetation. Once in the moose, the nasty nematode does the same thing as in the deer, that is burrow into the brain and spinal column but in moose with disastrous and fatal results.” Black points out that, “while the disease is sometimes evident, it isn’t controlling the moose population.” By the end of the winter, moose are ready for a change. Spring is one of the best times to see moose in Muskoka. At that time, they emerge from their wintering range to drink
the salty water along the roadsides. “They are depleted of potassium and sodium from grazing on twigs all winter,” explains Black. Their winter coats may also be looking slightly ragged, if winter ticks have affected them. “It is sometimes a problem,” says Black. The moose pick up the ticks in the autumn, when they attach themselves to the moose, then stay on all winter. According to the booklet, the ticks “remain dormant until January or February, when they increase their activity of sucking blood from the animal. As the tick activity increases, the moose becomes itchy, so tries to rub them off, but loses its fur as well.” This is critical, the booklet points out, because the moose “need the insulation provided by a normal coat of hair. Young moose with a full coat of hair ... do not start shivering (a sign of cold internal temperature) until -30 to -35 C.” The booklet further explains, “a moose with a coat disrupted from scratching because of ticks may shiver over half the time during rainy weather at +5 C in March or April.” In a bad tick winter, “the moose have hair loss, and depleted energy,” says Black, who adds that they can even become anemic, especially the calves.
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In the spring of the year, a cow often has one or two calves with her, as they spend their first winter close to their mother. Having survived winter ticks and a limited food supply, they are now sent off on their own, as the mother shoos them away just in time to give birth to her next calf or calves. The cow often seeks out a secluded area, even an island, to be safe from bears and wolves. It’s a bewildering time for the young moose, and sometimes they end up wandering where they shouldn’t, such as into a suburban or urban area, though they don’t stay there long. By late spring, most moose are back in the wetlands, filling up on the nutrient rich aquatic vegetation, which is the mainstay of their diet, being herbivores. Their long legs and necks help facilitate this type of feeding, as well. Sighting an adult moose standing knee deep in a beaver pond is an iconic Canadian experience. We are fortunate to have them, here, in Muskoka.
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Preparing for its second year, the Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club has already recorded many successes as it revives a Muskoka tradition.
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The Tradition of Lawn Bowling Returns to Muskoka Article by Matt Driscoll / Photography by Tomasz Szumski
I
t doesn’t take much imagination to conjure the old world charm of lawn bowling. Men in their sailor caps and ties, and women in long white dresses catching up on the talk of the town as they tumbled the bowls along long manicured greens. A century ago, bowling greens could be found throughout Muskoka in towns and at many of the lakeside resorts. However, up until this past year, the sport had all but disappeared from the region. That was until the spark of an idea grew into what has now become the Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club. After considerable hard work, tireless fundraising and community advocacy, Muskoka once again has a lawn bowling facility to call its own. In 2017, the Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club celebrated its first successful season on land leased from the Muskoka Highlands Golf Course. “This is something for any age, any gender
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– we have truck drivers and doctors,” says Sally Mills, one of the driving forces behind the creation of the facility. “It’s about everyone coming out to get some exercise and have some fun.” One of the main attractions of lawn bowling is the accessibility of the game – it’s easy to learn and there’s minimal equipment required to play. Players are given four weighted balls – or bowls – and the objective is to roll the bowls down the green (typically about 34 to 40 metres in length) towards the jack (a smaller ball). Closest to the jack gets the points. The game dates back to 12th Century England, and the first clubs in Ontario opened in the 1830s. Lawn bowling was once ubiquitous in Muskoka, with facilities in many of the towns and resorts. Historical records indicate that bowling greens were constructed at the Wawa Hotel on Lake of Bays, at Elgin House on Lake Joseph and at Windermere House on
Lake Rosseau by the early twentieth century. Paignton House built its lawn bowling greens as part of a larger expansion in the 1920s that included tennis courts and additional guest cabins. Monteith House on Lake Rosseau boasted some of the best sporting amenities available, including lawn bowling, tennis and in later years, Muskoka’s first roller skating rink. Rostrevor Resort on Lake Rosseau even brought in lawn bowling champions to help provide their guests with lessons on the game. The Bowling Club at the Highlands isn't the first in Bracebridge either, as the Bracebridge Lawn Bowling Club thrived for years beside the current site of Bracebridge Public School. The original club hosted many competitions over the years, drawing in clubs from Orillia and Gravenhurst, and was quite successful. The club room was a horse stable that had been converted into usable space but it burned to the ground in 1945. The club itself was active from roughly
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1928 to the 1960s. Part of the modern appeal of lawn bowling is that many clubs have relaxed their formerly stringent rules about dress code and made the clubs more accessible for anyone interested. Nowadays, the Muskoka club prides itself on catering to seasonal and permanent residents from the ages of 9 to 99.
Lawn bowling is something for people of any age, says club president Sally Mills.
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“It was an amazing and crazy summer,” says Mills, referring to the opening season. “We’ve had so many people jump on board. We drew 85 members in our first year – most of whom are new bowlers. We were expecting to get maybe 40.” Muskoka’s resurgent interest in lawn bowling began largely with Lawrie and David Scott. The couple had been members of the Markham Lawn Bowling Club and decided to bring their passion for the game to Muskoka when they moved here in 2005. The major obstacle to construction was that little funding was available for new builds. That changed in 2015 when new criteria for Ontario Trillium Grant funding became available. Sally Mills, who had by now largely taken over the project, applied and in March 2016
The newly-created Muskoka Lawn Bowling Club has hosted avid bowlers and newbies, community groups, family get togethers, as well as the club’s first lawn bowling tournament. learned the club had received the maximum amount – $150,000 – to build a new lawn bowling facility. “We had pretty much given up on it by that time; it was our last shot,” says Mills. The following year was a series of ups and downs, but Mills says thanks to the support of the Town of Bracebridge, the staff at Muskoka Highlands, those who donated financially and a small army of volunteers, everything came together for their grand opening on July 8, 2017. Since then, the club has hosted avid bowlers and newbies, community groups,
family get-togethers, as well as the club’s first lawn bowling tournament. They also won awards for most new members and best communications program during the 2017 Ontario Lawn Bowling Association’s annual fall meeting. “It’s an incredible feeling,” says Mills. “I knew this summer was going to be a huge amount of work. What surprised me is how rewarding it’s been.” Often referred to as curling on grass, the two games are similar in terminology and rules, except without the sweeping of curling and the added challenge of a house that can
be moved during the game. “It’s easy to learn but difficult to master,” says Mills. Like many lawn bowlers, Mills comes from a curling background. A longtime member at the Leaside Curling Club, Mills and her team were wrapping up their season in the spring of 2010, when one of her teammates mentioned the six-week learn to lawn bowl program. “We were sorry to see the curling season come to an end, so I thought ‘what the heck?’,” says Mills. “After that I was hooked.” Mills has been a cottager on McKay Lake
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and Three Mile Lake for the past time this past summer. 25 years but wanting to maximize “I really enjoy the exercise as her time on the lake presented a well as the social aspect of lawn problem. bowling,” says Campbell. “What “It made for a very short lawn stands out the most for me was bowling season,” says Mills. how friendly the members of the A lack of bowling time is no bowling club were.” longer a problem for Mills, who Campbell has known Sally now sits on the board at multiple Mills for the past eight years, and clubs, and has become a certified also knew about her desire to coach. build a club, but she was floored “Our learn-to-bowl program when she saw the finished has been extremely successful,” she product. Longtime cottager and lawn bowler Graydon Bell is among those happy to says. “A high percentage of the “It looks as if Muskoka Lawn welcome the opening of a Muskoka club. people who have gone through the Bowling Club has been in program have become members of the club.” Bond says she’s been most impressed with existence for many years,” she says. “It’s due Fellow Three Mile Lake cottager Beverly the accessibility of the club, where anyone to their hard work and organizational skills. Bond is one of those who took the course and can join and learn the game. She says the I'm sure that visiting lawn bowlers are joined the club. schedule is flexible, making it easy to impressed.” “Although I was a new player, I have curled accommodate those on vacation, newcomers Campbell says she’s looking forward to for many years and I enjoyed the similarities,” or those who want to maximize their time at renewing friendships at the club this summer says Bond. “I had a chance to meet new the club. and playing for many years to come. people at the club and I really enjoyed the Anne Campbell is a retired teacher from Mills says it’s those personal stories that strategy play of lawn bowling. I plan on Toronto, who’s been cottaging on Silver Lake make the experience so rewarding. playing again next summer when we return in Port Carling for the past 25 years. She also “There was a grandfather out at the driving to the lake for the summer.” tried her hand at lawn bowling for the first range next door with his three grandchildren,”
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said Mills. “They were sitting on the bench and we hauled them in to play a game. He said, ‘this is great, it’s something I can do with my grandkids’.” Clients from Community Living South Muskoka are regular guests at the club. “We have one young man who comes out every Friday morning and he absolutely loves it,” says Mills. A corporate group from Staples also came out during the summer and enjoyed themselves immensely, says Mills. “I think a lot of young people are surprised by how challenging the game can be,” she says. While they do draw from different demographics, Mills says a big push for the club in the coming seasons will be to attract a younger crowd. She said they hope to approach schools in the area this season to get them involved, and St. Dominic Catholic Secondary School has already created several benches located alongside the playing area. Mills is hoping to have two learn-to-bowl sessions next year, and is seeking funding to increase accessibility at the facility. She’s also hoping to find a way to create more shade for the summer days, and lights to extend play into the evening. She’s encouraging all residents of the area – permanent and seasonal – to come out and get involved in a new and exciting element of the Muskoka community. More than a century after the first bowls were cast along the manicured grounds of Muskoka's grand resorts, lawn bowling is once again a highlight of the summer for many.
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Article by Meghan Smith / Photography by Tomasz Szumski
T
he art of blending mixed media has been used by artisans and craftsman alike for centuries. Artists push the boundaries of expectation by pulling various mediums and styles together. The blending creates unique pieces of art that are difficult to replicate and quick to catch the eye. Throughout the ages, copper’s durability, versatility and resistance to rust and corrosion made it ideal for crafting useful pieces. Anthropologists believe copper to be the first metal used to create wares due to its malleability. Richard Ellard of Bracebridge takes the art and trade of coppersmithing to a new level. Blending custom copper works with other mediums has been Ellard’s intention since starting his business, Artifex Coppersmithing Inc., in 1998. “Artifex is Latin for ‘master in the craft’ and that’s what we strive for,” explains Ellard. “The mission statement for our work is functional architecture.” Arts and Crafts style, the architecture style Ellard creates his pieces in, is focussed on traditional craftsmanship
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with the use of folk or medieval styles of decoration. “This style came about in the 1900s in North America,” says Ellard. “It really shifted the tradesman to an artisan.” The intention of the style is that artisans create items from scratch such as houses, decorations and functional art, including furniture, lighting and sinks. “Architectural works are commissioned by clients, typically with a specific style or goal for the final piece,” says Ellard. “Interior work, or functional art, gives us a bit more license to create based on the feel of the cottage or home.” Building on their experience and developing new techniques, the Artifex team began incorporating leaves within their patina work in recent years. Patina refers to the thin layer or tarnish produced by oxidation or other chemical processes that forms on the surface of copper, bronze or other similar metals. The chemical process by which a patina forms or is deliberately induced is called patination.
Glass and copper fuse at the same temperature, making them ideal to pair together in architecture and other items.
“Patina is the aging of copper and brass,” explains Ellard. “We formulate our own patinas with trees, leaves, roots and things. We soak oak and maple leaves into our patina and lay it onto the copper. It creates a very organic, variegated type of aging. It has a three-dimensional look to it.” Patinas can provide a protective covering
to materials that would otherwise be damaged by corrosion or weathering. Metalworkers and artists deliberately incorporate patinas as part of their designs and decorations to simulate antique qualities in newly made product. Ellard and his team’s patina work creates unique, abstract finishes to pieces. Even wildlife motifs have been
incorporated into custom pieces. Artifex’s projects range from back splashes in kitchens incorporating copper and glass to range hoods with semi-hidden leaves in the patina. “The patination works we’re using on projects now are methods I’ve been developing for 20 years,” says Ellard. Blending glass into his coppersmithing
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Below: Muskoka stained glass artist Gail Wilson has joined with Richard Ellard of Artifex to produce uniquely fused pieces of copper and stained glass.
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partnership with local glass artist Gail Wilson. Approaching projects with Wilson’s artistry provides a new dynamic to Ellard’s architectural works. “I look for creating a product out of what we’re doing and Gail is bringing an artist’s
background to a number of the new glass pieces,” comments Ellard. Ellard and Wilson’s works actively combine the traditional and the modern to create handcrafted, custom work, unlike any other in the Muskoka region. “The essence of much of our work is about merging the needs and wants of customers with the need for true craftsmanship and artistry,” shares Ellard. “My mission is to bring glasswork to new and exciting artistry using both cold and hot glass,” says Wilson. “I am still in awe of the way the pieces, when seen in a window, are constantly changing.” Wilson grew up visiting Muskoka in the summers and relocated permanently in 1984. In 1999, Wilson began taking lessons for stained glass work. Once she began creating stained glass pieces, Wilson was enthralled with the process and the artistry. While she is familiar in working her artistry with cold stained glass, fusing is a different art that she continues to perfect. “My first attempt at using the kiln was a total disaster, so there have been several Submitted Photo
work is an effect Ellard has been augmenting for close to 10 years. When Cranberry Marsh Cove in Bala was being built, the then-owner approached Ellard about using glass and copper together, in as many places as possible. At the time, Ellard had not experimented with the two mediums concurrently but accepted the request and ran with it. “We worked the project with both products next to each other – roof awnings, cupolas, range hoods, everywhere we could,” explains Ellard. “We received such positive feedback from that work that we started to play with materials on our own.” Glass and copper fuse at the same temperature making them ideal to pair together in architecture and other items. Adding glass to projects such as cupolas on boathouses brings a distinctive quality to the work Ellard and his team produce. “We’ve worked on pieces such as landscaping lighting with glass lenses using fused glass, instead of stained glass, which adds a different touch,” explains Ellard. In recent years, Ellard has developed a
lessons along the way,” says Wilson. “I’ve taken a trial and error approach as I’m still learning. It’s part of the creation.” Glass has three phases – hot, warm and cold. Hot glass is glass blowing, warm glass is stroke fused and cold glass is stained glass, soldered together. Whether working with cold or warm glass, the process of glass selection, cutting and fine fitting is the same. The crucial portion of the process, in either scenario, is design planning. “The glass used for fusing has to be compatible with each other for the whole piece,” says Wilson. “The pieces of glass have to melt at the same temperature or the finished piece may shatter. It’s called the coefficient of expansion, which is whether the fused glass pieces are comparable or not.” With cold glass, segments are interchangeable and may be used together however the artist desires to create the piece. Fused glass provides a much quicker result but can be unpredictable during the process. “You have to wait until you can open the kiln to see what has worked,” explains Wilson. “It takes 24 hours or more. You have much more control over your cold glass projects when it comes to the finishing but the product is different.” “Fusing the copper and glass is a big part of the business,” says Ellard. “Working copper and glass together requires using quality materials and crafting pieces as well as possible. Human error is the biggest issue.” Ellard began his career working on the rooftops of London. While roofing, he saw other companies preparing the fine detailing on the same roofs. His interest in the craftsmanship of the fine detailing led him to pay his own way to learn the necessary skills. Ellard worked with the same companies overseas, in Europe on castles, palaces and other grand homes. When Ellard moved to Muskoka, he had not anticipated the response he received to practicing his craft. “The client base has developed into a group of patrons that, year after year, support the business with their needs and the understanding of what we can deliver,” says Ellard. “The customers were pivotal to me staying in Canada.” A few years into his venture, a customer reminded Ellard to maintain what was in his rearview mirror. By offering a warranty for the
Top: Richard Ellard fashions architectural works for clients, typically with a specific style or goal for the final piece that will be featured in their homes and cottages. May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 41
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In addition to crafting useful pieces from copper, the team at Artifex is now focusing on creative works. lifetime of the materials they use, the Artifex team can mend warranty work with regular maintenance before there is a crisis. “We have lifetime contracts to follow up each year on pieces,” comments Ellard. “We service eavestroughs and roofs regularly to keep them in order.” Whether working with a contractor, designer or owner of the home or cottage, meeting with the clients allows for a blend of the client’s vision with an artistic execution. The “art in architecture” begins as a drawing of a potential project or concept. The exchange of ideas among the team is very important in creating the concept and presenting a potential product to a client. “Our pieces are handmade by people the clients have met, in the studio they’ve visited and then they get to own a piece,” explains Ellard. Clients trust Ellard to know the desired style and overall aesthetic of their home or cottage. Installation of custom pieces is an impressive conclusion to the creative process. “My clients created the business,” says Ellard. “They demand and deserve great quality work. I just work here while my clients ask for projects to be created.” “In January, we installed an eight-sided
copper tower with a finial on top. The crane lifted it 60 feet in the air to complete the installation but the customer just couldn’t believe it. There’s a definite wow-factor.” Artifex is a family business with the shop and studio just steps away from Ellard’s home. Sye Ellard, one of Ellard’s two sons, has begun learning the coppersmithing craft and is interested in continuing the family business. “It’s great to have him involved and learning the business,” says Ellard. “He’ll go to school and be able to take things to another level. I can’t wait to see this continue as a father-son venture.” “With my son being involved, I’m really seeing this as a new stage of growth,” says Ellard. “We’re trying new things and reengaging in events like we haven’t for quite some time.” Ellard, Wilson and the Artifex team will participate in the Muskoka Autumn Studio Tour this year, the first time in over 12 years. Having his family attached to a business and product is an achievement that can make a founder feel good. In sharing his mastery of his trade with his son, Ellard continues a tradition of artistry and authentic craftsmanship in custom metalwork.
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ALL GERMANIA PHOTOGRAPHS: Richard Tatley / Gravenhurst Archives
The Weis family farm in Draper Township, with its neat fences, well-built barn and classic farmhouse, is a tribute to the exacting standards that German settlers achieved in farming and building their community, Germania.
Article by J. Patrick Boyer
I
n 1873, after scouting North American locales for “New Iceland,” 21-year old visionary Sigtryggur JÒnasson led 160 of his country-folk into Muskoka’s remote Cardwell Township to establish their Canadian toe-hold colony of “Hekkla.” Meanwhile, German immigrant brothers Georj and Wilhelm Gilbert and their families were clearing an unbroken section of Muskoka’s Draper Township, constructing homes, beginning farms and launching their “Germania” settlement to draw others from their native Germany. Like all fresh-start settlers, they sought a better life. But being non-British, the dominant stock of Muskoka’s homesteaders, any such Icelanders and Germans, besides creating important new settlements, would enrich the district’s society with their skills and culture. The news about immigrants, of course, is
44 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
not their arrival but what caused them to abandon cherished homelands in the first place. Iceland 145 years ago had about 71,000 people, 2,000 in the capital Reykjavik, most everyone else farming rural areas and fishing coastal waters. A colony of Denmark, Iceland was struggling with depleted resources, a livestock epidemic that annihilated 200,000 sheep, and Danish trade restrictions. Then it got clobbered by thick volcanic ash from Mount Hekla’s eruptions, a lethal degradation rendering farming impossible across much of the country. Adventurer Sigtryggur JÒnasson looked hopefully to North America, in 1872 becoming the first permanent Icelandic settler in Canada. His enthusiastic letters home encouraged others to follow. The government, seeking more settlers to populate Canada’s widespread land mass,
named JÒnasson an immigration agent and printed 20,000 promotional pamphlets for him to distribute in Iceland. The first wave of immigrants reached the promising land the very next year. First sailing to Scotland and then crossing the Atlantic to Quebec City, the settlers and their Icelandic horses reached Toronto by train and continued north to the railway’s terminus at Washago. The intrepid homesteaders, led by JÒnasson, then made their way up the stumpy rutted road to Gravenhurst and boarded a steamer to northern Lake Rosseau. Their final push inland led to waiting wilderness for homesteaders with small sturdy horses to clear and farm. Naming Canada’s first Icelandic community “Hekla,” after Iceland’s renowned mountain, seemed bittersweet: a nostalgic link to their homeland, yes, but a
decades postmaster Helgasson’s protests to Ottawa never succeeded in getting that embarrassing second “k” removed from “Hekkla.” At first settlers worshiped in homes and buried their dead at their farms, the common pattern of Muskoka’s remote areas. By the late 1890s, they wanted a proper church, accompanied by what Icelanders called a “church garden.” They acquired an unused church building near Rosseau, then dismantled, moved and reconstructed it during 1900 on an acre bought from Jacob Einarson. Alongside, they’d already established its “garden,” or cemetery. Hekkla’s community church was served by Methodist and Presbyterian ministers, until those churches merged in 1925, when clergy from the United Church of Canada assumed the duty until the church was closed, continuing with one annual service each August. In 2005 a unique event commemorating Icelandic settlement in Canada began in Iceland and ended in Manitoba. Dubbed “The Path to Gimli,” the adventure entailed Icelanders and A descendant of Hekkla’s Icelandic pioneers Jakob and Jorunn Canadians riding Icelandic horses through Einarson, Edith Smith visits Iceland’s rocky landscape and waterfalls, reminiscent of Muskoka, in July 1969. Middle: With the exhilarating all places connected with arrival of the Icelandic riders on “The Path to Gimli,” the Hekkla early migration. In churchyard becomes a lively spot as Muskokans with Icelandic links or Muskoka, that meant interest in heritage are drawn from all corners of the District. Declan Hekkla as Canada’s first O’Driscoll (centre, blue shirt) was the Canadian organizer of this Icelandic colony, as well unique bi-national celebration. Bottom: In 1886 Gustave and Julius as Gravenhurst, Brace- Grenke built this fine squared-log schoolhouse for children of Hekkla bridge and Rosseau. They and elsewhere in Cardwell Township’s No. 2 school section, just north visited the Hekkla Church of Skeleton Lake.
May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 45
ALL HEKKLA PHOTOGRAPHS: Edith Smith Heritage Collection, Ullswater
nod to the most prominent cauldron in Iceland’s over-active volcanic mountain range whose eruptions had triggered their departure. These special Muskoka settlers were just the vanguard. From 1873 until the late 1800s, Iceland’s exodus continued until 20 per cent of its entire population was in North America. A number at Hekla felt there might be greener (less rocky) pastures elsewhere. Already by 1874, some left to establish a new Icelandic community at Kinmount in Haliburton County, joined by 365 more immigrants direct from Iceland. This colony lasted only a year. By spring 1875, their search resumed. A few Kinmount settlers returned to Muskoka. Others relocated to Nova Scotia. Most headed west, under Sigtryggur JÒnasson’s leadership, to settle the shores of Lake Winnipeg and establish a “New Iceland” community at Gimli. Hekkla, having taken root, carried on. From Iceland more hard luck farmers trickled in. Jacob and Jouran Einarsson arrived in 1878 and, before long, gave the community its first locally-born child. Apart from naming newborns, existing Icelandic names got tweaked to accommodate Englishspeakers: Ásgeirsson to Asgeirson, Einarsson to Einarson, GuÒmundsson to Goodman, JÓnsson to Johnson, Snæbjörnsson to Snaebjornsson, Tomasson to Thompson, Finnsson to Finnson, Helgasson to Helgason. Cultural adjustment took other forms, too. One of Hekkla’s first settlers, a bookbinder by trade, discovered his craft was not yet needed in Muskoka so worked instead at a Parry Sound sawmill. A decade and a half later, realizing the need to keep Icelandic cultural life vital, Pall Snaebjornsson organized Hekkla’s reading and study society, which from 1888 acquired and discussed many Icelandic books. Desiring status as a real community, Muskoka’s Icelanders sought a post office. Asgeir V. Helgasson applied to Ottawa and was duly appointed postmaster. However, everyone was chagrined when postal officials refused to correct their misspelling on the franking hammer they’d sent him. He opened Hekla’s post office in his trim wood-frame house in January 1887, but for the next two
and Cemetery, and were Hermann Weizmiller contributed accommodated by Edith and timbers and boards. Volunteers Harry Smith at Ullswater. formed working groups: “What a thrill it was,” recalls carpenters to construct the log Edith, a descendant of the pioneer building, artisans to craft pews Einarson family, “to host the and an altar, others to paint, to Icelandic riders, watch them on landscape the grounds, to mark the original road built by my out a cemetery. Muskoka’s great-great-grandfather Rasmus multicultural nature got a boost as Oleson, see them go from the Old Muskoka’s first church of the Lutheran denomination, the original services in German became Parry Sound Road into a waiting Protestant church formed 400 years ago in Germany, displays the strength increasingly mixed with English knee-high field of hay to graze and of logs, crafted by German artisans in 1876 at Germania. usage, while Germania’s nonspend the night in, while we and many others Gilbert and wife Margrieta, brother Georj Lutherans built a Methodist church. welcomed the riders and invited them to Gilbert and wife Katarina, and Katarina’s From an early age in Hekkla and Germania, enjoy a July swim in Skeleton Lake.” parents, Hermann and Maria Dorothea, while children worked diligently alongside parents Meanwhile, back in 1870, Muskoka’s 25 more German families joined them in and their extended family, as in Muskoka’s German arrivals left their duchy of Hessen- settling their Muskoka colony. Adjusting for other close-knit pioneer communities. Girls Darmstadt because the place was undergoing the British setting, anglicized names included made candles and soap, fetched eggs, milked a disruptive geopolitical realignment within variations such as Weizmüler to Weizmiller cows, cooked food, washed clothes and ironed Bismarck’s newly-minted German Empire, then Weismiller, Weis to Wise, and Snieder to laundry. Boys plowed fields, weeded gardens, and because an expansive spirit was igniting Snider. Other German-speaking families had split firewood, carried water, learned to hunt Germans to colonize the wider world. Late to surnames such as Chettle, Toye, Germyn, and kept an alert eye for livestock predators. achieve unification, Germany had missed out Deitz, Hyndemann, and Speicher. In Germania’s early years, children in the empire-building conquests by which Germania’s homesteaders, primarily attended other township schools, but by other European powers gained overseas Lutherans, built their “Germania Nazareth 1888 local families built their own territories. Evangelical Lutheran Church” on land schoolhouse in the village centre, on land Coming for Free Grant land were Wilhelm Wilhelm Gilbert donated. Lumberman donated this time by Wilhelm Gilbert’s
HOSPICE MUSKOKA PRESENTS Plant a Seed - Start a Conversation Monday, May 14, 2018 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
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brother Georj. Families contributed some $400 toward costs of the board-and-batten schoolhouse and adjacent sports field. From the fine brick chimney for its wood stove to the well-proportioned housing for the school’s rooftop bell, the calibre of German craftsmanship was on full display. Germania’s goal was self-sufficiency. After clearing land, they plowed and planted, raising fields of oats, wheat, corn, beans and potatoes. Alongside their crops, Germania’s farmers such as Willem Gilbert kept well-tended livestock, including poultry, hogs and large dairy herds. In 1884, when the community had some 100 residents, John Weismiller, son of Hermann and Dorothea, opened a post office. The next year William Stamp took over postmaster’s duties, amidst jibes about the aptness of his name Stamp, which two decades later were entrusted to Julius Rossgar who in 1906 combined Germania’s post office with a store beside Weismiller Lake. Germania was not a closed ethnic society, and its non-Germans included the Tait brothers – Thomas who operated a sawmill, and William who ran a general store supplying such products as wire and nails, socks and pans, tinned foods and matches, hard candy and blankets, cups, cheesecloth, biscuits and bullets. Special shopping excursions into Bracebridge or Gravenhurst, by wagon in summer and sleigh during winter, offered wider choices, plus the entertainment of observing town doings. The community had put down roots. With more baptisms, weddings and funerals, new generations became entwined with Germania life. Following the village’s first blacksmith P. Herman, Nikolas Weis took over shoeing horses and fashioning hinges and other ironwork as Germania’s smithy. In 1896, when Wilhelm Gilbert died, his two-storey home and farm were inherited by son Heinrich, and his wife Rachel, who carried on the productive operation. The population reached 150. Prosperity increased. Thomas Tait expanded his lumber business to include a shingle mill. Charles Tingey, another non-German, introduced competition by opening Germania’s second general store. Then Hermann Weismiller took over Tait’s saw and shingle mill, running the steam-powered operation beside a tiny lake
named after himself. As in Muskoka’s other snow-bound farming communities, men harvested trees during winter to supply logs for Weismiller’s sawblades in exchange for cash, or boards or both. When fire destroyed his mill early in the 20th century, Weismiller sold his steam engine to the Speichers, who operated a lumber mill of their own until it, too, burned down. Though Germania’s population began dwindling, life continued to arrive. On July 8, 1912, Nikolas Wettlaufer’s neighbours joined in a successful barn-raising at his farm. By the mid-1920s, the convenience of automobiles spelled an end for the settlement’s remaining general store; with locals shopping elsewhere, it went out of business. Germania’s schoolhouse closed in 1960 with school consolidation; for awhile the building served as a community centre for events and entertainment. Germania’s post office operated until 1957. Summer services are occasionally held at the Lutheran church. Both Hekkla and Germania families enriched Muskoka by their diversity and devotion to community betterment. Their descendants, through generations of intermarriage and engagement in District life, are melded into that unique blend of Canadians known as Muskokans.
Top: In winter, farmers harvested logs for such sawmills as the Weismiller Lumber Company in Germania. The entire Weis family got into the act, as shown in this logging scene, with Nick Weis, Germania’s blacksmith, atop one of the oxen. Middle: The tranquil setting of Hekkla Community Church and Cemetery. Bottom: Children learn to honour their heritage in special moments, such as laying flowers at the plaque “Honouring the first Icelandic colony and early settlers in Hekkla, 1873.”
May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 47
Whats Happened MLA releases 2017 water quality report Early this year, the Muskoka Lakes Association released the results of its 2017 Water Quality Initiative. Data was collected from 193 locations in 55 areas last summer and then compared to what was collected from 2002 to 2006. It found that water quality at most of the sampling locations is good to excellent. Volunteers aimed to sample each location four times for a variety of criteria including temperature, water clarity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), total Phosphorus, and bacteria (E. coli and total coliforms). Of the 55 areas sampled, 41 areas received a green light indicating that water quality remains consistently good, while 14 areas received a yellow light recommending more investigation to
48 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
maintain good water quality. The report suggests that Minett and Windermere remain primary focus areas for 2018 sampling. The full report is available at mla.on.ca.
Discovery Centre to open major new attraction This summer, the Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst will unveil its first new permanent exhibit since 2006. Watershed Wonders explores physical and biological elements of the Muskoka River Watershed – how it works, how it shapes our lives, and how research in the area
has helped to improve the quality of freshwater lakes around the world. “It’s an opportunity to find out what the watershed is, the importance of it, how it contributes to what Muskoka is,” says Ann Curley, operations manager/curator at the Muskoka Discovery Centre. “The Muskoka watershed has many unique features – people will have to come here to find those out.” The interactive exhibit comprises five sections: The Water Cycle, Biodiversity,
Nature Challenged, Humans! and Stewardship and Sustainability. One of the many highlights of the exhibit will be a virtual aquarium, which Curley believes is the only one in Ontario, showcasing what we typically can’t see beneath the surface. “The Discovery Centre is well named,” says volunteer Ian Turnbull. “This new exhibit will explain, explore and discover the watershed and all its features. There is nothing more unique about Muskoka than the watershed – it’s what makes us a different place in Ontario, let alone Canada, than many other places.” The exhibit is being designed and fabricated by Canadian companies Simbioz, Expographiq and Reich and Petch, with content developed in partnership with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, the Muskoka Watershed Council, Friends of the Muskoka Watershed and the Muskoka Lakes Association. It is expected to open in July of 2018.
Ontario Heritage Trust commemorates Anishinaabeg history in Lake of Bays
Photograph: Rebecca Krawczyk
Late last year, dignitaries gathered at Dorset’s Cedar Narrows Heritage Park for the unveiling of provincial plaques that relay the long history of the Anishinaabeg people
in the area. The plaques are part of the Ontario Heritage Trust’s Provincial Plaque Program which commemorates provincially significant people, places and events in Ontario’s history. The plaques are presented in three languages – English, French and Anishinaabemowin – and read: “A waterbased people, the Anishinaabeg – the original people of this region – were a hunter-gatherer society that often travelled here to the narrows at Trading Bay (Lake of Bays). The area that is now Dorset was a special, spiritual place abundant in natural resources. For thousands of years, the Anishinaabeg set up small camps here harvesting maple syrup and birch bark, fishing and trading in the spring and summer, and hunting and trapping during the fall and winter. Eventually, the Anishinaabeg realized that their hunting and harvesting rights and territory had been lost through a series of treaties. They continued to travel to the region to work as fishing and hunting guides and trading with seasonal tourists and cottagers. The descendants of the Anishinaabeg are members of the seven First Nations of the Williams Treaties (1923), the nearest of which is the Chippewas of Rama First Nation. The legacy of the original inhabitants lives on through the many landmarks, rivers, lakes, and islands that bear Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) place names.” Chief Rodney Noganosh of the
Dignitaries and guests unveil provincial plaques commemorating the Anishinaabeg history in the Dorset area. May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 49
Dara Howell returns to the podium
Cup Big Air competition in March. It’s a discipline she doesn’t normally compete in; she was focused on honing her slopestyle skills in the lead up to the PyeongChang Olympics the month before. The podium eluded her there after she missed a berth in the finals when she lost a ski during the landing of a difficult jump. But in Quebec City, it was a different story. Her execution was flawless at Îlot Fleurie, a park in Quebec City’s Lower Town district, where a 40-metre high and 110-metre long ramp was built beneath the Dufferin-Montmorency highway for the competition. She told Freestyle Canada that “It means everything to me to end the season with a Huntsville’s Dara Howell (centre) celebrates her win. Just to come out here and have no World Cup gold medal win in Quebec City. pressure for the Big Air and walk away with the win means everything to me. This is my first Big Air event and I hope there is more of these events in the future for me…” The Friends of Muskoka has brought And there may be, indeed: Big Air could together cottage associations, local become an official Olympic discipline for the 2022 Olympic Games in Beijing. residents, environmentalists, farmers and
Friends of Muskoka fights development
Huntsville’s Dara Howell is a golden girl once again. The slopestyle skier returned to the podium with a gold medal at the World
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Chippewas of Rama First Nation said, “The Chippewas of Rama First Nation are proud to take part in this ceremony which celebrates our long history in this area. Our ancestors, including Chief Bigwin, travelled through these waters regularly; hunting, harvesting, fishing and trading. In 1923, our traditional rights were taken away through the Williams Treaties. The loss of these resources was devastating to our community as many of our elders, who were children at the time, have shared in their stories. These rights were restored last year as part of our negotiations with the Crown. Our members are looking forward to practicing our traditional rights again and ensuring that future generations find a strong connection to their heritage and history throughout this area.”
local business people “to preserve the natural environment and unique character of Muskoka by promoting responsible use and development of its land and lakes.” The group told Muskoka District Council in Februrary it has incorporated as a non-profit. It has also “hired strong legal counsel to take our fight wherever we need to go to protect Muskoka.” The Friends of Muskoka oppose the overdevelopment of Muskoka’s lakes and are concerned about policy directions in the District’s Official Plan Review process that would allow for up to 50 per cent of units to be residential, while a minimum of 50 per cent would have to be available to the general public on a short-term basis. Via a change.org petition, the group is asking the District “to protect our environment by enforcing current residential setback and density restrictions for any residential construction proposed on commercial or resort designated or zoned lakefront properties.” More information is available at friendsofmuskoka.ca.
announced that its 2018-19 budget would Future planning review include a $750,000 increase in funding MAHC, an amount lower than the of Muskoka hospital continues for provincial average. The budget includes an The Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) Capital Development Plan Task Force, which formed to recommend a preferred model for the future of Muskoka’s hospitals, recently finalized the programs and services proposed for each of the models. Under consideration are a two hospital acute-care model, which would maintain acute care beds, emergency departments, general surgery, obstetrics and intensive care at two sites with the addition of a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit and MRI capabilities at one of the sites; an inpatient and outpatient model that would include emergency departments at two sites with separate outpatient and inpatient services at each; and a one-hospital option that would amalgamate all services at a single location including the addition of a Stroke Rehabilitation Unit and MRI capabilities. In March, the Ontario government
overall hospital funding increase of 4.6 per cent, while MAHC’s increase amounts to an increase of just 1.4 per cent. “Hospital funding has not kept pace with many new and rising costs, including salary increases mandated through collective agreements, increasing energy costs and new regulations,” said Natalie Bubela, Chief Executive Officer. “We continue to face enormous pressure to do more with less to ensure access to care. The $750,000 earmarked in the budget is very disappointing, and does not address the multi-million dollar operating shortfall we are projecting for the 2018-19 fiscal year.” MAHC Board Chair, Evelyn Brown, said that the board would continue to advocate for proper funding with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the North Simcoe Muskoka Local Health Integration Network. More information is available at mahc.ca.
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Muskoka-grown greens, sprouting healthy food year round Article by Karen Wehrstein / Photography by Heather Douglas
Four Seasons Greens supplies many of Muskoka’s restaurants and retailers with fresh greens for salads and cooking on a year-round basis. At first glance, Four Seasons Greens does not look like an agricultural enterprise. It looks like a typical modest residence with a Muskoka look on a quiet street in the sleepy, well-treed village of Port Sydney. In fact, it is the residence of Steven and Sharon Bacon as well as some of their five mostly-grown children. But go into the backyard and you’ll see there is much, much more going on. The yard is dominated by greenhouses. Inside are complex arrays of shelves, trays, hoses, tanks and pumps. One room in the house is also set up that way, for a total of 2,500 square feet of growing space on a 0.93-acre lot.
52 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
On the trays, you’ll see: green. The rich green of tiny cilantro plants, the fresh green of small lettuce leaves, the very pale green of sunflower or alfalfa sprouts, the bright green of wheat grass blades. The nutrition-packed, health-enhancing tasty green that, for the Bacons, has become their living and their life. They have been married for 30 years. Steve worked in various fields previously: teaching at a private boys’ school, running an outdoor education program for a camp, helping at a church, general carpentry and renovations. Sharon had her hands full raising and home-schooling five youngsters but also worked semi-professionally as a
harpist, singer and children’s music teacher, things she still does. But Steve always had little jars with sprouts growing, and did research on how to grow produce with the highest nutritional value as his bedtime reading. “Around 2008-2009, we built a mini aquaponics thing in the back,” says Sharon, referring to a system of growing that was new at the time. “We also put together a sprouting kit, to start people on growing sprouts. People were starting to be interested. We had conversations, people started asking questions.” That led to sprout parties, both at other
supportive. people’s homes and in Then in February, the Bacons’ own. Their Steve’s construction kitchen smells work dried up deliciously like a health completely. “So we food store. jumped off the deep “We’d have a potluck end,” he says. “Did a supper and a bunch of cold calls, conversation around took them trays. By good eating,” Sharon June, most of them says. “We’d have 20 to signed up. We jumped 25 people, once a and started to run.” month.” After doing this Running, the Bacons for two years or so, the never looked back. They Bacons were providing now supply the vast more kits, getting majority of medium to requests to grow sprouts, high-end restaurants in and wondering whether Muskoka, a fair number they should take it to the of the delis, the next level – when they aforementioned health had a fortuitous meeting A longtime shared interest in healthy eating resulted in the launch of Four Seasons Greens by food stores and the Your with a prominent the husband and wife team of Steve and Sharon Bacon. Independent Grocer Muskoka chef. supermarkets of Gravenhurst, Bracebridge there’d be too much regulation; you have to In 2010, they joined the agricultural/ and Huntsville. get all food-grade qualifications. He said culinary organization Savour Muskoka, and Attending farmers’ markets for three ‘Go do your research. We’ll buy stuff from signed up for its August “Field to Fork” summers led to Four Season’s “Community you’.” event. “We were in an out-of-the-way “Construction was drying up, so I had an Supported Agriculture” program, in which corner, not the main loop, and we thought customers buy sprouts and greens by extra day a week for research,” Steve recalls. ‘nobody will see us here’,” Sharon recalls. “In December, we told Rory, ‘We’re good to subscription, making monthly payments However, their table happened to be online and picking up their produce at 16 go’.” Deerhurst, other restaurants such as beside that of Chef Rory Golden of depots from Port Carling to Dwight, Tall Trees in Huntsville, and Muskoka’s Deerhurst Resort. including delis, gyms and libraries. main health food stores — The Great Vine “Rory came over and he was running his In addition to Steve, who does the bulk in Huntsville and Muskoka Natural Food hands over the plants,” says Sharon. “He Market in Bracebridge — were immediately of the farming as well as delivery to the asked, ‘How can I get these?’ We thought
Aquaponics enables Four Seasons Greens to grow year round.
Steve Bacon watches over 2,500 squarefeet of plants. May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 53
blooded, he says, their depots and waste is quickly construction of the converted to fertilizer growing spaces, and by bacteria, and the Sharon, who handles health risks of administration, Four salmonella and E. coli Seasons now has three are eliminated. It also additional part-time extends the growing staffers in winter, and season in an area such six or seven in as Muskoka from a summer. Their few months to all 12. experiment, to see Even in the depth of whether they could this past winter when make a living at it in the temperature hit Muskoka, has been a -36 C, the air inside spectacular success. the inner envelope of So what exactly Four Seasons Greens’ does Four Season main greenhouse was Greens offer? There are +12 C. sprouts of various Everything, Steven plants; microgreens, and Sharon say, is meaning baby plants experimental. “It’s like usually 10 to 15 days Edison trying 792 old; micro-herbs such ways that didn’t work as basil and cilantro, to make a lightbulb,” which has a sweeter says Steve. They are taste than the grown Karoline and Sharon Bacon prepare food with fresh greens in the family kitchen. constantly tweaking, plant; and plants such adjusting temperature and humidity, technique uses two per cent of the water, as lettuce, kale and basil; all grown using growing new species; “the chefs always want five to 10 per cent of the energy and 12.5 aquaponics. They also have everything you
“Good for you” is Four Season Greens need to grow and use sprouts and microgreens yourself, including workshops, seeds, books, kits, blenders and compostable packaging. There’s lots of free information on their website. What is aquaponics? The Bacons define it as “the integration of horticulture with fish culture in a closed system.” Also, “the most sustainable system of food production in the world.” Basically, a fish tank is combined with soil-free planting, with the fish waste producing the nutrients for the plants, and the fish fed by the larvae of flies bred on compost mats, all inside a greenhouse. According to Steve, this
54 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
per cent of the land needed to produce the same amount of food with conventional agriculture. Because the fish are cold-
to try new things,” says Sharon. Because their crops grow in a week or two rather than a year, they can do trial and error faster than most farmers. A new experiment for this year is LED grow-lights for use through the dark months from October to February. Some of the shelves have white LEDs, some a combination of red and blue, to see which works best. “Good for you” is Four Season Greens’ motto, and their claims of health benefits are derived from research as well as personal experience, at least in Sharon’s case. “I had high blood pressure,” she says, grinning at Steve as she
adds, “Something about five kids and a husband with a wild dream.” She was on three different medications to control it when they learned about the nutritional power of broccoli sprouts from a 1997 study conducted at John Hopkins University. “Sprouts have on average 20 to 30 times as much nutritional value as the full-grown plant,” Steve explains. “With broccoli, it’s 50 times.” In the summer of 2010, Sharon prescribed herself broccoli sprouts daily, three to four packages per week. In two weeks, she was getting light-headed due to her blood pressure decreasing. She was able to cease taking the meds, and is now on a maintenance broccoli dose. “That’s my medicine,” she says. It was also a key reason for them going into business, and they have customers who’ve seen health improvements. “Our health is totally based on what we put into our body, so it’s got to be good because if it’s not, we’re suffering,” advises Steve. “You want to be healthy, have energy and no brain fog.” Growing microgreens is actually in Sharon’s blood; her great-grandfather happened to be the chandler who outfitted Antarctic explorer Robert Scott’s ship, including microgreens. Captain James Cook used sprouts to prevent scurvy on his voyages, Steve points out, and during the First World War, they were delivered to the front lines to provide nutrition to fighting troops. Steve’s ultimate personal dream is to live entirely independently and sustainably, off the grid. To this end, he’s experimenting with unusual technologies like deriving heat from the decomposition process that happens within compost, and Chinese-style greenhouse design, in which heat from the sun is gathered and entrapped by way of a sloping south-facing transparent ceiling between solid front and back walls, four feet and 12 feet high respectively. “I’m the dreamer,” he says. Sharon laughs and says “And I’m the one who drags him back to earth.” Possibly this combination of idealism and pragmatism is the key to their success. Because the Bacons are innovators on the edge of agricultural technology, they have received funding from FedNor, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and
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Recipes
Rainbow Seedling Salad with Basil-Mint Vinaigrette Courtesy of Sharon Bacon, Four Seasons Greens'
Ingredients: Salad 3 cups pea shoots chopped into one-inch pieces (these make a wonderful base for a salad) ½-1 cup colourful micro-greens, such as Red Daikon Radish, Bull’s Blood Beets, Purple Kohlrabi, or Swiss Chard ½-1 cup fresh herbs, such as dill, basil and flat-leaf parsley (remove stems) 1 cup something sweet, such as chopped mangoes, strawberries or other fresh-picked berries ½ cup something crunchy, such as red onion, radish, snap peas or sprouts Garnish with edible flowers and petals (borage, violas, marigolds, nasturtiums, etc.) Serves 4 to 6
Vinaigrette Purée in a blender: 3 oz. basil tops and leaves 1 oz. fresh mint tops and leaves ¼ cup white onion 1 clove garlic ¼ cup red wine vinegar ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice 1 Tbsp maple syrup or other sweetener 1 Tbsp Dijon mustard ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp pepper With blender running on low, slowly add 1 cup olive oil (½ light and ½ extra virgin) and blend until incorporated. Store refrigerated in a sealed container. Serve at room temperature.
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56 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
Innovation Initiatives Ontario North. That last organization, Steve says, “likes us because what we’re doing is not super high-tech and computerized. Anyone can do it.” Steve and Sharon envision aquaponics technology being used in First Nations reservations, Third World countries and even big cities, where growing spaces can be built on roofs or in abandoned warehouses. An aquaponics system can range in size from an aquarium with plants on top to a warehouse, making it suitable for anywhere that needs food that is local and fresh. They’ve already had inquiries from Temagami First Nation, among others. “The whole vision of this thing is that it’s possible to grow food for the community that’s healthy, turn it into a microbusiness and make a living,” says Steve. That’s the pragmatic dream this dynamic couple wants to spread from their own little space in Muskoka to the world. Rainbow Seedling Salad with Basil-Mint Vinaigrette “People often ask us how to eat sprouts,” says Sharon. “Our simple answer is ‘Umm… just eat them!’” Okay fine, but what if you’re having guests over for dinner? She’s ahead of me. “Having grown up on the standard North American diet of cooked food and at best a salad consisting of iceberg lettuce and not much of it,” she says, “we began thinking of how to give salads a facelift.” The Bacons turned to their friend Chef Grant McArthur of Grant’s Woodfired Smokery (http://www.maincoursemuskoka. ca/), and he came up with this open-ended recipe. “This salad is bursting with flavour and nutrition, and it looks beautiful too,” Sharon enthuses, adding some advice: “Make sure you take time to chew leafy greens well. Plant cell walls have to be ruptured in order to release the dense nutrition, and you will find in doing so that your appetite is satiated for a longer time because your body is getting the goodness it needs.”
...telling the Muskoka story
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May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 57
Living in Muskoka
Elusive Dream Becomes Reality Article and Photography by Heather Douglas
The realization of a dream kitchen was a top priority for Cindy Thompson when she and her family were designing their new home. Inset: Cindy and Tim Thompson with their daughter, Cassandra (Inset photo, submitted).
T
he dream of winning the big one is for most people, just that, an elusive dream. But occasionally, that dream becomes a reality. For Tim and Cindy Thompson, that reality occurred on February 29, 2012 when Tim pulled the handle on a slot machine at Casino Rama and won $3.2 million. “February 29, 2012 changed our lives,” said Cindy. The couple had just moved their daughter Cassandra and her then boyfriend, now husband, Jared Turcotte back to Huntsville from Ottawa, where they had been attending school. “The Sunday night prior to moving them, Tim had a dream that he couldn’t get out of his mind that he had won $3.2 million on a
58 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
slot machine,” Cindy said. During the Monday move, Tim stopped at the Gatineau Casino and tried his luck to no avail. That Wednesday after a long move back to Huntsville and the mood in the home rather sombre as Cassandra and Jared were both missing Ottawa, Cindy encouraged Tim to try again to make his dream a reality, as Wednesdays tended to be his lucky day. “I texted him to see how he was doing and he said he was playing cards. I told him to get off the card tables and go win that 3.2 million,” Cindy said. “No word of a lie, within seven minutes from that text, Tim called with the unbelievable news.” It took some time for Cindy and Cassan-
dra to believe him, and it wasn’t until he told them to call his mother they understood he wasn’t joking. “The next 12 hours were filled with a lot of tears, so much joy, absolutely the most amazing experience of our lives,” she said. “We rushed down to meet him to get his big cheque, along with many friends and family by our side.” Cindy added it took another 12 hours to get Tim to get some sleep because he was terrified it was all a big dream and he would wake up again. While winning the big one changed their lives in a lot of ways, it did not change who they were. Their family values and work ethic have remained the cornerstone of who they are.
The utilization of stone is an important feature in the Thompson’s kitchen as is an island where family and friends can gather to chat over a meal. While Cindy is a lifelong resident of Huntsville, Tim grew up in Burlington. He moved to Muskoka in September, 1982 after purchasing a septic pumping company and began his first of many entrepreneurial ventures. “When he first moved to Huntsville, he got a part-time job at the Empire Hotel, working as a bouncer at the door,” Cindy
said. “That’s where I met him and we have been together since 1983.” Their first home on Morgan’s Road was purchased in 1989, just prior to the birth of Cassandra. “This is the home where Cassandra grew up,” Cindy said. “It was a small home but it was full of love for our small family.” It was also full with friends and relatives.
The home was a meeting spot and the door was always open to enjoy a beverage and listen to the many hilarious stories that Tim was always relaying. “We also had our babysitter at the time, Marilyn, live with us and she instantly became family,” Cindy said. “She was like a daughter to us and still is to this day.” In fact, Marilyn still has “her” bedroom in the couple’s current home. Before moving to the Morgan Road home, Tim and Cindy resided in an apartment below Westside Fish and Chips, which is owned by Tim’s mother Rose and sister Deb Knobelsdorf. After moving out, Tim decided to turn the apartment into a laundromat and in 1991 created Westside Coin Laundry. Cindy operated the laundromat while Tim continued to operate his septic company and began to develop a landscape business as well. Life for the family changed again in 1996 when the couple decided to sell both the laundromat and the septic business, and open Rock Ridge Recreation Park, just off of Town Line in Huntsville. The park opened on Boxing Day, 1998 and was a huge attraction for Huntsville seeing over 10,000 visitors a season for 14 years.
A spectacular kitchen, dining and living space provide the Thompsons with the perfect opportunity to entertain family and friends. May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 59
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“It was a great business, a tiring one too,” Cindy said. “We closed it pending a sale.” After the park closed, Tim focused his attention on his landscape businesses and changed the name to Thompson Landscape Construction, or TLC for short. “We like to think it stands for Tim Loves Cindy and Cassandra,” Cindy said. When their life changed in a flash with the pull of a slot machine, the first thing they did was pay off their daughters’ student loan and help their family. “Family was by far the first thing on our list, before thinking about our own debts,” Cindy said. “We wanted to share as much as we could with our family.” As well on the list was new “toys” for Tim’s landscape business and looking for a new home. While it was hard to sell their Morgan Road home with all the sentimental memories attached to it, they wanted a bigger home with more property and preferably waterfront. They spent a lot of time looking at various places before finding one with a lot of potential on the Big East River with access into Lake Vernon. “We knew there were a lot of things that needed to be upgraded in the home but it was a great price for 10 acres on the river, so it checked off a lot of boxes for our must haves,” Cindy said. “Pine,” is the one word Cindy uses to describe what the original home was like. “There were a lot of things that needed to be updated. Decks that needed to be replaced, electrical that needed to be updated, structural issues and more.” Before beginning their renovations, the couple created their must have list which included Cindy’s dream kitchen, big enough for the entertaining the couple continues to do, a Muskoka room, a hot tub room and a pool. The inspiration for the design elements of the home came from various sources and they found inspiration online and in decorating magazines. “We essentially knew what we wanted, but it was finding it that was hard, so we had to do some research,” Cindy said. “It was also really helpful to look for new ideas, for example the hidden pantry.” The kitchen was Cindy’s design. She always wanted a round island with enough
As the owners of a landscape business, it was important for the Thompsons to incorporate the natural features of their property, including the creation of a waterfall, in their plans for a new home. seating for entertaining and still ample room to work. And rock had to be incorporated into the theme, as both Tim and Cindy love Muskoka rock. Rob Boyes made the architectural designs on the home and his crew worked to bring the vision to life. Cindy credits him with making her round island vision a reality. Cindy also loved the idea of light floors with marble tile and granite countertops and a whitewashed ceiling. “It took months to find the right floors,” she said. The colour scheme throughout the house is a soft tone of grey. “Funny story,” Cindy said, “when Cassandra was in college and moved into her first student housing, she wanted so badly to paint her bedroom. She decided she wanted a dark grey room; I thought she
was nuts.” But after spending the day painting it grey, Cindy fell in love with the colour and her future grey colour scheme vision was born. While the couple is in agreement with most things, there was an area of contention in the discussion of a medicine cabinet. Tim wanted one, Cindy hates them. “I searched high and low for one that I
actually liked and finally found one made in Switzerland,” she said. She immediately bought it. In addition to the spectacular kitchen, dining and living space upstairs, the downstairs of the home boasts a theatre room with a 133-inch projection screen TV, with a pool table and a bar. There is also a fully equipped gym which is a favourite for Jared when he and Cassandra come to visit. While the inside of the home is incredible, the landscape makes this home a showstopper. With Tim’s background in landscaping, he had the opportunity to stretch his creativity with a 35-foot rock wall he transformed into a waterfall. “Tim had a vision of this rock wall, but little did we know it would turn into a 35-foot waterfall,” Cindy
May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 61
62 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
Photograph: Vaughn Barry
said. “In his line of work, he has built a few waterfalls, but never one this big.” The Thompsons knew they wanted to clear some of the trees beside the house. Originally, the forest went right to the back and to the sides of the house and this was where they wanted to have a pool. As Tim started to clear, he realized there was rock, so he kept clearing. The more he dug, the more he discovered it was actually a mountain of rock and he thought “that would be one awesome waterfall!” With the pool deck being built below, Tim made a basin for the water to flow from and ran a three-inch thick waterline pipe from there to the top. This allowed for a constant flow of water from bottom to top. He then created a platform at the top for the pipe, so the water could run down over the rock into the basin. The result is a spectacular water feature. Cassandra and Jared became engaged in October 2016 and the decision was made to have the wedding at the home in September of 2017. “The wedding definitely was a push for the outdoor space and inspired a lot of the work to be done,” Cindy said. The work was completed and Cassandra and Jared married on a beautiful September day. “Tim likes to say he moved mountains for his daughter, and he sure did,” Cindy said.
Having their new home ready for their daughter’s outdoor wedding provided a deadline for the Thompson’s. Cassandra and her father, Tim, strut outside the then newly-landscaped grounds.
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May 2018 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 63
Muskoka Moments
A Place of Balance By Scott Turnbull
Photograph: Scott Turnbull
deep, lake-effect powder on As a professional photovintage snowmobiles in January, grapher, I’m keenly aware the and foraging for wild leeks when word Muskoka instantly conjures the forests come alive in spring. scenes of a summer paradise for Without these moments, the most people who know the warmth and pleasure of summer region. Crisp blue skies and wouldn’t be as sweet, and sparkling lakes, impossibly green without the irresistible appeal of pines gently waving in warm Muskoka summers for so many breezes, and endless smiles from people and the economics that sun-kissed vacationers are what go with it, people like me and we see with eyes closed, my family wouldn’t be able to imagining this place. These enjoy this magical year-round images have been captured time lifestyle. This equilibrium and time again, in photographs between both seasons and and memories, and shared by communities is part of what tens of thousands of people makes Muskoka such a special around the world. Scott Turnbull and his wife, Miranda Britton, make their home in place. As many of us know, however, Windermere with their children, Bishop and Mercy. As a fifth-generation cottager Muskoka is so much more than and a second-generation local, I’ve straddled years though, it’s felt more like there have this. It can be the harshest of landscapes, the line between those two worlds. It’s when winter winds whipping across the lake only been varying degrees of summer and amusing now to think of how unbearably winter – fall and spring weather seems to get deep in your bones, and it can be a long the drive between Bracebridge and Port have become measured in weeks, not grinding hardship for the folks who work Carling felt on the way to the cottage as a months. tirelessly while others holiday. kid. I made a definite choice to continue to For myself and so many others, As with all things, there is a symbiosis Muskoka’s true tranquility happens between live that same lifestyle I grew up with, and I between these contrasting elements. love sharing those same experiences with my Labour Day and the May long weekend. Summers wouldn’t be the same without a own children. The weather certainly isn’t as appealing, and long winter preceding them, and the magic We do our best to spend more time the lakes lose some of their summer sparkle, of a vacation wouldn’t be possible without outside than in, and living in the but the stillness on the water and in the some drudgery. countryside near Lake Rosseau gives us lots woods is its own kind of paradise. Part of Spending most of my four decades here what drew the original vacationers here, 150 of opportunity to play in and around the has made me intimately acquainted with forests and lakes. My hope for my children years ago, was the solitude to be found in this unique balance of seasons and life in is they’ll have the same freedoms to stay in Muskoka. My work means I’m at my busiest Muskoka, and while remoteness is hard to Muskoka, if they choose, that I’ve had. find during the summer months, this during the summer months when most landscape becomes a private playground for people are living it up in the sunshine, and much of the rest of the year. my networks of clients and friends let me Scott Turnbull lives and works from a tiny Some of my most cherished Muskoka mingle with people who arrive to their activities are road cycling on empty, winding farm in Windermere with his two children, cottages by helicopter, as well as those who Bishop and Mercy, his artist wife Miranda scrape by on venison for much of the winter. asphalt in the late fall, gliding on skis (mirandabritton.com), a few chickens, a dog, a through silent woods in deepest winter, and I feel extremely lucky to know both. cat, one miniature horse and one regular-sized trudging through soft snow in the forest I’m also hugely grateful to know horse. while collecting sap for syrup in muddy Muskoka in all four of its seasons, not just To view more of how he sees Muskoka, visit April. Other favourites are September boat those magical weeks of summer when the scottturnbull.com rides on abandoned lakes, ripping through region looks its very best. For the past few
64 UNIQUE MUSKOKA May 2018
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