JULY 2022
WILDERNESS WATERWAYS SUP adventures are a new way to explore
Chief Musquakie and the naming of Muskoka
Adaptable coyotes are IN our neighbourHOOD Muskoka-grown herbs add flavour
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...telling the Muskoka story [11]
Features 11
Dear Braveheart – Celebrating a Fateful but Inspirational Journey
Article by K.M. Wehrstein Photography by Josianne Masseau New author Sherry Rondeau shares details of her personal journey as a caregiver following her husband’s diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and how it led to publishing her first book.
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Trees of Muskoka – Beautiful, Bountiful Birch
Article by John Challis Birch trees may not be as prevalent as they once were in Muskoka’s forests but they continue to be a standout, prized for their wood, bark and so much more.
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Historic Libraries – Then & Now: Muskoka Lakes Public Library
Article by J. Patrick Boyer As the hub of the lakes, Port Carling as a community has developed based on the needs of those living in and visiting the area. The library has followed a similar path and is now the flagship location of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library.
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Artistically Combining Music, Blacksmithing and Nature
Article by Sandy Lockhart / Photography by Kelly Holinshead A blacksmith, a singer-songwriter and an agronomist – Bet Smith may seem to be a study in contrasts. In truth, her diverse skill set keeps her focussed.
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Wilderness Waterways – Muskoka Paddleboarding Adventures
Article and Photography by Andy Zeltkalns Muskoka is a region ripe with places to explore. Instead of a canoe or kayak, contributor Andy Zeltkalns encourages you to try a stand-up paddleboard for your next excursion into nature – day trip or overnight!
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Three Birds Flower Farm – Growing Beauty the Natural Way
Article by Bronwyn Boyer Photography by Andy Zeltkalns Sisters Jackie and Leslie Brunton are into their second year as flower farmers and are invested in sustainable, environmentally-conscious methods to deliver local floral delights.
[24]
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Two People, Two Leaders – Chief Musquakie
[45]
Article by J. Patrick Boyer Of 33 districts and counties across Ontario, Muskoka is the only region bearing the name of an Indigenous person. Contributor J. Patrick Boyer tells the significant and historic role played by Chief Musquakie, the father and the son.
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Coyotes – Clever and Adaptable
[50]
Article by John Challis Photography by Eleanor Kee Wellman Coyotes may not have the prestige of their larger northern cousins, wolves, but their adaptability and cleverness prove they are equally deserving of admiration.
JULY 2022
WILDERNESS WATERWAYS SUP adventures are a new way to explore
Chief Musquakie and the naming of Muskoka
Adaptable coyotes are IN our neighbourHOOD Muskoka-grown herbs add flavour
Our Cover
Photography by Andy Zeltkalns Day-tripping or camping with your stand-up paddleboard is an exciting way to experience all of Muskoka’s lakes and rivers. Contributor Andy Zeltkalns offers insights into his adventures.
Opinion
9
64
By Don Smith
By Heather Scott
Muskoka Insights
Departments 54
What’s Happened
Article by Matt Driscoll Friends of the Muskoka Watershed search for citizen scientists while the OPP Marine Training Unit relocates to Muskoka Wharf, short-term rental regulations are debated across Muskoka and the maintenance of Hardy Lake Trails are disputed. Former Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith elected as new MPP for Parry SoundMuskoka, Music on the Barge returns to Gravenhurst this summer and the RMS Segwun returns to sailing.
Muskoka Moments
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Cottage Country Cuisine
Article by K.M. Wehrstein Photography by Tomasz Szumski With their unique and intense flavours, herbs are central to seasoning and, as some would say, the art of seasoning is the art of cooking.
[58]
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 5
…telling the Muskoka story Unique Muskoka is published six times per year by Unique Publishing Inc. Donald Smith Publisher Meghan Taylor Editor Donna Ansley Sales Lisa Brazier Design Susan Smith Administration
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Muskoka Insights space will allow in a magazine article, it is important to reflect on their outlook of Indigenous laws and customs, and their interactions with settlers as they populated Indigenous lands. Muskoka may not be in the forefront of the Indigenous / settler issues of today but there is still much that needs to be acknowledged and embraced from our Indigenous community. Through better understanding, we can walk together. As we learn more about the world around us, there are Muskokans who are finding ways to be less intrusive and to celebrate our environment. As writer Bronwyn Boyer notes, sisters Jackie and Leslie Brunton of Three Birds Flower Farm have “a shared eco-anxiety and really care for the environment.” However, rather than allowing that concern to overwhelm them, they’ve found a way to provide a local service that fits well with the needs of Muskokans and the environment. Likewise, writer Sandy Lockhart tells the story of agronomist Bet Smith whose concern for the environment is reflected in her other passion of blacksmithing and celebrated in the music she writes and performs. And, for celebrating natural Muskoka, the photography and first-person feature by contributor Andy Zeltkans reveals not only the beauty of the district but how it can be enjoyed, up close and personal. His article on SUP exploring opens a whole new window on discovering Muskoka. We think you’ll find there’s much to read in this issue of Unique Muskoka that provides better understanding on where we’ve been and where we need to go. Happy reading! Photograph: Susan Smith
With each trek around the sun, we hopefully learn more from our experiences. What seems right is challenged, leading us to question the norm. What we’ve been taught and what we’ve embraced as supposedly irrefutable facts are justifiably open to another look. From that, our knowledge grows and, as should be expected, it would seem logical we’d become more understanding and compassionate. In a world filled with so much information, one might anticipate walls of exclusion, intolerance, division and segregation would be tumbling down everywhere. Unfortunately, such is not the case. From social media to political rhetoric, polarized positions grow evermore distinguishable and often appear insurmountable. As we prepare each issue of Unique Muskoka for publication, I find it refreshing to learn of the many people who are having a positive impact on our lives; particularly, here, in Muskoka. Volunteering, creating, sharing, advocating, reaching out to others – they acknowledge our past and find ways to provide the hope for a better future. They have vision. While I was a young boy, the early days of television programming shaped many of my perceptions of the world around me. Stereotypes became reality and were reinforced in daily activities – both at school and during play. It is enlightening, therefore, to read historic perspectives that dig a little deeper into our past and provide context for today. In his feature Chief Musquakie – A Compelling Indigenous Name, regular contributor Patrick Boyer provides insights not only into the naming of Muskoka but a well-researched look into the life and times of not one but two chiefs by the name of Musquakie, a father and a son. While there is much more to the background of these Indigenous leaders than
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Article by K.M. Wehrstein / Photography by Josianne Masseau
Dear Braveheart chronicles Sherry Rondeau’s experiences navigating her husband’s Alzheimer’s disease; the challenges and changes they worked through together.
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hen Sheridan Rondeau, or Sherry as her many friends know her, ecstatically married her second husband, Tony, she had no idea that the last five years of their life together would be a joint problem-solving venture thrust upon them by his Alzheimer’s disease. Rondeau had a successful career in real estate at the time Tony was diagnosed. Driven by love, the “in sickness and in health” part of her marriage oath and her certainty that Tony would do the same for her if the tables were turned, Rondeau retired early to care for him full-time. Her world became about constantly inventing solutions to his increasing helplessness, weathering his involuntary emotional storms,
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 11
S ummer Vibes
devoting a surprising amount of time to activities related to incontinence, and disciplining herself to stay upbeat. She recounts the whole journey in her first book, Dear Braveheart. “There was no one else to do it,” she says. “It was a job for which I was not trained. But I believe that everybody has it in them to be a support person, if you really care for your loved one. A lot of people say ‘I couldn’t do that,’ but marriage is supposed to be a twoway street.” Rondeau, who first attempted a novel full of “all kinds of angst” at 14, began writing about her caretaker experience about three years into it. “It was therapeutic, writing my heart out at night while he was asleep,” she shares. “You have to get release somewhere.” She had no thought of publishing until fellow members of a writers’ group in Baysville suggested her work might be helpful to new caregivers. “When I got together all the solutions that Tony and I created – he really wanted to help – I saw we had some good hints,” she recounts. Solutions they developed together included using elastic bands to help Tony’s weakening hands grip, applying for the disability tax credit, taking him to the park for calming garden walks, and using mental tricks like “changing channels” to maintain patience and
Sherry Rondeau worked diligently to stay positive and upbeat while caring for her husband. She focussed on finding something good or “a strawberry” each day to enjoy. 12 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
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When they learned of her husband’s diagnosis, Sherry Rondeau retired early to care for him, knowing in her heart that he would do the same for her. The story she shares in Dear Braveheart is inspiring. calm. Rondeau details it all in crisp smooth writing cut with quirky humour and lush descriptions of weather and landscapes, inner and outer. The result can be a tough read but never waivers from being a love story. Ultimately, the story is inspiring. Picked up by Crossfield Publishing out of St. Mary’s, Ontario, Dear Braveheart was released in March 2022 and required second printing by May. Rondeau has hit the lecture circuit locally, appearing at the District of Muskoka seniors’ program, the United Church in Bracebridge and other venues, and has even made a workshop presentation available online. “Inspiration is the best motivator,” she asserts. Her future publishing plans? She has already completed four of seven conceived romantic adventure novels extending from Dear Braveheart but fictionalized, except for the settings. Her heroine is “Bobbi,” not “Sherry,” but spends time in Bracebridge and other small towns in Ontario. The first manuscript, From Thornbury to Love, is under
submission. “I want to give examples in story form of how women can move forward again, put new shoes on their feet and find their wings,” Rondeau explains. “I’m trying to create a bloom of excitement for women, so they can evolve into a new self. There’s good guys, bad guys and a little bit of spice, because you have to have a little bit of spice.” Rondeau continues to use “a strawberry a day” in her work too. The strategy, borrowed from a member of her caregivers’ support group, focuses on identifying and being grateful for an everyday pleasure: “look for a strawberry every day, collect it and revel in the pleasure of it.” Words to live by, really, not just for caregivers but for everyone. Dear Braveheart is available directly from Crossfield Publishing or through Amazon or Chapters Indigo.
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Article by John Challis There are 41 species of trees, native to Muskoka, and another 24 smaller trees classified as shrubs. All play significant roles in the balance of Muskoka’s ecosystem. This series explores some of the more visible of our trees.
Birch trees, prized for their beauty and their many uses, are sun-hungry, fast-growing trees that are more likely to thrive in the open or in young forests.
A
ttractive in landscapes and valued for its wood and bark, birch is a standout in our forests. However, birch trees are less common in Muskoka than they used to be. Ironically, that’s good news. Muskoka’s two birch species, white birch
and yellow birch, are being crowded out. They are not vanishing altogether but they are taking a back seat to the big pines, maples and oaks that make up a mature, climax forest. Birches are the pioneers in a natural succession process, over decades or centuries, developing into stable, old growth forest. After Muskoka’s forests were stripped by loggers and farmers during settlement, the birch and other pioneer species were happy to take advantage of the open land, often growing on top of rotting stumps. In the
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woods, you may have come across a weird tangle of roots suspended above the soil, like arthritic fingers probing the ground, identifying the empty space where the former stump had completely decayed. Birches are sun-hungry, fast-growing trees, uniquely adapted to life out in the open, where other trees would be vulnerable to disease, wind or hungry herbivores. The white of their familiar, papery bark comes from an ingredient called betulin, which has properties that defend against disease attacks. The white bark also reflects sunlight, protecting the tree in all seasons. The outer bark is tough, bitter and astringent, discouraging browsers. But a nibble on a yellow birch bud yields the taste of wintergreen. Yellow birch also tolerates shade in rich, damp soil alongside other hardwoods. The birch tree has a profound role as nursemaid to the next generations in the forest. Dr. Suzanne Simard’s research has discovered birches connect with other trees through a network of tiny underground shoots of fungi, called mycorrhizae. In her best-selling book Finding the Mother Tree, she indicates that, through this fungal network, birch trees provide nitrogen for nearby fir trees, and help to defend the firs against
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As versatile and valuable as birch trees are in the forest, they have been equally prized by humans through the years. Much like maple trees, Indigenous people have tapped birch trees for sap as well as using birch bark and leaves for pain relief and other remedies. harmful fungi. In turn, the firs share carbon back to the birches in the spring to aid in leaf growth. Simard’s research is based in British Columbia, but it’s likely the same feedback loop is taking place underground in Muskoka’s forests. The very traits that make birch so important to the forest have made them extremely valuable to humans. They’ve been tapped by Indigenous people for sap, much like maple. First Nations peoples also used extracts of birch bark or leaves for pain relief and other remedies. Today there is promising research into the medicinal properties of chemicals in the chaga mushroom, a parasite of birch trees. The tough bark of white birch and its lightweight wood were ideal materials for the
birchbark canoe. Archeological evidence shows the canoes have been in use for at least 3,000 years. In more recent history, yellow birch found a role in World War II. The Mosquito bomber, designed by Canadian Geoffrey de Havilland, was made almost entirely of balsa covered in sheets of birch plywood, in response to the acute shortages of metal alloys. Although treated with skepticism at first, the Mosquito proved to be one of the fastest, safest aircraft in the war. They were more manoeuvrable when hit by enemy fire and quickly repaired to go back into service. If the maple leaf had not become Canada’s national symbol, the heart-shaped birch leaf might have been a solid contender, symbolic of a nurturing, innovative society.
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Photograph: Boyer Family Archives Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
The library in Port Carling was rebuilt in 2001, thanks to seasonal residents Norma and Miller Alloway.
Photograph: Shirley Burton
I
n 1956, Leila Cope, librarian in Port Carling from 1940 to 1959 said “The history of a library is really the history of the community.” Sixty-six years later, Cathy Duck, CEO of Muskoka Lakes Public Library shares, “I fully agree with that.” Deep immersion in their community, its local history and their role as librarian helped each of them gain this insight. Cope was daughter of Port Carling’s first librarian, George Sutton. Duck, head librarian since 2014, is a great-great-great granddaughter of the community’s first reeve, John McDermott. Port Carling is a microcosm for how a
library embodies history; first mirroring the community creating it, next shaping village culture over time, then finding its role recast by forces beyond local control. On August 19, 1887, ten men intent on establishing a library gathered in Victoria Hall on Port Carling’s main street. William Hanna, George Sutton, James Stephen, Arthur Lowe, William Foreman, Frederick D. Stubbs, W.S. Stewart, John Hutton, William Pooler, and Rev. Wilson MacDonald combined forces. They put up the money, allocated space (in Hanna’s Victoria Hall), offered to donate books, elected officers, and named Sutton the librarian. This potent mix of seasonal and fulltime Muskokans had chalked up another accomplishment. Inauguration of library service in Port Carling followed the era’s alternate models for lending-library activity. The method of settlers pooling their own resources and then expanding facilities over time resembled how Muskoka pioneers also started schools – from the ground up as a local initiative.
Photograph: Sybil Dick Collection
Article by J. Patrick Boyer
Sarah and William Hanna (above), prominent business owners in Port Carling, knew the value of books for a community, and strongly supported creation of the village’s Mechanics’ Institute Library in 1887. The library was first located in Victoria Hall (top photo), owned by the Hannas. The second model follows the libraries inaugurated in the U.S. by Benjamin Franklin in 1779 and in Britain by skilled tradesmen and engineers. In Britain, established book collections were available to members only; a system perfected by the Mechanics’ Institute. The increasing application of science and
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 19
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
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Today’s library programs are much more than books. As a community hub, the Port Carling branch of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library offers a tackle share program with fishing rods and gear. engineering during the Steam Era and the Industrial Revolution led to the elevation of educated tradesmen in society. Mechanical engineers exploring the connection between things saw how fragmentation of learning through specialization became limiting and sought the reintegration of knowledge. In Canada, these Mechanics’ Institutes were the most advanced form of known library. With many forming, in 1851 the legislature enacted a statute to govern their operation, giving Mechanics’ Institute libraries both an official status and clear structure. This made it easy for local efforts when Muskoka settlement began, with the district’s first Mechanics’ Institute Library established in 1874 at Bracebridge and a second at Port Carling in 1887. These were private subscription libraries. Their co-operative structure gave members access to more books than they could afford individually, plus other benefits. Members subscribed annually to borrow books, keep upto-date with newspapers and periodicals in a reading room, and hear talks by experts. Port Carling’s annual membership was $1, plus 50 cents for each additional family member borrowing books. In 1890, the Mechanics’ Institute began
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
night school classes for those unable to attend during daytime hours. Night classes were taught by Miss Stewart, Port Carling’s school teacher, underscoring the twinned educational role of public libraries and public schools. By May 1895 Port Carling’s council converted the Mechanics’ Institute into a “public library” under Ontario’s Free Libraries Act, enacted in 1882. To qualify, the library had to have at least 100 members. To help reach this threshold, Port Carling’s fee for patrons was dropped to 30 cents for adults, 20 cents for children. However, the library was struggling under financial woes. In 1905, the municipality took over the Port Carling Public Library directly, ostensibly to stabilize its finances. This gambit presented new challenges, with municipal councillors more at ease dealing with culverts and load limits than shelving for books or reading rooms. To save money, council simply rehoused Port Carling’s library in a room of its new village hall – space that doubled as cloakroom for events, dressing-room for concerts, kitchen area to serve community suppers, and caucusing venue for municipal issues.
As the flagship branch of the Muskoka Lakes Public Library, Port Carling Library is a fixture in the community for seasonal and year-round residents alike. As the region continues to grow and develop, so does the library to fulfill the needs of its members. Ontario’s Library Inspector reported he’d “never seen a worse arrangement for a library.” A very different transition, reflecting social progress in the community, was the rise of female librarians. Initially, a succession of Port Carling men cycled through the librarian role. After George Sutton resigned in 1891, there was a string of seven men in the role, some
lasting only a year. Wartime took men overseas and opened positions for women. During the Great War, in 1918, Mrs. John Matheson became the first woman on the library board – a position she did not yield for a quarter century. Briefly in the 1920s, when Frederick Stubbs withdrew as librarian due to illness, Mrs. Arthur Knott
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facilities on August 18, 2001. The library remains a community centrepiece, prominent on the main street, 114 years after the village library was founded. The ever-essential role of seasonal Muskokans is the reason the library building is named for principal benefactors, Norma and Miller Alloway. Their deep commitment to education and Muskoka was
carried through, with engaged support from their son Graham, into one of Canada’s finest small libraries. Although today’s library programs reach far beyond books, books and their contents remain both the spinal column and central nervous system of this highly democratic public institution. Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
filled in temporarily. During the Second World War, in 1940, Port Carling’s first fulltime female librarian, Leila M. Cope, achieved a more enduring breakthrough, remaining librarian until 1959. A third transition began in 1970 when the advent of District government entailed combining many Muskoka municipalities into six. Communities around Lake Muskoka found themselves in a larger single township named “Muskoka Lakes.” The reconstituted municipality in turn restructured its libraries in a single system; the integrated Muskoka Lakes Library. Port Carling’s head librarian would become CEO for the entire system, which, at one time, included libraries in Bala, Walker’s Point and Milford Bay. Today, CEO of Muskoka Lakes Public Library, Cathy Duck, and six other female librarians for Port Carling and Bala, are the full staff complement of Muskoka Lakes Township Public Library. The half-dozen members of the library board, chaired by Valerie Duke, number five women and one man. The Township’s flagship library in Port Carling, reopened in new purpose-built
Prominent, visible and accessible from the main street, Port Carling’s library has continuously evolved since its inception as a room in William Hanna’s Victoria Hall in 1887.
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ARTISTICALLY COMBINING MUSIC, BLACKSMITHING AND NATURE Article by Sandy Lockhart / Photography by Kelly Holinshead
A
s a blacksmith and singer-songwriter, Bet Smith appears to be a study in contrasts. With a closer look, however, her artistic undertakings go well together. The hard, physical work with her hands allows her ample time to think and let her creative mind wander. She writes some of her best songs when working at her forge. Smith describes herself as a folk and alt-country singersongwriter. And while the two go together, she admits song writing is her favourite. Upon listening to her music, one quickly realizes that her voice singing her own songs is truly captivating. “I use it as a platform for environmental and social activism and advocacy,” she explains. “You will hear that much more than me singing love songs.” As a blacksmith, she made the decision to purchase a woodfired forge about a year ago. Smith’s workshop is mostly outdoors, so the new forge works well and burns hot. She also feels better about her creative work being fueled by an environmentally-friendly source. Smith explains that in the past she could easily burn a barbecue-size propane tank of gas over a weekend. Now her wood is almost entirely scraps, skids and brush donated by friends and family.
Persephone Forge, the name of Bet Smith’s workshop, is an ode to Greek mythology and Smith’s own love of nature, growing and making things.
“My best songs come about when I’m doing tedious, physical labour – which sometimes describes metalwork and can also describe pulling soil samples from a thousandacre potato field,” she says. In her “day job,” Smith works as an agronomist; an expert in the science of soil management and crop production. She works with plants, soil and growing media for a variety of different applications, from parks and athletic fields to heritage gardens to agriculture. Over the course of her work, she continues to learn more about soil, crops and the earth “I’m an accredited Green Roof Professional and I’m a member of Regeneration Canada, a group that advocates for carbon-sequestering farming practices,” Smith says. “I’m particularly nerdy about urban and regenerative agriculture as well as green infrastructure.” She had her first taste of blacksmithing in 2004 when attending the Kootenay School of Arts. She was interested in pottery, but during the first six weeks of the program, students had to try four different disciplines. As it turned out, pottery was not her thing. “I was terrible at ceramics,” Smith shares. “Other students were throwing beautiful, delicate pots. Mine were short and chunky and usually lopsided after I clumsily removed them from the throwing wheel.” Metalwork was one of the disciplines she tried at the school of the arts. She “dabbled” in that art form for a few years. “I tried metal and loved it,” she says. “I liked that I could drop it and it wouldn’t break.” At one point, she and a friend built a forge on Denman Island in British Columbia but that was short-lived. A few years later, in 2013, she had an opportunity to work on her metalwork skills in Muskoka. “I welded for Inclined Elevation for a summer,” Smith explains. “I practised every day for a month until my work was good enough to go.” Then she spent a winter welding for a special effects and set-building company in Toronto. Two of the highlights were working on the stands for two Mini Coopers set up like running shoes in starting blocks for the 2015 PanAm Games and welding the stairs for Drake’s Hotline Bling video. Bet Smith prefers the songwriter title in singer-songwriter and enjoys hearing others sing her words. After that, she returned to Muskoka to start Time spent at her forge often provides the best time for her to think creatively and develop music.
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 25
“For most of history, people have had to fight nature to survive; “For most history, people have had to fight nature to survive; in of this century we are beginning to realize that, in this century we are beginning to realize in order to survive, we must protect it.”that, in order to survive, we must protect it.” —Jacques-Yves Cousteau —Jacques-Yves Cousteau
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Every piece that Bet Smith develops in her forge is special, since she doesn’t sketch or plan her works. With a small, outdoor shop, she prefers to create smaller, decorative yet functional hardware, each with its own unique marks. Never in a rush, she lets the metal guide the design. blacksmithing again. In 2017, Smith built a forge, and a lean-to style shed to protect it, at her parent’s Bracebridge home and collected all the materials needed for blacksmithing. “My anvil is rusty and dented with one straight edge,” she says, adding that her uncle found it for her at an auction. When deciding on a name for her smithy, her inspiration came from her own multiple interests and loves. She settled on Persephone Forge. “Persephone is a goddess who, in Greek mythology, is a symbol of both the underworld and nature’s bounty – sometimes depicted holding a torch, other times a sheaf of wheat or a cornucopia,” explains Smith. “As someone who spends oodles of time in nature and loves to grow things, the name fits.” She says working as a blacksmith “is hard but satisfying work.” She is often asked about burns but laughs and responds, “I burn myself all the time, but that usually happens in the kitchen, rarely at the forge.”
Decorative, functional hardware is how Smith describes her products. With her small shop, she prefers to craft smaller, more manageable items like door knockers, handle hardware, chandeliers, pot racks, firewood holders, and hooks, including guitar hooks, as well as custom pieces too. Smith likes that, since each piece is handmade, it has its own unique checks and finish marks. “I don’t go in with a plan, not even a sketch,” she explains of the creative process in her blacksmith shed. “I kind of let the metal do its own thing. It grows on its own. I spend time with the metal. You don’t want to be in a rush. I like the feel. It’s so free.” Smith fondly recalls what an art teacher said about this type of work. “It’s kind of cool to make things that will last longer than you. I like to create things that people can use and will last.” Smith’s guitar hooks are probably her most popular creation. It’s not a coincidence that the popular piece is a combination of
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 27
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Cabaret with Legendary Indigenous Playwright Tomson Highway
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blacksmithing and music – her two main passions. Working as a blacksmith is grueling work and Smith says she can’t imagine doing it full time. The good news is, she’s devoted to her music, too. “I wouldn’t choose one, I’m happy with my many roles,” she shares. In contrast to the physically challenging work in her forge, writing songs is a mental activity. Smith finds pounding on metal and creating song lyrics are highly complementary activities. It’s no surprise that “When I work with my hands, I free my guitar hooks — a piece thoughts,” she says. “It’s not easy to just sit that combines Bet Smith’s down and say I’m going to write a song.” passions of music and Smith has recorded four albums, including blacksmithing — are her most popular and most a children’s album, with the Currie Brothers requested item. of Gravenhurst. “I’m fortunate to have collaborated with Rob and Andrew as well as honorary-bro, Sarah Girdwood, on so much THE RIOBEL MOMENTI™ COLLECTION music-making over the past seven or so AVAILABLE AT KNOWLES PLUMBING! years,” she says. “Rob Currie, a musical genius, also produced and recorded all of the albums we made.” Her preferred shows are when she plays for
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Having multiple creative outlets keeps Bet Smith focused, letting her mind process and develop ideas and music while her hands work with soil at her day job or shape metal in her free time. intimate audiences, especially at outdoor festivals but also in small concert venues or even living rooms. Muskoka appearances for Smith include Muskoka Music Festival, Roots North, the Griffin Gastropub in Bracebridge and recently at the new Muskoka Earth Festival. Smith has also written for others including local singer Christina Hutt. “She has an amazing voice and I love to hear her sing my songs,” Smith says. Her many interests keep Smith happy and engaged. “I have a lot of love for soil and my weekday job,” she explains. “The blacksmithing and the song writing are creative outlets that complement each other – one is more physical, the other is more cerebral and is a handy place to put feelings.” Smith has a social conscience, with her wood forge creating functional items that could last a century, her music telling important stories and her countless days spent studying the earth’s soil. Instead of contrasts, this musician and blacksmith is focused.
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M
uskoka is an area with a huge network of waterways. According to the Muskoka Watershed Council, there are over 2,000 lakes in Muskoka along with many rivers, creeks and ponds. The lakes, in addition to Muskoka’s proximity to places like Algonquin Park and Georgian Bay, have always made the area popular for canoeists and kayakers wanting
32 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
to experience a trip into the wilderness. Although the canoe or the kayak are a great way to enjoy an outdoor adventure, a newer form of transport has begun to increase in popularity. Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) have a long and varied history from places around the world. However, their introduction to California in the early 2000s led to their skyrocketing popularity as a recreational
form of transport. As new materials and technology developed, the modern SUP has become lighter, faster and more durable. Now, the vessel even lends itself to extended excursions into nature. I purchased my first SUP around 10 years ago. Although I loved paddling my board, it never occurred to me that camping with a SUP would be possible. Several years after my first purchase, I upgraded to a lighter
board. After attaching extra strapping to modify the SUP, I decided to test the board, and myself, with longer day trips exploring local lakes and rivers. A few of these excursions involved portaging, which led me to discover that moving a SUP over land was similar to carrying a canoe. In fact, land travel was easier since my board was quite a bit lighter than a canoe. These day trips evolved into my first overnight trip. I decided to paddle from Parry Sound to my family cottage on Healey Lake via Massasauga Provincial Park along Georgian Bay; a 50-kilometre trip. Aside from a few small glitches, the adventure was a success and from then on, I was hooked. Peter DeMos, owner of an outside gear and adventure store in Bracebridge, has also been an avid SUP enthusiast for the last
Stand-up paddleboards, growing in popularity since the early 2000s, can be used for short jaunts, day trips and even paddle-in overnight camping sojourns.
decade and enjoys taking overnight excursions with his paddleboard. DeMos, who teaches paddleboarding skills and has introduced many people to the sport, advises those wanting to try SUP camping to select an inflatable board designed for touring. Inflatable boards are light and come with strapping to secure packs and other required gear. They are also very durable and engineered to track well when paddling. Recently, I switched to an inflatable board for tripping and can vouch for a noticeable difference when
portaging due to the lighter weight. Another feature that impressed me was how resilient inflatable boards are to bumps and scrapes that are often unavoidable when landing on or launching from a shoreline or pulling a board over a beaver dam or other obstacle. Last summer, during a trip along the Moon River, which flows from Bala to Georgian Bay, I encountered low water levels. As a result, there were
many areas where I had to drag and guide my SUP over river rock. Using an inflatable board made this task much easier and left my board undamaged. A similar trip with my old, hard board would have left me with chips and scratches to repair. Erin McDonald, who enjoys spending time outdoors in the backcountry, discovered SUP camping about three years ago and has never looked back. She loves to head north to Algonquin Park and the Muskoka region and attributes her venture into paddle tripping to the ease and convenience of using an inflatable SUP. “Living in a small apartment in Toronto doesn’t leave you much room for storage,” states McDonald, adding that having a board that can be deflated and stored in a backpack is ideal. Since a deflated SUP takes up much less room, it is also easier to transport, especially if you have a small vehicle or a vehicle without a roof rack. Courtney Sinclair, who leads SUP trips and is a certified paddleboard instructor, has been paddleboarding since 2013. It was Sinclair’s participation in the 2017 Muskoka River X race, however, that inspired her to try paddleboard camping. After completing the gruelling one day 80-kilometre event on her SUP, where she had to carry gear and traverse many portages, Sinclair decided to apply what she learned to her own adventure trips. She started taking overnight excursions to further develop her paddling to the next level. In 2019, Sinclair spent a season in Norway as a SUP guide helping lead paddlers on five-day trips through the Norwegian fjords. DeMos, Sinclair and McDonald all agree that SUP tripping is a great way to travel solo when exploring the backcountry due to the flexibility that a paddleboard offers. “I love the freedom of movement that I get on my SUP,” explains McDonald. On a paddleboard, you are paddling mostly from a standing position but it is easy to shift your weight around or even kneel if you need to take a break. “I can manoeuvre my SUP more easily than a canoe,” states Sinclair. “And the transition at portages is a lot smoother as well.” In addition to the flexibility and maneuverability, DeMos loves the fitness
34 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
Experiencing Muskoka by paddleboard can provide exceptional opportunities for photographing breathtaking landscapes (top) and rare sightings of wildlife, like a loon with her young (bottom). Ensure you’re prepared by packing gear in waterproof packs for the journey. aspect of the activity. Paddling a SUP helps to develop core strength and balance. As a photographer, I try to take my camera everywhere and also enjoy the freedom of movement a SUP provides. I can stand, sit, kneel or lie down depending on the perspective I want to get. In one instance, I was able to float close to a loon with her chicks while lying flat on my board to snap some great photos. Especially when sitting or kneeling, a paddleboard becomes very stable and, unlike a canoe or kayak, won’t flip over. Nevertheless, one caution to take note of when standing on a SUP is in shallow water where there are hidden obstacles underneath. The keel on a
SUP has the potential of hitting something and throwing the paddler off balance. Whenever I enter unfamiliar, shallow waters, I kneel while paddling and go slowly, if possible. The standing position on a SUP, however, does give you a good vantage point, allowing you to look ahead and down into the water. As long as you are paying attention when standing, you can avoid any unwelcome surprises. When heading out on a paddling trip, DeMos prefers to travel light. For him, the goal is to fit all of his gear into one waterproof pack, making portaging much easier. McDonald also likes to be mindful of the weight she is carrying on her paddleboard.
Standing on a paddleboard provides a good vantage point to check your surroundings, both around you and below the water, and to appreciate how far you've paddled. When she first started SUP tripping, it took Let others know where you plan to go, wear environmentally responsible way. When I turned 60, I embarked on a some trial and error to determine the best a personal flotation device and carry a firstaid kit. When exploring off the grid, I carry a personal challenge of paddling 60 different way to pack and keep things light. For myself, packing for a trip has always satellite communicator as an emergency water bodies in a year using my SUP. A large been a bit more challenging due to the backup, especially when I’m out on my own. part of my goal was achieved with single day photography gear I want to take with me. No matter how experienced you are, mishaps trips where I was able to cover multiple lakes Aside from having to ensure my gear is well can occur and you must be prepared. As well, or rivers in a day. Another fun way to enjoy protected, I also have to accept I will require with any trip into nature, it is essential to SUP camping is to paddle into a nice spot, more space and I’ll be carrying extra weight. practice good outdoor ethics and camp in an set up base camp and spend a couple of days For me, the sacrifice is one I’m willing to make for the opportunity to capture great images. Investing in a quality waterproof backpack can make a vast difference in your SUP tripping. With a wide variety currently on the market, selecting a pack that meets your own needs for space and comfort is important. These packs, in combination with various sizes of waterproof stuff sacks for food, clothing and other gear, are an asset. When considering where to explore, consulting with a local outfitter for advice can be helpful as you plan and they may have their own recommendation of favourite places to paddle. Canoeing and Hiking Wild Muskoka: An Eco-Adventure Guide by Muskoka resident Hap Wilson is also a wealth of information to guide your planning. Whenever you choose to venture into the Newer inflatable SUPs are light and easy to transport, making them easier to portage during an wilderness, always have a safety plan ready. adventure than a canoe or kayak, even when packed with camping gear.
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 35
If you’re new to paddleboarding, set a goal, start small and build up your skill level and experience before trying an overnight camping trip.
exploring the area. You do not need to do a multi-day, extended expedition to enjoy the SUP experience. Plan your trip so you feel comfortable and confident. If you are new to the sport, renting a SUP is a good way to try before you buy. If you are considering trying a SUP excursion for the
first time, it’s always best to start small and build up your skill level and experience. A day trip can be an excellent mini-adventure and you can cover a lot of territory. Plus, shorter day trips are a great way to test gear, figure out logistics, and build fitness before you dive into something bigger.
With so many wild spaces to explore, the freedom, flexibility and fitness benefits that SUP tripping offers can open up your world to new possibilities. Editor’s Note: this feature article is based on the personal experiences of the contributor and therefore utilizes the first person perspective.
OPEN STUDIO WEEKEND August 19, 20 and 21, 2022 • 10 am to 5 pm Meet 22 artists at 8 studios and historic lodge settings featuring painting, woodturning, stone and wood sculpture, furniture, fibre, pottery, knifemaking, and jewellery by artists from Muskoka and beyond. Limberlost Road is Muskoka Road 8 just 10 minutes east of Huntsville on Hwy 60 Studios open other times by apppointment. See website for map and details or call 705-635-2093 Join us on facebook.com@artistsofthelimberlost1
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Article by Bronwyn Boyer / Photography by Andy Zeltkalns
T
he name Three Birds has a double meaning for Jackie and Leslie Brunton, the sisters who created Three Birds Flower Farm. Since there are actually three Brunton sisters, it leaves the possibility for the expansion. But they also live by the cardinal rule of always planting in odd numbers. “We would never plant in twos, so ‘Two Birds’ just didn’t sit right,” Jackie says with a laugh. The third bird is likely to be the oldest sister, Jessica, who also loves growing beautiful flowers. “She’s actually the one who would work in the gardens with our dad growing up,” explains Leslie. “She’s also an incredible businesswoman, and she’s very supportive of what we’re doing. Someday we
38 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
hope she’ll come up and join us.” Jackie and Leslie have been running a gardening business for 15 years, serving clients on lakes Rosseau and Joseph. While they have employees to delegate most of the workload, adding a flower farm to their plate is an ambitious undertaking. Since its inception
last year, their flower farm has seen rapid growth in demand. It’s just the two of them, for now, but their love of flower farming is worth it. “We like a challenge,” says Jackie. “We felt like we needed to head towards something that could be more of a passion project. We have a combined 30 years’ experience with gardening, so we wanted to take the next step and do something more creative.” It wasn’t just creative inspiration that sparked the birth of Three Birds Flower
Sisters Jackie (left) and Leslie Brunton officially began flower farming in 2021, a new endeavour while already running a landscaping business for over 15 years.
Farm. Jackie and Leslie also have a strong desire to bring change to an industry that has an extensive carbon footprint. “We have a shared eco-anxiety and really care for the environment,” Jackie explains. “We feel like we need to do something positive and bridge the gap by offering a product for local florists. A big part of our journey has been talking to our customers and trying to bring awareness about an industry that has been quite unethical.” “Florists want to be more environmentally -conscious, but it’s hard to find local growers that can support that demand,” Leslie adds. “It’s not just the use of pesticides, but also the cost of long-distance transport and refrigeration. There are also so many other damaging practices we didn’t know about until we started farming. So, we want to provide our community with something that combats that problem.” The sisters grew up loving nature, camping in the summer and skiing in the winter. Starting a landscaping business at young ages meant most of their time was spent outdoors. Knowing this, it’s easy to understand why they’re so dedicated to being stewards of the Earth. But spreading awareness is an added burden most farmers don’t take on. “I think the mindset is starting to change,” Leslie says. “It can be overwhelming, but we can all start somewhere, in our own way.” Their focus on environmentally-conscious farming started with their landscaping business, as they tried as best they could to avoid using pesticides and chemical fertilizers. They also tried to plant only native species and avoid the over-use of mowers and leaf blowers. Coping without pesticides is a challenge that requires creative solutions. After experimenting with various natural alternatives, the sisters found the most effective pest control is their own hands – picking the bugs off the plants and dropping them into buckets of soapy water. They also use nature to combat nature. “We try to get as many birds as we can onto the property,” explains Jackie. “We put up feeders to attract more varieties of birds that eat the bugs during the growing season. You can also buy ladybug larvae to eat aphids. Sometimes just spraying bugs off with a hose
Like any farm, the planting process requires significant planning to ensure a steady supply. This year, the Brunton sisters partnered with the Rileys of Brooklands Farm for a larger growing space (top). Seedlings were started in January at the sisters’ micro-farm (bottom) and then moved to the plot at Brooklands (middle) to be planted and to make room for more seedlings.
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 39
To ensure diversity in their crop, and subsequent bouquets, the Brunton sisters started 124 different flowers and had over 15,000 seedlings to plant this year, including some unique and special kinds of flowers for wedding installations.
helps a lot. You just have to be diligent.” Water conservation is another important element in sustainable practice. By placing drip lines under landscape fabric, more moisture is retained during times of drought. The fabric also helps protect the plants from frost. Jackie and Leslie originally planned their first growing year for 2020, but Covid-19 had them in survival mode and they planted vegetables instead of flowers. Then, in 2021, they seeded their first flower farm, selling at the farmer’s market in Port Carling as well as online through their website. They spread the word through social media and their landscaping clients. This year, they entered a partnership with Ken and Katya Riley to be able to grow their flowers at Brooklands Farm in Milford Bay. In addition to the added growing space, the sisters have learned a great deal from the Rileys, who come from six generations of sustainable farming. The first round of seeds was started in January at the micro-farm in the sisters’ backyard. Then an acre and a half ’s worth of seedlings was moved to Brooklands Farm to
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make room for the next round to ensure there is a steady succession until fall. The final product is admired at weddings and sold at garden centres and markets throughout Muskoka. The sisters were bolstered by the connections they made through selling at the farmers markets. “One of the best things about starting this venture has been meeting other tradespeople and getting excited about collaborating with them,” Leslie explains. For example, Muskoka Tye Dye is interested in using their flowers for dying fabric for their popular tie dye apparel. “It’s about providing for each other locally,” adds Jackie. “We really feel welcomed by a community that teaches us and supports us in so many ways.” As the planting process requires a remarkable amount of planning and organizing to ensure a steady supply, there is
no off-season. When they’re not growing and selling, they’re strategizing. “Every flower has its own way of coming into the world – different seeds have different needs,” Leslie explains. “I feel connected to them all. I remember how I planted a tiny seed in January and watered and cared for it every day and watched it grow for several months. Each flower is like our baby.” There are a lot of babies. The sisters had about 15,000 seedlings to plant this year. They started in window wells of their home, then under “caterpillar tunnels,” which are mini greenhouses installed over their garden beds. This allowed them the space to start seeds earlier in the season and provide tulips on Mother’s Day, which would not otherwise be possible. Since each bouquet requires five plants or “ingredients’’ to create, an average of 124 varieties of flowers are grown. They also plan
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The focus on environmentally-conscious farming started with the Bruntons' landscaping business, avoiding pesticides and chemical fertilizers and planting only native species. Taking the same approach to flower farming, they strive to implement sustainable practices. July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 41
Sourcing their seeds from Canadian farmers and working with partners, like sixth-generation sustainable farmers the Rileys, the Brunton sisters continue to learn, seek advice and develop a sense of community as they embark on their flower farming adventure. for a small amount of specialty varieties of more unique flowers used in special installations like arbours for weddings. In keeping with their dedication to lowering the carbon footprint, the sisters try to use environmentally-friendly labels and wrapping materials. They also buy seeds from
Canadian farmers as much as possible. The added benefit of this is the sense of community that is fostered from seeking advice on dealing with pests and other tricks of the trade. Jackie and Leslie originally hail from Toronto, but Muskoka was always their
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home away from home. Their parents met when they were both 16 while they were visiting their family cottages. Naturally, that’s where the sisters spent their summers. Jackie learned the gardening trade through her summer job at Brackenrig Landscaping Company. The rest of the year was spent
studying sociology and anthropology at Dalhousie University. It wasn’t long after when younger sister Leslie followed in her footsteps. She also studied sociology but at Bishop’s University in Quebec. Their gardening business, Labour Neighbour, was the result of being in the right place at the right time. “Our parents’ friends started asking us for gardening advice and to help out with their properties,” Jackie recalls. “Word of mouth spread and we decided to start our own business. We just fell into it.” Eventually Muskoka became a permanent home for the sisters and their children. “It’s a wonderful place for our kids to grow up,” says Leslie. The dynamic of siblings building a business together seems to work quite well. “Because we’re sisters, we can be really honest with each other and use whatever words we need to get our point across,” Jackie laughs. “We can talk to each other in ways we couldn’t with an employee. But because we communicate so well, things get resolved quickly. And we both love dealing with people; we get that from our mother - she loves to chit-chat.” In addition to many other ideas for Three Birds Flower Farm, the sisters eventually plan to offer a pick-your-own bouquet attraction where customers can visit the farm and create their own arrangements. It’s also a wonderful setting for photo shoots. As for their gardening business, time will tell how the flower farm will affect Labour Neighbour. “We love landscaping and we love our clients, and we hope to be able to manage both as long as possible,” Jackie says. “We’ll see, but our hearts are with the flower farm, and we have big dreams for its future.”
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helps build home At a time when the inventory of affordable homes in Muskoka Lakes is at an all-time low, Habitat for Humanity is building two affordable, energyefficient, universally accessible homes in Bala.
When Muskokans have better housing they are better able to be a part of the bigger community. Donating reusable household items, building materials, furniture, appliances, and electronics to ReStore, helps Habitat for Humanity achieve its mission of building safe, decent homes for working, lower income families.
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44 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
Article by J. Patrick Boyer
A
Photograph: Original artwork by Bonnie Bews, Etched in Time
seized on this translation to suggest s a widely renowned destinaMuskoka District is named for its tion, one might be inclined red soil. Whatever the chief did to to assume Muskoka’s name earn his “Red Earth’’ name, the pays tribute to a well-known historical reality is the District is named for figure. However, history is often him, not for the colour of the soil. distorted by whomever is in a position “We always use Musquakie, even of power and thus, Chief Musquakie though it’s technically not correct in has remained unknown. In fact, the terms of Ojibwe language,” explains history of Chief Musquakie is the Ben Cousineau, a member of the intertwining events of a father and Chippewas of Rama First Nation son; both bearing the same name. and the community’s researcher and The first Head Chief of the cultural archivist. He sees merit in Chippewas was referred to in British consistently adhering to one easy records of the 1790s as “The Yellow spelling for the sake of clarity in Head, Chief of Lake Simcoe.” Both communications. names “Musquakie” and “Yellowhead” Musquakie operated under ache for clarification. Much effort has several other names, when with his been expended by First Nations to nail Deer Clan members around Lake this down, yet enigmas remain. Couchiching, his Chippewa allies The first Chief Musquakie’s origins Chief Musquakie, shown here as an artistic likeness based on of lakes Huron and Simcoe, are obscure. Sources indicate he was available descriptions, used the lands of present-day Muskoka as government officials, and fur born between 1764 and 1769, possibly principal hunting grounds, referred to in the 1800s district map of traders – just as today some around Montreal, but without Upper Canada (above, courtesy of Toronto Public Library) as individuals have many nicknames. indicating parentage. Enhancing the “Chippewa Hunting Country” and later as “Misquickkey’s Hunting Grounds”. “Yellowhead,” a name by which chief ’s legend was the oft-repeated both father and son were known, is not a statement in English-language books, is not even close to an accurate translation. Musquakie means red earth. The different translation of “Musquakie” as one might including emigration agent W.E. Hamilton’s widely consulted 1879 Guide Book and spellings of “meskwi/miskwaa” for red simply imagine. Yellowhead is Wezaawindibe. Other Atlas of Muskoka and Parry Sound Districts, vary with whoever is writing it. Spelling of attested spellings include Mayawassino and about Muskoka taking its name from the “aki” for earth is, understandably, pretty Waisowindebay. Whatever caused this Yellowhead name to great “celebrity” warrior Musqua Ukee. consistent. “Musquakie” appears in attested records also spelled as attach to Musquakie, the British in the 1790s However, the author gives in to poetic flair, historical routinely called him “William Yellowhead.” explaining that this name means “Not easily “Misquuckkey” and “Mesqua Ukee.” In Iowa, a Meskwaki Nation at Tama is Non-Indigenous people, when having to turned back on the day of battle.” While Hamilton’s statement about Musquakie’s known as “People of the Red Earth.” Several deal with Chief Musquakie, frequently courage is patently true, his jab at linguistics imaginative non-Indigenous individuals have portrayed him in narrow ways that
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 45
diminished and misrepresented him. The lesser a personage he was, the more it helped them impose settler cultural values on First Nations and control over their land. In further examples of anglicizing Indigenous names, the shift from Ojibwe to the reference of “Chippewas,” is “simply a bastardization of the word Ojibwe,” explains Cousineau. “Over several generations, Ojibwe/ay became Ochipweay, became Chippeway, became Chippewa.” The territory occupied by Chief Musquakie’s Ojibwe peoples ran from lakes Couchiching and Wahweyagahmah [Simcoe] west to Georgian Bay, much of it cultivated with crops. For hunting, land under Chief Musquakie’s exclusive patrimony lay north of the Severn, along the south branch of the river draining Trading Lake [Lake of Bays] downstream to below present-day Bracebridge. In comparison to their flatter farming lands south of the Severn, this area on the Canadian Shield was richer in game, fish, berries, medicinal plants, forest spaces, dramatic rock outcroppings, ragged waterfalls, cool rivers and splashing streams. Muskoka’s lush variety of trees included birch
Ojibwe people continued returning to their traditional places in Musquakie’s Hunting Grounds, especially in summertime, after loggers and settlers began arriving in the mid-1800s. The place was changing, as seen in the forest almost entirely clear-cut to the waterline in the background. with its all-purpose bark, maples whose sap made tasty syrup, cedar with its medicinal properties and pliable trunks and branches for containers, furniture and canoe frames, and mature pines with their pitch for sealing canoes. As a leader, Chief Musquakie was involved in decisions to enter battle and negotiations for territory, both with other First Nations and with the British. First references to Chief Musquakie supporting the British in battle refer to the father, while records of treaty negotiation in 1815 and beyond refer to the son. When war erupted in 1812, Chief Musquakie marshaled numerous warriors, including his son, and they traveled south as a war party to battle. From Lake Nipissing, Chief Commanda also led a large party of
Nipissings down Lake Huron. Both men, discerning leaders, wanted to keep Canada British. This was not because of unbounded affection for the Crown but because of strategic opposition to an American takeover. When these First Nation allies materialized at York and in the Niagara Peninsula, the British commanders were awed by the artful way they waged war – scouting out enemy
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positions, shifting from strategic design to tactical operation. In 1813, during the war’s second year, American forces invaded York. The British withdrew, leaving the settlement to the Ojibwe and Canadian militia to defend. Chief Musquakie, then in his mid-40s, was severely wounded by a musket ball shattering his jaw. His son, who also sustained wounds, continued leading the warriors until the Americans, after looting and burning much of York, were driven off. It was four years after this, in 1817, that the second Musquakie, “at the desire of his father,” became head chief of the Ojibwe around lakes Simcoe and Huron. In 1815, acting as head chief in his father’s place, Musquakie and two other chiefs signed a treaty “surrendering” 250,000 acres in Simcoe between the north shore of Kempenfelt Bay and Georgian Bay for £4,000. In 1818, when Musquakie had formally succeeded his father as Head Chief, representatives of the Crown negotiated with him and other Ojibwe chiefs for further “surrender” of more than a million and a-half acres now parts of Grey, Wellington, Dufferin, and Simcoe counties – all for a “perpetual” annuity of £1,200. These two treaties, together, covered most of their territory. The British felt they’d acquired it – treaty as purchase agreement. Yet Musquakie and the other chiefs, operating within the land-use framework they understood, reserved their right and that of their people to range and hunt this same
territory – treaty as an invitation to share land with others. Payments were just part of the bargain: to the British, compensation; to the Ojibwe, earnest money. In 1830, Governor John Colborne sought to impose order in the neighbourhood south of the Severn. Colborne aspired to uphold English assumptions about contract law and property law for land ceded by treaty to the Crown. Truly, he just wanted to calm the agitated Euro-Canadian settlers around Lake Simcoe who’d erected fences between properties and took angry exception to the Chippewas’ migratory life unfolding around their plots of land. In response to their petitions to “remove the Indians,” Colborne set aside lands for the Chippewas at The Narrows between lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, and persuaded them to settle there. In time, and despite knowing them to be not the best of available lands, the Chippewas used treaty money to buy these lands outright – under the colonists’ real estate law – to control them on their own terms in accordance with Indigenous law and custom. Musquakie and his people continued using their lands around Lake Simcoe and in Muskoka the way they always had. Not because they were violating treaties concerning their traditional lands but living in accordance with their understanding of it; a First Nation concept of “One Bowl One Spoon” for shared use of land. The One Bowl One Spoon concept in treaty-making had been used by people of the
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 47
Photograph: Yellowhead Institute, Metropolitan University, Toronto
Americas since the 12th Century or earlier. It is a pathway to peaceful coexistence for people living and using the resources of the land in a spirit of mutual cooperation. This metaphoric Bowl represents the land, and the notional Spoon symbolizes that people from other territories would be able to eat together as one – while peace was maintained. There was a Spoon, but no knife – meaning no bloodshed. Sometimes the term is used to denote a treaty itself, as was the case for the 1701 Anishinaabe-Haudenosaunee peace accord. A wampum belt, created to symbolically record the agreement, might subsequently be invoked to settle disputes. In January 1840, Chief Musquakie took with him to a Credit River Council meeting between Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee leaders a One Bowl Many Spoons wampum belt, of which he was custodian. It documented an agreement made at the Narrows between Lake Simcoe and Lake Couchiching. In his role as a peacemaking elder, Musquakie explained to the Council that one of the Spoons was for the
This profile likeness of Chief Musquakie by artist C. Harris Duck drew on available accounts of the physical appearance and dress of the Chippewa Head Chief. Haudenosaunee, who had promised that the bowl should never be emptied – meaning its wildlife (especially beaver) should not be depleted. Mohawk Chief John Smoke agreed that the Bowl and Spoons represented the
abundant game and food in that territory. Chief Musquakie continued, stating that a Bowl was also placed at the Credit River and, as the 1840 Council minutes record, “the right of hunting on the north side of the Lake [Ontario] was secured to the Ojibwe, and that the Six Nations were not to hunt here only when they come to smoke the pipe of peace with their Ojibwe brethren.” The two key points, in terms of Chief Musquakie’s historical importance, is that he was a peace-maker infused with this “One Bowl” principle, and that it informed his approach to land-use treaties, especially those he signed pertaining to lands of greater Muskoka. His continuing application of the One Bowl principle was on the basis that each nation clearly understands its own territory, and that each nation’s independence and distinct identity needs to be recognized. Musquakie’s beliefs, and the continuity of Ojibwe practices, were squarely at odds with what the Crown’s representatives intended. The land in question was territory on which he and generations of Ojibwe people had
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hunted and fished to feed their families. They did not believe they had surrendered their survival rights. First Nations saw land more like a public park, or akin to the concept of “the Commons” – a space to be shared, under certain conditions. Early in the 1800s, fur trader maps identified the area as “Misquuckkey’s Hunting Grounds.” In 1829, Alexander Shirreff explored the tract of land from the Ottawa River to Penetanguishene and used the name “Muskoka” on his map and in his reports about the Ojibwe hunting ground. This anglicized corruption of Chief Musquakie’s name increasingly came into use by Englishspeaking people. In February 1868, in the first session following Confederation, Ontario’s newlyelected legislators enacted the Free Grant and Homestead Act to encourage settlers to claim and farm these lands north of the Severn River up to Lake Nipissing. The statute set boundaries subdividing it into three districts, and assigned legal names for each. “Nipissing” for the northern district recognized the First Nation community dwelling around the large lake which also bore their name. “Parry Sound” was named for the middle district’s most distinguishing feature – the world’s deepest freshwater port. Retaining “Muskoka” for the most southerly and smallest of these districts was pragmatic public policy because that’s how the place was already known. Chief Musquakie’s historical importance exceeds fighting for the British in times of invasion and insurrection, goes beyond signing treaties and then pushing the British colonial powers to live up to their provisions, appealing to them for required payments, and ensuring his people had the secure long-term foothold along Lake Couchiching’s shores that continues to this day. His higher role extended to treaty interpretation and peaceable uses of Indigenous land, an enduring issue in contemporary Canada. A district called “Muskoka” became a magnet for southern Ontarians and Americans whose trips onto the rugged Canadian Shield northland constituted entrance into unknown, untamed wilderness. The chief ’s compelling Indigenous name is intrinsic to Muskoka’s mystique.
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While they can be independent and thrive solo, coyotes are also dedicated when rearing their young.
Article by John Challis / Photography by Eleanor Kee Wellman
O
n a quiet night as you drift to sleep, the peaceful darkness might be interrupted by an outburst of yips and high-pitched howls. You might be inclined to think of wolves. You might thrill; the hair on your neck rising at the thought of being close to the great icons of the northern
50 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
forest. But you’d be wrong. The wild canines you encounter in Muskoka are more likely to be coyotes. Both coyotes and wolves are significant to First Nations cultures across North America. Ma’iingan, in the Ojibwe language, is the timber wolf, and is associated with stories of
creation. The coyote in the Anishinaabe culture is Nanabush, sometimes spelled Nanabozho. But it is much more than a coyote, since Nanabozho is a shape-shifter capable of appearing as a raven, hare and a range of other forms. It’s a supernatural figure that has many roles as healer, protector and
teacher – a being capable of creating life, but also a breaker of rules and a mischief maker. Although they may not be the legendary creatures of the wilderness with piercing eyes, coyotes deserve equal praise and admiration. Their family bonds are strong. They are brilliant hunters. Perhaps, most importantly, they are masters of adaptation, adjusting to new environments and new opportunities with ease. Identifying whether you’ve encountered a coyote versus a wolf can prove challenging. For at least a century, the three species of wild dog in Ontario have been interbreeding. In fact, coyotes and eastern wolves have mixed so much that experts will tell you they cannot visually tell them apart. “Except in extreme cases, a genetic test remains the only reliable way to distinguish between eastern wolves, eastern coyotes and hybrids of the two,” Dr. Brent Patterson explains. Patterson is a senior research scientist with the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines, Naturals Resources and Forestry (NDMNRF) and one of Ontario’s top authorities on the genetics and population dynamics of wolves and coyotes. Traditionally, the word “wolf ” is associated with those classified as Canis lupus, the grey wolf or timber wolf. It’s a massive, majestic
Coyotes, the smallest of Ontario’s wild dog species, are leggy, with a slender, pointed muzzle, a mix of grey and tan fur and yellow eyes.
beast, weighing up to 50 kilograms or more. They seldom stray farther south than the Magnetawan area. Scattered through Algonquin Park and a few other areas in central Ontario, the eastern wolf, Canis lycaon, is significantly smaller, with a coat that is generally tawny. Finally, there’s the coyote, Canis latrans, the smallest of the bunch. It has a leggy appearance, with a mix of grey and tan
When logging and farming cleared much of central Ontario’s forests, western coyotes moved east and have now adapted quite comfortably to life in the woods.
fur. Its muzzle is slender and pointed, almost foxlike, and it has striking yellow eyes. Genetic research for several decades in Algonquin Park has been keeping a wary eye on the mixing of genes between coyotes and the park’s eastern wolf population. The research is kind of like “23-And-Me” for wolves. “Hybridization with coyotes is a major threat facing eastern wolves,” Dr. Patterson says. With its genetic integrity so compromised, the eastern wolf is federally listed as a threatened species. The issue began with colonization. Before European settlement, the coyote was a hunter on the western prairies; it preferred open grasslands. Wolves, meanwhile, were animals of the forests and were dominant from the Carolinian forest along Lake Ontario to the boreal forests of the north. Once logging and farming cleared much of central Ontario’s forests, the land became more inviting to coyotes, and wolves began moving out or were shot by settlers. The first confirmed record of a coyote in Ontario was in 1919, in Lambton County. Since then, they have spread throughout the province, breeding with eastern wolves that in turn have bred with grey wolves, and even toss in the odd domestic dog, for good measure. As the forests have recovered, these hybrids, which scientists now refer to as
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 51
eastern coyotes, have adapted quite comfortably to the woods. And, as the media have certainly played up, coyotes have adapted exceptionally well to life in the city, attacking pets and even, although rarely, threatening people. “Urban areas are surprisingly good habitat for coyotes,” says Dr. Patterson. “Research that the NDMNRF has conducted in Ontario shows that coyote body condition, abundance and reproductive rates are similar between urban and rural areas. If anything, these characteristics may be higher in some urban areas.”
Generally, coyotes in Muskoka are still wary of human interaction. If they’re in your backyard, they’re more than likely hunting for mice or other small game.
52 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
The sly and cunning label attached to coyotes is a bit unfair. Patterson says coyotes and wolves “seem to possess similar cognitive abilities.” But the wolf does its thinking in the woods, well away from human attention. The coyote’s cleverness gets noticed. In Muskoka, coyotes seem to have plenty to eat in the wild, and they’re still, by and large, wary of human interaction. Staff at the District of Muskoka and area municipal levels say they seldom receive calls related to nuisance coyotes. Jan McDonnell confirms coyotes prefer to stay out of the limelight locally. A retired area
biologist for the then-Ministry of Natural Resources, McDonnell says calls she received were from people who had a good knowledge of the animals. Generally, people understood coyotes to be more interested in mice than lurking around backyards. She recognizes there are coyotes in the woods around her own home. “We have a snowshoe trail behind our house,” she says. “And we will often see coyote tracks. We’ve seen them with deer tracks as well. But I have only seen coyotes half a dozen times in all the years I have been here.” Solitary coyotes are the ones more likely to venture near a home or cottage. Alone, they’re just as likely as a raccoon to rummage through the barbecue remains, the garbage or the compost bin. But they might also consider taking down a family pet. Such incidents are not unheard of in Muskoka, so it’s wise to avoid leaving a vulnerable pet unattended. Keeping food waste indoors until it’s collected will prevent an unwanted brush with wildlife. In a semi-developed region like Muskoka, McDonnell says coyotes occupy an important niche in the ecosystem as the top predator, controlling overpopulation of prey species. Often, coyotes roam individually, pouncing on meadow voles, or pursuing muskrats or rabbits. They’ll even dine on grasshoppers and other large insects, if necessary, and in late summer and early autumn will supplement their diet with wild berries. Coyotes are happy to scavenge but are capable of bringing down large game. They are incredibly quick animals, capable of running at 64 km/h and sustaining speeds of 40 km/h over long distances. When deer populations rise, coyotes will hunt in packs to pursue the weak or diseased. McDonnell has seen carcasses of deer taken down by coyotes and within days nothing remains save a few scraps of fur. “They can be important for secondary animals,” McDonnell adds. Fox, fisher and a variety of birds can thrive on the carrion coyotes leave behind. While they can be independent and thrive solo, coyotes are also dedicated when rearing their young. A breeding pair of coyotes may bond for life; they become the alpha members of a family grouping and are the only pair that will mate in a pack. Mating occurs in
Perhaps due to their prairie origins, female coyotes often dig a burrow or den in the soil at the base of a slope just before their litter of pups arrives in the world.
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February and March with pups being born eight or nine weeks later. When the gestation period is nearing its end, the female will search out a den site. Perhaps because of their prairie origins, females often dig a burrow in the soil at the base of a slope. But if another animal’s burrow is vacant, or there’s a hollow under a tree root, that could become home. In more urban settings, coyotes may settle for a hollow under a garage or storage container. Depending on the personality of the mother, cubs may be moved to several lairs as they grow, for safety. Litters, typically born between April and June, consist of three to seven pups, which feed from their mother’s milk for about a month before being introduced to regurgitated food from either parent. Not long after, the parents begin taking growing pups out on forays to learn hunting skills. Like our own dogs, the coyote pups are bent on play in their early months, venturing outside their den within a few weeks of being born to wrestle and chase each other. Play
extends through adolescence and is an important process that helps secure the pecking order in a family group or pack. In pack dynamics, play may also determine which member of the clan doesn’t fit in; the play will then turn to bullying and, in time, the victim will be cast out to venture on its own. By autumn, the family unit will begin working on social skills. At this time, group howls, much like wolves, are an indication the adults are teaching the young the communication strategies needed for hunting together, sounding a territorial warning to competing packs, or simply bonding as a unit. It will start with a single, high call. There may be a response call, but it soon escalates into a full group chorus. There may only be a few animals engaged, but the highpitched yipping, squealing, whining and wailing can sound like dozens. Next time howling breaks into your sleep, listen and you’ll know the eerie calls belong to the adaptable hunter who now calls Muskoka’s wilderness home – the eastern coyote.
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Whats Happened
Short-term rentals debated across Muskoka
54 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
outnumber permanent residences, he said, adding that many of these new rental properties do not have an STR licence. Mayor Karin Terziano said the current licensing program has flaws and it’s time to “go back to the drawing board” to find ways to tighten up the program, potentially including licensing caps. Council directed Town staff to meet with the Otter Lake community to discuss their concerns, and to consider capping the number of licences granted in any one area. Meanwhile in Bracebridge, the Town council recently voted to begin the process of regulating STRs. The topic had been debated at the council table several times in the spring, and the Town’s general committee had originally voted to enact an outright short-term ban on new STRs. Bracebridge council ultimately voted not to proceed with the ban but instead to create a new registry. The issue came forward in Bracebridge after a number of councillors reported they had received complaints from concerned residents, particularly from those living in waterfront areas. Complaints range from noise and unsafe fires to parking problems and congested waterways. Applications for STRs will cost $250 per year under the new registry. The registry also lays out the terms for potential suspension or revocation of licences as well as set fines for operating without a licence. The new rules surrounding STRs in Bracebridge are still being finalized.
The towns of Bracebridge and Huntsville are working to regulate short-term rentals.
Photograph: April Barber
Hardy Lake Provincial Park in Muskoka Lakes Township is one of the most popular hiking locations in all of Muskoka. However, a recent disagreement between the Township and the province has left questions surrounding the future of the park and its extensive trail system. In 2016, the Township entered into a contract to provide maintenance on the park, Maintenance at Hardy Lake Provincial Park is looking after things such as trail inspection under debate between the Township of Muskoka and maintenance, grading of the parking lot and plowing of the snow, providing portable Lakes and the Province of Ontario. washroom facilities and collecting garbage appeared to support maintaining the park as from the park. According to Township staff, a show of good faith while the talks the province took no active role in the continued, Councillor Gordon Roberts said maintenance of the park. he had strong reservations, specifically as it As the end of the five-year contract pertains to liability issues. approached, the township and provincial staff “We need protection on this. There is entered into discussions to renew the huge exposure here and I think we should agreement for another five year period, obtain protection before we do any beginning on January 1, 2022. However, maintenance,” he said. “We must include the Township staff during a recent Muskoka fact that under no circumstances will a Lakes council meeting reported that Ministry member of our staff set foot in the park. I staff refused to consider changes to the won’t vote to support it unless that’s proposed agreement. Staff said the resulting included.” proposal was prejudicial and unacceptable to Roberts was the lone councillor to vote the Township. against the motion. As part of that same report, Township staff advised council they should discontinue service at the park effective April 30, 2022, if no progress was being made. During the meeting Ken Becking, the Township’s director of public works, reported the two The issue of short-term rentals (STRs), parties had subsequently made some progress, such as Airbnbs and cottage rentals, has despite the problems encountered during been a hot topic across Muskoka this spring. initial talks. Staff described those meetings as During the most recent Town of “cordial and productive,” and said there now Huntsville council meeting, councillors appears to be a willingness on the part of the heard from a delegation who said the current Ministry to work with the Township towards STR licensing system is not working. a new agreement both parties would find Speaking on behalf of concerned acceptable. residents on Otter Lake, Michael Walmsley Staff said they are cautiously optimistic told council cottages are being flipped from that arriving at a new agreement is now residences to STRs at an alarming rate. It possible. While the majority of council likely won’t be long until rental properties
Photograph: Stephanie Vuilleumier
Debate continues over Hardy Lake trails maintenance
OPP Marine Training Unit relocates to Muskoka Wharf A new partnership has helped maintain the OPP Marine Training Unit’s presence within the Town of Gravenhurst. Earlier in the spring it was announced that the Town of Gravenhurst and the Residence Inn by Marriott, located at the Muskoka Wharf in Gravenhurst, have reached an agreement with the OPP to move the training program to a base of operations in Muskoka Bay. The OPP officers taking part in the training will be staying at the Residence Inn while it is ongoing. The training program has traditionally operated from the grounds of the Ontario Fire College in Gravenhurst until it closed its doors last year. Each course is designed for police officers who patrol the waterways and lasts for two weeks. The Marine Training Program typically runs throughout the month of May.
RMS Segwun sails again Muskoka’s most iconic watercraft is back sailing local waters after a two-year hiatus. The RMS Segwun was sidelined for the past two sailing seasons due to the COVID pandemic and related issues. The Segwun was constructed in 1887 in Glasgow, Scotland, before being shipped across the Atlantic and re-assembled in Gravenhurst. The oldest operating mail steamship in North America, the Segwun holds just under
100 people. The craft was originally used as a side paddlewheel steamer and sailed under the name of Nipissing II. She was primarily used to transport people, freight and mail from her home port at the Muskoka Wharf to locations throughout the Muskoka lakes, including the resorts which were beginning to proliferate in the region at the time. Upgraded with new engines following the First World War, the ship was re-named Segwun – the Ojibwa word for “spring”. As the road system in Muskoka improved over the years, the mail was increasingly delivered by land routes. By the 1960s, the Segwun was decommissioned and became a floating maritime museum at the Muskoka Wharf. Interest in the vintage vessel eventually led to a restoration project by the Muskoka Steamship & Historical Society and the Ontario Road Builders. The Segwun was officially re-launched by Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau and by 1981, she began her newest incarnation as a cruise ship. To buy tickets or to check the sailing schedule, visit realmuskoka.com.
Photograph: Friends of the Muskoka Watershed
Photograph: Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre
The iconic RMS Segwun returns to sailing Muskoka's waterways after a two-year hiatus.
“This is a great project for all ages and a way to help further the study of the Ash Muskoka project. Already, the response has been great with 30 kits off to citizen scientists,” says Katie Paroschy, citizen science co-ordinator for Friends of the Muskoka Watershed. “The goal is to have people from all across Muskoka to participate.” The program is not too complicated. All participants need are two similar-sized, same species of local trees and the willingness to take a few measurements and spread some wood ash. Of course, as a scientist, you need to report your data back to the Friends three times over the next year. In return you receive a bucket of ash, a trowel, measuring tool, a tree guide, and a set of instructions. “We’ve had such great support with people donating their household wood ash,” says Ash Muskoka project director Tim Kearney. “We knew we could find participants for our citizen science project, too.” Friends of the Muskoka Watershed, with past support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation along with university, community and government partners and thousands of volunteers have spread over 9.2 tonnes of wood ash in Muskoka forests and the results are in! “The application of clean residential wood ash to forests appears to have woken up the trees,” says Paroschy. Participants are to compare two trees, a test with ash spread around it and another with no ash. “These results suggest that regulated wood ash application may not only lead to more delicious maple syrup but can cause
Friends of the Muskoka Watershed seeks citizen scientists How would you like to gather information and potentially help to protect Muskoka’s waterways and forests? Now you can by joining the Friends of the Muskoka Watershed’s citizen science program. Citizen science is the practice of public participation and collaboration in scientific research to increase scientific knowledge.
Volunteers for Friend's of the Muskoka Watershed's citizen science program are needed to collect and report data on tree growth. July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 55
Photograph: Matt Driscoll
trees to absorb more carbon and water, assisting in the fight against climate change, and help with flood mitigation,” she says. “It’s very exciting. We can’t wait to see what we can learn thanks to our citizen scientists.” To learn more about the program contact katie@fotmw.org or visit fotmw.org.
Music on the Barge returns to Gravenhurst The barge is back. After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, Gravenhurst residents have something to cheer about this summer with the return of the Music on the Barge concert series. Music on the Barge is the largest outdoor concert series north of Toronto and draws thousands of seasonal and permanent residents to the shores of Gull Lake to enjoy a great evening of musical entertainment at this unique waterfront setting. This year’s lineup offers an eclectic mix of folk, country, rock and more. All of the shows take place at 7:30 p.m. at the Barge in Gull Lake Park with the exception of the Bifocals concert. The concert series gets rolling on July 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the Rotary Picnic Pavilion with the Bifocals Concert Band, a first-rate local band with an easy-listening musical repertoire that includes something for everyone. Mystic Highway plays July 10 on the Barge offering a tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty. On July 17 Abba Magic bring their lively interactive performance of ABBA favorites to the Barge. July 24 sees the Beckett Family on the Barge with their award-winning display of fiddling and step dancing.
Former Bracebridge Mayor Graydon Smith is the new MPP for Parry Sound-Muskoka following the June 2 provincial election. Grant Tingey and Hired Gun bring country music to the stage on July 30, and the Liverpool 4 bring the best of The Beatles to the Barge on July 31. Johnny Cash Tribute and Friends bring a range of world-class tributes to the Barge on August 7, and the series rounds out with eight-time Juno award-winning group The Good Brothers on August 14. Admission is by a free will offering to ensure the community tradition continues. In the event of rain or lightning, concerts will be cancelled for the safety of the audience and performers.
Photograph: Town of Gravenhurst
Graydon Smith wins Parry Sound-Muskoka in hotly-contested election
Music on the Barge, the largest outdoor concert series north of Toronto, returns on July 3. 56 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
While the recent provincial election saw the Progressive Conservative (PC) Party cruise to a majority, the race for the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding was a much tighter affair. When the final results were tallied, Graydon Smith secured 20,216 votes (45.4%) for the PC party, while Matt Richter of the Green Party brought in 18,102 (40.7%) of the vote. Representing the NDP, Erin Horvath finished a distant third with 3,391 votes (7.62%), and four other candidates took home the remainder of the votes. Locally, the election saw some 58.3% of the riding’s 76,319 registered voters cast ballots. A small but upbeat crowd of roughly 30 supporters gathered at the clubhouse of Kirrie Glen golf course in Bracebridge to
watch the results and support Smith. Meanwhile, Richter watched the results come in along with a room full of supporters at Canvas Brewery in Huntsville. Results from the Parry Sound-Muskoka riding were delayed by roughly 45 minutes due to glitches at multiple polling stations. In fact, the PC party had been declared as a majority before the local results even began to be tallied. Nonetheless, just before 10:00 p.m. on election night, Smith made his appearance at Kirrie Glen, having been declared the victor, to loud applause. Smith thanked his family, his election team and his supporters, as well as his opponents in the election. “People have decided they want me to represent them and that’s an incredibly humbling thing for me,” he said. “Tomorrow the work begins. You want a government that will put money back in your pockets, you want a government that will deliver two hospitals right here.” Smith also thanked outgoing MPP Norm Miller, who represented the riding for the PC party for the past 21 years before deciding not to run in this election. Smith took time out to specifically thank the people of Bracebridge who voted him into office four times municipally - first as a councillor and most recently as mayor. In Huntsville, Richter wondered aloud what might have happened if more people had gone to the polls. However, he also pointed out that the Green Party had doubled their numbers locally over the last election results, which is a clear indication that people in the riding are eager to see business done across party lines.
Feature by Matt Driscoll
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Cooking with home-grown herbs creates a feast for the senses Article by K.M. Wehrstein / Photography by Tomasz Szumski Some would say the art of seasoning is the art of cooking. With their intense and unique flavours, herbs are central to seasoning and can make staple ingredients come alive in a smorgasbord of ways. Oregano on pizza, mint on lamb and rosemary on chicken are definitive classics and we all have our favourites. To plant the first seeds of our pros’ approach to herbal cooking, we’ll start with Sean Taylor, the 25-year-old
entrepreneur behind The Great Muskokan Herb Company of Gravenhurst. Originally from Oakville, Taylor sought variety in his initial schooling and work experiences, first taking organic biology and environmental technology at Durham College, switching to music business management, working at a specialty garden store, parlaying his Cape Breton cooking skills learned from his mother and grandmother into a resort job as a cook. Through it
Learning the power of cooking with herbs as a teenager, Sean Taylor, entrepreneur behind The Great Muskokan Herb Co, shares tips for home-grown herbs with anyone who asks.
58 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
all, he noticed one thing that stayed constant: gardening. Taylor had already learned the power of herbs at 16 or 17 after he added a little basil and rosemary to a regular frozen pizza – “it was the best pizza I’d ever had.” Out of these two roots, so to speak, The Great Muskokan Herb Co sprouted in May 2017. “I did a Mother’s Day tester, and sold everything I had,” Taylor recalls. Now living in Muskoka, where he spent childhood summers at his grandmother’s in
Herb and Parmesan Roasted Sweet Potatoes – Sean Taylor Ingredients
2½ lbs sweet potatoes, diced into uniform pieces 3 Tbsp olive oil 3 or 4 garlic cloves, minced 1½ Tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1½ Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves 1/3 cup finely grated parmesan 1 Tbsp melted butter or additional olive oil
Method
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. • In a small mixing bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic, and thyme. • Place potatoes in a mound on a baking sheet, pour mixture over potatoes, season with salt and pepper to taste and toss to evenly coat. • Roast until tender, toss once halfway through, about 30 minutes total. • Toward the end, sprinkle an even layer of some of the parsley and some of the parmesan on the veggies, then broil 1-2 minutes for more golden brown. (Watch closely while broiling.) • Remove potatoes from oven, drizzle and toss with the butter or additional olive oil, then immediately sprinkle with the rest of the parsley and parmesan. Serve pronto! Serves four as a side dish.
Herb Farmer’s Tips
• Use olive oil only, no butter, for a vegan version. • Barbecue-friendly, in tin foil or on a sheet. “It works with any home-cooked style of main dish,” Taylor says. “Barbecue chicken is a very familiar taste to have with sweet potatoes.” For roast pork or other meat, put the sweet potatoes in 30 minutes before the pork will be done.
Chef Randy Spencer keeps a wide array of herbs growing at his home, ready to use. What he can’t grow at home, he sources locally, so he can adjust recipes freely, as directed by his tastebuds. Huntsville, he plants his herbs in the earlier spring sun of Beamsville. Then in May, he brings the seedlings up to Muskoka to grow them to full glory. At farmer’s markets and certain retailers such as Healthy and Fresh Nutrition in Gravenhurst, he sells fresh, dried and potted herbs, and also helps people create their own herb gardens. “I can set them up within two weeks,” he says. He has made connections with local chefs through his father, who owns a seafood business. Though he does not have organic certification, he grows his herbs in this way. Future plans include his own herb blends. Taylor is quite willing to share his herb-growing instructions with anyone who asks. Gardening and gardens, he notes, soothe the soul. “To plant a garden,” he quotes Audrey Hepburn, “is to believe in tomorrow.” But Taylor’s also got cooking tips. “Salmon: a little dill, a little chives, a little garlic,” he suggests. “Basil optimizes flavour.” He adds that when roasting with herbs, olive oil is key “because the oil cooks the flavours of the herbs into the food.”
His recipe for us is a side that makes the sweetness of sweet potatoes rub up pleasantly against the saltiness of parmesan, the depth of garlic and the earthiness of thyme and parsley. Chef Randy Spencer, who Huntsville diners know as the former owner of the gourmet restaurant Tall Trees and who now owns Spencer’s Catering & Culinary Creations, is no stranger to these pages, nor to the members of four royal families he has fed during his career (British, Dutch, Greek and German). He keeps an herb garden at his house, growing oregano, sage, rosemary, dill, thyme, horseradish, two colours of basil, two varieties of chives and three varieties of mint. “What I don’t produce I try to get locally,” says Spencer. He draws his culinary inspiration from many sources, including magazines (Food & Drink is a favourite) changing the recipes freely as directed by his taste buds. The game is staying one step ahead of the world’s savvy foodies. “Today with the internet and access to things, the job for chefs is getting harder and harder,” he says. “Because the clientele is
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 59
Chicken Koftas on Rosemary Skewers with Yogurt Dip – Randy Spencer Ingredients Koftas 4 branches (approx. 7-8” long) rosemary 2 tsp coriander seeds 2 tsp cumin seeds ¼ cup shelled pistachios 1 Tbsp each fresh chopped mint, parsley and oregano 2 garlic cloves, minced ½ tsp kosher salt 1 tsp fresh ground pepper 2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon 2 tsp lemon zest 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 lb ground chicken Yogurt Dip ½ cup plain yogurt 1 tsp chopped fresh mint ¼ tsp cumin powder (make a little extra from seeds if combining the two recipes) 1 garlic clove, minced 1 Tbsp honey 2 tsp fresh squeezed lemon juice Pinch each of salt and pepper
Method
• Soak rosemary stalks in cold water for 30 minutes. • In a small skillet over medium heat, toast coriander and cumin, about 1 minute, transfer to a mortar and pestle, crush until fine and transfer to a bowl large enough to hold all ingredients. • In the skillet over medium heat, toast pistachios, about 2 minutes, transfer to mortar and lightly crush. Add to spices. • Mix in remaining ingredients, divide into 8 portions for 4 entrées, or divide into 16 to make 8 appetizer-size. • Shape two of these portions side by side around each rosemary branch, shaping to form two sausage shaped ovals. Refrigerate for 1 hour. • Grill on medium heat uncovered until cooked through (160F internally). • Transfer to plate and garnish with sprigs of rosemary. • Combine all dip ingredients in a bowl and serve. Serves four as a main or eight as a side. Wine pairing: Tempranillo or Grenache. “Or even a nice, rich, hoppy beer.”
Chef ’s Tip
“Sometimes I boost the dip with mint sauce.”
wiser and wiser.” Spencer’s offering for us this issue is an herb-infused recipe involving grilling. “Herbs grow in summer,” he says. “What do we do in summer? Barbecue!” Kofta is a specialty of a cluster of cultures around and near the Mediterranean. “There’s Hungarian inspiration in here, though koftas are more Middle Eastern/ Moroccan,” explains Spencer. “I love Turkish and middle eastern food – the spices!” Rather than the usual lamb – with which his yogurt-based dip will go unfailingly, he assures – Spencer chose chicken as he found it on sale and drew inspiration from two literary sources. Impaled on rosemary branches instead of skewers, his koftas have a complex flavour that is unimaginable until you try it. The herbs and spices do a dance, cooled and foiled by the dip. Finally, we visit Basilico, the culinary aspect of the major renovations completed at Bracebridge’s Inn on the Falls. With a new direction (Italian), new branding (a basil-leaf logo), new plan (to stay open all year) and shiny new kitchen as of this past March, it’s a happy home for Chef Colin Eade. Eade has lived all but the first two of his 26 years in Gravenhurst, and has worked in kitchens, nowhere else, since the age of 12. His training is all on-the-job. “I worked under some great chefs,” he enthuses. From 18, he cooked at the Muskoka Bay Club and then, in April of this year, moved to Basilico, and was promoted from sous-chef to executive chef when the position came open. “I think we’re establishing a name for ourselves,” Eade says. “We’re not hoity-toity high end, not just for special occasions.
Impaled on rosemary branches instead of traditional skewers, Chef Randy Spencer’s chicken koftas have a complex flavour, particularly when mingled with the yogurt dip. 60 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
Braising allows the flavours of the herbs to infuse the chicken, layering the tastes into a dish, explains Chef Colin Eade.
Lemon & Basil Braised Chicken – Colin Eade Ingredients Chicken: ¼ cup sunflower oil 4 Tbsp kosher salt 4 skin-on average-sized chicken thighs Sauce: 1 cup shallots, finely diced ½ cup carrots, finely diced ½ cup celery, finely diced 1 Tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped 1 Tbsp thyme, finely chopped 6 bay leaves 1 tsp ground black pepper Skin peeled from 2 lemons (reserve the juice) 2 cups white wine 2 cups chicken stock To Finish: 2 cups blanched casarecce pasta 2 cups spring peas 4 Tbsp chopped basil ½ cup 35% cream ½ cup grated parmesan Reserved lemon juice to taste
Method • Rub the salt on the chicken thighs. Ensure the skin has been seasoned. • In a large ovenproof saute pan on medium heat warm up the sunflower oil • Add the seasoned chicken thighs skin side down in the oil. Once the skin is golden brown in color, sear the other side of the chicken briefly. • Remove the chicken from the pan and place on its own plate. • Add the shallots, carrots, celery, bay leaves, rosemary, thyme, black pepper and lemon skin to the pan. Saute until fragrant and the shallots are translucent. • Turn the pan on to high, add the wine and reduce by half. • Add the chicken thighs to the pan, skin side up. • Add chicken stock to the pan until the chicken is submerged up to the skin. • Place pan in the oven at 350 for roughly 15 minutes. • Remove the pan from the oven. Check that your chicken is cooked. The liquid
should be reduced by at least half. • Remove bay leaves and lemon peels from the pan and discard. Remove the chicken and reserve. • Add your blanched pasta, cream and spring peas • Cook on medium heat for 3 minutes • Add chopped basil and parmesan. Mix well. • Double check the seasoning and add lemon juice, if required. • Place the chicken thighs on top of the pasta, serve and enjoy. Serves two. Recommended wine pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.
Chef ’s Tips • White meat lovers, substitute breast for thigh. • You can use any blanched pasta you like in this recipe. • When you peel the lemon skin, try to only get the yellow. The white will make your sauce bitter. • Always use utensils when working with hot ingredients. • Cut everything first, clean up and then start cooking. • It’s always good to check your dish even before your timer goes off.
July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 61
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We try to make every diner’s experience unique and great, and to keep prices reasonable, for a from-scratch kitchen. We try to put our love and passion for food into it so it comes out on the plate.” Herbs are among the most important paints on Eade’s flavour and colour palette – his kitchen is brightened by trays of herbs from the chef-beloved Port Sydney grower Four Seasons Greens. “Be gentle,” he recommends. “When chopping herbs, use a really sharp knife or you’ll lose flavour onto the cutting board. Don’t use high heat, just medium with vegetables. If you burn the herbs, you’ve just wasted something lovely.” Eade’s recipe was created especially for Cottage Country Cuisine. It builds on the French basic mirepoix. “It’s really just something quick, easy and delicious that anyone can do,” he says. “The idea of doing it braised is that the flavours of the herbs will be infused into the chicken. The fat in the cream will pair nicely with the herbs; the parsley adds colour and fresh flavour. If you don’t like a particular herb, substitute with one you like. I’ll follow a recipe to the letter once, then never again.” Every word is true. The sauce has a subtle, smoky taste that is just magical, and perhaps can be conjured up by no other way than braising, then combining wine, cream, and parmesan. And the expert touch of herbs.
Grow your own or source locally but, no matter what, don’t forget your herbs when cooking.
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July 2022 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 63
Muskoka Moments
There’s no place like home Article by Heather Scott
64 UNIQUE MUSKOKA July 2022
hard and playing hard! There are so many things to enjoy and try; don’t miss anything! Winters bring time to relax and see entirely different sides of Muskoka. There are new trails, new activities, like skating and snowmobiling, and new opportunities to slow down and enjoy the natural beauty. However, sandwiches were never the same in the winter when they were not on Don’s scones! Sometimes, if we were lucky, mom would have a dozen scones put away in the freezer and surprise us. Scones, apple fritters, sugar twists and cinnamon buns along with Port Sandfield market blueberry donuts – all taste like summer in Muskoka to me. So, YES! I love Muskoka. Incredible scenery, unique tastes of summer, privacy, an abundance of outdoor activities and an understated vibe of luxury all contribute to Muskoka being so special. A place that welcomed vacationers like the Carnegies and the Mellons at the turn of the 20th century and now welcomes celebrities but where people are not interested in flashiness. If you weren’t as lucky as I was to grow up here, then do yourself a favour and carve out some time to visit this wonderful place. The place I will always call home – Muskoka. Photograph: Heather Scott
“You were born and raised in Muskoka and have only ever lived here?” It’s a question I often get asked, to which I always reply: “Is there anywhere better?” I mean really, is there anywhere better to grow up, live and work? Muskoka is a place like no other. The beauty is all around. There is deep history, diversity and opportunity. I still think of myself as very fortunate to have grown up in an area that allowed me to have two groups of friends: my year-round friends and my summer cottage friends. Muskoka has a long tradition of lifelong friendships with our cottage community. Many of us may work for our cottagers but many have also become our family. I remember eagerly waiting for Friday night when we would prepare the bonfire and snacks for when our cottage neighbours would arrive after a long week in the city. Saturday mornings were for work and when work was done, we would meet up with the neighbours again. This time for barbecue dinner, maybe a boat ride and usually another fire that we would sit around all night laughing and telling stories. Summers were always very busy with events and so full of fun. Go to a summer camp… why? I live in a summer camp! Once you were a teenager, there were prime summer jobs in Muskoka but competition was tight! To work at the best places, you often needed to get your name and application in the year before you wanted to start. Don’s Bakery in Bala, local marinas, lifeguarding, landscaping and
construction were always great jobs, with lots of variety too. It was hard work but it was always a great experience. Plus, you got to meet new cottage friends - which meant more barbecues and bonfires! Then, September would arrive. That meant back to school, sweaters, quieter weekends and slowly cottages would start to close up until the following spring. If you haven’t experienced one, winters in Muskoka are a drastic contrast to summer. Everything is brilliant and white. Snow seemed to be so deep and over my head when I was little. Winter was always a time to regroup and refresh after a busy and long cottage season. From Victoria Day until Labour Day, there was never any time for rest; so our family has always appreciated the winter down time. Summers have always been about working
Heather Scott is a lifelong Muskokan, currently living in Bala with her husband and working as a real estate broker across the Muskoka region. Invested in the community, Heather can often be found supporting local initiatives and non-profits and, of course, enjoying all that Muskoka has to offer.
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