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AUGUST 2025

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...telling the Muskoka story

Features

[48]

Artists in Harmony — Inside Muskoka's New Studio Tour

Person of Note — Israel Ginsberg

Article by Bronwyn Boyer

Article by J. Patrick Boyer By the 1950s, Israel Ginsberg was widely recognized as an impressive businessman and resolute, ethical and visionary community leader. As a councillor, as mayor and as a business owner in Huntsville, Ginsberg served his community vigorously until his death.

[13]

A new chapter of the vibrant Muskoka arts scene is unfolding. From August 15 to 17, 14 studios and 26 artists, including painters, potters, jewellers, metalworkers, woodworkers and sculptors, will take part in the inaugural Muskoka North Studio Tour. [25]

Article by Meghan Taylor

Article and Photography by Tim Du Vernet

A New Perspective — Sean O'Toole

Writer, editor, property manager and former teacher Sean O’Toole shares the details behind his book Like a Slow-Burning Fire. Based on incidents that happened to him in his early 20s, O’Toole spent years understanding himself before he could write his story.

2 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

The World of Vintage Outboard Motors

The outboard motor is an invention with well over a century of history. In Muskoka, an outboard motor mounted on a simple wooden or aluminum watercraft is often someone’s first exposure to boating as a child. Today, boaters and collectors alike marvel at these pieces of history.

[32]

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The Artful Life of a Modern Gypsy

AUGUST 2025

Article by Bronwyn Boyer Photography by Kelly Holinshead Josianne Masseau is a dynamic artist whose journey spans different lives, careers and creative pursuits. A mother, photographer, web designer, branding expert and jeweller, among other activities, Masseau draws inspiration from her surroundings and her travels.

Muskoka's Open-Air Markets — a Magnetic Draw Article by J. Patrick Boyer

In this plein air shopping culture, farmers’ markets occupy a unique space, offering a wide variety of goods for shoppers to choose from. While many boast recent start-up dates, in most cases these are contemporary revivals of weekly street markets dating from the start of homesteader farming when Muskoka first opened for settlement in the 1860s.

[40]

Departments 54

What’s Happened

FULL SPEED AHEAD Restored motors continue to roar

Studio Tour Rekindles Artistic Tradition

then and now muskoka markets en plein air

Our Cover Photograph by Tim Du Vernet Beth Guy and her grandson, August, enjoy a trip aboard her Lake Craft vessel, Marion. Guy restored the boat that was originally made in Bracebridge.

Cottage Country Cuisine Article by K.M. Wehrstein Photography by Tomasz Szumski When camping or cottaging, grills, fires and barbecues take centre stage for meal preparation. To elevate your campfire cooking experience, three chefs in Muskoka have developed special recipes for fireside delights. [58]

Article by Matt Driscoll RMS Segwun will not sail in 2025, new MRI suite opens at Huntsville Hospital and Red Canoe Gallery’s move to Bala proves a success. Gravenhurst snowboarder named to Team Canada and Bala dancer selected for Team Canada Dance. A new mural is

coming to downtown Bracebridge, shoreline improvements are set to take place at Norway Point Park, Bracebridge approves Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) and Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival’s tradition continues.

Opinion 9

Muskoka Insights

By Meghan Taylor

From an Artist's Perspective

Muskoka Moments By John Miller

By Lori Knowles

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Lisa Brazier Marianne Dawson Design Susan Smith Administration Bronwyn Boyer J. Patrick Boyer Matt Driscoll Tim Du Vernet Kelly Holinshead Lori Knowles John Miller Tomasz Szumski K.M. Wehrstein Contributors

Annual Subscription Rates: (including HST where applicable) In Ontario $30.00 All Other Provinces $36.00 HST: 773172721 Canada Post Publications Mail Agreement Number: 43268016 Copyright © 2025 Unique Publishing Inc. No content published in Unique Muskoka can be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. Mailing Address Box 616, Bracebridge ON P1L 1T9 www.uniquemuskoka.com info@uniquemuskoka.com 705-637-0204

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Muskoka Insights crafted goods. A bustling market is another of those simple experiences to be enjoyed – wandering among the vendors, taking in the sights, smells and sounds of a community working together. If you haven’t made your way to one of Muskoka’s markets yet this season, I highly recommend you do. Usually a contributor to Unique Muskoka, this month Josianne Masseau is featured as the multi-talented creator she is. Her jewelry, The Bohemy Co, is just one avenue of many that Masseau’s creativity wanders down. As a photographer, a designer and an all-around artisan, Josianne captures nature and the flow of life in her work. She has lived elsewhere in Canada and travelled internationally, which also inspires her work. But Muskoka is where she chooses to call home. The sound of an outboard motor starting up and making its way across the lake is a sure signal of summertime in Muskoka. For many, outboard motors hold memories beyond a simple boat ride, as contributor Tim Du Vernet shares with us. Vintage outboard motors are collected, revitalized and cherished by many across Muskoka, including the Maple Leaf Chapter of the Outboard Motor Club. Step into the past or even into the present, if your vessel has an outboard, and recall the enjoyment of that first time ripping across the water. This August don’t take the month, or the weather, for granted. We have limited days left to immerse ourselves in the beauty and splendour of summer. Make each day count and make every moment, even the simple ones, your own. Happy reading!

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In our current heat wave, I’m reminded of just a few months ago when the temperatures were sub-zero. I promised during the worst of it that once summer came, I would not complain about the heat. So far, I’m being tested but I haven’t complained yet. As July becomes August, the days of Muskoka summer melt together. Kids are attending overnight and day camps, parents are using vacation time to enjoy the season, and everyone revels in the hot summer days and warm summer nights. The days are still long and sun-drenched, but there starts to be an unspoken urgency now – a collective understanding among cottagers and locals alike that the best of summer must be soaked up with gratitude. It’s family dinners on the porch or dock. It’s late-night swims under stars that seem closer than ever. It’s the final chapters of paperback novels, dog-eared and sandy. It’s turning to the cold side of the pillow on humid nights. It’s a refreshing dip in the lake or river as temperatures soar. And it’s that perfect balance of heat and harvest – tomatoes ripening on the vine, corn husked on the porch and berries that never quite make it from being picked to being baked in a pie. Finding beauty and simplicity in each of the moments we get to experience is a must in the summer. The moments may be fleeting, but the memories remain cherished. For some of us, we get to live where other people take their vacation. What is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for some, we can experience annually, monthly or even daily. This August let’s be grateful for the places, the people and the experiences of a summer in Muskoka. Farmers’ markets are a sure sign of summer in full swing and regular contributor Patrick Boyer shares the historic importance of these events while also giving a nod to their current iterations. What began out of necessity, as a way of life for homesteaders, continues today as we once again turn to local options for everything from eggs and produce to hand-

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From an Artist’s Perspective Art as a Comfort Blanket Article by Lori Knowles

Photograph: Andy

Zeltkalns

Photograph: Miranda Britton

street of Bracebridge. Nostalgia. It’s why Miranda makes silver many of us live and jewelry – she’s a silversmith cottage and create art here – and I suspect she’s as in Muskoka. Sure, the smitten by nostalgia as I rocks and the trees, the am. Signature pieces depict lakes and the boats, the wind-bent trees, rows of schools, the jobs, the seed pods, lots and lots of views, those are factors circles – the kinds of too. But I’m willing to bet shapes and structures she many of us, especially sees while on walks around artists, are here for the her home in Windermere. nostalgia. “Most of my pieces,” I looked it up – the Britton confirms, “have a word. It’s defined in lots connection to the land.” of ways, including One pendant hanging negatively in Merriamin the Britton Gallery is Webster as an “excessively especially riveting: a sentimental yearning” for neglected barn – or maybe the past, also known as it’s a lonely schoolhouse “homesickness.” But I like Silversmith Miranda Britton uses her connection to the land in crafting her jewelry. She’s drawn to and inspired by the places where humans and land have connected, even if it’s – rendered on a plate of Psychology Today’s been left and nature is taking it back. Like the many barns in the area, left to linger and silver. “I drive past so definition better. serve as reminders of the past, nostalgia plays a role in Britton’s creative inspiration. many barns that are falling Nostalgia: “comfort down,” she explains, a blanket.” wistful tone evident. “I’m Living and cottaging embrace the memories that produce that rush drawn to the points where humans and the and creating art here in Muskoka is a little like of pleasure, advises Psychology Today: “The land have connected. Humans have built being wrapped in the blanket I was given as an prize is the pleasure of the memory.” something but have left it, and now nature is infant – the blue one I keep folded in a That’s it! The pleasure of the memory. I’m taking it back – that’s a jumping off point for steamer trunk alongside other childhood not alone in yearning for it, especially not as me.” trinkets. I pull the blanket out once in a while, an artist. I chatted recently with Miranda It strikes me then that as an artist, Miranda give it a shake, check for moths, sniff the Britton in her Britton Gallery on the main Britton, silversmith, is doing what I strive to lavender. Then I drape it around my shoulders do as a writer. She’s seeking ways to turn and wait for a sense of calm to return. Coming fleeting memories into something lasting. Old back to Muskoka to live and to work, or even barns and schoolhouses, spruce trees, the circle to cottage summer after summer, it’s like that of the moon – there they are, forever in silver. – the feeling. A warm blanket. It’s that kind of It’s nostalgia. It feels like a warm blanket nostalgia. – cue the rush of pleasure. For many of us, it’s Sometimes my Muskoka nostalgia is why we’re here, living and cottaging and triggered by a scent – the whiff of dry leaves, a creating art in Muskoka. freshly made waffle cone, a damp lifejacket that’s been moldering in the bow of a boat too Lori Knowles is a journalist and author of long. Sometimes it’s a sound, like a halyard Summers with Miss Elizabeth, a Muskoka novel. dinging a mast or waves washing against a In this column Lori explores what it’s like to live dock or transom. Sometimes it’s just the feel of and work as an artist in Muskoka. the breeze, a warm bath on an August evening www.loriknowles.com @loriknowles_author once the mosquitoes have vanished. We should

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 11

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Photograph: Muskoka Heritage Place Collection, Huntsville, Ontario

PERSON OF NOTE

Highly intelligent and resolute of purpose, Israel Ginsberg was formal in manner, scrupulous in matters financial and tireless in working for the betterment of others through retailing operations, Rotary Club service and municipal affairs.

Article by J. Patrick Boyer

uring the First World War, Israel Ginsberg arrived in Huntsville with his parents Max and Pearl and brothers Morris, Abraham and Samuel, starting a new life and not for the first time. At the Black Sea port of Odessa, Max had been a prominent grain merchant and dealer

in farm tractors for the Canadian Massey Harris Company. Arriving in Ontario in 1913, they settled on a York County farm. When farming proved unsuccessful, they moved into Toronto and began a restaurant and ice cream business. In 1917, any plans the Ginsbergs had for a return to Russia collapsed

when the new Bolshevik regime confiscated all Ginsberg properties, prompting their move to Huntsville in 1918. Instead of dealing in farm implements, trying to farm or operating an ice cream business, the Ginsbergs opened a general store on Main Street. Days after the Huntsville Trading Company

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 13

Photograph: Muskoka Heritage Place Collection, Huntsville, Ontario

With municipal elections held yearly, democratic accountability was real. Huntsville had a lot of mayors, eight of them seen here, six wearing fedoras and two bowlers because men’s hats were in style until the 1960s. From left, front: Harmon E. Rice, Bill Abraham, W.E. Hutcheson, J. Frank Kelly. On the steps, from left: Sid Avery, Israel Ginsberg, Dick Dinsmore, J.E. Fisher. Despite this raw introduction to the north Muskoka community, Max told the newspaper’s editor Harmon Rice that he and his sons were “undaunted in spirit.” Gathering up capital, they bought another Main Street property for a second coming of the Huntsville Trading Company. After Max died in 1923, Israel and his three brothers catapulted the family’s business operations to the forefront of local commerce, launching a building and acquisitions spree and in June, opening a one and a-half story brick store on the north side of Main Street. “The Huntsville Trading Company Heritage Photograph: Muskoka io tar On Huntsville,

Place Collection,

opened for business in May, fire consumed the building and their entire inventory. The blaze began after 8:00 p.m. when Israel and Morris closed for the night and went upstairs where they lived. Fleeing the suddenly engulfed building, Israel jumped out the front window to the street below and Morris escaped through the back door, severely burning his neck and face. In reporting the calamity, the Huntsville Forester referred to the Ginsbergs as the Gainesboro family.

14 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

The Muskoka River flowing through Huntsville is held securely by an extended stone retaining wall to prevent erosion. Built in the 1930s during the Great Depression by unemployed men, the initiative was led by Mayor Israel Ginsberg.

has completed a new store, moved women’s wear into it, and opened an archway into the dry goods department,” reported the Huntsville Forester belatedly on December 24, 1925, this time a half-year late. That made three Huntsville stores now being run by the Ginsbergs, with a fourth serving as a storehouse. In 1926, they bought the entire Snyder block on Main Street, remodeling it with large plate glass windows. Their retail establishment now encompassed men’s and women’s wear, dry goods, furniture and groceries. The town organized an Old Home Week in August 1926 to celebrate its first quartercentury. The reunion publicity committee published Harmon Rice’s booklet History of Huntsville while Abraham Ginsberg chaired the decoration committee to spruce up the town and offered prizes up to $15 (just shy of $400 today) for the best decorated homes and businesses.

Photograph: Muskoka Heritage Place Collection, Huntsville, Ontario

“Towards the end of the 1920s,” notes town historian Susan Pryke, “Huntsville’s founding families slowly released their grip on municipal matters as new names and new faces began to appear at the council table, chief among them that of Israel Ginsberg.” By 1930, the brothers had developed their business into one of Huntsville’s largest retail concerns. That same year, Pryke adds, Russian-born Jew Israel Ginsberg was elected Huntsville mayor, “something of a coup considering Ontario’s White Anglo-Saxon Protestant mentality.” Israel’s election punctured a foul period in local politics. Five years earlier, when Richard Dinsmore, president of Bethune Pulp and Lumber Company, became mayor at the height of the Roaring Twenties, he called in an outside auditor to review the fitness of Huntsville’s treasurer Harmon Rice and town assessor Hart Proudfoot. Proudfoot resigned. Rice used his newspaper’s pages to defend his integrity. In these years Ontario municipal elections occurred annually. Ginsberg was first elected to council in 1924, defeated in 1925, then re-elected in 1926, 1927, and 1928, but lost his bid for mayor in 1929.

Huntsville’s former mayor Israel Ginsberg is seen here in profile, second person from right, at the happy opening of the new Huntsville Hospital which was vital for community health care.

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Photograph: Muskoka Heritage Place Collection, Huntsville, Ontario

The Ginsberg family’s business anchored retail operations along Huntsville’s main street with diverse offerings, many on view through large plate glass windows. In 1940, when this photo of the Huntsville Trading Company store was taken, Israel Ginsberg was in the Canadian Army fighting in Europe while his brothers handled home-front business. During Dinsmore’s time as mayor, councillor Ginsberg submitted a resignation letter. “It is with great reluctance that I take this step,” he told the mayor, “But affairs of which you must have some knowledge compel me to do so. I accepted the office with the intention of giving you the best that was in me for clean, efficient, and economical administration of town affairs. My resignation is a protest. I am deeply interested in the affairs of the town. I promised to give you service but conditions in the council have become so intolerable that I was not in a position to protect the interest of the ratepayers unless I was sustained by the council.” Council, refusing to accept Ginsberg’s resignation, kept the pot simmering. At the end of 1926, Rice resigned as treasurer and ran for the mayor’s job, which he had previously held and now won again, a political gambit to clear the air. By 1930, with Ginsberg now elected mayor, the Great Depression descended and Huntsville’s most pressing issue was unemployment. He convened a special council meeting on joblessness, leading to many make-work projects for unemployed men – building a rock wall along the Muskoka River to protect the riverbank from erosion, building a new arena in the Memorial Park,

16 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

doing roadwork improvements. In the days before unemployment insurance and a UI placement office, Mayor Ginsberg kept a list of unemployed men in his office and urged citizens to co-operate in providing work for the unemployed. The stagnating decade continued, yet Ginsberg brothers expanded business operations beyond their new stores and the Snyder block, buying the Johnson block on Main Street, and in 1931 selling the Snyder premises to Bracebridge businessman George W. Ecclestone who opened a hardware store on the premises. When World War II erupted against Hitler’s Nazi Germany in 1939, Israel was the first in Huntsville to enlist, joining the 48th Highlander’s regiment in Toronto. In April 1942, Morris, who had not enlisted, remodeled the front of their dry goods store. A fire in February 1944 destroyed both it and Ecclestone Hardware. After Israel returned from war service, on the business side in 1949 he and Morris sold most of the Huntsville Trading Company to Harry Silvert and on the political front he was again elected mayor, launching a comprehensive effort to improve Huntsville for the long term, so effective he was re-elected the next year. Israel Ginsberg by the 1950s was widely

Photograph: Muskoka Heritage Place Collection, Huntsville, Ontario

EV9

I N T R O D U C I N G THE K I A

The photo montage included in a 1926 Old Home Week pamphlet shows Huntsville councillor Israel Ginsberg, upper left, with five fellow members of council and Mayor R.G. Dinsmore, centre. Ginsberg would himself be mayor in 1930 and again in 1950. recognized as an impressive businessman and resolute, ethical, and visionary community leader. Approached by Hugh Latimer, organizer for Premier Leslie Frost and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party, he agreed to run for election as Muskoka’s MPP in the upcoming 1955 general election. When the party nominating convention took place a number of others were also nominated and balloting proceeded through the evening until editor of the Muskoka Herald newspaper, Robert Boyer, won by four ballots. He then went on to win the general election and showed up at Queen’s Park where puzzled Premier Frost, looking at him, inquired “Who are you?” “I’m the new MPP for Muskoka.” “That can’t be. I wanted Israel Ginsberg!” Premier Frost pivoted, naming Allan Grossman, also elected for the first time that June in the Toronto riding of St. Andrews, Ontario’s first Progressive Conservative Jewish cabinet minister, while in Huntsville the brothers continued, as they so often had, “undaunted in spirit.” A founding member of the town’s Rotary Club, Israel Ginsberg became its president, serving the community as he had always vigorously until his death.

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• Members shall co-operate, interchange information and experience, and encourage research on materials and techniques in order to provide the best value for their customers. • Members shall uphold the principle of reasonable and adequate compensation for the services which they render. • Members shall avoid advertising which tends to mislead customers, deprecate competitors, or generally bring the reputation of the industry into disrepute. • Members shall display and encourage a sense of pride in belonging to the Muskoka Builders’ Association.

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Recently retired teacher Sean O’Toole and his wife Heather Spurling enjoy life in Muskoka, when they’re not travelling abroad together.

ean O’Toole spent a 32-year teaching career at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School – a career he was sad to leave behind when he retired three years ago. Teaching English and writer’s craft primarily, among other subjects, O’Toole thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of his career. “It wasn’t a job to me,” he explains. “It was nothing but fun. It was a school that allowed teachers to be creative, to be human and to innovate.

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 19

Photograph: Sean O’Toole

Article by Meghan Taylor

interview that this was my dream. I wanted to come in for the long haul and commit. That was very much a gut reaction to a brand-new place, and it was the right reaction.” Throughout his years as a teacher, O’Toole drew on his own experiences to share stories and teach concepts to students. One story he didn’t speak about often but had shared occasionally during a section of Grade 11 classes on short stories, was a road rage incident he was involved in at 23-years-old while completing his university degree in Ottawa. That event was a taking off point for a number of early adulthood life events for O’Toole and the basis for his book Like a Slow-Burning Fire. “The story is book-ended by two somewhat violent incidents I went through,”

shares O’Toole. “The events happened over a two-year period, and I condensed that to six months for narrative purposes. One was a road rage incident, the other was a late-night McDonalds dumb guy kind of incident – a couple of guys tried to pick a fight with my friend and myself. They were both traumatizing events.” The events of O’Toole’s life during the two-year period were challenging and navigating them had quite an effect on him. Reordered and condensed into six months for the book, O’Toole uses self-reflection and experience to share his personal journey. “I was in a relationship, and we were discussing getting married, but it was also falling apart,” he explains. “I was finishing my degree and trying to get into teacher’s college when it was very difficult to get

Photograph: Sean O’Toole

The culture of the school was a perfect fit for me. It was extremely difficult for me to give that up three years ago. It was so fun and so fulfilling.” O’Toole’s beginning as a teacher in Bracebridge all came down to timing and instinct. As he was finishing his teaching degree in Newfoundland in 1991, trying to determine his next steps, he came across an ad for a position as a high school English teacher at Bracebridge and Muskoka Lakes Secondary School in the Globe and Mail. He secured an interview and made the trip to Bracebridge with a friend as company. “As soon as I got to Bracebridge, I fell in love with it,” he shares. “It was in January 1992, so it was winter, and it was beautiful. My friend and I walked around downtown and by the falls. So, I made it clear in the

Incidents and life events that occurred around 1988 while Sean O’Toole attended Carleton University in Ottawa had a significant impact on him. His recently published book Like a Slow-Burning Fire is set during these years. 20 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

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Photograph: Sean O’Toole

accepted; they’d have 1,000 applications and take 40 people. I was trying to launch my life, personally and professionally, and it wasn’t going all that well and then this road rage incident happened.” In a crisis or a dramatic moment, our reactions can be connected to so many factors – our ancestry, our upbringing, our genetics. And as young adults, navigating emotionally charged situations can feel overwhelming. Every experience feels new and weighted by what could be. “I wanted to take a look at how we handle not just adversity but also emotional pain – when something happens and it hurts you, what do you do, how do you handle that,” he says. “The series of incidents all have to do with perspective – the idea of getting to know who you really are and finding a way to be ok with that, working through it with the people in your life.” With time and perspective, O’Toole has been able to understand that his reactions to the events of his young adulthood were connected to who he is as a human being. A lifelong fan of Bruce Springsteen, Sean O’Toole, centre, has attended over 60 Springsteen concerts. While he’d talked about the incidents, he still This one in Cleveland, Ohio in the ‘80s he attended with friends.

Photograph: Sean O’Toole

hadn’t fully dealt with them. “I wished I had handled it differently in that moment of crisis, but I responded instinctually,” he explains. “It may not have been perfect but it’s who I am. It took me so long to write about it because I needed decades to make sense of it. I didn’t understand why I did what I did until 30 more years of going through life as me. I was finally able to make sense of it. In my 20s when people would ask, I didn’t know what to say.” During COVID, a student asked O’Toole if he had ever experienced a random act of violence. He said yes and shared the story of the road rage incident that now comes to life again in Like a Slow-Burning Fire. Within a few days of being asked that question, O’Toole sat down at his computer and finally began writing his story.

“When I was younger, I was embarrassed about the whole incident,” he shares. “It was an attack on my masculinity and as I’ve gotten older, I know it’s not that simple.” Revisiting events that happened over 30 years ago allowed O’Toole to experience them from a different perspective – remembering the newness of the situations he found himself in during that time while also better understanding himself, then and now. “As a 57-year-old person writing a story about when you were 23, you’re writing about a person you used to know,” he says. “That guy wasn’t so bad. He wasn’t perfect and he was a bit of an idiot, but he wasn’t so bad. We have a sense of forgiveness for our past selves – I didn’t really have that until my 50s.” Coming to terms with himself and making peace with the events of his past life make Like a SlowBurning Fire a memoirlike account of his

Enjoying life post-retirement, Sean O’Toole recently took a family trip to Italy with his daughters, Molly and Emma, and his wife, Heather.

22 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

personal journey. Introspection, selfreflection and people, both known and random, have helped O’Toole over the years, as has the understanding he’s developed that life is filled with choices – good and bad – and we don’t always get it right. “There are moments where we screw up, times we’re victimized or heartbroken or things don’t go our way – it’s part of the fullness of life,” says O’Toole. Now, post-teaching career, O’Toole fills much of his retirement time as a property manager. What started as a few people asking if he could maintain their lawns while they were away escalated to painting, power washing and even to minor home renovations. “My wife is determined to travel a lot and that’s expensive,” he chuckles. “This allows me to make a few bucks, so we can travel. Plus, I learn skills, get out around Muskoka and keep active. I love it.” What else? O’Toole does enjoy travelling

with his wife and two daughters. He’s also spent time editing and writing, when he’s not on property-maintenance duty. “I’ve edited a few books for people and I’m thinking about writing another book in the next year or so,” he shares. “There’s so much newness when I think about that 18-to-22-year age range. It’s the college or university years where you’re legitimately discovering new things about yourself and the world daily. I’ve always thought, and I talked to my students about this a lot, that ages 12 to 25 are like dog years; one year is like seven years. It’s so action-packed and so much happens in one year.” In writing his first book Like a SlowBurning Fire, self-published in January 2024, and as he begins to ponder his next, O’Toole likes the idea of exploring that critical life period between teenage-hood and adulthood. “It's the excitement of people who are trying to find their place in the world, to find their home,” he says. “Everybody wants a home, and not just a physical one;

A professional one – the career you’re looking for, a personal one – the people you’re hanging onto from high school and new people you meet through school and work, romantic relationships and building those. That time in your life is very charged.” After years of teaching writing skills and supporting students in sharing their voice and stories, O’Toole finally did the same. The process was cathartic and now he enjoys hearing from friends, students and community members who have taken time to read his book. “I’m happy with how the book has gotten out there,” he says. “It’s been neat running into random people at the grocery store who say they’ve read it, and they gave it to somebody else to read too.” Like a Slow-Burning Fire can be found online on Amazon and is also available at Rich Hill Candles in Bracebridge. O’Toole is also scheduled to deliver a talk about his book at Muskoka Chautauqua on August 5. “A former student called me and asked if I’d do this talk and I’m looking forward to it,” he shares. “I don’t think I would have said yes to that kind of thing unless it was in Muskoka.”

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AUG YUKS YUK’S

ON TOUR

Stand up Comedy at Canvas Brewery

AUG MOVIE ON THE

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Bring the Little Ones for a Story in the Park & a Free Concert

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AUG MICHAEL

KAESHAMMER Virtuosic Piano Performances Blending Jazz, Classical and Pop

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CHOIR! (MATINEE) Featuring the Songs of Taylor Swift

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The Original Band That Toured with Gordon Lightfoot

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Relive the Big Band Era with a Vibrant, Energetic Performance

AUG YUKS YUK’S

ON TOUR

Stand up Comedy at Canvas Brewery

AUG SAVOUR THE

SUMMER

HfA’s Annual Fun’Raiser at Sandhill Nursery

SEPT OLD MAN

LUEDECKE

Irreverent Folk, Part of the Nursery Nights Concert Series

SEPT A GARDEN

VARIETY IMPROV SHOW Improv Comedy at Sandhill Nursery

SEPT HOWIE MANDEL

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SEPT DAVID FRANCEY

Canadian Folk Legend, part of the Nursery Nights Concert Series

OCT IRISH MYTHEN

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ON TOUR

Stand up Comedy at Sandhill Nursery

OCT JAMES BARKER

BAND

Platinum Country Artists Rock Deerhurst Resort

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Photograph: Caroline Pattison

Caroline Pattison paints from her studio in Port Sydney and looks forward to hosting guest artist Sharon Wagner-Chazalon. Wagner-Chazalon’s pottery will be on display with Pattison’s paintings during the Muskoka North Studio Tour.

Article by Bronwyn Boyer

new chapter of the vibrant Muskoka arts scene is unfolding, as 2025 marks the inaugural Muskoka North Studio Tour. Taking place August 15 to 17, the event features 14 studios and 26 artists including painters, potters, jewellers, metalworkers, woodworkers and sculptors.

For decades, art lovers looked forward to the iconic studio tours that put Muskoka on the map. To connect with artists in their home studios and get a special behind-the-scenes view into their worlds, their processes, and the environments that inspire them, is truly special.

Spearheaded by a dedicated group of artists, the Muskoka North Studio Tour will rekindle Muskoka’s long-standing tradition of these unique experiences. The story begins with Huntsville painter Nancy McKinnon. After the beloved Artists of the Limberlost had its last tour in 2024, McKinnon recognized the void it

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 25

Photograph: Stephanie Aykroyd

would leave. She envisioned a new tour In a singing duet, it’s more that would showcase the region’s diverse interesting to hear harmony arts community while expanding beyond than unison. With that in the confines of Limberlost Road. mind, there are two artists In the fall of 2024, McKinnon put the featured at each studio. The feelers out to gauge interest and the host and guest artists work in response was enthusiastic. Artists quickly different mediums to keep signed on, eager to participate. things fresh. This enriches the “Nancy’s enthusiasm was contagious,” visitor experience, offering a says Port Sydney painter Caroline wide spectrum of artistic Pattison. “She just put out a call and we expression. all came together with a shared goal to “Having different mediums create something new.” at each stop makes it so much Within months, this collective effort more engaging,” notes Aykroyd. materialized into the Muskoka North “Not only can visitors take in Studio Tour. The choice of dates was two artists at once, but also two strategic, aligning with those of the very different art forms.” Limberlost tour. Organizing such a large “People already associate that weekend event is no small feat. The Stephanie Aykroyd’s paintings capture the everyday serenity of with Muskoka art,” Raymond painter artists have been holding regular Muskoka’s landscapes, from glowing trees at sunset to the stillness Terri Howell explains. “It made sense to THE RIOBEL MOMENTI™ COLLECTION of a local bay. Aykroyd is excited to collaborate with other artists on meetings since September 2024 AVAILABLE AT KNOWLES PLUMBING! keep the same timing to attract both to make sure everything would a large show and connect with people who appreciate art and the returning visitors and new audiences.” come together. “A lot of the stories behind it. The tour covers Utterson, Raymond, ideas we had are experimental,” Burk’s Falls painter Stephanie Aykroyd. “The Port Sydney, Huntsville, Dwight and Pattison shares. “We’re going to region is so inspiring and it’s only fair that Burk’s Falls. “We wanted to include more see what works and what doesn’t on this first BAT H north & KI TCregion,” H E Nexplains SH OW Rget OtoOexperience M visitors more of it.” artists in the Muskoka tour and make adjustments as needed.” DESI GN. INSTALLATION. REPAIR S E RVI NG A LL OF MUSKOKA 279 MA N ITOBA ST, B R AC EBR ID G E

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Photographs: Muskoka North Studio Tour

Since September 2024 when the artists first began to discuss a new tour to take over from the Artists of the Limberlost Tour, they wanted to expand the area covered. As a result, artists and studios on the tour can be found in Utterson, Raymond, Port Sydney, Huntsville, Dwight and Burk’s Falls. August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 27

Photograph: Caroline Pattison

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Luckily, with so much talent in one room, there’s no need for out-sourcing for marketing, sponsorships, graphic design and other logistics. The promotional materials were crafted by talented local professionals, including Huntsville painter Mark Kulas, whose work has become synonymous with Muskoka’s arts branding, including the Limberlost Tour. “Everyone stepped up,” says Pattison. “It’s a real community effort, and that’s what makes it special.” For the artists involved, the region’s natural beauty is a constant muse. Pattison’s work reflects the tranquil lakes and forests that surround her, while Aykroyd’s paintings capture the everyday serenity of Muskoka’s landscapes, from glowing trees at sunset to the

Heidi Clausen is the guest artist slated to join Bobbi Haviland at her studio in Burk’s Falls for the Muskoka North Studio Tour. Clausen takes time and care in crafting her work, enjoying the process and incorporating fun into her designs.

stillness of a local bay. Howell, a longtime Muskoka resident, draws inspiration from her surroundings in Raymond, where farm fields and bushland come alive at dusk. “Living here fuels my creativity,” Howell says. “Everywhere I look, I see something to inspire me. I’m surrounded by classic old farmhouses, rolling fields backlit by the golden light of dusk. There is so much variety in Muskoka to be inspired by.” While Howell doesn’t operate a full-time studio, she’s opened her cozy cabin for the

Photograph: Muskoka North Studio Tour

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A retired teacher, Caroline Pattison’s paintings celebrate the many faces and colours of the seasons. From the vibrant oranges of fall leaves to the endless blue of the sky over a lake, she paints using oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, charcoal and graphite.

Photographs: Muskoka North Studio Tour

At each studio on the tour, there are two artists featured. The host and guest artists work in different mediums to keep things fresh and enrich the visitor experience, offering a wide spectrum of artistic expression. tour, transforming it into a temporary gallery. “I don’t have regular studio hours, but I love sharing my work during events like this,” she says. “It’s so rewarding to connect with visitors one-on-one and discuss what I do.” Aykroyd echoes this sentiment. “It’s wonderful to collaborate with other artists to put together a large show, instead of trying to do it all on our own,” she explains. “And to connect with people who appreciate art and the stories behind my work. The tour isn’t just about showing art but also building lasting relationships and celebrating Muskoka’s beauty. I’m really looking forward to it.” Pattison sees the tour’s potential to become an annual tradition that grows each year. “COVID made us realize how much we need community and shared experiences,” she reflects. “Getting out, seeing art and connecting with artists are the things that truly enrich our lives.” With the first Muskoka North Studio Tour set to launch, anticipation is high. The artists hope that visitors will embrace the new tour as a chance to explore Muskoka’s diverse landscapes and artistic talents. As Pattison

puts it, “This is just the beginning. We want it to grow and become a treasured part of Muskoka’s cultural fabric.” Given the difficulty artists typically have when it comes to marketing and selling their pieces, there are many advantages to the strength-in-numbers approach. Many hands make light work, and for many, it’s easier to promote another artist than their own work. Exchanging tricks of the trade and sharing gallery space is helpful, especially for artists that don’t have their own studios or galleries. But the tour signifies more than just an event rooted in practical advantages. It’s also a reaffirmation of the region’s creative spirit. “Being surrounded by nature is a constant source of inspiration,” Aykroyd says. “And sharing that through art brings us all closer together.” Aykroyd’s striking oil paintings celebrate the wonder of the natural world and the beauty of everyday life. She has mastered the marriage of colour and texture of moving water and stormy, clouded skies to create an almost-photo-realistic effect. Her paintings would fit in any décor but are unquestionably

one-of-a-kind. They will be complemented by works by wood-burning artist and jeweller Keri-Lyn Butts at Aykroyd’s Woodland Studio in Almaguin Highlands, just outside Burk’s Falls. Pattison paints using oil, acrylic, watercolour, pastel, charcoal and graphite. A retired teacher, she always had a talent for drawing and painting. Later on, she explored various mediums through courses at Fleming College and classes at Let the Cat Go at the Annex in Bracebridge. Her paintings celebrate the many faces and colours of the seasons. From the vibrant oranges of the fall leaves, a sunset over a placid evening lake lapping lazily over rocks, to a bright sunny day out on the lake with an endless blue sky, with noble pines standing proudly on their rocky pedestals. Her paintings will be displayed at her studio in Port Sydney alongside the pottery of Sharon Wagner-Chazalon. Terri Howell is also a retired teacher and explains that art is a common “second career” for many educators. “I think teachers are extremely creative, because you have to be to be a teacher,” she explains. “You have to come

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 29

Photograph: Muskoka North Studio Tour Photograph: Stephanie Aykroyd

Huntsville-based artist Janine Marson uses watercolour, acrylic, oils and pastels in her works. Her art showcases the importance of nature and the need to honour and protect it – today and for future generations.

Artists involved in the Muskoka North Studio Tour hope that visitors will embrace the new tour as a chance to explore Muskoka’s diverse landscapes and artistic talents. 30 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

up with lessons each day that will engage children, and I think that’s the hole that’s left after you leave teaching. You want to keep being creative, so learning to paint or sculpt, or do something along those lines, helps to fill that void. I know a lot of artists in general, including a few on this tour, who are former teachers.” Howell’s paintings are impressionist snapshots taken by a viewer peeking through golden trees at a secluded lake or a frosty fall morning at Algonquin Park. She paints sunsets on Skeleton Lake, lazy river bends shrouded in mist, and sunny points of land blanketed in snow. Many are evocative of settings for mysterious stories that one could get engrossed in on a rainy day. “From the moment I arrived in 1978 I was awed by the ever-changing light and beauty of the sparkling lakes and diverse forests,” Howell states. “I try to capture the feeling I get on each day I paint, from those warm summer breezes to the cool days of fall.” Highlighting Howell’s paintings will be the work of Pam Carnochan, who stands out as the only textile artist on the tour. Carnochan has pioneered an innovative art form she terms “watercolour with wool.” Using wool sourced from her own sheep as her medium, her process is deeply connected to caring for her flock from start to finish. Her approach is highly intuitive and organic, following the natural rhythms of the seasons. Spring marks the beginning with shearing, then progresses through cleaning and dyeing the wool during late summer and fall. Through two felting techniques, she transforms fibres into landscape scenes, resulting in a creation process that is inherently natural and rooted in the organic cycle of her environment. As the picturesque backdrop of Muskoka continues to inspire, the Muskoka North Studio Tour stands as a testament to the power of community, creativity, and the enduring human connection to nature. Through their shared efforts, these artists have created a new chapter in Muskoka’s rich artistic legacy that promises to flourish for years to come. To see the full list of studios and artists, visit muskokanorthstudiotour.ca

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Ron Stevenson, also known as Mr. Motor for his lifelong love and devotion to the outboard motor, has several favourites in his vintage outboard collection. The gold-coloured 1950s Johnston motor at right was restored by Stevenson and now powers the Peterborough craft driven by Don Allman.

32 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

Article and Photography by Tim Du Vernet

“W

hen I was a kid…” is a refrain picked up by many as the years march on. As the generations slip by, simple summer activities can be deeply meaningful. The vintage outboard, mounted on the stern of a simple wooden craft or aluminum hull, has represented that summer experience for decades. Chris Taylor of Muskoka Seaflea along with members of the Outboard Motor Club, in particular, see and personally enjoy that power of nostalgia every time they pull the hand crank to start up an outboard. The outboard motor is an invention with well over a century of history behind it now. The simple Waterman Porto-Motor is considered to be among the first practical applications of the outboard motor concept, noted around 1906 or 1907. Racing powered boats of any kind were yet to be much of a concept. In 1916, the Muskoka Lakes Association (MLA) yearbook reported that “the cruiser class and the put-puts will this year be run under the Bang-and-go-back rules.” There was also a special class for steamboats that year. Life was always simpler in the days of our youth, and the artifacts of our childhood remind of those fun times. The outboard motor, believes Chris Taylor, connects people of all ages, with that special time. The small outboard motor was and continues to be, among the most accessible ways to experience power boating. Kids from the age of five can learn to operate a sea flea, that requires only some plywood to create. At one point, plans were readily available from

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 33

Science and Mechanics Magazine, says Taylor. The sea flea is a boat a parent and child can build together over a weekend. As soon as your hand touches that throttle, you feel the vibration and connect with the distinctive sound of an outboard motor, the experience is embedded for life. For this writer, that formative experience occurred with a white

six horsepower Mercury outboard – it rattled and rattled but never quit. Other motors in our collection during my childhood were an Evinrude Lark, which was a much smoother operating engine, and a 135 horsepower Mercury that ultimately powered our heavily abused “ski boat.” When newspapers were common and readily available, the sound of the outboard-powered boat, loaded with the Toronto Star or Globe and Mail, would zoom past the dock at 7 a.m. as the paper was hurled from the boat. This was a summer job that employed young teens annually. The passion for outboard motors is kept alive in the group dedicated to its history, the Maple Leaf Chapter of the Outboard Motor Club. Ron Stevenson, who was president

This four cylinder, twin opposed, 60CUI Evinrude racing engine originated in the 1930s. They were commonly modified after the Second World War.

for many years, has pretty much devoted his life to the outboard. Known as “Mr. Motor” of Muskoka Classic Marine, he has restored countless engines. In general, he believes the vintage outboard can be rewarding and reliable, once properly serviced, and there is such a huge variety to choose from. As a teenager, Stevenson worked at an Outboard Motor Club dealership, while summering at the family cottage on Browning Island. One of his earliest engines is a 1913 brass rowboat motor that generates maybe all of two horsepower. Steveson explains that during the 1950s, the Viking introductory model of outboard motor could be bought at the big department stores, like Eaton’s. At the collector level, passion runs very deep for all aspects connected with the outboard motor. The crates they were shipped in, the vintage oil cans, the brand signage, posters and logos along with authentic paints for restorations are all sought after. The aesthetic of the motors themselves speaks to a pre-digital, handcrafted era of craftsmanship. Sandy Kennedy, who has been collecting outboard motors and memorabilia for many

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The Kennedy Marine Motor Museum houses a wide variety of vintage outboards including these early Mercury outboards, as well as hundreds of period items, from motor oil cans to advertisements. years, just loves the way they look. He finds the chromes, colours, shapes and graphics along with the technological advances over the years endlessly enticing. The varied applications, from tiny sea fleas, utility tin boats, Boston Whalers, fishing boats,

freighter canoes, steel hulls for industry and construction, larger lake boats built by Grew, ski boats and numerous classes of race boats, both vintage and modern, keep the outboard very much alive. In Huntsville, the Allman family has been restoring wooden boats, giving

special attention to cedar strip craft for three generations. These modest boats can give a lot of pleasure and access to so many of the small hidden lakes of Muskoka. In northern, remote regions of Canada, a large outboard could be found on the transom

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of a large freighter canoe. In cottage lands, a commonly held vision of the outboard is one that is mounted on the stern of a 16-foot cedar strip runabout. Peterborough, Lakefield, Lake Craft and Geisler are among the familiar names of companies building modest cedar strip boats that could accommodate an outboard motor. Lake Craft, also known as the Muskoka Canoe Company, built cedar strips from 1946 to 1960 in Bracebridge. Several examples have survived. Beth Guy tells the story of her boat, Marion, named after the original owner’s wife. All it took was a raspberry-rhubarb pie to become Marion’s new owner, having been rescued from a woodfire pile. Reports were that the motor wasn’t working well and she leaked. But with a bit of freshening and exploration, at least the engine issue was solved. Guy explains that with the choke cover removed, 36 acorns were discovered and removed. She saved them for posterity! Guy figures the boat will go upwards of 20mph with her current power and just two people on board. Since her restoration, Marion has taken part in many adventures with Guy and friends, such as boating from Lake Joseph to Bala for an evening event and nearly getting lost on the return at night. John Collins has particularly fond family memories of a 1950s-era, 14-foot cedar strip, with Canadian Canoe Company “Rocket” model decals. It was powered by a heavily modified 33 horsepower Johnson outboard motor. Her layout was unique with a “centre deck” on which the steering column and controls were mounted. Collins eventually became the

Don Allman of Allman Boatworks, gives this 1950s Peterborough Aqua Craft, owned by John Collins, a test drive.

family custodian of the boat and had her restored. Prior Smith, well-known for his knowledge on cedar strips, took on the cause of her restoration. He identified her as a Peterborough Aqua Craft, despite the decals. She was on display at the 2025 Gravenhurst Boat Show, with Collins polishing her 35 horsepower Johnson engine, restored by Ron Stevenson. Allman Boatworks, near Huntsville, had given her hull further attention as well. As outboards grew more powerful and fibreglass was common, hull designs took on a period specific character, in harmony with automobiles of the time. Big fins and bold colours took

centre stage. Ron Stevenson’s 16-foot, 1961 Power Cat tunnel hull is about as outrageous as it gets. With twin matching Mercury 80 horsepower, six-cylinder engines, with props that spin in opposite directions, she flies, especially for the 1960s. These were popular boats in the 1960s, but with no reverse, Stevenson refers to it as a “dock crasher!” The 1950s also saw Larson come out with the Thunderhawk. This bright red and white 15-foot boat has tail fins like the Cadillac of its day. With bug-eyed front riding lights and a unique glowing stern light, it is a boat full of character. Owner

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 37

Mercury Kiekhaefer-era outboards of the 1950s were stylish and powerful, like this set up of twins on a classic launch.

restricted to around 300 pounds, can reach speeds well in excess of 60mph. Over the last seven years she has been racing, Everitt has competed against some of the biggest names in the Ontario circuit, such as Andrew Frallick. Compared to days gone by, one can instantly tell how serious and sophisticated the competition has become by the safety gear each racer wears: from helmet to a tear-proof Kevlar body suit. Stevenson believes part of the reason for the rich history of use of vintage outboards in Muskoka is because so many boathouses have one. “I get calls all the time about another discovery of an outboard,” explains Stevenson, who has been working on or restoring engines for well over 50 years now. Stevenson believes there are a lot of motors still in sheds, under porches and other hidden places. The progression of technology is such that motors considered “vintage” today include impressive technology, such as the likes of the six-cylinder stack, with electronic ignition that revolutionized the industry. There is something for everyone in the world of vintage and historic outboards. From quirky little fishing and rowboat motors that are over a century old, to the brightly coloured art deco models of the 1950s and the “tower of power” sixes of the 1970s and ‘80s. Nostalgia burns bright, says Chris Taylor. That 20-year cycle takes us back to “Bonanza Land.” All it takes is another smile from a youngster at the helm of a boat to see another seed of passion for the outboard take root.

Wayne Dunbar won several awards at the ACBS show in Gravenhurst for the restoration of his special boat. James Bond movie fans will remember the record flight of the Glastron outboard, sailing over 100 feet for the move Live and Let Die. The sparkly metallic finish of this era has made them very collectible. For many the need for speed goes well beyond the mini sea fleas. The Toronto Outboard Racing Club has taken the outboard experience to the fastest levels with several different classes of boats. Each year their circuit brings the boats

to Gull Lake on Gravenhurst. Some of the vintage engines include the 1950s “corn popper” modified fishing engines. They run fast and loose, explained one driver. Among the racers were a group of young women who have achieved outstanding results in a world mostly dominated by men. Tammy Everitt, from Haliburton, races in the “OSY” and the “20 super stock hydro” categories. OSY-400 is an international class raced throughout the United States and Europe. That makes for big, highly competitive fields vying for world championships, national titles and speed records. The boat must be a hydroplane type, without weight restrictions. Everitt’s little boat, weight

Past president of the Maple Leaf Chapter of the Outboard Motor Club, Ron Stevenson has had a lifelong passion for outboards.

Ron Stevenson at the wheel of a 1961 tunnel hull powered by matching 80 horsepower Mercury outboards. With no ability to reverse the boat, due to the set up of the outboard, Stevenson refers to this model as a “dock crasher.”

38 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

A great big thank you to our supporters! Together we’ve made a Ripple and it’s already having far-reaching effects: hundreds of acres of land and thousands of feet of riparian area have been protected thanks to you!

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HAYNES Special thanks to Jordyn Ross, Stephen’s Butcher Shop, The Brightsides, Mike Olivieri and Turtle Jacks Muskoka Grill. Heartfelt thank you to our attendees and silent auction donors.

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 39

Josianne Masseau’s entrepreneurial spirit has flourished since she moved to Muskoka in 2000, making use of the photography, branding and other creative skills picked up on her life’s journey.

Article by Bronwyn Boyer / Photography by Kelly Holinshead

n a world driven by fast-paced routines and digital distractions, stories of authentic alternative lifestyles stand out like beacons of inspiration. One such story belongs to Josianne Masseau, a dynamic artist whose journey spans different lives, careers and creative pursuits. Born and raised in Quebec, Masseau always had a restless desire to explore and express her creative spirit. “I was always doing something creative,” she recalls. “Gymnastics was also a big part of my life. I think having to become comfortable with movement is how I developed my gypsy soul.” Indeed, this explains her ability to take leaps of faith and land with grace. Masseau’s upbringing gave her a sense of independence and resilience. “I learned early on to be self-reliant, and I was always seeking new experiences,” she shares. “I felt comfortable with change.” That independence and love for exploration would later influence her approach to life. Drawn by a desire to experience new landscapes and cultures in her youth, Masseau set out for the west coast of Canada on a journey that would become a defining chapter in her life. “I hitchhiked from Quebec City all the way to Tofino,” she shares. “I dove into the hippie life, camping on beaches and protecting waterfalls from loggers.” Her adventures weren’t just about escape, but were also acts of activism, expressions of her deep connection to the environment and her desire to make a difference. During this period, Masseau immersed herself in the arts while living off the land. Her days were spent camping, hiking and forging a profound bond with nature. “I loved being out there, living simply,” she reminisces. “It was about connecting with the earth and expressing myself freely.” Masseau’s travels led her to study photography in Quebec, but her restless spirit soon prompted her to explore further. She journeyed extensively through Yukon, Alaska and along the legendary West Coast Trail, capturing landscapes that took her breath away. Her camera was her constant companion, a tool to preserve moments of raw beauty and to deepen her artistic vision. “Travelling and photography really opened my eyes,” she reflects. “It’s like I was collecting pieces of the world that I could turn into art later.” In 2000, Masseau found herself drawn to Muskoka, which has often been characterized as the ultimate resting place for the creative soul.

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 41

The wild beauty of the lakes and forests resonated deeply with her love for nature. She and her partner embarked on the monumental project of building a log home from scratch over 12 years. The experience was a testament to her dedication and craftsmanship. “It was difficult, but it was worth every second,” she says. “To make a space that was truly ours and a reflection of our connection to the land.” Masseau’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished in Muskoka. She launched Flaunt It Creative, a business offering graphic and web design, photography and branding services. Self-taught in these skills, she embraced the challenge of mastering them through trial and error. “I’ve always been a do-it-yourself-er,” she says. “Whether it was coding websites or designing logos, I just figured it out as I went along.” Her ability to learn independently and adapt rapidly became her greatest asset. The birth of her daughter in 2007 marked a pivotal moment in Masseau’s life. Parenthood shifted her priorities, prompting her to reevaluate her career and lifestyle. “When I had my daughter, I realized I

needed to find a way to make money doing what I love,” she reflects. “I wanted to be present for her, but I also needed to support us.” Balancing motherhood with her creative pursuits, Masseau took on roles in kitchen design, graphic arts and photography. Her work was flexible, allowing her to spend more time with her daughter while still nurturing her artistic side. “It was a juggling act,” she admits. “But I was determined to find a way to make it work.” And she did, until the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her business. But it led to the meteoric rise of Masseau’s new jewelry business, The Bohemy Co. Like many, she faced the unprecedented challenges of cancelled clients, halted projects and a disrupted sense of stability. But instead of despair, she saw opportunity. “COVID forced me to slow down and rethink everything,” she explains. “I realized

I needed to embrace a lifestyle that truly made me happy.” Although Masseau had wanted to make jewelry since she was a child, what started the ball rolling was helping a friend make beaded bracelets. “I just started doing it for fun while we were visiting,” she recalls. “She needed to make a bunch of bracelets for large orders, so I gave her a hand. We would sit and hang out, making bracelets for hours, and I just loved it. I started to figure out that I could make money at it, so I put in an order for beads for my own designs. And then once I started, I couldn’t stop. I hardly slept because I would do my regular job during the day and then make bracelets in the evening. One idea would lead to another, and then I’d look up and realize it was six a.m.” As a professional photographer and graphic designer, Masseau had the advantage of presenting her work in a way that reached a large audience of admirers online. Suddenly,

Josianne Masseau renovated a camper into her summer home, allowing her to rent her house out in the summer months as well as creating jewelry and travelling to various festivals, markets and craft shows to sell her work. 42 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

it seemed like everyone wanted her creations. She signed up for the Christmas market at Muskoka Foundry, which required a name and a logo, and The Bohemy Co was born. Based on the enthusiastic reception she received, she decided to sign up for the Mariposa Music Festival. And to her surprise, she got in. “I thought it was funny because I didn't even have a business,” Masseau laughs. “But everything was just flowing and coming together so naturally, I just went with it. I started making stuff like crazy for a few months. And then I had to get a tent and build displays.” For an adept DIY-er like Masseau, the design, carpentry, woodworking and sewing for the displays came together quickly. “The day before Mariposa, I was building my displays,” she shares. “I brought all my tools with me where I was camped out and was working down to the wire. It was a bit stressful, but fun too.” “I had no idea if I had any business doing it,” she continues. “But people were really impressed with my stuff and it was really successful. Then the following weekend, I did During the COVID-19 pandemic, Josianne Masseau was helping a friend create beaded bracelets, the Muskoka Arts and Crafts show, which also which sparked her childhood desire to make her own jewelry. Once she started, designs flowed, a did really well. It just felt like it had a momentum name and logo came together and The Bohemy Co came into being.

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all on its own and I just had to catch up.” When she caught up, Masseau decided to rent her house out through Air BnB and buy a camper, which she renovated into her summer home. This allowed her to travel from festival to festival, creating jewelry amid stunning natural backdrops. “It was terrifying but exciting,” she recalls. “I was going all in on my passion.” Masseau started touring the festivals and craft markets of Ontario, selling her jewelry with great success. “Creating in these beautiful settings was incredible,” she says. “It’s like I was back in my youth, living simply and authentically.” Masseau’s jewelry is inspired by river reflections, mountain vistas and shimmering water – a true reflection of her connection to nature. Each piece was imbued with her personal story and the landscapes she explored. “I love making jewelry that’s inspired by the world around me,” she says. “It’s a way to carry that beauty with me, to share it with others.” For Masseau, jewelry-making isn’t just a business, but also a form of therapy. “When I create without constraints, I feel in the flow,” she explains. “It’s effortless, and my best ideas come when I’m just in the moment, not overthinking.” Her process is spontaneous – she often gets inspired by her surroundings or her travels abroad. Masseau describes her creative process as channelling her environment directly into her work. “Sometimes I realize I’ve created a collection without even planning it,” she says. “Like my river collection – those colours and textures just appeared naturally, inspired by the water and trees. It feels like nature itself is guiding me.” Fitting The Bohemy Co into her other pursuits required Masseau to make an important adjustment. Masseau’s creativity is complemented by her openness to new tools, such as AI-assisted editing. “It saves me so much time,” she says. “Editing is tedious and AI helps streamline that, freeing me to focus on designing and creating.” She believes technology should serve as a tool, not a replacement, for human creativity.

Masseau’s journey has culminated in a celebration of independence and authenticity. Her natural aptitude for problem-solving and self-sufficiency allows her to balance her creativity with her love for adventure in a way that sustains her and her daughter. Every creative person will attest this can be a major challenge, but Masseau faces adversity with stubborn tenacity. A shakeup that was disastrous for many became the stepping stone Masseau needed to follow her dreams. Using a camper as a jewelry-making studio has allowed Masseau the solitude and portability to explore her creativity in various beautiful natural hideaways, which is how she comes up with the wearable works of art that people must have. Her pieces are earthy and beautiful in an understated way. Many of the styles are vintage with a modern twist, drawing the eye without being flashy or oversized. Minimalist yet sophisticated, they offer practical adornment for free spirits who are always on the move. Many of Masseau’s designs are also inspired by her travels to Nicaragua. Creating by the ocean on long sandy beaches and taking in the indescribable sunsets, her immersion in the vibrant culture of the area also flows into her work. Living simply feels authentic to Masseau, as it reminds her that she’s a gypsy at heart. Having her bike with her allows her to explore the places she visits while touring her wares.

Josianne Masseau’s jewelry is inspired by river reflections, mountain vistas and shimmering water. Each piece is a reflection of her connection to nature, imbued with her personal story and the landscapes she has explored.

Inspired by the world around her and her many travels, Josianne Masseau’s process is spontaneous – she creates by channelling the environment into her work.

Josianne Masseau signed up first for a Christmas market at the Muskoka Foundry, followed by Mariposa Folk Festival and the Muskoka Arts & Crafts Summer Show. Now, she has an impressive list of festivals and markets on her docket for this year with her sights aimed at attending the One-of-a-Kind show in Toronto. “I don’t need much,” she says. “I love hanging out alone in nature, making jewelry, or hanging out with my cat and my daughter. Living with less brings me peace and makes me happier because it helps me stay connected to what truly matters.” Masseau’s philosophy is simple: follow your passion, embrace change and trust the flow. She encourages others to pursue their dreams, even if it means stepping outside conventional

46 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

boundaries. “You have to be brave and take risks,” she asserts. “That’s how you grow and truly live.” Masseau’s story is a blueprint for anyone seeking to live authentically and creatively. Her path demonstrates that resilience, selfeducation and a willingness to take risks is a recipe for fulfillment. The fear of the unknown can be debilitating, but much can be gained from taking leaps of faith. Either growth occurs,

or unexpected miracles. With an impressive list of festivals and markets already under her belt, Masseau has her sights set on the One-of-a-Kind show in Toronto, which will expand her reach to larger audiences. So far, her jewelry can be found in retail stores and galleries such as MAC on Main in Bracebridge, the Artisan Trading Post in Port Carling, and Moon River Apothecary in Parry Sound.

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August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 47

Article by J. Patrick Boyer

Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer

Photograph: Jeanne de Keyserling / Courtesy Muskoka Arts & Crafts

t’s Market Day! While Muskoka vendors and others from diverse spots around Ontario converge with their wide-ranging products and kiosks to highly coveted stands at a dozen district open-air venues, local residents, summer cottagers and wayfaring tourists head with shopping bags and expectations to the enticing weekly opportunities of the cultural, commercial and agricultural event known as a “farmers’ market.” Shopping is a necessity for most, made more special in the spacious outdoors, with double the impact if the sales are in uniquely scenic Muskoka locales such as Gravenhurst’s Gull Lake Park amidst tall pines and refreshing onshore breezes or at Rosseau’s busy waterfront beach marketplace. In this plein air shopping culture, farmers’ markets occupy a unique space. When first applied to community commercial activities, the term “farmers’ market” was precise

until then, a large farmers’ market building, including weigh scales adjacent to the town clerk’s building, was constructed near the northeast corner of John Street and Victoria (now Sharpe) Street – a site behind the present-day Opera House now occupied by the public library and its parking lot. Joe Stratford’s history of the Opera House, The Many Stages of Our Lives, shows Canada’s Governor General Lord Aberdeen descended from his coach, during a Gravenhurst visit with Lady Aberdeen, inspecting this farmers’ market in August 1898. Both the original photograph of his market tour, and a marked version of it indicating local features, record the event. A subsequent 1914 photograph shows how the weigh scale for large items such as a burlap bag of potatoes, box of beets or side of beef was embedded in the building’s brick wall. The scales where the transaction was taking place on the outside, the register in the interior where on market day clerk W.H. Butterworth took the official reading and his secretary, Alma Perkins Borneman, typed it and passed a note with the number to the parties outside. A Bracebridge roadway became known as Market Street in early settlement days because it was the prime venue for open-air Saturday

Photograph: Photograph: Gravenhurst Town Archives

and accurate. Today, the mixture of goods for sale is wide-ranging, although more items may be considered made, rather than farmed. Settlers brought the street market with them to Ontario and each market has its own particular nature. There’s a sense that farmers’ markets in Muskoka are an even newer development because most claim recent start-up dates. The Gravenhurst market “began in 1992.” Huntsville’s current market is said to date from 1987, Bracebridge’s from the 1970s. Rosseau’s market launched in 2000. Gravenhurst’s Community Market just started five years ago. And so on, across the district. However, in most cases these are contemporary revivals of weekly street markets dating from the start of homesteader farming when Muskoka first opened for settlement in the 1860s. How else could pioneer Muskokans make a living from their farms if they didn’t bring produce into the settlements and sell it? “We have had a longstanding tradition of a farmers’ market dating back into the 1800s,” notes Gravenhurst’s archivist and historian Judy Humphries. In 1896, to replace what had served for a marketplace in Gravenhurst

In summer 1898, Canada’s Governor General Lord Aberdeen stepped from his carriage to inspect Gravenhurst’s farmers’ market at its new location. Photographed from Sullivan’s upstairs window, to the band stand’s left is the town clerk’s brick office building and weigh scale extension, and to its right the new market hall erected in 1896. commerce. After the Boer War ended in 1902, townsfolk created a Memorial Park for two young soldiers killed in that distant war helping the British add South Africa’s lucrative diamond mines to its imperial holdings. Volcanic rocks known as kimberlites, the primary source for diamonds, were so productive in South Africa that the Dutch homesteaders named their major town emerging as the diamond-mining capital of the world “Kimberley.” To make the connection to South Africa, Market Street running along the west side of the triangular park was renamed Kimberley Avenue. Locals along this route digging gardens even into the 1960s came across various evidence of market days, such as sawn bones from meat cuts. Today the Bracebridge Farmers’ Market in

Sisters Zonia Slyfield and Phema Isaacs have been making the long drive to Gravenhurst’s Farmers’ Market every summer Wednesday and back to Scarborough at day’s end for 25 years to smile with familiar customers and sell Zonia’s Caribbean food sauces.

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 49

Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer

Tent-like kiosks have become common at Muskoka’s many summer markets in villages and towns alike, arranged to create a market street of widely varying products perused at leisure and purchased with easy conversation by an equally varied public of shoppers. Memorial Park, still held on Saturday, continues operating along Market Street in all but name. For sellers and buyers alike, market day is a retailing experience that can please or disappoint, yet both parties keep turning out because they enjoy the adventure. Vendors get to know repeat customers and buyers know the only place to get a rare food or seductive fragrance. Fresh farm produce is still the centre around which satellite vendors orbit, and most Muskoka farmers’ markets tout their role in district agriculture. The Huntsville market promotes its location at the town’s fairgrounds as “ideal for promoting North Muskoka agriculture.” Rosseau’s market is committed “to provide people of both Parry Sound and Muskoka fresh Ontario produce with an emphasis on locally grown and produced items.” Gravenhurst’s market, having been the object of a picketing protester, whose sign condemned trucks arriving from the Ontario Food Terminal, is today on “a mission to promote fresh Ontario produce with a special emphasis on locally grown products.” Yet the decreasing presence of local farmers with stalls at most Muskoka farmers’ markets has been matched by the rising dominance of single source produce supply. Today’s mashup of farm products with arts and crafts, scented candles and fishermen’s lures with guitar strumming singers and serious environmental issues and social causes creates so diversified an event that it is a unique hybrid. Operating with a short season amid local commercial ventures that also offer a wide array of farm-style goods, organizers of

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Muskoka farmers’ markets seek to balance the menu. When January snow still covers our district, applications flood in from vendors wanting ground space in the upcoming season’s market. Even stalwart sellers for decades must reapply every year, sending samples of their products, because market organizers strive for a well-balanced mix from year to year and use their power to do so. One constant is that a farmers’ market is held at the same venue on the same day during the same hours between mid-May and Labour Day. Within that fixed framework, vendors rotate around a personal circuit of markets they applied to and have been authorized for either as “seasonal” or “guest” vendors, the former with a full-season gig from spring to fall, the latter entitled to make spot appearances. It is a demanding feat on the part of sellers, requiring early morning arrival and set up, engaging members of the public throughout market hours, packing up and going home at day’s end to resupply and be ready to hit the road next morning. “People look forward to the markets,” emphasizes Al Burley of Port Carling, who began creating wood products after retiring from the RCAF. “I see many of the same people every week, doing their grocery shopping and looking around to see what’s new.” One vendor’s “every day” circuit takes in the five markets at Huntsville, Sundridge, Parry Sound, Bracebridge and Gravenhurst. Another’s requires appearances at Orillia, Bala, Gravenhurst, Rosseau and Bracebridge. In all, the farmers’ markets are an ever-changing kaleidoscope, never twice repeating the same

arrangement of all their moving parts. A common feature of farmers’ markets is a live performance by a local music maker who is both a participant and observer. Neil Hutchinson of Bracebridge, whether singing his own songs or working through his repertoire of Gordon Lightfoot classics, is among this cast of regularly performing musicians. “There is much more interest this year,” Hutchinson says of the 2025 Bracebridge Farmers’ Market. “The place is busier, with more things people want, like a coffee or something to eat. There are more vendors.” Another integral feature of open-air markets is contending with weather, which is the same challenge for outdoor weddings and graduation ceremonies. However, farmers accustomed to working through rain did not pivot to an alternative plan; they just shrugged and carried on. Muskoka farmers’ markets adhere to this ancestral work ethic, declaring themselves open for business “rain or shine.” The advent of versatile kiosks has increased ability to continue through all manner of weather. In Huntsville, where market day is Thursday, one wiseacre commented, “If it’s raining, this must be Thursday.” Despite similarities, no monolithic pattern holds for markets across the district because Muskoka’s uniqueness springs from vital differences between areas and communities with few remaining static, as Gravenhurst makes clear. Over the past quarter century, according to constant exhibitor Zonia Slyfield who began the days Patricia Luellen ran the town farmers’ market, the weekly event’s venue has been the wharf area by Muskoka Bay, near the main street behind the library, in a municipal sports field and, since 2024, in Gull Lake Park to sidestep traffic blockages caused by road and waterworks reconstruction. Locals “like the vibe of being in town and beside the lake,” reports a staff member of the town library on duty at the market’s information desk, though Lake Muskoka cottagers boating to market understandably preferred the wharf area. The current set up, with a map of vendor kiosks at the entrance like a city shopping mall, runs like a winding street through the clustering pines with stalls along both sides. Then, five years ago, Sherrie Pilger launched another open-air weekly market in town at the local drive-in theatre. The Gravenhurst

Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer

Photograph: Gravenhurst Town Archives

Because money did not change hands in Muskoka as readily a century ago as it does today, purchases at farmers’ markets required the precise reading of weigh scales. This 1914 photograph shows Gravenhurst clerk-treasurer W.H. Butterworth taking the reading in his office. His secretary Alma Perkins Borneman would deliver the accurate number to the parties to the parties involved.

A decreasing presence of local farmers with stalls at district farmers’ markets has been matched by the rising dominance of single-source produce supply. Over the past four decades, Barry and Laura Anderson of Coldwater have made Anderson Produce a mainstay of Muskoka’s markets with their extensive displays of “the freshest, best tasting produce from select Ontario farms.”

Community Market, operating during sunlight hours when no movie could be screened and the lot stands empty, promotes itself as “local people selling local things.” This community-centric market operates a log-in website for folks to connect with “family, friends and people you know.” Now a third Gravenhurst market venue is

taking shape along Bethune Drive north, across from Muskoka Rock Company’s granite sawmill near Highway 11. The site, where Hale Muskoka is slated to open this month, was once the Simpson family’s homestead, accounting for the heritage barn, several remnant fields being reclaimed by nature, and a nearby street called Simpson Road. Senior

consultant on the project, Debra Goldblatt Sadowski, explains that “Hale represents to us the meditative act of ‘inhaling’ and ‘exhaling.’ Every breath is a fresh start, a new beginning. It allows a chance to renew, reconnect and rediscover your nature. It’s about slowing down, taking in the richness of your environment, and truly living in the moment.

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Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer

Fishing lures, crafted handbags and dozens of other vendor offerings are on display in the rows of kiosks around the bandshell at Bracebridge’s Saturday morning farmers’ market in Memorial Park. Across Muskoka, as in the rest of our country, rising national awareness is on display in the face of U.S. political and economic aggression. On the right is Muskoka maple syrup displayed on a Canadian flag.

52 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

atmosphere. Youths in highly visible light green T-shirts emblazoned with the Rosseau Market logo wait ready to assist buyers move their voluminous purchases to their vehicles or boats or seaplanes with sturdy wagons in the same green and signs designating them as a Rosseau Market helper. In addition to a spectacular locale, Rosseau Farmers’ Market succeeds by the clarity of purpose of those organizing and operating it to provide people of both Parry Sound and Muskoka fresh Ontario produce with an emphasis on locally grown and produced items and a chance to encounter local artists, artisans, and crafters and their works, to promote co-operation between vendors and customers, in the bargain fostering “a strong sense of community” and “preservation of small farms and farmland.” The understandable popularity and all the cars have not escaped attention; the organizers have a shuttle bus service from village parking areas down to the waterside market. When farmers’ markets began in Muskoka’s pioneer era, many fresh fruits and vegetables commonly enjoyed today thanks to air transport and refrigeration were

beyond imagining, and no homesteader ever slipped on a banana peel. Today, apart from produce in Muskoka coming from Mexico, Central America, Africa, and the Middle East, those living in harmony with local farms and gardens enjoy the march of seasons advancing from fresh strawberries, blueberries, peaches, beans and corn to harvests of apples, cranberries, squash, and pumpkins. Tomorrow is market day, somewhere in Muskoka!

Neil Hutchinson of Bracebridge, performing his Canadian folk songs at the town’s Saturday market, notes increased attendance this year and a stronger emphasis on products that are made in Canada and locally grown.

Photograph: J. Patrick Boyer

With Hale Muskoka, we want to create a natural gathering space that celebrates the present, the seasonal changes, and stimulates the senses through food, art, craftsmanship and a serene natural setting. We’re creating a space to allow the best of Muskoka to shine through.” Huntsville’s Farmers’ Market has also relocated over time, most recently completing a three-decade run in the local Canadian Tire parking lot. In 2019 the store’s expansion forced a move to the Huntsville Fair Grounds where the atmosphere is more suited to the purpose than an asphalt parking lot, with additional space for the weekly market’s increasing number of vendors, ample safe parking or public transit with the fairgrounds on the town’s bus route. Port Sydney’s Farmers’ Market, held Saturdays beside Highway 11 off Mary Lake Road outside the Ultramar gas station, offers the contemporary mixture of produce from local growers and handcrafted products by area artisans. So does the Rosseau Market, but on a grand scale in a magnificent setting. A Bracebridge woman who attended it early this season found the village “packed, with cars parked up and down every street.” That’s another way to say Rosseau’s glorious mashup of the community-based variety of open-air shopping-centred markets is enjoying tremendous success. There’s a sand beach at water’s edge, a dock pavilion just offshore where lively musical groups draw crowds and heighten the festive

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August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 53

Whats Happened

Photograph: Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare

Gravenhurst snowboarder named to Team Canada

Huntsville District Memorial Hospital has opened a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite. The project was made possible through a $10 million fundraising campaign organized by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, aimed at enhancing local healthcare services.

Huntsville District Memorial Hospital has opened a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) suite, representing a significant development for the Muskoka community. This project was made possible through a $10 million fundraising campaign organized by the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, aimed at enhancing local healthcare services. Cheryl Harrison, president and CEO of Muskoka Algonquin Healthcare (MAHC) said the service will improve healthcare access for local residents. She commended the teamwork and community support that brought this project to fruition, stating, “Our clinical teams now have access to an exceptional diagnostic tool. This MRI service is a game changer.” The addition of the MRI suite is expected to save patients over 7,000 hours of travel time and eliminate more than 700,000 kilometres of trips to far-off facilities. With the ability to perform around 5,000 MRI scans each year, MAHC says patients will now receive timely care within Muskoka. Katherine Craine, CEO of the Huntsville Hospital Foundation, acknowledged the contributions of 2,460 donors from the region. Their support has enabled this project to be

54 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

completed in three years, reflecting a strong community commitment to improving local healthcare, she said.

Shoreline improvements at Norway Point

Photograph: Canadian National Snowboarding Team

New MRI suite opened at Huntsville Hospital

As the countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy begins – just seven months away – Canada has officially unveiled its roster of over 40 snowboarders ready to hit the slopes in five disciplines. Among the standout athletes is Gravenhurst’s Liam Brearley. The 2025/26 Canadian National Snowboard Team showcases a mix of experienced Olympians, Paralympic athletes, established team members, and spirited newcomers eager to shine on the world stage. This roster encompasses all five snowboarding disciplines: slopestyle and big air, halfpipe, snowboard cross, alpine, and para snowboarding. Competing under the Canadian flag, Brearley alongside his teammates, will participate in World Cup events and international competitions leading up to the Games. Brearley rose to fame last year when he became Canada’s first-ever men’s Slopestyle World Champion, marking a pivotal achievement for the nation.

Gravenhurst’s Liam Brearley has been named to the Canadian National Snowboarding Team for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Italy.

Norway Point Park in Lake of Bays Township is set to undergo a revitalization project, informed by feedback collected from local residents during public consultations held throughout 2023. The objective is to enhance the park experience by upgrading the beach, increasing seating options, and protecting the natural shoreline. The Township collaborated with the community to develop the Parks, Open Space, and Recreation Strategy, focusing on improving waterfront access and swimming conditions. This project aims to meet community needs while emphasizing shoreline conservation. The revitalization aims to achieve several key objectives. One important goal is to preserve the shoreline by maintaining native plants. Additionally, there are plans to enhance the swimming area located on the west side of the park. The effort also includes expanding seating options throughout the park to make it more inviting. Improving the visibility of the lake from various spots within the park is a significant focus.

Photograph: Township of Lake of Bays

Norway Point Park in Lake of Bays Township is set to undergo a revitalization project to enhance the park experience by upgrading the beach, increasing seating options, and protecting the natural shoreline.

New mural coming to downtown Bracebridge The Town of Bracebridge has taken an exciting step by approving a new mural for downtown.

Photograph: Town of Bracebridge

Norway Point Park will remain open during the revitalization, which is expected to be completed by late summer. The Township is set to implement a new planting strategy and will conduct regular maintenance to ensure accessibility for visitors.

Created by Toronto artist Jacquie Comrie, the artwork is titled “We All Come From Water.” A survey on EngageBracebridge.ca gave property owners in the Business Improvement Area the opportunity to express interest in hosting a mural on their buildings. This initiative prompted four submissions, leading the Public Art Advisory Committee to select 19 Taylor Road. The committee said the location stands out due to its high visibility as visitors enter downtown Bracebridge and its proximity to the future Northlander train station, slated to open in 2026. In December 2024, the community participated in another survey on EngageBracebridge.ca to help decide the theme for the mural. Additionally, a social media poll on the Town’s Facebook page received 150 votes, with the winning theme focused on celebrating the beautiful natural landscape of Bracebridge. Muskoka Conservancy reviewed the proposed design, confirming it features silhouettes of native fish species like rainbow trout and brook trout. While these elements are artistic representations, they aim to capture the spirit of the region. The mural will adorn the east-facing wall of 19 Taylor Road, which will undergo necessary preparations to enhance its longevity. To support the project, the 2025 Municipal Budget includes a $19,000 allocation for Public Art.

A new mural titled “We All Come From Water,” created by Toronto artist Jacquie Comrie, will soon grace the east-facing wall of 19 Taylor Road, Bracebridge, according to the Town's Public Art Advisory Committee. August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 55

Photograph: Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival

The Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival, a community tradition for 30 years, will return August 9 and 10 with over 80 unique vendors.

Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival set for August 9 and 10

56 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

Bracebridge approves MAT Photograph: Erica McLellan

For over 30 years, Baysville has celebrated a tradition that is central to the community's spirit: the Baysville Arts and Crafts Festival. Launched in 1987 by local artist Richard Robinson and his wife Marlene, this event has blossomed from a quaint gathering of six exhibitors into a vibrant festival that fills the local park each year. August 9 and 10, artisans from around the province converge along the Muskoka River, showcasing a remarkable variety of handcrafted goods. The festival's selective juried process ensures a diverse array of talent, featuring painters, soap-makers, potters, illustrators, woodworkers and textile artists. This annual celebration encourages visitors to venture out of their cottages and soak up the creative atmosphere. Festival attendees can wander through winding paths, discovering 80 unique booths filled with one-of-a-kind creations. If inspiration strikes, they can inquire about commissioning original artwork. Beyond the exhibits, festivalgoers can unwind to live music while enjoying a barbecue hosted by the Lions Club. With over 2,000 attendees expected, organizers say the festival significantly uplifts the local economy, with proceeds benefiting community organizations and scholarship programs.

genres: jazz, show dance, modern/contemporary, ballet and acro. “I can’t believe I get the chance of a lifetime to perform on stage in another country,” McLellan shared, expressing her excitement. She plans to bring her supportive parents along, as their encouragement has been crucial to her journey. Starting her dance training at the age of nine in Huntsville, McLellan pursued her dream with relentless dedication, honing her skills at J Dance Performing Arts Studio. Her commitment led her to professional training programs in Toronto and Belleville, with notable experiences at Cadence School of Ballet and the Quinte Ballet School of Canada. Her mother, Erica McLellan, says she’s extremely proud of Emma’s accomplishments. “Her acceptance to compete with Team Canada Dance speaks volumes about her talent. We hope our community will support her along this journey.” However, with an estimated cost of $20,000 for travel and competition expenses, Emma has launched a GoFundMe campaign. “The arts mean everything to me, and I appreciate any support,” Emma stated. For more details or to donate, visit https:// gofund.me/334178df.

A talented dancer from Bala, Emma McLellan, has been selected to join Team Canada Dance for their fall 2025 season. Joining the prestigious team will allow her to showcase her skills across five genres: jazz, show dance, modern/contemporary, ballet and acro.

Bala dancer selected for Team Canada Dance Emma McLellan, a talented dancer from Bala, is set to pursue an incredible opportunity as she joins Team Canada Dance for their fall 2025 season. This prestigious team will allow McLellan to showcase her skills across five

The Town Council of Bracebridge has officially approved the introduction of a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) to enhance tourism efforts and improve local amenities. This new initiative will be in effect starting October 1, 2025. Set at a four per cent rate per room night, the MAT aligns Bracebridge with neighbouring towns like Huntsville and Gravenhurst. In anticipation of this tax, the Town held a community engagement initiative last summer to collect feedback from local businesses and the tourism industry. To effectively manage the funds generated by the MAT, the Town plans to establish a municipal service corporation (MSC). This MSC will oversee the allocation of 50 per cent of the tax revenue specifically for promoting tourism in Bracebridge. The board will primarily consist of members from the local accommodation sector, ensuring their interests are represented in tourism investments. The other half of the MAT revenue will be utilized by the Town for essential community services and infrastructure projects, notably those enhancing visitor experiences.

In Gravenhurst and Huntsville, a four per cent MAT already exists, while in Lake of Bays Township a MAT is proposed to go into effect at the start of 2026.

RMS Segwun will not sail in 2025 due to the recent discovery of a serious mechanical problem. Plans have been announced for a major restoration of the steamship, scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025, pending funding confirmation.

Gallery’s move to Bala proves a recipe for success For more than three decades Red Canoe Gallery has brought the best in Canadian artwork to Muskoka, and for nearly two years they’ve been bringing it to a new location in Bala. “We moved to Bala in the fall of 2023 and

Photograph: Carola Grimm

In a recent announcement, the engineering crew conducting routine inspections on the RMS Segwun revealed a serious mechanical problem that cannot be resolved in time for the upcoming sailing season. As a result, the historic vessel will not be operational in 2025. According to Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre, who operate the vessel, they are proactively contacting all ticket holders for the season to offer alternative arrangements aboard her sister ship, Wenonah II. John Miller, president of Muskoka Steamships, addressed the situation stating, “The mechanical issue was unexpected. Our team has been thorough in testing all components of Segwun’s mechanical system and there were no prior indications of difficulties, despite the ship’s age. Safety is our highest concern, which made the tough decision to cancel this season necessary in order to carry out required repairs.” Looking ahead, plans have been announced for a major restoration of the RMS Segwun, scheduled to commence in the fall of 2025, pending funding confirmation. This project aims to ensure the historic vessel can continue to operate for another 25 years or more.

Photograph: Muskoka Steamship & Discovery Centre

RMS Segwun will not sail in 2025 due to mechanical issues

Red Canoe Gallery, now located in Bala on Muskoka Road 169, features fine art and carving solely from Canadian artists, as it has for 32 years.

had an amazing first year and now halfway into the second 2025 looks to be even better,” says gallery owner Carola Grimm from her location at 3181 Muskoka Rd. 169 in the north end of Bala. “Bala has a lovely village feel to it. The shops are all different, such as the handmade chocolate shop Cacao Boys. Bala is now a more year-round town, and the majority of businesses stay open year-round as does Red Canoe Gallery.” Grimm says she waited to make sure she had the ideal location for her new gallery. “I knew the building would be perfect for Red Canoe Gallery with its high ceilings and large display windows. The light inside is fabulous for showcasing art,” she says. “The building also has its own large level parking lot including accessible spots and easy level loading area. I used to drive by every morning and hope to see a for rent sign and eventually, after being connected with the new building owners, I was offered this location.” Currently the gallery features the work of about 30 painters, sculptors and carvers and as well a wood bowl maker and three people creating in ceramics. The focus of Red Canoe Gallery is fine art and carving and, as always in the 32 years they have been in business, they show only the work of Canadian artists with the majority being from Ontario.

Feature by Matt Driscoll August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 57

Adding Flair to Your Fireside Foods Article by K.M. Wehrstein Photography by Tomasz Szumski

lanning food to cook over the campfire this summer? Tired of the same old Potatoes in Foil Roasted into Rocks, Hot Dog à la Bits of Ash and Marshmallows Flambé? Okay, the kids will never get tired of Marshmallows Flambé, but that has nothing to do with eating them. Here from some of Muskoka’s best culinary pros are several recipes that will elevate your bonfire cuisine. Probably we’ve set a record here, with all three offerings created for you – originated exclusively for Cottage Country Cuisine. You wouldn’t think that the attributes of a gourmet dish – an aggregation or fusion of flavours and textures that enhance each other by their contrasts and harmonies – could be built from a humble hot dog. But you’d be wrong, as proven by Shelby’s Chipwagon of Gravenhurst. Possibly the most venerable food truck in Muskoka, founded in 1998, Shelby’s has won numerous awards locally and lauds nationally in such publications as the Globe and Mail and the Toronto Star. Born in Scarborough to a father who operated hot dog carts and a family that moved to Gravenhurst when she was six, owner Sherry

Will Nash shows off the Canadian Crunch Dog he and Shelby’s Chipwagon owner, Shelby Martin, put together exclusively for Unique Muskoka. It’s so good, it’s getting added to the menu. 58 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

Martin bought the chip truck after losing a managing job and buying a house at the same time. “We decided to make the leap,” she recalls. She never looked back. Shelby’s fryer and grill cook, Gravenhurst native Will Nash, grew up watching his mother cook. “Same concept, tiny little places, mom and pop, nothing fancy,” he says. He has worked for other restaurants including in Nova Scotia but returned to Gravenhurst five years ago to aid his mom after she was struck by illness. Working at Shelby’s, as he has for two years now, is a childhood dream come true. “I always

Canadian Crunch Dog - Will Nash & Sherry Martin

Ingredients 4 hot dogs ("we use European") 4 bakery-fresh hot dog buns Diana Sauce of your choice Topping Combine: Half an onion, diced Half a tomato, diced 2 full fresh jalapenos, de-seeded and diced

wanted to work here,” he says. “When I was in high school, I was thinking of applying. I was here all the time as a kid, and now I’m working here.” Challenged to create a campfire food that is truly unique, Nash recounts: “We were messing around with red and white, tomato and onion, and I made a maple-mayo sauce. Then Sherry mentioned potato chips.” An American idea, Martin avows, a staple, especially in Vegas. “Diana Sauce was founded in Gravenhurst, so I added that,” Nash continues. “A little bit of flavour, a little extra heat: I added some jalapeno. You

Maple Sauce Combine: 1 cup Hellman's Mayonnaise 100 ml (or 1/2 cup) maple syrup (or to taste)

Method

have hot, sweet and crunchy all in one. It has a bit of an intense flavour profile.” Readers might recall Chef Aaron Clyne’s teachings on flavour layers; this helping has three layers of heat, three layers of sweetness and three layers of tang. The potato chips totally remedy the overall softness of a typical hot dog. Nash’s combining the foiling ingredients mayonnaise and maple syrup is a ridiculously simple bit of genius. You’ve got to try this, and if you don’t feel like cooking it, visit Shelby’s. They’re putting it on the menu. Next, we haul our camp spits and grills

3. Drizzle with Maple Sauce and Diana Sauce, to taste. 4. “Doctor it up as you choose,” Martin suggests – mustard, relish, ketchup, whatever. Yield: 4 portions.

1. Roast hot dogs over the fire. 2. Place them in buns, spread a quarter of the topping over each dog. Sprinkle one handful per portion of broken-up light salt ripple potato chips (or to taste).

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 59

Fire-Grilled Lamb Lollipops with Chimichurri - John Cooper

Ingredients Chimichurri 2 bunches flat leaf parsley 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar 3 Tbsp olive oil 5 garlic cloves, minced ½ tsp fresh ground black pepper ½ tsp chili flakes Lamb 1 rack of lamb, Frenched and cut into chops for every 2 guests

Method Chimichurri 1. Wash, trim and chiffonade parsley 2. Combine all ingredients Lamb 1. Season lamb with a pinch per side of kosher salt at least one hour before cooking 2. Dry chops, and cook over hot coals or barbecue to desired level of doneness; approximately 90 seconds per side. 3. Serve with chimichurri for dipping.

Chef's Tip • “Chops should be dabbed dry before you cook them to ensure a good sear.”

Kitchen definitions Chiffonade: to cut a vegetable into strips by rolling it up first; search “chiffonade” on YouTube for demonstrations. French: to remove the fat cap and meat between each rib, generally for presentation, and the fact that the resulting “lollipop” is easier to hold.

Strawberry Limoncello Spritz - Kirsten Emms

Ingredients 1½ oz. Limoncello 1 oz. strawberry syrup ½ oz. lemon juice Prosecco and soda

Method Combine measured ingredients, add strawberry and lemon slices if desired for presentation, and top with prosecco and soda. If you like a sweeter mixer, use 7Up or Sprite.

A summery meal of fire-roasted lamb topped with chimichurri and a cool strawberry Limoncello spritz, brought to you by Basilico’s executive chef John Cooper and bartender Kristen Emms, provides cool flavours with fireside cooking.

60 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

off to Basilico, the Italian-themed restaurant that shares building space with the Inn at the Falls in Bracebridge, and its executive chef John Cooper. Born in Bracebridge, he originally wanted to be a philosopher, studying at the University of Toronto and funding his tuition by working in a restaurant kitchen. In time, he says, “It occurred to me that I was making a lot more money cooking than philosophizing.” He left the hectic 100-hour-per-week Toronto restaurant scene to return with his wife to Muskoka after she became pregnant. Cooper worked at the Inn’s restaurant in 2009 and 2010, then after many years at The Old Station and other eateries he returned in February 2024.

Campfire Charcuterie - Glenn Kitchen

Ingredients 1 French stick 1 pound sliced prosciutto 1 small wheel Brie, sliced 8-10 fresh figs, sliced 1 cup cream cheese ¼ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped ¼ cup shelled pistachios, finely chopped Zest of 1 orange

Method

Invited to invent a campfire dish, Cooper invoked a very lovable meat – lamb – and a flavour staple of his own dietary preferences: chimichurri, which originated in Argentina and is more frequently served on steak. “I just like putting chimichurri sauce on absolutely everything,” he says. “It’s super summery, and for something as rich as lamb, its acidity counterbalances. It’s not wintery. It’s one of my fave things for meat in the summer; I keep a stash in the fridge at home.” Like many chefs, Cooper doesn’t stick strictly to the rules. “I wing it every time I do it. As long as you’ve got garlic, something acidic, salt and pepper, oil and parsley, it’s chimichurri.” Sometimes he uses

red wine vinegar, sometimes lemon for the acidic ingredient. The version of the dish we tasted was served on a bed of arugula with broccolini and grape tomatoes, plus lemon wedges sprinkled with a very finely-chopped herb mix of equal parts oregano, parsley and sage – a great presentation and it all went very nicely with the lamb and the chimichurri. The sauce is indeed very summery as it has a lovely waterish coolness due mostly to the parsley, combined with the heat of pepper and – well, how do you describe the taste of garlic except “garlicky?” – all of which nicely foils the saltiness of lamb. Everyone is going to want to come to your fire. As a teetotaler, Cooper has no wine

pistachios and orange zest with cream cheese till cream cheese is soft. 2. Slice French stick in half down its full length. 3. Spread the cream cheese mix over inner surfaces of both halves. 4. Layer the prosciutto, Brie slices and fig slices evenly on one half. Place the other half on top. 5. Carefully wrap the sandwich with heavy tinfoil. Attach as tightly as possible to a toasting rod with string or wire. 6. Hold over the campfire for 10 to 15 minutes until sandwich is hot and filling is melted.

Chef ’s Tips • This dish – like all dishes in this article – can also be done on a grill, a camp stove or in a home oven. Oven version: bake at 400° F for 15 minutes, then check and bake longer if needed. “If the temperature is too hot the bread will burn. If it isn’t hot enough, the Brie won’t melt.” • Flames or coals? Use your judgment. “I’ve done sandwiches like this on a rock on the side of the fire,” Kitchen says.

1. Mix chopped cranberries, chopped

Chef Glenn Kitchen has created a sweet and savoury campfire sandwich, filled with cheese, prosciutto and flavours complemented by a variety of textures. No matter where you choose to make it – fireside, on the grill or on the stove – don’t forget the napkins.

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 61

pairing suggestion, and so turned to the bar staff of Basilico, primarily bartender Kirsten Emms. “John said it was a camping theme for this issue, so I tried a s’mores espresso martini, and John said no,” Emms says. “So, then I thought of the easiest thing to make that’s light and refreshing, and things that are easy to pre-make and pre-package.” Apropos for a person who works in an Italian restaurant, Emms’s personal favourite liqueur is Limoncello, and her go-to in summer is a spritz, for its lightness and fruitiness. “And you can put sparkles into it to make it cute – it’s a great gift with a bow.” She showed off a bottle of spritz mixture which, when placed in direct sunlight, had a rather spectacular rippling satiny sheen of minute fuchsia sparkles all through it. The campfire version is simpler, though, with three basic ingredients that meld nicely together into a sweet, tangy, light, cooling, cute drink. Finally, we will visit a gourmet take on the common campfire technique of foil-wrapped cooking. This offering by chef Glenn Kitchen, culinary manager of the Muskoka Landing Retirement Lodge in Huntsville, starts with a simple French stick but goes delectably beyond that. Kitchen was born and raised in Coldwater and credits his grandmother for starting his culinary training. “We used to stay with her when we were kids and she taught us to do a lot of cooking,” he reminisces. After a high school hospitality teacher presented him with a half-filled-out application to George Brown College’s culinary program as a subtle hint, he took the hint and the program. Kitchen went on to work for some 20 employers including Casino Rama, Pinelands Lodge and Windermere House, spending all of his career in Ontario except a six-month stint in Australia with his wife, Diane, who is best known locally for having run Kitchen’s Buttertarts in Bracebridge. On June 8 of this year, Kitchen started his current job at the Muskoka Landing Retirement Lodge, a rather different milieu from the high-stress upscale restaurant world. “People are a lot more laid back,” he says.

62 UNIQUE MUSKOKA August 2025

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“There isn’t the pressure. I’m more of a supervisor here; the only time I have to get behind a stove is when someone isn’t able to.” His favourite part: “I get to come up and speak to the residents. That’s a bigger part of my job than before.” The Lodge is a state-of-the-art facility for seniors in the Huntsville area that had its grand opening in June of last year. It boasts 100 premier suites and 14 lakeside townhouses, and has its own theatre, games room, library, gym, greenhouse, bar and bistro. The whole place is bright, airy and elegant. The Lodge’s residents, currently numbering 75, enjoy gourmet home-style breakfast, lunch and dinner, changed every six months and created in consultation with the residents. Foodies everywhere, note this wisdom from Kitchen: “You can’t please everybody. You can please 80 per cent of the people 80 per cent of the time.” But what happens when we take Kitchen out of the kitchen and to the campfire? “It’s a challenge to come up with something that suits the idea you’re looking at,” he says. “People want something interesting.” No lack of that here! Usually when you look at a recipe, you can roughly imagine how the dish will taste. However, favourites are often those that one can’t begin to imagine, and this is one of those recipes. Cream cheese flavoured by cranberries, pistachios and orange zest, topped with Brie, prosciutto and figs? It’s baffling. You just have to try it. It is extremely rich, and cannot be eaten neatly – but you’re not at a white-tie gala, you’re at a campfire, so who cares? Is it savoury or sweet? The meat is quite salty, of course, but the figs are intensely sweet. “Prosciutto calls for that kind of thing,” Kitchen opines. “It’s like a European-y sort of flavour.” It’s a a sublime example of sweet and savoury fusion, complete with literal fusion. It dances on the edge between, with a pine-like tanginess that attacks the base of your tongue wonderfully, and of course the toasted crunch of the bread to foil the soft and blended cheese textures. Camp food doesn’t get better than this!

August 2025 UNIQUE MUSKOKA 63

Muskoka Moments Love Muskoka, Sustain Muskoka Article by John Miller

Photograph: Shaw

n Ruhl

Photograph: Linda Stokes

celebrate the return of Wanda III to I have lived in Muskoka for most of commercial service – now converted to my life. Born in Toronto, I was raised electric power after a four-year here from a young age, leaving briefly in transformational project, making her my 20s before returning and starting a the second oldest electric yacht family with my wife Sue. conversion in the world and a symbol of Memories of growing up in Muskoka sustainable heritage. come easily. My childhood was filled I feel deeply fortunate to work with moonlit winter nights playing alongside the most amazing staff and pond hockey, hot summer evenings with crew at a company that educates, friends until my dad came looking for me (always best to call it a night before A group of dedicated volunteers enjoyed the first cruise aboard entertains, and celebrates life in Muskoka. We are led by a strong that happened), watching fireflies, the renovated Wanda III this summer. volunteer board of directors and catching frogs, picking raspberries and themes at Muskoka Discovery Centre (MDC). supported by a generous community of endless afternoons exploring lakes and forests. We ask visitors to consider: Who lived here volunteers and donors who have preserved our Muskoka is the perfect place to spend your region’s heritage stories and championed before settlers arrived? How did those early childhood outdoors. environmental literacy. settlers impact the environment? What was it At the same time, I was travelling across Sue and I have three sons and we all cherish like to arrive in Muskoka by train and board a Ontario with various hockey, baseball and our time on the dock and in the water in one steamship bound for a lakeside resort? Why is soccer teams – and later doing the same as a of the most naturally beautiful places on water management still so complex today? parent and coach. Visiting teams in summer Earth. We recently celebrated our 30th We’ve sought to answer these questions – and would often grumble about the blackflies and wedding anniversary and our sons are all many more – in our recent $10 million mosquitoes, but they would also comment on graduating university this year – ready for new expansion completed last year. how lucky we were to live in such a beautiful adventures but eager to return when holidays In 2026, we’ll unveil a new permanent place. And they were right. come around. exhibit called Love Muskoka - Sustain High school years were spent fishing, If we want our grandchildren’s children to Muskoka. Developed with strong relationships camping, and playing sports – forging enjoy Muskoka as we have, we must act now. with groups like Friends of Muskoka friendships that have lasted a lifetime. A Together, we can help protect Muskoka from course called Food Technology taught by John Watershed, Muskoka Watershed Council, the environmental and development threats Hudswell set me on a path I hadn’t expected. I Muskoka Conservancy, District of Muskoka ahead and continue to tell the world about the and our Indigenous Ally and Advisory Circle, trained to be a chef at several properties, challenges our region faces. We all love before discovering that I belonged at the front the exhibit will showcase their expertise, tell Muskoka – let’s learn to live a little lighter, to the story of our region’s environmental of the house. I spent years in hotel and resort sustain it. challenges and identify how we can all help. management before finding my home at The success of our organization has long Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre been tied to the Royal Mail Ship Segwun, the (MSDC), where I’ve served as president and fifth oldest (1887) operating steamship in the general manager for the past 24 years. world. I’ve had the privilege of overseeing her Working at MSDC has been a continuous stewardship for over half of her second life as a learning experience. I’ve had the privilege of tourism icon. Along with her sister ship, collaborating with passionate volunteers, Wenonah II, they both grace the cover of our donors, board members and community summer magazine, Muskoka Reflections. Our leaders who value Muskoka’s natural beauty and rich history. Together, we’ve expanded our company has operated ships from Muskoka Wharf since 1866, making us one of Canada’s mission as a charitable organization – most oldest companies. This year, we’ll also notably with environmental and Indigenous

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