In the Beginning ~ History of the 

South East Georgian Bay Region

In the early 1600’s, the first Europeans came to the area, with fur
traders and French missionaries travelling from the St. Lawrence to
Huronia. Samuel de Champlain canoed to Georgian Bay in 1615. The
fur trade and lumbering opened up the region from Collingwood to
Midland, Waubaushene, Honey Harbour, Port Severn, Severn Bridge
and northward to Muskoka and Parry Sound. Fishing and Hunting
clubs sprung up in the late 1800’s making annual expeditions led by
local Ojibwa guides to Six Mile Lake or Georgian Bay. From 1915
to the 1950’s, guide boats were a daily signt on the Severn River. But
by the end of the war, the pattern of tourism changed, with camps, summer
cottages and fast boats becoming the norm and numerous hotels on the
Trent Severn and Georgian Bay making the area one of the most popular
tourist areas in Canada.

Honey Harbour

Folklore accounts: from as early as the time of the Hurons - said to
have found wild bees and honey- to the lumbermen of the nineteenth
century; the captain of a schooner blown off course toward Present
Island; a commercial honey producer from Beeton in Simcoe County; and
the public land surveyor in 1878, all found large deposits of honey in the
area.

Port Severn

Oldest community on the Severn, it was a “company town” dominated by
the lumber industry. Robinson, Sanson, Christie, and finally Georgian
Bay Lumber were the line of lumber companies that owned all the lands,
the houses, stores, the hotel, and the only industry in town, until the
sawmill burned down in 1896. Originally called Severn Mills, people
have lived in the community since 1850.

MacTier

Originally known as Muskoka Station, it was founded in 1882 by the
Canadian Pacific Railway, which used the community as a divisional
train-switching point for their north/south destinations. In 1908, Hugh
Anderson opened a general store. In the same year, a new Post Office
was built. However, Canada Post identified a problem with the town’s
name as being frequently confused with two other communities, Muskoka
Wharf and Muskoka Falls, since mail bags were delivered in error to
Muskoka Station and vice versa. Mr. Anderson was asked to choose a
new name for the town, so he named it after A.D. MacTier, who was
the General Superintendent of the CPR’s eastern division at the time.

Coldwater

In Severn Township, Coldwater is located between Orillia and
Midland on the Coldwater River. Chief John Aisance and his band of
Chippewa settled at what is now Coldwater in 1830, calling the place
Gissinausebing, which means “cold water”. A grist mill was built on the
site in 1833, and a post office was established in 1835 with the name
Coldwater. The native people owned the mill until 1849. Coldwater
was opened to European settlement in 1836, and was incorporated in
1908.

Waubaushene

Waubaushene is located in the Township of Tay, at the junction of
Highway 400 and the western leg of Highway 12 (it was the terminus
of Highway 400 from the mid-1970’s until 1996) The site of
modern –day Waubaushene was historically notable as the place where
Canadian Martyrs Jean de Brebeuf and Gabriel Lallemant,
missionaries from the nearby Sainte-Marie among the Hurons, were
killed. In 1997 a small chapel was consecrated at Waubaushene in
honour of the martyrs; the chapel was later moved to Midland and
remains and active church as the Martyrs’ Shrine.

Blazing the Trail

From yesteryear to today… from the earliest trails of the Huron and Iroquois First Nation hunters and
fishers to the first encounter with the Europeans in 1615 to the canoe routes opening up the area for
the lumber industry and the logging trails of the Muskoka Mills and the Georgian Bay Lumber Company
in the 1800’s… the Canadian Pacific Railway bringing in construction material, food and supplies, and
new families…marked the way for these early businesses and suppliers who provided the needs of the
pioneers and adventurers in the Georgian Bay wilderness for the foundation of business today.
Campfire Stories
Logging camps, fish camps and hunting lodges were moments in history that led to the influx of tourists
to resorts and lodges in the early 1900’s. Some of the early camps disappeared with the waning lumber
industry; some of them changed hands and changed names. Severn Lodge, Wiancko House, Severn Inn,
Royal Hotel, Severn River Inn, Rawley Lodge, Bayview Inn and the Delawana Inn became destinations for
the new tourist. While some of these historic structures were destroyed by fire, others have stood the
test of time and remain as icons of hospitality.
Eventually, the release of Crown Land in the ‘50’s opened up to a new era of developing cottage
properties, and the burgeoning construction boom strengthened the economy of the region.

Our Own Best Kept Secret

We’re north of the much publicized Greater Toronto Area. We know that we’re our own best kept
secret, and that works to your advantage, as the area is not as crowded as those with hundreds of manmade
“attractions”. Our attraction is the wildlife, the outdoor sports that require room to run and play,
and helpful easy‐going residents that will take the time to tell you about the area. Our attraction is an
area that people visit and later move to because of the quality of life here. So, for a change of pace,
come to visit, and if you want to stay, we completely understand. 
Driving Distances
• 142 km (85 miles) north of Toronto
• 90 minutes away from Lester B. Pearson International Airport
• 5.5 hours from Detroit
• 1.5 hours from North Bay
• Only 20‐30 minutes from Midland, Orillia and Barrie
Discover Things to do…
Southeast Georgian Bay is a recreation area like no other! There’s more to this area than you might
imagine, and that means that there’s a fair amount of things to do. Here’s a partial list:
• Play a round of golf amidst breathtaking views of sparkling lakes and wind, swept trees.
• Shop for unique gifts and furnishings made by local artists and artisans.
• Spend a day at the local art galleries, enjoy local studio tours.
• Browse our antique stores and family‐owned shops
• Enjoy fine dining at romantic inns, and restaurants in the area.
• Take in some live theatre, musical theatre and dramatic shows within a half‐hour’s drive.
• Spend a day on a paddle wheeler, the Serendipity Princess, on Gloucester Pool which is between
Lock 45 and Lock 44 on the Trent Severn Waterway.
• Drive around and take pictures of fall foliage (leaf‐peeping).
• Rent a canoe or kayak, or bring your own, for leisurely or extreme paddling!
• Camp out on the shores of a lake under the magnificent starry skies.
• Rent a boat for fishing or a scenic ride, discover the countless kilometers of shoreline.
• Stay at a cottage resort or private cottage.
• Go swimming in the fresh waters.
• Tap your feet to the sounds of jazz at the free summer band concerts.
• Start thinking about that award‐winning vacation home!
• Take a drive along the scenic highways and winding byways!
• Snowmobile on un‐crowded and well‐maintained trails.
• Skiing and snowshoeing are close by.
• Treasure the experience of skating on the lake or at a local community rink.
Ice fishing‐ Hut rentals available in our communities.
• Find a local Museum and search your family genealogy.

Trail Systems

ATV CLUBS
Like snowmobile trails, ATV trails are maintained by volunteers and members of the local ATV clubs.
Trails use private lands and riding responsibly helps to ensure that the private landowners continue to
allow access. Local clubs emphasize safe and legal fun. No dirt bikes are allowed on the trails. To operate
an ATV you need a valid motor vehicle license and, of course, your helmut. Check the local clubs for
membership information and activities. Trails are open from April 1st to December 1st.

Winter Adventures Await YOU!

The dramatic landscape of the Canadian Shield adds excitement to our winters! Beautiful vistas of
granite, frozen lakes, and the tall twisted pines provide endless opportunities for experiencing the trail
systems in our area by machine or on foot.

SNOWMOBILING
A fabulous snowmobiling destination, the Muskoka Snowmobile Region is the first district north of
Toronto with consistent snow conditions to maintain a 1600 kilometre network of trails for short loops
or multiple day journeys. You’ll discover miles and miles of sweeping, well‐groomed snowmobile trails
which wind through some beautiful countryside. The trails offer dramatic views of frozen lakes and
stunning dense forests, breathtaking snow‐clad hills and valleys. Clubs maintain the trails and work with
local landowners to ensure access across private lands. Check for information and conditions. Contact
one of the local snowmobile clubs before you arrive to make sure you have the latest local news,
regulations, trail conditions, trail permits, club info.
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Cross Country Skiing
There is no shortage of places to hike in the southeast Georgian Bay region. Some of the trails include:
• Six Mile Lake Provincial Park and Georgian Bay Islands National park: have clearly marked trails.
• McCrae Lake Conservation Trail: Georgain Bay Rd. 2.8 KM out and back, moderate to difficult.
• Tay Shore Trail: paved and non‐motorized, along the shores of Waubaushene.
Driving Tours
Big Chute and Georgian Bay
Approximately 50 Km/30 miles. Start and finish at Port Severn, about 1‐2 hours, depending on
number of stops.
1) From Port Severn, travel north on Highway 400 to Exit 162
2) At Exit 162 take Muskoka Road 34 east to Big Chute, and watch the Marine Railway in
action.
3) Return on Muskoka Road 34, cross Hwy 400 and continue west on Muskoka Road 48 to
Muskoka Road 5
4) Right on Muskoka Rd. 5 to Honey Harbour
5) Return down Muskoka Road 5 to Port Severn
Tour Highlights:
• The historic Big Chute Marine Railway, which gently carries boats right out of the water and
up or down almost 18 metres of Muskoka granite hillside.
• Picturesque Port Severn, which has the last lock on the 386 Kilometre Trent‐Severn
Waterway and is the Gateway to Georgian Bay. Visit the new Parks Canada Welcome Centre
at Lock 45! Lone Pine Road is the location for the Welcome Centre, Bressette House.
• Honey Harbour and the heart of the 30,000 Islands, including Beausoliel Island, which is the
crown jewel of Georgian Bay Islands National Park.
• Grab a map and a camera and find your own special spots!

BOATING –
Waterfront is the most popular past time for the area. You have many Lake systems with access to visit
any day any time…….
You can go anywhere in the world from here by boat! The Trent Severn Waterway starts at Lock 1 Trenton, ON and ends at Lock 45 Port Severn.
The Trent System is manmade waterway designed to navigate in the logging industry to larger bodies of
water, like Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay – Lake Huron. Now used as a Vacation Destination. The Trent
Severn Waterway’s highest point is on Balsam Lake which is a spring fed lake and the water flows out of
the lake both ways…..down to Lake Ontario ‐ Lock 1 and down to Georgian Bay‐Port Severn ‐ Lock 45.
The waters of Georgian Bay and the Trent Severn Waterway offer boating experiences and water sports
for the veteran and less‐experienced alike. Considered to be one of the most picturesque parts of the
Trent Severn System between Lock 44 ‐ Big Chute & Lock 45 in Port Severn with Gloucester Pool,
MacLean Lake, Little Lake and Baxter Lake for all your boating pleasures. Port Severn is the southern
‘Gateway’ to Canada’s newest UNESCO bio‐sphere reserve ( the Georgian Bay Littoral Biosphere
Reserve). It is where the 365 Kilometres of the Trent Severn Waterway rush out to the Bay. It is a great
place to start your journey to Beausoliel Island, the cairn at the Municipal Dock in Honey Harbour
commemorating Samuel de Champlain’s arrival in 1615, the legendary Giant’s Tomb, lighthouses, and
the many islands that dot the pristine waters of Honey Harbour, Cognashene and Go Home Bay. The
30,000 Islands, Just a short Boat cruise north, offers memorable views of ancient Canadian Shield Rock,
Pine trees and sparkling vistas.

"PRE-APPROVED MORTGAGE ~ WHYS IT IS IMPORTANT!

A PRE-APPROVED MORTGAGE CAN HELP YOU LOOK FOR A HOME WITH CONFIDENCE & COULD SAVE YOU $$$$ ~ AND WHO DOESN'T WANT TO DO THAT???

Looking for the home of your dreams?  Many homeowners think the 1st step is to start driving around looking for "For Sale" signs, going to Open Houses, Checking out Realtor.ca and then call the Listing Sales Representative on each listing to book appointments to view all the ones they like and dream of owning.

HOWEVER, even before you start looking for a home, it can be a great advantage to have done some research and to look into a Pre-Approved Mortgage with a Mortgage Specialist.

A pre-approved mortgage simply means that you've reviewed your financial situation with a lender and you know what you can afford to spend on a home in terms of purchase price, down payment, legal fees and other closing expenses.  It also means you know how much you can borrow based on your current situation, subject to a formal credit approval and satisfactory property appraisal.

There is NO Charge or Obligation to have your mortgage pre-approved and you will know in advance what your mortgage payments will be.  Also a MAJOR factor is that your Interest Rate can be guaranteed for up to 120 days so that you are protected if interest rates increase while you are house hunting, therefore could save you thousands of dollars down the road.

With your mortgage approved, both you and your Real Estate Sales Representative can shop for you with confidence, avoiding the disappointment of finding the perfect home only to learn that you do not qualify to purchase it. 

Mortgage pre-approval carries no obligation to purchase, but simply acts as a tool that can help make house hunting a more enjoyable and less stressful experience by letting you focus on homes that you can truly afford to purchase.

If you are looking to buy a new home, you can count on me for the advice you need to help you find the right home and mortgage specialist.

Personal lending products and residential mortgages are subject to the lending institutions standard lending criteria.

"QUOTE OF THE DAY"

"IF YOU CAN DREAM IT ~ YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT"!

Severn River Association of Property Owners Website

Summer is getting closer and closer.....just imagine sitting on the dock watching the sun come up!

Here is a very helpful website if you are a cottage owner on the Severn River.

http://www.srapo.org/contactus/30

Looking forward to seeing you soon,
Lisa

"Well Aware" ~ A Guide to caring for your well and protecting your family's health.

The following information is from "The Well Aware booklet" compiled by Green Communities Canada, in partnership with the Ontario Ground Water Association.


BE "WELL" AWARE ~ Your family's health depends on it!

Your well taps into one of nature's treasures - cool, clean groundwater.

You and your family depend on this precious resourse every day for cooking, washing and a continuous supply of safe drinking water.

As a private water well owner, it is your job to be "well aware" - to understand the basics of well maintenance and operation, and to take the necessary actions to keep your water wells in safe running order.

To improve your working knowledge of wells and the well life cycle, read the blog sections on groundwater and well location, construction, upgrading, and proper plugging and sealing of unused wells.

GROUNDWATER BASICS

Your well gets its water from an underground water source called groundwater.

Groundwater originates from surface water and precipitation, including rain and melting snow, that has infiltrated the earth, filling the cracks and open spaces in the rocks and the soil.  Saturated layers below the water table that store and transmit significant quantities of groundwater - i.e., enough to supply a well - are called aquifers.

Keeping it clean:

Surface spills of contaminants like fuel can infiltrate the soil and contaminate groundwater.  The risk of contamination is greatest where the gound surface is highly water permeable, e.g. in areas with course soils or fractured bedrock at or near the surface.

Groundwater can also be contaminated by underground sources, such as leaking fuel storage tanks or malfunctioning septic systems.  Poorly constructed or deteriorating wells can act as a direct pipeline for surface pollutants to contaminate the aquifer.  Unused and unmaintained wells are a special concern if they haven't been safely plugged and sealed.

Depending on the type of soil or rock, groundwater may be filtered and very clean.  But once an aquifer is contaminated, it can take a very long time to recover, if ever.

Groundwater Flows:

It is impossible to determine the exact direction of groundwater flow based on surface features alone.  However, we know that water in the aquifer near a pumping well will flow toward the well.

The danger to your well of groundwater contamination is greatest whenthe contaminant source is close to your well.  However, on rare occations contaminants have been known to spread over several kilometres.

Separation from Contaminants:

Wells must be located a safe distance from potential sources of contamination such as fuel storage tanks, stockpiles of chemicals like pesticides or road salt, septic systems, gardens, manure piles, livestock, and roads and driveways.

Wells must be separated from potential contaminant sources as follows:

: at least 15 metres (50 feet) for drilled wells with watertight casings that extend 6 metres (20 feet) or more blow ground level

:  at least 30 metres (100 feet) for all other wells

These minimum distances do not guarantee safety.  Increase the separation wherever possible, and eliminate or reduce sources of contamination.

WELL CONSTRUCTION

A properly constructed well forms an effective barrier against surface run-off that may enter and contaminate the well.

Water must infiltrate and pass downward through the soil and/or rock before it can reach the aquifer from which your well gets its water.

Over the years, well design has improved to reflect advances in technology and our understanding of potential pathways of contamination.  Regulation 903 of the Ontario Water Resources Act outlines minimum construction standards for all types of wells. Always hire a contractor licensed by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment who is familiar with these standards.

Well Casing:

New wells should be lined with a watertight casing designed to keep out contaminants.  To be effective, this casing must extend to the appropriate depth, i.e., to the part of the aquifer from which the well draws water, or into the bedrock. In any event, it must normally extend at least 6 metres (20 feet) below grade.  See Regulation 903 for details.  The well casing must also extend at least 40 centimetres (16 inches) above the finished grade to help prevent contamination by surface water and run-off.

Well Pits


Prior to 1985, well pits were commonly used to protect water line connections from freezing.  However, well pits are no longer considered safe because they often fill with surface water and debris, leading to contamination.  On new wells the well casing must extend above the ground level and a pitless adapter is used to provide a sealed waterline entry at depth so that water lines are protected from freezing.

The Annular Seal


When your well is drilled the hole in the ground is bigger than the well casing.  The resulting gap - the annular space- must be filled with a watertight sealant such as bentonite that does not shrink or crack under the ground.  For maximum protection, the sealant should extend the full length of the casing.   See Regulation 903 for prescribed minimum depths.  The annular seal serves as a barrier to run-off, surface water, and near-surface waters that could otherwise travel down the outside of the casing and contaminate the aquifer.

Well Cap


Regulation 903 requires that your drilled well be capped with a commercially manufactured vermin-proof well cap.  Modern caps have rubber gaskets and screened vents inside to prevent entry of "foreign material" such as vermin, insects, and decaying plant material.  Loose-fitting capes found on older wells make these wells a comfortable home for insects and vermin.

UPGRADING YOUR WELL


It is possible - even likely - that your existing well does not meet the new construction standards described in the preceeding section.  What should you do?


Consider upgrading your existing well for the sake of your family's health and safety and the security of your drinking water source.


Talk over your options with an MOE-licensed well contractor who is experienced with upgrades and familiar with conditions in your area.


Upgrade your well or construct a new one???


If there are water quality problems with your existing well, one option is to drill a new well.  A new well may be the best way to go if your existing well is:

: badly located, close to permanent sources of contamination, or at risk from flooding

:  not producing adequate water supplies

:  substandard and cannot be upgraded for technical or regulatory reasons

Do You Have a High Risk Well?


Some wells are at a higher risk of contamination and require extra care and attention.

Consider the following factors:

:  shallow wells (less than 6 metres or 20 feet deep) are at higher risk than deeper wells

:  dug wells are at higher risk than drilled wells

:  older wells are at higher risk than newer wells

Another important risk factor is the type of soil and/or rock between ground surface and the aquifer from which your well draws its water.  Put simply, your well is at a lower risk if these materials effectively stop surface contaminants from reaching the aquifer; it is at higher risk if contaminants can infiltrate more rapidly.

For example, course soils like sand and gravel are less effective barrier than thick deposits of fine soils like clay loams or silty clay.  If your well is in bedrock, it is at higher risk if fractures extend to ground surface or near the surface.

Groundwater studies for your area may tell you whether local aquifers are more or less susceptible to impacts from surface contaminant sources.

PLUGGING AND SEALING


A well that is no longer used or maintained can become a direct pipeline for surface water or run-off to reach aquifer.  Unused and unmaintained wells threaten the groundwater that supplies your well, and possibly your neighbors' wells.

It is your responsibility under REGULATION 903 to ensure that your unused wells are properly plugged and sealed.

Don't try to seal your own well - it is not as easy as it seems.  If you simply fill up your unused well with sand, gravel, stones, debris, or garbage, you won't prevent the flow of surface water or run-off into the well.  The material in the unused well may even contribute to contamination of your groundwater source.

If an unused and unmaintained well is on your property, you are legally responsible for ensuring that it is plugged and sealed properly.


Hire an MOE-licensed well contractor who has the expertise and equipment to do the job properly, as required under REGULATION 903.


PROTECTING YOUR WELL WATER


As a responsible well owner, you need to carry out a regular program of well maintenance.  Taking care of your well is a three step process:

1.  Protect your well water at the ground surface by avoiding, eliminating or reducing contaminants

2.  Inspect your well regularly and keep your well in good running order

3.  Test your well water regularly and respond to contamination problems

Well water protection starts at home


The most immediate threats to the safety of your well water are usually nearby - in your own yard.

As part of your routine well maintenance schedule, walk the grounds within a 30 metre (100 foot) radius of your well.  Look for potential threats.  A complete search for potential contaminants is recommended, at the same time as you inspect your well.  You should also look for changes that could affect your well as part of your daily and weekly routines.

Keep these contaminants away from your well:

:  pet and livestock wastes

:  gasoline, diesel, home-heating fuels

:  pesticides and fertilizers (chemical or natural)

:  other hazardous chemicals, including paint, solvents, barbecue starter fluid, etc

:  de-icers (used to melt ice on roads, driveways, sidewalks)

:  and any other substance you don't want in your family's drinking water

The protection of source waters is the first step in protecting your well water.  Source protection is often the most cost-effective way to keep contaminants out of drinking water.  And it is almost always less expensive to keep water clean than to try to deal with the consequences of contamination.


POSSIBLE CONTAMINANTS


What could be wrong with my water?


Even though your water may appear to be fine, there are many possible contaminants that you can't taste, see or smell.  


Drinking contaminated well water can make you and your family members ill.  It can even be fatal!


Bacterial contamination may cause stomach cramps, diarrhea and other problems.  


Chemical contamination is equally dangerous.  Effects vary.


Total Coliforms


Coliforms are bacteria.  Even a low count of total coliforms (1-5) may indicate the presence of other more harmful bacteria with similar life cycles.  Caution and retesting is recommended.  A higher total coliform count (6-80) is a stronger indicator that disease-causing micro-organisms may be present.  Assume that your water is unsafe for drinking without treatment.

E.coli


E.coli is one strain of bacteria associated with human and animal fecal matter.  Any detectable presence of E.coli in your well water means your water is unsafe for drinking without treatment.

TESTING YOUR WATER AT LEAST 3 TIMES A YEAR FOR BACTERIA IS RECOMMENDED BY THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE ONTARIO MINISTRY OF HEALTH.


Call your local health unit, which provides these tests for free of charge.  Keep a careful record of well testing results.


Early spring is a good time to test your well water for bacteria.  Another good time is the day after a heavy rainfall.  Melting snow and running water can carry surface contaminants into your well water.  If your well water is safe under these conditions, it is most likely to be safe the rest of the year.

Test regularly even if your water seems fine, because you can't always taste, smell or see bacteria or other contaminants.  Don't rely on your neighbor's test results - wells that are only a few steps apart usually have different water quality.

Besides routine testing, you should also test:

:  after major plumbing work or well repairs

:  if you detect changes in water quality, including taste, odour, and appearance

:  if regular well users experience unexplained health problems that may be water-related

:  after flooding.  (If flooding is common in your area you may want to retrofit your well.  Contact MOE-licensed well contractor.)

Initial Testing for Bacteria


A single test for total coliforms and E.coli is not always enough to determine the quality of your well water.  If your well has not been tested regularly, submit three samples at least one week apart.  Do no send several samples at the same time.  If the well consistently shows acceptable coliform and E.coli counts, sample at least three times each year.

How to Sample For Bacteria


The following rules apply to routine sampling for coliforms and E.coli.  for other tests follow the sampling rules provided by the testing laboratory.

:  use the water sample bottle provided by your testing facility.  (The granular material provided in the bottle is sodium thiosulphate and is intended to be there.  This material may cause a reaction if ingested or inhaled, therefore bottles should never be handled by young children.)

:  do not touch the bottle lid, inside the lid, or inside the bottle - never set the lid down

:  do not rinse out the bottle

:  select a non-swivel tap - remove aerators and other attachments from your tap

:  disinfect the end of the faucet with a chlorine-water mix

:  run cold tap water for two to three minutes

:  fill sample bottle to the indicator line directly from the tap without changing the flow of the water (overflowing the bottle risks losing the preservative that comes in the bottle)

:  replace the cap tightly and complete the form that came with the bottle

:  refrigerate the sample after collection and, if possible, transport it in a cooler

:  return the sample and form to the health unit or laboratory within 24 hours of collection