FALL/WINTER 2024
Powering Muskoka through settlement takes many forms STARS ON ICE Hockey training camp attracts pros
WILD THINGS
Keeping creatures out of your home or cottage
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Features
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The Early Days – Kilworthy
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Article by J Patrick Boyer
Stretching a couple kilometres west of today’s Highway 11, between Severn Bridge and Gravenhurst, the farming community of Kilworthy began with immigrants spreading north from Severn Bridge. First known as Lethbridge, Kilworthy is one of the earliest homesteader settlements in Muskoka.
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Painting with Words, Writing with Colour – A Photographer’s Journey Article by Bronwyn Boyer Photography by Josianne Masseau
Local artist and author Wendie Donabie’s most recent book release, Views from the Edge of the Earth, is a culmination of her mission as an artist. Pairing her art with her own poetry conveys Donabie’s deep concern for and connection to nature.
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Article by Matt Driscoll
Article by Meghan Taylor Photography by Andy Zeltkans
Muskoka Hockey
Professional hockey player Sam Gagner combined his love of Muskoka with playing high-calibre hockey in his creation of Muskoka Hockey camps. Having amateur and professional players come together is an opportunity for building the next generation of players.
Channels to the Past – Peerless II Cruising Muskoka’s waterways is an iconic and historic activity. Passengers aboard Peerless II can relax, enjoy the incredible scenery of Muskoka’s lakes and landscapes and be taken back in time as Captain Randy Potts shares the chronicles of the good old days – from Muskoka’s history and Peerless II’s long career on the water. [34]
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2 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 3
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Powering Muskoka's Pioneer Era
FALL/WINTER 2024
Article by J. Patrick Boyer
Power sources during Muskoka’s pioneer era were limited, even as technologies advanced in other parts of the province, the country and the world. As in many circumstances, tools and technologies adapted based on the needs of the settlers and various power sources even needed to be used in tandem to achieve desired outcomes. Whether basic or state of the art, power sources played a role in Muskoka’s development.
Keeping creatures out of your home or cottage
Wild Ones – Keeping the Wildlife Outside Article by Meghan Taylor
The change of seasons is a time when creatures who may not want to brave the blustery Muskoka winter begin to hunt for alternative accommodations. Planning and preventative maintenance can help to keep homes and cottages free from unwelcome furry visitors.
Departments 54
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Article by Matt Driscoll
Article by K.M. Wehrstein
STARS ON ICE Hockey training camp attracts pros
WILD THINGS
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Powering Muskoka through settlement takes many forms
Our Cover Photograph by Andy Zeltkaln A red fox’s curious expression belies the truth – they’re likely more scared and wary of humans than humans are of them.
Cottage Country Cuisine
What’s Happened
Bala Cranberry Festival celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, Oktoberfest Muskoka returns to the region and Rosseau celebrates all things fall with its annual Pumpkin Festival. Muskoka Heritage Place hosts the Fall Art Walk in partnership with the Huntsville Art Society and the Festival of Lights returns to Bracebridge this November. Huntsville’s Holiday Market and Bala’s Trek to Bethlehem continue to attract visitors this year. Three Fires International Film Festival is set to ignite the screen once again and Huntsville Festival of the Arts recently announced the launch of the Lakeland Networks Arts Access Program.
Describing game meats, such as venison, rabbit or wild boar, as “gamey” likely implies the meat may have spoiled or has not been handled correctly. Dave Purdon and chefs Alain Irvine and Iain Irvine share their methods for preparing game meats that ensure the distinct and delicate flavours prevail. [58]
Opinion 9
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By Meghan Taylor
By Ann Curley
Muskoka Insights
Muskoka Moments Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 5
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Muskoka Insights Donabie continues to evolve as an artist and author. Contributor Matt Driscoll details the story of Muskoka Hockey’s training camps for elite and junior hockey players. Making use of local facilities while also spending time at his cottage with family, NHL player Sam Gagner and a cadre of professional players and coaches host athletes who are developing and wanting to improve their skills. While Muskoka is already on the map as its own destination for tourists and cottagers, the offerings of Muskoka Hockey bring new opportunities for advancement to young athletes in the area. For this edition of Unique Muskoka, I had the pleasure of speaking with Captain Randy Potts about Peerless II and his own history on the water. As Potts shared with me, Peerless II is a piece of Muskoka history that was worth saving. Now, she offers passengers a step back in time, to experience Muskoka’s lakes and rivers at the pace settlers would have. The restoration and repair of a gasoline supply boat to a passenger-carrying touring vessel was a labour of love that keeps history alive. As fall becomes winter, I am thankful for everyone who has a part in bringing each issue of Unique Muskoka to life. I’ve spent another year as publisher. Another year filled with challenges and achievements. Another year full of incredible people, intriguing stories and the honour of sharing them with you. Most of all, thank you for taking the time to dive into this (and hopefully other) copies of the magazine. Happy reading!
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There is nothing quite like summer in Muskoka. And yet, fall has always been my favourite time of year. There are still delightfully sunny days with warm temperatures. There are crisp evenings without the humidity of high summer that are perfect for an evening walk, a dinner outdoors and a bonfire underneath a blanket of twinkling stars. And while the sun may be rising later in the mornings, fall sunrises can feel like their own brand of magic. The colours of the leaves changing is an obvious draw for tourists, locals and cottagers. Appreciating the show nature puts on calls for hikes, walks, boating or road trips to favourite places. Even in your own backyard, flashes of reds, oranges and yellows among the greens and browns bring a colourful new look to a well-known space. From one week to the next, the transformation in colours progresses, until the changing season has left more leaves on the ground than on the trees. The loss of foliage is a clear shift towards colder, darker months. And, it’s also a chance to look out at new views and fresh perspectives. For me, fall is also an opportunity to reflect on growth and evolution. Like the transition of the leaves, we’re not who we were at the beginning of the year or even at the beginning of the summer. As time and experiences expose us to new viewpoints or new mindsets, we have the ability to adapt, shift and develop. Much like the growth of a tree, every year our own evolution is impacted by the circumstances surrounding us. In this issue of Unique Muskoka, regular contributor Bronwyn Boyer shares with us Wendie Donabie’s art and words, intertwined in her newest book Views from the Edge of the Earth. Donabie’s art is deeply connected to her concern for the planet. Her poetry is simple and also calls for mindfulness in understanding our impact on the environment. Combining her talents,
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Photograph: Gravenhurst Archives Photograph: Gravenhurst Archives
Symbolizing how the Steam Age and Muskoka’s pioneer era coincided and reinforced one another, the Grand Trunk Railway’s steam train is seen here pulling passenger cars through the Morrison Township fields of farmer William Lethbridge, whose surname was initially adopted for the community’s name. The inset postmark for Kilworthy, showing a date of August 6, 1886, used to cancel letters mailed here, shows the new name the community was given by the post office department.
Article by J. Patrick Boyer
Photograph: Gravenhurst Archives
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ilworthy, one of Muskoka’s earliest homesteader settlements, illustrates the difference between a compact village and a dispersed township community. Kilworthy’s layout resulted from a land-holding system causing settlers to build their widely spaced homes along concession lines on lots distant from one another, rather than in a compact village site with streets. It is also an example, rare for Muskoka, of a locale that is not a waterside settlement. Stretching a couple kilometres west of today’s Highway 11, between Severn Bridge and Gravenhurst, the farming community of Kilworthy began with immigrants spreading north. Severn Bridge itself began in 1858 when pioneers James Jackson, William Johnston and John Young crossed a floating log-bridge thrown across the river the
This stone cairn erected in Bethel Cemetery was dedicated in the 1960s “In Memory of Morrison Township Pioneers.”
year before. Each built a cabin to launch Muskoka’s first non-Indigenous village. The rudimentary bridge, having given the community one of Muskoka’s most apt names, would often be upgraded as traffic increased. During the next two years, surveyor J. O’Brien subdivided all 41,633 acres of the district’s first township – Morrison. The area was named for North Simcoe’s than MP Angus Morrison, an ardent champion for Muskoka settlement and a railway extension north. Settlers crossing the Severn intent on farming followed the Muskoka Colonization Road into the forested interior, a number choosing lots around Sparrow Lake to its west, others further north to McCabe’s Landing (now Gravenhurst), gateway to Lake Muskoka. Within a decade half
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Photograph: Boyer Muskoka Archives
This Pre-Confederation map, based on C. Rankin’s 1859 plan of survey and issued by the Department of Crown Lands at Quebec City on December 29, 1860, shows Morrison Township lots laid out, starting from the Severn River at bottom, running north along both sides of the winding Muskoka Colonization Road.
Photograph: Boyer Muskoka Archives
the township’s lots were claimed, the majority The Protestant immigrants from Northern along the Muskoka Road corridor, mostly by Ireland, though aspiring to a fresh start in the young couples. New World, brought their Orange Lodge beliefs Despite the seeming prominence of Anglo- with them. Most every Muskoka community Canadians, the 1861 Census would have, in addition to its reported many German and Irish churches, shops, library and settlers. The former, from Prussia, schoolhouse, a prominent Orange arrived in Ontario at Berlin (later Hall – Kilworthy among them. renamed Kitchener), then made Settlers at Severn Bridge first raised their way north to buy Muskoka Orangeism’s banner with Moses land for $1 an acre, the price all McClelland leading them in settlers paid until 1868 when, to Muskoka. Morrison township’s further encourage settlement, the second Orange Lodge at Kilworthy The postmark dated government began giving it away. was led by George Robinson, November 16, 1876 In 1861 Johan Everbeck, a inaugural lodge master. Muskoka shows the original place German Muskokan, built the first would continue filling up with name of Lethbridge, lumbermill on the Kashe-she-bogOrange Halls and militant named for local farmer amog River. John Grant then built Orangemen, with Kilworthy settlers William Lethbridge. a combination sawmill and a part of their socially divisive antiAlthough Muskoka’s gristmill further on the same settlement was first, the Catholic, anti-French crusade. stream, producing lumber but also Settlement continued as the Free post office department gave the name to larger grinding local farmers’ wheat into Grant and Homestead Act drew Lethbridge in Alberta, flour. By 1865, blacksmith Michael more families into the district along resulting in the now Clipsham arrived, serving the the Muskoka Road’s various known Kilworthy. farming community and shoeing extensions and Morrison people its horses. With such growth and began interacting more with the development, that same year Morrison and its dynamic north, where McCabe’s Landing had abutting neighbour Muskoka Township combined become Gravenhurst. municipally for local government. By 1875, the Grand Trunk Railway ran tracks
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Photograph: Gravenhurst Archives
Here the railway station, also renamed Kilworthy to reflect the post office’s change from Lethbridge, became a community focus. Goods arriving daily by train enabled an adjacent general store to also be started here.
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through the countryside to Gravenhurst, building a station to serve the community on a strip of “Lethbridge’s land” across settler William Lethbridge’s eastern lot in the 8th concession at Lethbridge Street, lifting the local economy and enhancing community identity. Further boosts for the scattered farmers was the opening of a general store at Lethbridge Station, now that supplies were readily available by daily train, and opening a post office. Postmaster G.A. Lehmann opened the Lethbridge Post Office on
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stoneway marble & granite inc. The Grand Trunk Railway became a publicity department for Muskoka. In addition to posters and pamphlets, it issued large route maps showing “the Highlands of Ontario” which included Muskoka Lakes, Lake of Bays and the Islands of Georgian Bay. This detail from the map shows Kilworthy Station between Washago and Gravenhurst.
Photograph: Gravenhurst Archives
November 1, 1876. Six years later, in October 1882, Northwestern Coal Company opened a mine and the fast-growing community around it, first called Coalbanks in Alberta, was renamed for the company’s president, another William Lethbridge. Mail destined for Canada’s two Lethbridge post offices got mixed and Ottawa chose size over seniority. On August 1, 1886, Muskoka’s smaller but Canada’s first Lethbridge was fixed with a new name, perhaps because a
post office department official hailed from Kilworthy in England’s Devon County. G.A. Lehmann continued as postmaster. In 1862 the Symington Cemetery had been opened at Kahshe Corners (by today’s Kilworthy Road and Highway 11 intersection) and from 1870, a second cemetery operated at the Bethel Church. Hundreds of “Kilworthy” children attended Morrison Township schools but no school section bore the community’s name. It was similar for churches. When St. Paul’s
Photograph: Boyer Muskoka Archives
Seen here in 1932, Kilworthy’s log cabin Woodlands Gas Station, the first on Highway 11 as the community’s orientation began shifting from rail to roadway, doubled as admin office for a motor park.
This front cover from a wide-ranging collection of historical information and personal recollections by early settlers, published mid-1970s, preserves in 485 mimeographed pages Kilworthy’s “almost lost” legacy. Nancy Gray Ogle drew the cover’s Kilworthy Station.
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At a more developed stage of Muskoka being surveyed and occupied by settlers, cartographer Gary Long’s map shows the Muskoka Colonization Road (dark central line) into the district. The road started at Washago in 1858, reaching Severn Bridge in 1859, to McCabe’s Landing (Gravenhurst) by 1860 and Muskoka Falls the next year. “Killworthy” as Lethbridge was renamed, is identified just above MORRISON in the township’s name, the section passing it now Highway 11. 16 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Photograph: Gary Long
Presbyterian was built in 1887 to serve the dispersed community, it was at Sparrow Lake. Kilworthy’s township community of spread-out farmers, mill operators and craftsmen, lacking accessible waterfront common to Muskoka settlements, focused on land transport. The Grand Trunk Railway, providing the train station hub, became part of the Canadian National Railway system but with the motor vehicle revolution the station closed. Canada Post restructured and closed many post offices including the one which had caused Muskoka’s Lethbridge to be renamed Kilworthy. When Muskoka Road turned into Highway 11, Kilworthy had the route’s first gas station – a community rising, falling, then rising again with land transport. Kilworthy’s role in the Muskoka saga was all but lost until “old-timers” pooled their memories in the 1960s, at the urging of heritage-conscious MPP Robert Boyer, and produced an anthology about early settlers, churches, schools, stores, cottages and hotels. “The early pioneers are all gone, long ago,” said Harry L. Clipsham, son of blacksmith Michael Clipsham, “but we have built a monument to their memory in Bethel Cemetery. All honour to them.” And where the railway station, general store and post office had for a time galvanized a tangible centre, a quiet grassy park with picnic table, flag pole and granite rock today bears a 1994 memorial plaque of the Kilworthy Historical Committee to “the legacy left by anyone and everyone passing through who have touched in some way this community.”
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Article by Bronwyn Boyer / Photography by Josianne Masseau
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racebridge artist Wendie Donabie’s latest book, Views from the Edge of the Earth, is a culmination of her mission as an artist. Self-published in June 2024, it’s a collection of poetry illustrated by her paintings. It’s a celebration of the miracle and majesty of nature and a call to action fueled by love and hope. As Donabie puts it, “My deep concern for our planet informs my paintings. The sight of
a wind-blown Jack Pine, the twisted weave of tree roots in the forest, a brilliant sunset or sunrise over a placid lake or a cascade of rushing water over giant boulders provide the emotional triggers that inspire my work.” Written in a simple, straightforward style, Views from the Edge of the Earth is a message from Mother Earth to her children to remind them she needs to be cherished if they want to remain in her care.
“My poetry isn't difficult to understand,” Donabie says. “I'm not trying to write anything complex with deep meanings. I want it to be clear, so people don't have to spend a lot of time analyzing it.” Donabie grew up in Batawa, Ontario, where her father was the import-export manager for the Bata Shoe Company. Tragically, he passed away while in India on a business trip when Donabie was 15. Until
Wendie Donabie, Bracebridge resident, has talents ranging from artist to author to TV show host. However, as her most recent book showcases, all these talents come together as she brings attention to the need to protect the environment. 18 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Written in a simple, straightforward style, Wendie Donabie’s newest book Views from the Edge of the Earth is a message from Mother Earth reminding people that she needs to be cherished if they want to remain in her care.
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 19
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then, she wanted to be a journalist. “That was my dream,” she recalls. “But I think when my dad passed away my dream died too. We had to move to Toronto and it meant starting over and finding new friends. It was a tough time and my plans changed.” While taking a correspondence course
through the New York Institute of Technology in her twenties, Donabie started writing poetry. “I wasn't really taking it seriously,” she recalls. “It was just something fun for me to do.” It wasn’t until Donabie moved to Muskoka
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In addition to self-publishing books, Wendie Donabie runs her own art gallery in Bracebridge called The Heron’s Nest which, as of October 2024, will specialize in her own paintings and books from local authors.
in 2010 that she started writing more intently. about my mother-in-law. Then the third year, She joined a couple of writing groups and I came up with the idea to write about decided to follow her passions for writing and Mother Earth.” painting. For several years, she studied under A few years later, Donabie participated in the late Pat Fairhead, a well-known artist in an online poetry marathon that provided the Muskoka community who passed away in prompts to get the creative ball rolling. 2023. Around the same time, Donabie joined “At the beginning, I would use the a Bracebridge Library writing group run by prompts that they were giving,” she says. “But the late Melody Richardson, who was also a then I wanted to focus on something specific. significant inspiration for her. That’s when my nature-based paintings “I had written a long children's poem became my inspiration for a series of poetry. called Pete's Feet,” Donabie says. “With They’re in the book because they relate to the Melody’s encouragement, I read it publicly a words.” couple of times and got some great feedback. At last year’s poetry marathon, one of I wrote some short flash fiction pieces as well the prompts was to write a poem based and had a couple published.” Bracebridge artist Wendie Donabie’s One of those pieces, Mother of Us All, won latest book, Views from the Edge of an award from Art Ascent Magazine and the Earth, is a culmination of her became the initial seed Donabie’s latest book mission as an artist. At a grew from. poetry marathon in 2023 one The genesis of Views from the Edge of the THE R IOBEL M OM ENTI™ COLLECTION of the prompts was to write Earth began at an annual event held at The AVAIL ABLE AT KNOWLES PLUM BING! a poem based on a view J.W. Marriott resort in Rosseau called from the edge of a flat Walking in My Mother's Shoes. earth, which sparked “The first year, I wrote about my mother,” Donabie’s inspiration for the recalls Donabie. “The second year I wrote book.
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on a view from the edge of a flat earth. “I thought it was intriguing,” Donabie says. “I had an image in my head right away and a little piece came out of it that was really strong. I'd never written anything like it before and I thought it had a purpose somewhere but I didn't know where yet. Eventually I compiled 78 poems. Views from the Edge of the Earth just fit for the title and that’s how the book came together.” A woman of many talents, Donabie likes to have a variety of creative balls in the air. “Melody Richardson always said writers should find something else creative to do because it feeds the writing,” she explains. “I guess I do need to have several things going on at once to stimulate me. They're all connected and they inform and inspire each other.” As well as self-publishing books, Donabie runs her own gallery in Bracebridge called The Heron’s Nest, which as of October 2024 will
No matter which medium or style she works in, Wendie Donabie’s art has a clear connection to and love of nature. Her works are inspired, emotionally and visually, by the iconic landscapes and vistas in the Muskoka region.
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As a woman of many talents, Wendie Donabie continues to follow the advice of her late friend Melody Richardson that having something else creative to do “feeds the writing.” She often has several projects of different kinds on the go that connect, inform and inspire her.
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 23
specialize in her own paintings and books from local authors. In 2013 she and fellow writer Cindy Watson founded the Muskoka Authors Association, a chapter of the Canadian Authors Association that now has about 70 members. Donabie also hosts a television show through Cogeco Cable called Writer's Talk, where she interviews writers. Ten episodes will be airing this fall. Views from the Edge of the Earth is available for purchase through Amazon and throughout Muskoka at various locations including The Heron’s Nest in Bracebridge, Cedar Canoe Books in Huntsville, the Muskoka Arts & Crafts online store, The Wild Heart in Port Sydney, Birch Bark in Bala, Andy’s House in Port Carling, the Baysville Public Library, The Shipyards in Gravenhurst and Manticore Books in Orillia, to name a few. The call to action of Views from the Edge of the Earth is to be mindful of humanity’s connection to nature and the impact it has on the environment. “When you walk around outside, open your senses to your surroundings,” she says. “Notice the way a leaf turns on a tree in the wind or a flower pops up in the middle of a pavement. Mother Nature is powerful and resilient. We need her but she doesn’t need us.” Donabie also encourages people to consider pollinators when planting their gardens and install bee and bat boxes at their homes. “It may not seem like much but it’s the butterfly effect,” she says. “Each small step can create a ripple beyond our understanding.”
The call to action of Views from the Edge of the Earth is to be mindful of humanity’s connection to nature and the impact it has on the environment. Drawing inspiration from the scenes around her, Wendie Donabie’s art blends easily with her poetic words in her newest book. 24 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
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Bringing star power to cottage country rinks Article by Matt Driscoll
N
HL veteran Sam Gagner has two passions: spending time at the lake with his family and playing high-calibre hockey. His stroke of genius was deciding to combine the two with Muskoka Hockey. “I started Muskoka Hockey just to create a little balance in my life,” says Gagner. “I love being around my kids and being up in Muskoka. Being able to relax in the afternoon and enjoy your downtime is something that was really appealing.” A 16-year NHL veteran Gagner started the camp in 2020. Since then, he's brought a cadre of elite-level trainers and NHL superstars to local rinks. Perhaps most notably in August when Muskoka Hockey helped christen the new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in Bracebridge by bringing in Toronto Maple Leafs’ Auston Matthews and John Tavares, along with fellow NHLers from other teams including Erik Gudbranson, Brandon Montour and Nathan Bastian. All told, more than a dozen NHL players trained with Muskoka Hockey over the summer.
Auston Matthews and Marshall Rifai, along with other Toronto Maple Leafs and NHL players, joined Muskoka Hockey in christening the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre’s rink in August.
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Photograph: Muskoka Hockey
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 27
Photograph: Muskoka Hockey
Sam Gagner, a 16-year NHL veteran first drafted by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007, chose to combine his love of hockey with his time in Muskoka during the summer when he created Muskoka Hockey camp in 2020. “We've gotten a great response from the pros and as it’s gone on, I really felt like it was something that the kids would really enjoy as well,” says Gagner. “It's an opportunity to have elite level hockey in one of the best places in the world to be in the summertime.” Originally from London, Ontario, Gagner was selected sixth overall in the first round of the NHL draft by the Edmonton Oilers in 2007. After playing seven seasons with the Oilers, Gagner spent time with the Arizona Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets and Vancouver Canucks. The 35-year-old is not ready to call it quits just yet and after training in Muskoka all summer he was off to a fall tryout at Carolina Hurricanes training camp.
28 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Dave Gagner, Sam’s father, was also a longtime NHL player. Having formed a lifetime of connections with the NHL during his career, he has utilized those relationships to help make Muskoka Hockey a success. “The NHL is really a small community,” says Gord Grace, a director of Muskoka Hockey. “During his time in the NHL Sam's built relationships with a lot of teams. He wanted to grow the camp up here so he's added a lot of professionals to help him along the way. We also added more elite players and it's just continued to grow and grow.” Grace is also the president and CEO of Ontario University Athletics, as well as Sam Gagner's uncle and he says the location of the camp has also been a huge
factor in its growth. NHL stars like Taylor Hall, Bo Horvat and many others spend their summers in Muskoka and have decided to take advantage of the camp. Muskoka’s proximity to the GTA and major centres in southern Ontario also means professionals can travel up for a day or two of training and then head back home if need be, says Grace. As NHL players increasingly flock to the Muskoka Hockey program, the level of competition in the training camps has also become increasingly more intense. The professionals are able to hone their skills playing against some of the best in the world, another appealing prospect as they prepare to head out to big league training camps across North America. Along the way, Gagner has surrounded himself with a group of high-level professionals to ensure sure the camp continues to grow and builds on that success. Bryan Marshall is a director of the camp and a performance coach who has worked with top-tier athletes across major organizations like the London Knights, Toronto Maple Leafs and Vancouver Canucks. He's currently serving as the director of applied sports science for the Canucks. Brady Leavold spent 10 years playing professional hockey and is well known to many in the hockey community and abroad for hockey camps he operates in Muskoka, in addition to his Puck Support Network nonprofit organization, which works towards change in mental health and substance misuse issues. Leavold, who coaches with Muskoka Hockey, has been featured on national television for his unique journey in the amateur and professional hockey ranks and his subsequent work in the mental health field. Despite the elite level training and NHL star power, Muskoka Hockey organizers also pride themselves on the work they do with young athletes both on and off the ice. The camp hosts day programs for youth between the ages of seven and 15, an elite academy for athletes who want to push their game a little bit further and even team camps for organizations interested in bringing their entire squad to Muskoka for
Photograph: Muskoka Hockey
Photograph: Muskoka Hockey
bonding and overall team improvement. “It's really important to Sam to give back to minor hockey, especially in the Muskoka region,” says Grace. “He wants to offer grassroots elite youth training programs and he wants to train the next NHLer that comes from Muskoka.” The on-ice development program (which up until the opening of the new Bracebridge arena took place at the Humphrey Arena) is designed to help players improve their skating, stickhandling, shooting and game sense, with coaches providing personalized feedback and guidance. Off the ice, players have access to Rosseau Lake College and a fully equipped gym and training area, with state-of-the-art
Making use of facilities throughout Muskoka, like Rosseau Lake College, Muskoka Woods and Humphrey Arena, Muskoka Hockey hosts day programs for youth between the ages of seven and 15, an elite academy for athletes who want to progress and even team camps for organizations interested in bringing their entire squad to Muskoka. equipment for strength and conditioning exercises. Campers can also head over to Muskoka Woods to enjoy a range of activities, from ropes course to paintball, as well as swimming, sailing, kayaking, and
other water sports. “These are really incredible venues and they've been very supportive since we first started these camps,” says Grace. Having amateur and professional players
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Fraser Minten and John Tavares, both Toronto Maple Leafs, showcased their skills and teamwork during their time on the ice at the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre.
Photograph: Muskoka Hockey
both taking part in the camp is an opportunity for the younger players to see what they're striving for, says Grace, and it's an opportunity that is not offered at many hockey training camps. The chance to get up close and personal with the stars of Muskoka Hockey was granted to the entire Muskoka community with the official opening of the Muskoka Lumber Community Centre in Bracebridge on August 23, 2024. To celebrate the occasion, 300 community members had the opportunity to watch a Muskoka Hockey training session with NHL superstars on the ice. “We really wanted to offer a showcase and give the public a chance to see some of the pros and the opening of the arena was the perfect opportunity,” says Grace. “We had conversations with the Town and they were very receptive to the idea. The response from the community was excellent. The players were great and getting the chance to see the kids afterwards getting the autographs signed was really fantastic.” The organizers of the camp are meeting in the fall to take a closer look at how they want to manage growth. That could mean extending camps into the Christmas season or March break or expanding some programming into the GTA, says Grace, but the plans are fluid for the time being. Regardless of what the future holds, with Muskoka's new on-ice facilities, the growth of Muskoka Hockey and the plethora of stars now training and spending their summers in the region, the hockey scene in Muskoka appears poised for a period of growth unlike any it's ever experienced.
30 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
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Stepping aboard Peerless II is like stepping into the pages of Muskoka’s history, travelling the lakes and rivers as early settlers and tourists would have.
Article by Meghan Taylor / Photography by Andy Zeltkalns
M
uskoka’s waterways are an interconnected tangle of channels used to travel the region, move supplies, transport passengers and experience the natural wonders of Muskoka. Cruising the waters is an iconic, historic activity for locals, cottagers and visitors to the area. Once the primary mode of travel, the rivers and lakes have become a way to go back in time and relive what early settlers may have experienced. Vessels with history, like Peerless II, let passengers glimpse
34 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
how life was lived in the early settlement of Muskoka and enjoy a slower pace. “It’s a ticket to go back in time and just relax,” explains Captain Randy Potts, owner and operator of Sunset Cruises aboard Peerless II. “People are amazed to hear how life was 100 years ago.” During cruises aboard Peerless II, local history and lore are a key element of the experience, drawing passengers deeper into the magic. Much like the larger steamship Segwun, Peerless II boasts her own
history in the Muskoka region, adding to the overall feeling of stepping back in time. “They are truly a time machine,” says Potts of old boats like Peerless II, Idyllwood and Segwun. Potts retired from captaining the Segwun in 2007 and operated his own Idyllwood until 2012. “I’ve been lucky enough to be captain of all of them.” Peerless II was originally built in 1946 as a supply boat. In an attempt to gain position in the Muskoka gasoline market in the early 1900s, to compete with Imperial Oil Co., the British American Oil Company engaged a local businessman to perform deliveries on the
water to shoreline properties. Mr. Bert Brown operated the first Peerless, formerly a private yacht known as the Ina. Outfitted with two 1,000-gallon tanks, gasoline was manually pumped from the boat to customer’s facilities. As business increased, an order was placed with the Northern Shipbuilding yard in Bronte, Ontario in 1945 for the construction of the Peerless II to expand the British American Oil Company’s marine delivery fleet. Built entirely from steel, Peerless II had a capacity closer to 8,000 gallons. When she was delivered in late July, both Peerless and Peerless II
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 35
Peerless II cruises every day of the week during the sailing season, launching from the Port Carling locks to tour all three of Muskoka’s big lakes. The history of the area and the boat are both key elements in the cruising experience.
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operated on all three of Muskoka’s larger lakes, delivering gasoline and home heating oil. Not a week goes by through the sailing season that Potts doesn’t have at least one person say, “you know, this used to deliver to my family’s cottage.” However, within two years of arriving in Muskoka, the more modern Peerless II was managing all of the deliveries on the lakes. The smaller, wooden Peerless was sold. Through many different captains, an acquisition by Gulf Canada in the 1960s and then Gulf Canada’s cease of operations in the 1980s, Peerless II continued to operate. Then, Peerless II sold gasoline for independent suppliers until 1994, when she ended her 49th season and was taken out of service as a supply boat. While first sold privately, Peerless II was for sale again in 2003
when Potts purchased the boat. Growing up in Bracebridge, Potts’ childhood home on Dill St. backed onto the Muskoka River. His very first boat was a hand-me-down from two older brothers “I couldn’t get far with a pair of oars,” shares Potts. It wasn’t long before he moved up to larger boats, becoming a deckhand and eventually a captain. Having been on the water, in one way or another, since the age of 12, Potts has over 50 years of experience navigating Muskoka’s lakes and rivers and over 40 years of those as a licensed captain. Potts acquired Peerless II as a birthday present for himself in 2003, with his wife Debbie’s approval, of course. “Idyllwood was the first boat I built and we met partway through that construction,” explains Potts. “She was willing to let me take
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Originally built as a supply boat for the British American Oil Company, Peerless II has been on Muskoka’s lakes since 1946. Purchased by Captain Randy Potts in 2003, Peerless II was repaired and restored to transform from a gasoline supply boat to a small cruise ship.
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Peerless II continued as a supply boat after being purchased by Gulf Canada in the 1960s, through to that company’s closure in the 1980s. Her career as a gasoline supply boat continued with independent suppliers until 1994. At the end of that year, her 49th season on Muskoka waters, she was taken out of service. the leap of faith. She didn’t have the vision at first but she got it when she saw the finished project.” From his life and career of working on boats and with a good idea of what would work, Potts set out to bring Peerless II back from retirement. He drydocked her briefly before she launched in 2004. She then sat idle until 2008. Over the course of four winters, Potts worked on the repairs and restoration needed for Peerless II’s makeover. The work required a specialized steel construction on the
boat with, at times, up to five welders on board. In spring of 2012, Peerless II relaunched. “It’s a piece of Muskoka history,” says Potts. “This one deserved to be saved. It was a huge undertaking and financial commitment and it hasn’t been a mistake. It would have been cheaper to buy new but it wouldn’t have had the history or the character of Peerless II.” Potts recalls being on the phone night and day with Transport Canada to ensure the work he was completing would meet the standards
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The crew of Peerless II help to welcome passengers sail the Muskoka waterways. As a smaller vessel, Peerless II can access many spots on the lakes and rivers that larger boats simply cannot. This gives passengers the chance to explore Muskoka’s rugged and beautiful shorelines in a different way. that they showcase “the rugged natural beauty that is Muskoka.” Operating seven days a week during the sailing season, cruises aboard the Peerless II are slower paced than the many speedboats that now grace Muskoka’s waters. With a leisurely pace, adventures on Peerless II are about the journey, not the destination, meaning passengers have time to relax and revel in the area’s natural beauty. “Rock, trees and the water are Muskoka’s
DETAILS ABOUT THE MILDRED In the July 2024 edition of Unique Muskoka, the feature “Muskoka’s Boats At Work” erroneously identified details regarding the Mildred. The yacht Mildred was originally built in 1903 by Polson Iron Works of Toronto for Edward Rogers Wood and named for his daughter Mildred. The yacht is a twin for another Polson Iron Works vessel known as Rambler, also built 1903 in Toronto and currently in Muskoka. She was sold to Captain Charles Wesley Archer in 1925 and operated by him until his death in 1945. The steam engine was removed and a new Mack Marine Diesel engine was installed when Mildred sold from Captain Archer’s estate to Captain Ralph McPherson in 1946. The original steam engine from Mildred was restored by the late Roy Davies Sr., of Bracebridge Machine and is on display at Muskoka Discovery Centre in Gravenhurst.
38 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
iconic image,” shares Potts. “Rugged rock and stretches of shoreline. That’s the beauty. First time visitors often comment that it’s a spiritual place, really.” No longer outfitted as she once was, Peerless II now delivers enjoyment to passengers, rather than gasoline and home heating oil. The opportunity to cruise Muskoka’s lakes aboard the last supply boat to operate on them keeps a piece of Muskoka history alive.
Captain McPherson operated Mildred as a cruise boat, starting in 1946. Mildred suffered a major fire in July of 1961 on the Muskoka River while on a cruise with passengers onboard. All passengers made it off the burning ship safely but Mildred was seriously damaged. She was rebuilt with a new steel superstructure or cabin and reopened for business in 1962 and continued until the mid 1970s. Mildred was taken over by Owen Walbridge in the late 1970s and operated for a few years as a charter yacht. She was then purchased by Martin and Gerarda Kupferschmidt in 1982 and used as a private yacht. Purchased by Captain Randy Potts in 2017, Mildred has been rebuilt to modern Transport Canada standards for a ship of her size. Nowhere in research completed by Captain Randy Potts is there confirmation that Mildred was ever scuttled. Mildred is 121 years old this year, not in public use at present and the plans for her future are not yet defined. Photograph: Ontario Archives
necessary for the responsibility of transporting people. “It was like making a 1946 automobile into a 2024 state-of-the-art automobile,” shares Potts. “The rules and regulations are vastly different now than back in 1946.” The retrofit was a long process but ensured the vessel was outfitted correctly, including emergency electrics and a fire system. As the keel was laid in 1946, despite the modifications made, Peerless II is considered a 1946 boat. However, in 2012, after significant renovation and restoration, she was recertified as a brand new boat to carry people, instead of just supplies. Restoration of the Peerless II preserves a historic watercraft, allowing locals and visitors the opportunity to see her on the water and take a cruise. As a smaller vessel, Peerless II can get to many places that larger boats simply cannot. “There’s enough water here for everybody to enjoy,” says Potts. “We get to see some special places on board.” While he admits Lake Rosseau has some of his favourite places to cruise, Potts also shares his favourite spots are all similar in
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Photograph: Frank Micklethwaite
Horsepower made it possible to open routes for utility wires, install poles, then hoist wires into place. These 19 men, four horses and a hound were “opening” Muskoka. The two teams and the steam engine to the left mark the overlapping of power sources.
Article by J. Patrick Boyer
A
sudden power outage can leave us floundering in the dark, unable to ring-up sales, pump gas, cook food or be online and, in the silent calm, reflect on how dependent we have become on the energy sources enabling modern living. For Muskoka pioneers, the absence of electricity was the normal condition. Inventors had sought to harness electricity from fabric static and flashing lightning, then experiment with generators and batteries but electricity was unavailable to early loggers, homesteaders and holidaymakers reaching Muskoka in the mid1800s. Then, as today, most people accepted their conditions as “state of the art” and gratefully
40 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
drew upon available sources. Another similarity between both eras is the overlap of energy technologies. People used candles after coal oil lamps came in, then kept both when gas lamps were introduced. Most people still had all three burning after Thomas Edison patented his incandescent electric light bulb in 1880 and, a decade later, electricity generated at Bracebridge Falls lit them. Overlap was not only inevitable but desirable. As blackouts prove, back-up systems are essential and redundancy can be helpful. Muskokans used broad axes to square logs, then long-blade handsaws, next rotary saws driven by waterwheel power, advancing to bandsaws powered by electric
motors. Another succession of energy technologies in Muskoka was heating with wood-burning stoves, furnaces and fireplaces. Over time oil furnaces took over, followed by gas furnaces, electric baseboard heaters, heat exchangers, warming floor panels and solar power. Ontario has no coal to mine, so any Muskokans who burned coal brought it in from the U.S., Nova Scotia or Alberta. A settler’s top ten list of power sources might have been: humans, animals, fire, lamps, wind, waterwheels, steam, dynamite, mechanical energy and early electricity. Self-generated Power With human bone and sinew providing a
Muskoka’s three vast tanneries produced more boot leather than any other place in the British Empire, even tanning hides from Argentina. The tanning process was helped by horses transporting hemlock bark, a source of tannic acid, from district forests. Here Watt and Nel pull a well-loaded sleigh of bark, driven by Dougald Boyes, to cross Clear Lake near Vankoughnet.
heavy sacks of grain destined for Dee Bank’s gristmill. People walked, often and far: from Walker’s Point to Bala and back for a council meeting; Bracebridge to Orillia and back for supplies; youthful homesteader Thomas Osborne to Huntsville from North Portage and back for mail; Muskoka home-boy Johnny Moon down to Toronto then back, or on to Montreal. Then as now, what someone believed necessary, their brain instructed their body to do. The advantages with human energy are its ready availability,
ability to use it when no alternative exists and no need for fitness centres. Working Animals After humans emerged among Earth’s species, they trained or forced other animals into heavy lifting and carrying weighty loads for long distances. Horses, cows, mules, donkeys and burros, but also elephants, camels and dogs, became “beasts of burden” carrying heavy loads, dragging sleds and pulling wheeled vehicles. Animal power enabled all manner of work to be done, every kind of structure to be built and
Photograph: Boyer Family Archives
versatile framework for leverage and muscles supplying motor power, Indigenous peoples crossed Muskoka paddling and portaging canoes, following woodland trails and moving on snowshoes – as did settlers emulating their ways. Homesteaders deployed their energy digging, hoeing, harvesting and slicing, milking cows and goats, picking fruit, fetching eggs and drawing water. Printers of the first newspaper, the Northern Advocate, set type by hand and operated the printing press that way too. Elizabeth Penson rowed across roiling Lake Rosseau waters with
Photograph: Graydon Boyes Collection
Photograph: Frank Micklethwaite
With loggers operating in Muskoka from the 1850s, spring log drives to sawmills downstream saw massive jams at the district’s rugged waterfalls. Clearing them was dangerous work; many died or were badly injured. The manpower of these 11 agile men with pike poles was the only solution – until 1867, when they added dynamite to their arsenal.
Prospering by the end of the 1890s, the Gardiner family’s Stephenson Township farm had been cleared of forest, most stumps removed, a number of buildings constructed with lumber from a water-powered sawmill, with endless expenditure of human and animal energy before motorized water pumps, steam engine plows or electricity came to rural Muskoka. Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 41
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tasks beyond description to be accomplished. The timing of Muskoka’s development came when North America’s horse-drawn society was at its zenith, with district farmers’ cows augmenting equine-power. Combustion During Muskoka’s pioneer era, folks continued using fire for cooking, warmth and metal working. Anthropologists hypothesize from carbon-dated ancient ash that homo erectus cooked with fire and used it as a tool a million years ago – eons before our homo sapiens species evolved. Muskoka’s modern history, resuming when living creatures reinhabited this part of the Canadian Shield after kilometres-deep ice receded, included First Nations striking flints to spark birchbark shards or dry pine needles aflame. Settlers brought magnifying glass to concentrate the sun’s rays to the point of ignition and chemical compound matches that blazed into flame upon striking particular surfaces. Several match factories dotted the district’s landscape. Muskokans used flame to boil sap for maple syrup, cook meat and vegetables, create incendiary firestorms that consumed the logs and slash after clearing forests for fields, turn metal white-hot to forge tools or red-hot to fashion horseshoes and burn wood in stoves or campfires for warmth and cooking. Lighting Anywhere at night, and during daytime in the darkness of enclosed mills, tunnels and building interiors, burning candles and lamps provided artificial lighting. Both methods dating back tens of thousands of years. Frugal pioneers did not waste matches lighting them, instead keeping
Photograph: Frank Micklethwaite
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At waterfalls entrepreneurial Muskokans generated millwheel power for gristmills from Matthiasville to Dee Bank and sawmills aplenty. At the millrace of Henry Bird’s woollen mill by Bracebridge Falls, the Muskoka visionary experimented with electricity. The falls also generated electricity to power the Shaw family’s leather tannery.
Photograph: Muskoka Discovery Centre, Gravenhurst
Horses pulled their weight but oxen were preferred by many Muskoka farmers for being more stable, better foragers and stronger. Getting a load of summer hay off their field, this district farmer posed with his team of oxen. sea-level land dry – wind power’s main connection with Muskoka were sailing ships delivering a variety of Europeans to North America. Many of their descendants became settlers in the district, as did others arriving directly as homesteaders just as the Age of Sail began morphing into the more reliable Age of Steam. A few North American windmills appeared in the 1880s but by then a succession of more practical sources supplied settler society’s energy needs. Vessels driven by wind were being displaced by those with steam propulsion, then diesel, next nuclear power and, most recently, solar power. Yet the thrill of sailing could not completely crowd wood and canvas from the scene, as today’s wind-powered recreation craft in Muskoka attests.
Falling Water By the 1860s, new arrivals opening Muskoka for development brought ancient waterwheel technology with them. Soon district waterfalls and rapids were being tapped to produce mechanical power for milling operations. Water diverted into a flume or headrace leading down onto a waterwheel converted its energy. Where a good drop could be obtained, Muskoka mills used “overshot” waterwheels. The water, feeding in at the top, filled buckets on the wheel’s perimeter and this weight caused the wheel to turn. Less efficient was the “undershot” wheel, occasionally used where only slower water was available – turning, like a boat’s paddlewheel, as flowing water pushed against its blades. From the rotating waterwheel, power was transmitted
Photograph: Frank Micklethwaite
tightly rolled twists of paper near the fireplace to transfer some flame. Windows provided natural light illumination. As Muskoka villages and towns grew, extremely large plate-glass windows were features in officeblocks along main streets, public schools and, by 1900, Muskoka District Court House. The immense light-admitting windows of Bracebridge’s Carnegie Library (1905) replicated the massive windows of Ontario’s legislative building at Queen’s Park (1880s) because their architects maximized natural daylight. Artificial lighting accelerated while Muskoka’s settler society was establishing itself. From the late 1860s, fashionable residences, stores, public buildings and resorts installed gas lights suspended from ceilings. Before long, even this advance in lighting took second spot as newly perfected kerosene fuel for lamps eliminated installation of costly gas-line piping. All the while, electric lighting was gaining in the background on an inside lane. In 1809, working to produce luminescence by electricity, inventor Humphry Davy created an arc lamp. In the 1830s, various electric lamps were developed and experimental light bulbs tried out. By the 1840s, arc lighting – also known as “limelight” – lit up entertainment theatres in Paris. At Bracebridge in the 1860s, woollen mill owner Henry Bird experimented with limelight and delivered a paper on this topic at the Mechanics’ Institute, later trying to generate other early forms of electric light from his watercourse at the town falls. A decade after Thomas Edison produced his incandescent lightbulb, William Sutherland Shaw began generating electricity at Bracebridge Falls for his tannery in 1890. The town acquired the plant and converted its gas street lights to electric ones. By the 1920s a number of homes had chandeliers, bracket lights and electric lamps similar to those familiar today, though many houses and retail stores instead used ceiling “drop lights” – an exposed bulb in a socket offering harsh light but, all the same, extending “daytime” well into the evening. Wind Although windmills in Iran began spinning to generate power for pumping water and grinding grain a thousand years ago – spreading to Europe where the Dutch especially used continuously pumping windmills to keep their country’s below
In 1908, with washing machines still in the future, these women at Pen Lake used their own power to tub-wash laundry. For many of the chores of daily life during the settlement of Muskoka, completing them by hand with self-generated power was the only option. Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 43
Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer
Three members of Muskoka Pioneer Power operate their belt-driven circular saw at Bracebridge; a public demonstration of superb lumber-making. While lumbermen delivered logs and farmers grain to sawmills and gristmills, other waterpowered mills produced shingles from wood and cloth from sheep’s wool. Steam When boiling water to create steam under pressure that powered all types of engines for a wide variety of roles, the phenomenon so transformed economic life and society it became
Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer
by driveshafts, belts and gears to activate machinery. Water-powered mills benefited from clean fuel along Muskoka’s watersheds – no need to burn wood or imported coal, as happened powering steam engines. Mills sprouted around Muskoka’s waterfalls driving the local economy by rotating sawblades slicing logs into lumber and turning grindstones that converted field crops into flour and oatmeal.
Forty years ago farsighted Muskokans recognized the importance of preserving the district’s rich heritage of early machinery. Muskoka Pioneer Power, headquartered at Bracebridge’s JD Lang Activity Park, houses all manner of development-era equipment. The powerhouse green Linn Tractor on display replaced many teams of horses at the Moore family’s Falkenburg lumber mill. 44 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Photograph: Graydon Boyes Collection
known as the Steam Age. The era, too, coincided directly with Muskoka’s pioneer development years. By the 1870s steam’s revolutionary impacts on the district rolled up with steam trains and castoff with steam-powered watercraft. Land and water were suddenly much easier to travel. Muskoka’s treasures became readily accessible. The ascendancy of steam also enabled district manufacturing to expand into new realms, including the generation of electricity. While communities around waterfalls like Bala and Bracebridge could generate electric power by turbines, locations elsewhere lacking waterfalls such as Gravenhurst, Huntsville and Port Carling now also joined the parade of progress with this new way to spin turbines. Where often there were no roadways or even much possibility of building them, steam engines propelled watercraft throughout Muskoka’s extensive and interconnected waterways moving building materials, transporting all manner of supplies and carrying passengers. Where road construction was taking place, steam-powered machinery began replacing horses. In nearby fields, where teams once pulled plows, steam
Before motor chainsaws, two strong men operated a crosscut saw from dawn to dusk. This Mickle-Dyment crew out of Gravenhurst shows Billy Burridge and Joe Tryon holding the handle at each end of theirs. A blade typically ran four to 12 feet in length, depending on a tree’s girth. tractors took over much of that work too. From the mid-1870s, steam trains gave Muskoka-produced lumber, woollen fabrics, famous Muskoka lamb, maple syrup, maple sugar, blocks of refrigeration ice and tons of boot leather access to world markets. Steam turbines delivered new efficiency to district forestry operations because logs no longer had to be driven distances to waterfall sawmills when they could be sawn into easier to move lumber close to where they fell, if a nearby stream
or pond had water available to boil. Dynamite If any place had need of explosive force to deepen and widen navigation channels and space for roads, it was Muskoka. Initially settlers built roads around giant boulders because it was easier but when solid rock faces impeded their route, they stopped – as was the case north of Dorset with the early Bobcaygeon colonization road intended to run to North Bay. In most cases, the only solution was dynamite. Railway
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Photograph: Boyer Family Archives
Railway construction crews pushing tracks north from Gravenhurst in 1884 were able to supplement their manpower with dynamite to make this rock cut that still serves trains coming through Bracebridge.
Photograph: John Gall
construction crews laying tracks across the Canadian Shield’s surface had no choice but to make noise and scatter rock. Once again dovetailing with Muskoka’s pioneering era, far more powerful explosives
Grunwald Lodge’s 1899 Fairbanks-Morse single-cylinder gasoline engine, as with other engines before electric spark plugs, was started by hand crank. It fired by a fixed blowtorch keeping a tube on the cylinder hot. 46 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
were invented in the mid-1800s by treating various organic substances with nitric acid. Among the new explosives was dynamite, a stabilized form of nitroglycerin which Alfred Nobel produced in 1867, the year of Canadian Confederation. Blowing things up with this potent new energy source quickly caught on everywhere, including Muskoka where it was a blessing for pioneers struggling to extract a homeland from primordial rock. Dynamite, the great novelty that year, even provided entertainment when Bracebridge blacksmith Duncan Cameron provided spectacular frontier fireworks by blowing his anvil sky high on July 1 to celebrate the inauguration of a four-province country. Mechanical Energy Leverage systems using pulleys made it possible to raise and move boulders when building roads, lift logs onto sleighs, heft cargoes at loading docks, construct buildings and do most anything else by multiplying the strength of humans or horses. Today this principle of mechanical energy and multiplication of lift or pull force is still seen with motorized cranes on construction projects, cargoes lifted onto and from waterborne vessels, Muskoka bridge construction and at logging yards. Electricity While Muskokans developed a pioneer community using various combinations of those nine energy sources, electricity kept nudging further to the forefront. The 1752 efforts by Benjamin Franklin to capture electricity from lightning using a metal key on a kite had
advanced by the 1830s to scientists and engineers working to generate alternating current power, with Nicola Tesla by 1888 getting a patent for his AC motor. During the district’s settler era, battles raged over alternating or direct current electricity, about constructing power lines, building power dams that back-flooded Muskoka communities like Matthiasville and Wahta, safety issues and death by accidental electrocution, dangers of electrical fires and the politics of private or public ownership of such a vital utility. In 1894 Bracebridge, with voter referendum endorsement, became the first municipality to own and operate a water-power station generating electricity. In 1906 the provincial government created the publicly owned Hydro Electric Power Commission of Ontario. Today’s power generated by nuclear reactors (some 58% of Ontario’s total), mobile generators, motor vehicles running on liquid fuels or batteries, solar energy concentrated to heat homes and power solid fuel launching rockets through gravity’s forcefield into space, were all still science fiction in Muskoka’s pioneer era. Each form of energy has played a role in Muskoka’s settlement and continues to factor into the character of the region today. For those who appreciate how the present is the past in disguise, Muskoka Pioneer Power Association showcases power source transitions and the types of machinery supplanting horses at Bracebridge’s JD Lang Activity Park, adding special annual displays in August and at September’s fall fair.
cottage season
is wrapping up
but the need for affordable housing is year-round
When you clean out your cottage this fall, consider Habitat ReStore for donations of new and gently used furniture, décor, appliances, kitchen and bath fixtures and other renovation items. Proceeds from your donations will support affordable housing initiatives in the community.
to learn more scan the QR code or visit habitatgatewaynorth.com/restore
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 47
Photograph: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Raccoons are cute but can be destructive as they search for a winter home. Ensuring sheds, garages and roofs are checked for holes and that any potential food sources, like pet food, are stored inside in air-tight containers can keep these masked bandits away.
Keeping the Wildlife Outside
N
o matter the season, visitors and locals alike thrill at viewing wildlife in its natural habitat. People flock to Algonquin Park as the leaves change colour, viewing one of nature’s spectacles, and hope to see a bear, moose or wolf living its life. Foxes, raccoons, skunks and deer are now easily identifiable in neighbourhoods or hiking trails in Muskoka. However, as fall becomes winter, and most humans are spending more time inside, keeping nature outside seems like the best option. It’s understandable that critters change their own habits as the seasons change, as we do, and search for a comfortable place to hole up in as temperatures turn frigid. While mice, squirrels, and chipmunks are often the wildlife most considered as “pests” coming inside during the colder months, some of the larger customers should not be forgotten. Weasels may also consider a home or cottage a wonderful refuge during the winter, particularly if it gives them access to mice or other food sources. Foxes may craft dens under sheds, decks or porches. However, foxes are likely more scared of people than people need to be of them. If a fox doesn’t appear scared, they have likely been fed by someone and have learned to associate people with food. If this is the case, they may exhibit boldness or even approach humans. Bears may wander into residential areas, particularly as more and more rural areas are developed for human use. However, they belong in nature, not neighbourhoods, and the best way to discourage anything more than a bypass is to make it difficult for bears to access
food sources. Removing food sources and sealing entry points of all sizes are two major ways to keep wildlife outside. “Wildlife proofing” your property can factor into closing a cottage for the season. With older cottages and homes, sealing entry points may feel like a challenge. However, it’s also good practice for general home maintenance to take time to check your property before winter sets in. Keeping these tasks top-of-mind when so many other seasonal chores are required can be daunting. There are several things that can be added to a fall clean-up checklist to help prevent intruders. Spaces under porches, deck stairs or sheds must be checked for any holes, cracks or other compromises. Cracks in foundation or siding need to be checked and repaired, not only to reduce potential entry points for mice but also for flooding and other potential impacts. Inspect the roof for holes and regularly clean soffit and eavestroughs. Windows and doors should be checked for holes. Chimney and vent covers and basement window grates or covers should also be installed and checked. Some animals need only millimetres to access the interior of a home or cottage. Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary asks that individuals ensure no animals are already inside before sealing a
hole in the fall: “If you’re uncertain, simply crumple up a paper towel and put it in the entrance. If it gets pushed out, you likely have a visitor and can call someone for help.” Keep vegetation in the yard – plants, grasses, trees and shrubs – trimmed or cut back to limit the potential pathways for creatures to find holes or weak points to enter a home. More than just the trees and shrubs, yards in the fall are filled with food sources like pinecones, acorns and fallen fruit or berries, which can attract creatures. While bird feeders in the winter months can help feathered friends, ensure spills are cleaned up and keep the feeder away from your home. Putting away outdoor furniture, particularly cushioned items, and cleaning and covering grills also remove options for food. As with foxes, bears are likely more scared of you, then you are of them. However, hunger and preparing for hibernation are strong urges. Once bears are aware of a food source, they’ll continue to return to it. Bird feeders,
While most animals have their young in the spring or early summer and are heading off on their own come fall, it is not unusual for squirrels to have babies in September.
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 49
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
Article by Meghan Taylor
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
Generally, foxes are more scared of people than people need to be of them. However, if a fox does not seem scared, approaches or acts boldly, they have likely been fed by someone and have learned to associate people with food.
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
fruit trees, pet food and even garbage can attract bears. Keeping feeders away from a home and ensuring the cleanliness and security of the yard, porch, shed or even garage can all assist in
dissuading bears from visiting regularly. Kitchens, pantries and other food storage spaces are a prime target for critters. Keep these, and all areas of your home, free from crumbs and spills or clean them promptly as they happen. Pet food is another target, so store it in an air-tight container and feed pets inside. Ensure trash bags are tied tightly and any trash is stored in a secure bin. Cleaning the bins on a regular basis limits the odours of household waste, effectively reducing the attraction for most animals. The Township of Muskoka Lakes includes tips in their code of conduct regarding wildlife: “Do not feed the birds or any other wildlife. Keep garbage in bear-
Chipmunks, squirrels and mice are typically the first critters people think of that may venture into a home or cottage for shelter. However, larger customers like weasels, skunks and raccoons may also look for a refuge under porches or decks, in or under sheds or in garages or other out-buildings.
proof containers, clean your barbecue and don't leave pet food outside to avoid attracting bears, raccoons and other unwanted animals.” Despite best efforts, at some point it is likely the creatures will find a way into a cottage or home to stay warm, dry and fed through the winter. If living with a family of raccoons or squirrels is truly unbearable, select a humane option for relocation. It may be tempting to handle an invasion of mice or chipmunks with rodenticide, if prevention did not keep the critters at bay. While these substances do work, the victim suffers a slow death, which does not fall into the humane category. There is also a much higher risk and likelihood the victim will be eaten by a predator who will then suffer the same fate. While the predator could be an owl, hawk or fox, there’s also the possibility it could be someone’s pet, a cat or dog, who then becomes a secondary victim. Pest control or wildlife removal are options. However, Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is willing and able to share
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
options and guidance on how to encourage wild animals to leave your space. If there are unwelcome guests, patience will be needed in order to get them to vacate. While most babies leave nests or dens by the end of August, it is not unusual for squirrels to be born in September. If you find a fox family in an inconvenient spot, consider allowing them to stay until the young are old enough to begin accompanying their parents on foraging outings. Fox kits are born in the spring, usually in March or April and will emerge from the den four or five weeks after birth. At nine weeks, they will begin to hunt with their parent. At this point they are nearly ready to say goodbye to the den site and move on for good so, it’s safe to encourage them to leave.
Photograph: Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary
Fox kits are born in the spring, usually in March or April and will emerge from the den four or five weeks after birth. At nine weeks they begin to hunt with their parent, so they are nearly ready to move on from the den. At this point, it’s safe to encourage them to leave.
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary often has to deal with abandoned baby animals, throughout the year. When sourcing a company to remove wildlife from a premises, ensure the company treats the animals humanely once they have collected them.
Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary urges research and caution when selecting an organization to remove unwanted wildlife: “While many organizations will claim to “humanely” trap and remove animals from your home, this does not guarantee the humane treatment of these animals after they are removed from your property. The best businesses are the ones that treat all animals with the utmost respect – regardless of the species or the company’s bottom line.” Companies that do focus on humane treatment understand the habits of animals and can even help reunite mothers with their young, allowing the mother to safely take her babies to a secondary or backup den, once removed from a space. Reputable companies will also go beyond
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 51
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
Photograph: Andy Zeltkalns
While deer are unlikely to attempt to enter a home, they will search for food sources in yards and gardens through the winter. As a prey animal, they may attract predators, so keeping yards wellmaintained can ensure deer do not set up camp there.
just removal to prevention, assisting in keeping wildlife out by identifying and repairing potential entry points. Making preparations in advance of closing the cottage or putting all the seasonal goods away in a shed or bunkie can reduce the potential of wildlife making your space their own. Taking time to inspect the building exterior before snow makes its appearance can help keep critters from finding their way in. As humans, we often take for granted that nature continues to adapt to our whims as we build roads, infrastructure, businesses, cottages and homes. Every project we undertake that pushes further into the wilderness disturbs the wildlife and invites them into our way of life. Be mindful, always, of wildlife. While animals may seem cute and cuddly, their behaviours, especially when threatened, may be anything but friendly. Rather than frustration when creatures attempt to make themselves unwanted guests, practice prevention, maintenance and security to keep the wild ones outdoors.
Hunger and preparing for hibernation are strong urges for bears. Once a bear is aware of a food source, they’ll continue to return to it, making it very important to keep bird feeders tidy, clean barbecue grills and store trash securely. 52 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
STORE CLOSING - 40% OFF MOST STOCK
Thank You,
Muskoka!
Hello Friends.
PURE COMFORT, SUSTAINABLY-BUILT
It’s been a little over 11 years since we started “our experiment” as retailers in downtown Bracebridge with the opening of Momma Bear’s Ice Cream and Sweets. It was to be a transition between a long-time career in publishing and retirement. And… quite a bit has happened in the interim. With the announcement of our pending retirement from retailing, we have lots of reflections – making many friends and acquaintances, getting out of publishing and then getting back into it with Unique Muskoka magazine, a foray into local politics, the sale of Momma Bear’s, the opening of the Unique Muskoka store, the arrival of our grandson, saying a final good-bye to both of our mothers and so much more. In addition to saying thanks to the many customers who have been part of our lives and made great memories with us, we’d like to
NEW ARRIVALS PACKS BAGS CLOTHING
particularly acknowledge co-worker Donna Ansley who has been a confidante and constant source of support. Donna’s creativity and personality have brought joy to each day. Our weekends were made special with the addition of Marilyn Corrigan to our team and previously Shelley Emond. As we wind things up with store-wide sales, drop by to say “hello.” By the way, our daughter Meghan Taylor, who purchased Unique Muskoka magazine, will be continuing our tradition of publishing and we look forward to supporting her publishing efforts. Thanks to all of you for sharing in this part of our lives. While we don’t know what the future will bring, we’re looking forward to giving it a whirl!
Susan & Don Smith
28 MANITOBA STREET, BRACEBRIDGE Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 53
Whats Happened
Photograph: Matt Driscoll
Bala Cranberry Festival celebrates 40th anniversary
In a recent meeting, Bracebridge town council approved a recommendation to maintain ownership of the Carnegie Library building at 94 Manitoba Street. Use is still being determined and is likely to be a combination of town services offices.
One of Bracebridge’s most notable historic buildings will remain in municipal hands. That was the verdict from Bracebridge Town Council when they recently approved a recommendation to maintain ownership of 94 Manitoba Street, otherwise known as the Carnegie Library. The library was recently moved from its longtime location in downtown Bracebridge to the new Muskoka Lumber Community Centre on Salmon Avenue. There was some discussion over what would become of the former library building, which marked its 115th anniversary earlier this year. Council's decision means the location will become the future home of the town's planning and development department including economic development, planning services and building services, as well as the Muskoka Small Business Centre. The town also plans to explore co-location opportunities with the Downtown Bracebridge Business Improvement Area, Visitor Information Centre and Bracebridge Chamber of Commerce, with the goal of creating a Business Development Centre to
54 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
be located within a portion of 94 Manitoba Street. This proposed hub would provide aspiring and current business owners with access to a number of services under one roof including one-on-one consultation, business planning and support and guidance regarding funding opportunities. Consultations with these business support organizations are underway to determine feasibility and interest in co-location.
Pumpkin Festival set to take over Rosseau
When it comes to local tradition, few date back as far or are as anticipated as Muskoka's fall fairs. While the midway, music and variety of culinary treats are always a key part
Photograph: Rosseau Pumpkin Festival
Town maintains ownership of Carnegie Library
Bala's beloved berry will be front and centre when the 40th annual Bala Cranberry Festival takes place in October. This year, the festival will be held from Friday, October 18 to Sunday, October 20 offering a weekend full of family-friendly fun. Visitors can look forward to a variety of vendors, cranberry-themed activities, delicious food and entertainment. The list of achievements since the festival’s inception in 1984 is truly remarkable. The estimated overall attendance over the course of the past four decades is now more than 500,000 people. Hundreds of local community groups and nonprofit associations have been supported, over $150,000 in scholarships have been disbursed, more than 150 local musicians have graced the main stage and more than 5,000 volunteer hours have been contributed per decade.
The annual Rosseau Pumpkin Festival will take place on Saturday, October 12 and will feature family-friendly activities and farmer’s market vendors.
Muskokans raise a pint to Oktoberfest celebrations
Probst! Oktoberfest Muskoka is back for another round with events across the region. Taking place every October, the event includes musical and culinary experiences in participating breweries and restaurants across Muskoka. As part of the event, breweries provide tours, with local chefs, retail vendors and food trucks pairing their beer with products, ingredients and menus that are often locally sourced. Throughout the festival, restaurants provide traditional Oktoberfest features such as roast chicken, sausages, pretzels, dumplings, potato pancakes, sauerkraut and spätzle. Chefs and eateries are encouraged to put a Muskoka ‘spin’ on the dishes incorporating locally sourced ingredients such as cranberries, maple and shiitake mushrooms. Oktoberfest Muskoka always takes place the weekend after the Bala Cranberry Festival, which is always the weekend after Thanksgiving. “Almost 40 years ago the Cranberry Festival was started to extend our shoulder season and Oktoberfest builds on that idea,”
Photograph: Huntsville/Lake of Bays Chamber of Commerce
of the fall fair festivities, in Rosseau it's all about the pumpkins. This year the annual Rosseau Pumpkin Festival will be held on Saturday, October 12 on Victoria Street in Rosseau. "There was a period where we really didn't have much going on here in Rosseau in the fall. There are a lot of communities who have pumpkin festivals and we thought it would be something really fun for people to do while they're closing up the cottage," says Susanne Powell, who was one of a handful of Rosseau residents who helped launch the pumpkin Festival in 2012. "At that point we had Christmas events but by the time Christmas came around many of those people weren't around anymore." The village hosts an extremely popular farmer’s market and many of those vendors will also be taking part in the Pumpkin Festival, which always occurs on the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. The Pumpkin Festival has evolved into much more than a tourist draw in the shoulder season. It's become something of a homecoming, drawing residents and cottagers both current and former.
The Huntsville Fall Art Walk at Muskoka Heritage Place, in partnership with the Huntsville Art Society, on October 12 features a wide array of local artworks amidst the fall colours with Huntsville’s pioneer village as the singular backdrop. explains Norah Fountain of the Muskoka Lakes Chamber of Commerce, who helps organize the event along with the Bracebridge, Gravenhurst, Huntsville/Lake of Bays and SEGBAY Chambers of Commerce. “Not only does it encourage our seasonal residents to stay here longer, it also helps give employees in the tourism and hospitality industry more hours,” says Fountain. “In turn, that helps encourage staff to come back for seasonal jobs next year.”
Muskoka Heritage Place to host Fall Art Walk
Billed as a merger of art, history, culture and Muskoka's world-renowned fall foliage, the Huntsville Fall Art Walk is set to take place on October 12 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Muskoka Heritage Place. A partnership between Muskoka Heritage Place and the Huntsville Art Society, the event is a chance to experience the creativity and talent of Muskoka's local artists in the unique setting of Huntsville's pioneer village. Guests will get the chance to explore an inspiring array of artwork that reflects the creative tapestry of the Huntsville community set against the backdrop of Huntsville's spectacular fall colours. Artists will be on hand so visitors can connect and support them while checking out one-of-akind locally crafted artwork.
Muskoka Heritage Place is located at 88 Brunel Road in Huntsville and the cost of the Fall Art Walk is included in the price of admission to the pioneer village.
Music, prizes and holiday cheer at the Huntsville Holiday Market
The holiday season is quickly approaching and the Huntsville BIA is hoping to get shoppers in the festive spirit. The Huntsville BIA has announced the 4th Annual Muskoka Market: Huntsville Holiday Edition. The BIA is working with local partners to bring the community together to shop locally and take part in some holiday cheer on Saturday, November 30 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. The streets will be decorated with holiday cheer and warming outdoor fire pits will also be set up. Carolers and dancers will entertain guests and an organized shopping experience for kids will take place. Guests can also expect giveaways and much more. While the event is on, Main Street from Brunel Road to Centre Street will be closed to vehicle traffic. To kick off the weekend, the BIA is hosting its annual Customer Appreciation Crawl on Thursday, November 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. On Friday, November 29 at 5 p.m. there will also be a Tree Lighting Ceremony in Kent Park.
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 55
Photograph: Three Fires International Film Festival
Three Fires International Film Festival returns to Muskoka this fall with a diverse lineup of 36 films and directors from 16 countries. The event will take place October 10 to 12 at Muskoka Foundry in Bracebridge.
The Three Fires International Film Festival is set to ignite the screen once again this year, bringing together filmmakers, artists and cinema lovers from around the world to celebrate the power of storytelling. This year’s festival will take place at the Muskoka Foundry in Bracebridge from October 10 to 12, 2024 and promises to be a showcase of local, global and Indigenous cinema. “The Three Fires International Film Festival is more than just a celebration of film; it’s a platform for dialogue, connection and cultural exchange,” says festival director Melissa Pole. “With our official Muskoka 2024 program now released, we are excited to share a diverse lineup of 36 films and invite filmmakers from 16 different countries to Muskoka this fall.” The 2024 edition of the festival is presented in partnership with Muskoka Arts & Crafts and will feature a curated selection of films that span genres, cultures and perspectives, with a special focus on Indigenous voices and intersectional representation. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with filmmakers through question-and-answer sessions and panel discussions that delve into the art and craft of filmmaking. Tickets for the Three Fires International Film Festival are now available online. For
56 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Bracebridge Festival of Lights returns November 22
Holiday magic returns to downtown Bracebridge with the annual Festival of Lights in November. Fireworks, living window displays, late night shopping, Christmas carols, live entertainment, kids crafts and activities, hot cocoa trail, local vendors, Elf on the Shelf hide and seek, Santa Claus parade, illumination of holiday displays and many
Bala's Trek to Bethlehem returns this December
Bala’s Trek to Bethlehem returns for another year of glad tidings on December 7. The annual tradition sees a circle of Bala streets transformed into a biblical village where guests journey back in time to experience what the first Christmas night might have looked, sounded and felt like. Guests will follow the journey of Joseph and Mary on their first Christmas and be inspired by the true meaning of the holiday. The trek begins at the Bala Community Centre at 1008 Maple Avenue. Guests will begin the evening singing Christmas carols, after being handed a decree stating they are summoned to the City of their Fathers ‘to be counted’ and pay their taxes. Guests are then
Photograph: Town of Bracebridge
Three Fires back on the big screen in Bracebridge
more information on the festival program, tickets and how to get involved, please visit the official website at www.3fiff.ca
more festive events and activities are set to kick off with the Moonlight Shopping Party and Street Festival on November 22. Guests can stock up on holiday gifts and treats at this late-night shopping event and street festival. Sip on a hot chocolate while strolling from shop to shop to enjoy the living holiday window displays, fireworks, children’s activities and much more. Don’t forget to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the Fill-a-Cruiser toy drive. From November 29 to December 7, 2024 guests are encouraged to take part in self-guided holiday activities put on by the Town of Bracebridge and the Downtown Bracebridge BIA. You can find more information at visitthebridge.ca
Bracebridge’s annual Festival of Lights returns this year, kicking off with the Moonlight Shopping Party and Street Festival on November 22.
led by a costumed guide on the tour. Along the route, guests will meet a cast of biblical characters including the Three Magi, a choir of angels, shepherds, Roman soldiers and the lonely leper. The journey ends at the Bala Arena – disguised for the evening as the Jerusalem Inn – where guests may enjoy refreshments including hot chocolate and cookies. The Trek to Bethlehem is a free familyfriendly event, supported entirely by volunteers. While donations are welcome, there is no charge to attend. Guests are reminded to dress accordingly, as this is an outdoor event.
Province announces $50 million for Huntsville infrastructure
A massive cash injection from the government of Ontario is expected to clear the way for constructing thousands of new homes in the Huntsville area. In September, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure Kinga Surma made the announcement at the Mountview Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is currently in the process of being converted into a pumping station. The money will be used to increase the capacity of Huntsville's wastewater infrastructure system and potentially allow the construction of 3,193 new homes. “Our government is committed to making life more affordable. A big part of that mission is enabling the construction of new homes. This historic investment into Muskoka will do exactly that,” said MPP Graydon Smith, Parry Sound-Muskoka, who was also in attendance. “Under our government, our riding has and continues to
New program promises greater access to the arts
A local arts organization is teaming up with one of the region's largest businesses to help break down barriers for youth who want to become involved in the arts. The Huntsville Festival of the Arts (HfA) recently announced the launch of the Lakeland Networks Arts Access Program, taking place throughout its 2024-25 programming year. The goal of this new program is to increase access to the arts for Muskokans. Through the support of Lakeland Networks, individuals facing financial barriers will receive bursaries for HfA youth programs as well as complimentary tickets to its concerts. Inclusion in the program is based on nominations from community and the
family members. “Access to the arts fosters creativity, reduces stress and builds community,” says HfA executive director Dan Watson. “We are so thankful to Lakeland Networks for supporting this initiative that will offer community members access to these important experiences that enhance their social, emotional and physical well-being.” Nominations for the 2024-2025 program are now open. Community and family members can recommend individuals who have an interest in the arts and would benefit from support. Nominators will need to answer a few questions about the nominee’s interests and explain how they would benefit from the Arts Access Program. Once a nomination has been recommended, there will be a follow-up interview. Decisions regarding participation in the program will be at the discretion of HfA representatives. Opportunities for fall HfA youth programming are currently available. Opportunities for concert tickets will be offered as they become available throughout 2024-25 HfA Season. To nominate a candidate for the 20242025 Arts Access Program or visit huntsvillefestival.ca or call 705-788-2787 for more information.
Feature by Matt Driscoll
Photograph: MPP Graydon Smith
Photograph: Trek to Bethlehem
The Trek to Bethlehem takes place once again this December in Bala and invites guests to journey back in time to experience what the first Christmas night might have looked, sounded and felt like.
receive truly unprecedented levels of provincial government investment. I’m thrilled that Muskoka is receiving over $50 million to make home ownership more attainable for our residents.” The funding is being delivered through the first round of investments under the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, which includes $970 million to help municipalities develop, repair, rehabilitate and expand drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
In September, the Ontario government announced $50 million in funding for Huntsville’s wastewater infrastructure system. The investment is intended to support increased home construction, potentially allowing 3,193 new homes to be built. Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 57
Game Meats: Delicate, distinct flavours Article by K.M. Wehrstein
Dave Purdon, owner-operator of Muskoka Meats, uses more natural methods for meat production and presentation and offers a wide array of products and services to his clientele.
58 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
with game meats. However, the two chefs and the butcher in this feature agree it can be avoided if the game is properly handled and they have proved it with these recipes. Dave Purdon is the owner-operator of Muskoka Meats near Gravenhurst. He uses more natural methods in meat production and presentation, avoiding growth hormones and meat byproducts in feed, eschewing extensive preservatives, binders and fillers in the final products. Goods he offers include standard meats plus lamb, veal,
Photograph: Kelly Holinshead
“Gamey” is never said as a compliment about how meat tastes. It’s a dark, crude, overly strong sort of flavour and something of a turn-off. Many people think it’s inevitable
venison, wild boar, bison, pheasant, quail, rabbit, emu, caribou, ostrich and various seafoods. He prepares sausages from his own recipes too. Both his venison and wild boar sausages are delicious in completely different ways and have a little spicy kick. Services Purdon offers to hunters include custom cutting, smoking, sausages, patties and education on what to do and what not to do with a carcass, as he won’t accept one that is subpar. He does not do slaughtering or gutting. “A lot of people, when they say it’s gamey, it’s slightly spoiled,” Purdon says. “If you have tried game and had varied results, it’s about how it’s been handled.” It’s crucial for a hunter to have a plan for when they bag a wild animal, he explains. “You go to all the trouble of getting your gun, getting your ammo, getting your tags – to let the meat spoil is such a shame. Make your arrangements for where you’re going to take it, have a spot where you can keep it cool.” A lot of local hunters, he says, have accepted his instruction, brought in good carcasses and become regular customers. Non-hunting readers may not realize that by law you’re not permitted to sell wild game meat in Ontario or even give it away to anyone but immediate family. There are two reasons for this. One is “to prevent poaching” as Purdon puts it, a polite way of saying that but for this law, the tastiest wild animals would be wiped out shortly, as our species has a tendency to do. The other reason is that with hunted meat it’s easy to avoid the standard meat-inspection process. Accordingly, the game meats Purdon sells are farmed but he chooses his farms carefully. “The good farmers have compounds that are
Pan-Roasted Venison Loin with Red Currant DemiGlaze, Mushroom Duxelles and Parsnip Puree – Alain Irvine
Ingredients Venison and Demi-Glaze 700g venison loin 60ml grapeseed oil 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 6 juniper berries 10 black peppercorns 2 garlic cloves, crushed 30ml red currant jelly 125ml red wine 500ml beef stock
Method • Preheat oven to 375° F. • Season the venison on both sides with sea salt. • In a heavy-based pan, pour in oil and bring to a medium heat. Brown the venison for two minutes on each side to seal. • Put the rosemary, garlic, juniper berries and peppercorns into the pan, transfer the pan to the oven and cook for five to seven minutes. • Remove venison from the pan and leave to rest. • Put the pan back over a medium heat. • Add the red wine to deglaze the pan. • Then add in the red currant jelly and stir in the stock. • Strain out solid items and reduce until it
Ingredients Mushroom Duxelles 200g butter 2 shallots, finely chopped 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped 3 pounds cremini mushrooms, washed and chopped Salt and pepper 250ml white wine 125ml whipping cream 60ml brandy
Method • In a large heavy-bottomed pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic and sauté for about two minutes. • Add brandy and flame (that is, flambé). • Add the chopped mushrooms and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes stirring occasionally until the mushrooms begin to caramelize and all the liquid has evaporated. • Add the wine and cook, stirring until again all the liquid has evaporated, about five minutes. • Remove from the heat, transfer into a food processor and blitz for two to three minutes. • Add cream and seasoning to taste. If the mixture is too thin, put it back on the stove and simmer until it reaches the desired consistency. Yield: ½ cup Duxelles.
• Turn the heat down and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until soft and cooked through. • Drain and transfer to a food processor, blitz until it’s a smooth paste. • Add cream and butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Yield: about 500 ml.; about four portions.
Wine Pairing • A strong red but one that is a little lighter and more delicate like Pinot Noir.
Chefs Tips • Why grapeseed oil? “Because it’s neutral,” says Alain. “I love cooking with olive oil but don’t want to overpower this.” • On cooking venison: “You must keep in mind that it cooks very fast. It takes no more than five minutes to sear, both sides.” • Why flambé the brandy? To remove the alcohol taste while leaving the (delicious!) brandy taste. • The presentation Alain chose for the duxelles? Sandwiched between two mushroom caps, the larger one on the bottom with a nice sprig of rosemary as a garnish.
Ingredients Parsnip Purée 1 kg parsnips, peeled and cut into chunks 60ml whipping cream, at room temperature 30g butter Salt and pepper
Method • Place parsnips in a large pot and cover with water, season with salt and bring to a boil.
Chef Alain Irvine’s recipe for venison loin calls for pan-roasting for the lean meat and accompaniments with delicate flavours and a hint of fruit that pair well with the venison.
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 59
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
becomes syrupy. • To serve, cut venison into medallions and pour the sauce over and around them.
ad inshe y Hol Photo graph : Kell
bison, it’s important to know the flavours of the meat itself before determining the pairings or other dishes to cook to accompany them. Venison could be compared to beef but it’s more delicate – it’s different. The same way beef doesn’t taste like pork and turkey doesn’t taste like chicken, every animal has its distinct flavour, so venison tastes like… venison. “Game meats have not been bred to be marbled, so they tend to be lean,” Purdon notes. They also tend to be mild. Wild boar does have a flavour like pork but lighter; an apple sauce, or a delicate mushroom dish would pair nicely. Purdon himself describes boar as a “redder pork, almost like a cross between pork and lamb or pork and venison or pork and beef.” While you might expect bison to be like beef, it’s not. It has a red meat type of taste, a
Dave Purdon’s own recipes for sausages have a touch of spice to flavour the meat, which compliments the taste of game meats such as venison or wild boar. bit as if it’s already been seasoned, making it full-flavoured and delicate at once. To consult chefs, we’ll go to The Oar in downtown Gravenhurst, owned by chef Alain Irvine and his wife, Robbie, and staffed on and off by his son, chef Iain Irvine. Born in Scotland, chef Alain made his name cooking in some rather renowned venues, starting with apprenticing at Chewton Glen in England – “the best small hotel in the world,” he calls it, at age 17. After attaining master chef credentials at Bournemouth Lansdowne College, he chose a job posting at Jasper Park Lodge in the Alberta Rockies over one in New Zealand “because the Canadian job paid 25 cents more.” From there he travelled back and forth across Canada with stays in Jamaica, Bermuda and Venezuela as well and worked as chef at
Photograph: Kelly Holinshead
like the natural habitat, so the only real difference is that you don’t go out and hunt.” The animals are slaughtered at an abattoir, so the usual meat inspection is done. He also notes their diet is enhanced some with grains to offset the vagaries of nature. “They’re a little bit healthier than hunted game.” When Purdon was a boy, he had a close friend whose father was head butcher at the Dominion supermarket in Gravenhurst. “We always ate really well when we had supper at their place, so I always had that little bit of admiration for the butcher,” Purdon reminisces. Growing up, he worked at Muskoka Sands where the chef was hoping to steer him into culinary but then he got more interested in theatre production, for which he travelled all over the world. Finding the entertainment world wasn’t compatible with family life, he went into carpentry and meat-cutting in England, then returned to Gravenhurst and bought the butchery from Guy Stroop in 2006. He moved it to its current expanded location in 2014. “To me money isn’t that important,” Purdon says. “It’s more the satisfaction of being happy with who you are, what you’re doing and your family.” With steaks of venison, wild boar and
Available at Muskoka Meats are standard meats plus lamb, veal, venison, wild boar, bison, pheasant, quail, rabbit, emu, caribou, ostrich and various seafoods. Dave Purdon also offers custom cutting, smoking, sausages, patties and education on what to do and what not to do with a carcass to hunters. 60 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Ingredients 1 whole rabbit 3 stalks celery, finely cubed 2 onions, finely cubed 1 large carrot, finely cubed 10 cloves garlic, minced 1 leek 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced 1 bunch fresh thyme (or 1 Tbsp dried thyme) 2 ounces shaved Parmesan cheese 2 bay leaves 1 cup red wine 1 cup plain tomato sauce 1 cup beef or chicken stock 1 box pappardelle (or favourite noodle)
Method • Quarter the rabbit, removing the legs (which will provide the meat for the dish), but keep the rib and back
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
- Iain Irvine
Chef Iain Irvine’s Rabbit Ragout with Pappardelle is of his own making; a take on a classic French dish but with the sauce leaning to Italian with it’s Bolognese-style. ragout. Garnish with fried leeks and shaved Parmesan. Yield: about four portions.
Wine Pairing • “With that kind of heavy red meat and sauce,” says Iain, “Go with a strong red: Merlot.”
Chef's Tips • “Be careful when you’ve got it to the point of meat coming off the bones; the ribs are so small they can get into the meat.”
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
Photograph: Tomasz Szumski
Rabbit Ragout with Pappardelle
sections to braise with the legs for more rabbit flavour. • Preheat a roasting pot on medium high heat and sear the rabbit until golden brown on all sides. Deglaze with red wine and add four sprigs of thyme (or 1 tsp dried), 2 cloves of garlic and 1 bay leaf. Cook covered at 325° F until the meat pulls off the bone, roughly two hours. • In a different pot, add 1 tbsp of oil, then carrot, celery, onion and the remainder of the garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Deglaze with red wine and stock and cook on medium heat for 10 minutes. Add tomato sauce, the remainder of the thyme and 1 bay leaf and reduce to desired thickness. • While rabbit is braising, cut the leek in half and rinse out any dirt. Julienne into thin two-inch strips, coat in flour and fry in canola oil until golden brown. Season with salt. • Pull rabbit meat off the bone and shred into bite-sized pieces. Add the rabbit to the sauce and cook for an additional 15 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to desired consistency. • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta for the time given in the instructions on the package. Remove from pot, add to a buttered pan and stir to glaze the pasta. • Place pasta in a bowl and top with
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 61
Photograph: Kelly Holinshead
While Dave Purdon does offer meat preparation services to hunters, he does not do slaughtering or gutting. However, he also will not accept a carcass that is subpar. Truffles at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto, Minaki Lodge near Kenora, the Grand Okanagan Hotel in Kelowna, the Rimrock Hotel in Banff, the Telus Convention Centre in Calgary and finally Taboo in Muskoka, in 2004. “It was time to stop moving,” Alain says. “Robbie put the pressure on.” They bought North Restaurant in 2007 and changed its name in 2014 to The Oar and Paddle. Their first son, Andrew, was born in 1986 and their second, Iain, in 1990. Chef Iain started cooking at age 17, apprenticing with his dad and going on to a purely on-the-job culinary education which included stints at the Rimrock and the Langdon Hall Country House in Cambridge. “The Oar was my home base,” Iain says. “I went and learned in other places but always came back here.” “I love cooking game meat,” says Alain. “It’s easy. You’re braising a lot of it.” (Takehome point!) “Moose and bear we can’t do,” says Iain. “We can’t go hunting it, bring it in and cook it for customers. You’re generally going to get farmed unless you go out and hunt it yourself. Luckily our grocery store carries rabbit.” “Bison is easy to get,” says Alain. “We often use a butcher shop out of Toronto. I love venison because it’s such an easy, accessible dish. If you have access to the internet, you can have it delivered to your door, same price probably as beef tenderloin.” “Venison is pretty lean,” says Iain. “You don’t need much more than salt and pepper with it; if you’re cooking the loin, think of it like a lamb rack without the bones.” But let’s leave off the tasty father-and-son repartee for some recipes! We’ll start with
62 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
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Alain’s: Pan-Roasted Venison Loin with Red Currant Demi-Glaze, Mushroom Duxelles and Parsnip Puree. It’s not on The Oar’s menu but is similar to dishes he’s done in the past and oh is it good. Venison is often sauced with something fruity and this is no exception; the demi-glaze with its hints of red currant, brandy and wine is to die for. So are the duxelles and the parsnip puree, with lovely little chunks of parsnip, is delectable. The ingredients all work together to terrific effect. Now Iain’s recipe: Rabbit Ragout with Pappardelle. It is said rabbit tastes just like chicken but let’s disagree on that. Rabbit has its own distinct taste and also very much its own texture. However, it is very tender. “I’ve only had it braised,” Iain says. “Slow-cooked, two-and-a-half to three hours – or you could put it into a crockpot and go to work. The recipe is a one-off, not on the menu. (Exclusive for us!) It’s a pretty classic French kind of dish; I did a more Bolognesestyle sauce but without the peas. I made it up as I went.” Chef Iain made it up very well. The sauce is intensely flavourful in a tomato-based way, with delightful tiny bits of vegetable mixed in with the morsels of rabbit. Topped with shaved parmesan and fried leeks, the dish is delicate, balanced and delightful to eat! And so concludes the 2024 edition of Cottage Country Cuisine. Have a good winter, may you stay well-fed, healthy, happy, and as ever, bon appetit!
Fall/Winter 2024 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 63
Muskoka Moments
A lifetime of fun, family and friends
Photograph: Ann Curley
In 1993, I transitioned from a career with the Ministry of Tourism to move to Muskoka with my two young sons, settling in Huntsville. While many may not realize that I’ve lived in Huntsville since then, my work has primarily been in Gravenhurst, Bracebridge and the Township of Muskoka Lakes. Muskoka’s natural beauty and landscape provided incredible opportunities for my sons. They enjoyed skiing and curling as part of their physical education program and had the chance to skate outdoors and go tobogganing all winter long. I believe my niece and nephew’s frequent visits to Muskoka fostered their love for winter activities. With my background and expertise, I was offered the position of executive director at the newly formed Gravenhurst Chamber of Commerce when I first came to Muskoka.
64 UNIQUE MUSKOKA Fall/Winter 2024
Photograph: Ann Curley
Article by Ann Curley
This role allowed me to collaborate closely with local businesses, establish remarkable events, create new programs and build lasting friendships. Over the 31 years I have lived and worked in Muskoka, I have been fortunate to meet many wonderful people, some of whom have become my closest friends. In 2006, I embarked on a new chapter as the operations manager and curator at the Muskoka Discovery Centre (formerly known as Grace & Speed, Muskoka Boat & Heritage Centre), part of the Muskoka Steamships and Discovery Centre. My time there was incredibly rewarding, allowing me to apply my skills to various initiatives and develop relationships with businesses, volunteers and team members. After 17 years, I made the difficult decision to retire in December 2023. A colleague reassured me, saying, “Don’t be afraid to retire; some of the most exciting opportunities are still out there.” In February 2024, I was offered and accepted the position of executive director at the Canadian Raceboat Hall of Fame and The Venue, which was set to complete construction and open in July. I quickly put
my skills into high gear and we successfully opened on July 20 – exciting opportunities indeed! I’m looking forward to welcoming tourists, cottagers, raceboat enthusiasts and so many others to this new space. Volunteering has also always been a significant part of my life. I have served as a Girl Guide leader, worked with the Windsor/ Detroit International Freedom Festival, been involved with Huntsville Hawks Minor Lacrosse and served as president of Huntsville Hawks Junior B Lacrosse. Currently, I volunteer with the Madill Church Preservation Society, the Muskoka Watershed Council and the Breakfast Program at Spruce Glen Public School. As in my work life, volunteering with these organizations has resulted in meeting many incredible people in the communities across Muskoka. My husband, Larry, and I are blessed with four incredible grandchildren living in Huntsville. We cherish attending their soccer, hockey and lacrosse games, swimming events and fun-filled sleepovers. Fun, family and friends are paramount to me. Living in Muskoka has provided our family and friends with a wonderful place to vacation for a week or two and to call home. Ann Curley was born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. She graduated from the tourism/ marketing management program at St. Clair College and worked for 17 years at the Ministry of Tourism before moving to Muskoka in 1993. When Ann is not working or volunteering, she loves to spend time with her grandchildren and travel. A third trip to Lagos, Portugal is planned for the fall followed by a trip to Mexico this winter where she will celebrate her birthday.
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