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From Municipal Councils to Rink Boards: Why Local Intel Matters in the Kawarthas & Highlands 🏒🌲

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It gets dark early in November, which makes those brisk morning walks with my wife Susan and our dog Jax all the more important before the day kicks into high gear. Coffee in hand, the morning always begins by digging into the local papers and municipal agendas to stay ahead of what is actually happening across our communities.    Living and working across the Kawarthas and Highlands means no two days ever look the same—and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Lately, my focus has been locked into the fine print coming out of local council chambers, regional infrastructure updates, and helping property owners navigate an increasingly complex market.    One of the biggest deep dives on my desk was breaking down the upcoming Township of Limerick council agenda. Between swearing in a newly elected council, proposed 2027 building permit fee hikes, new public rail-trail parking in Ormsby, and local ratepayer concerns over private rocket engine testing near resid...
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The Ultimate Guide to Winterizing Your Kawartha & Highlands Property ❄️🏡

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As the crisp autumn air settles over Peterborough, Hastings, and Haliburton counties, property owners across our 20 municipalities know what is right around the corner: a true Canadian winter. 🇨🇦🌨️ Whether you own a four-season waterfront home on Chandos Lake, a cozy seasonal cottage tucked into the Highlands, or a rural homestead near Bancroft, preparing your property before the deep freeze hits is essential. Neglecting even a small maintenance task can lead to burst pipes, ice dams, and costly structural damage. As your local real estate and property care expert, I have put together this comprehensive winterization checklist to protect your investment—and keep your property's market value strong. 🛠️✨ 1. Plumbing & Water Systems: Prevent the Deep Freeze 🚰🧊 Water damage is the number one enemy of vacant and seasonal properties during an Ontario winter. Drain All Lines:  Shut off your main water valve and ope...
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Location: Kawartha Lakes, ON, Canada
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🏡 Navigating Trent Lakes’ Short-Term Rental Rules: What Cottage Owners, Buyers & Sellers Need to Know 🌲🚤

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If you own a cottage in Trent Lakes—or you’re thinking about buying or selling one in the Kawarthas—understanding the Municipality’s  Short-Term Rental Accommodation (STRA) Registration Program (By-law B2025-024)  is essential . Whether you rent out your family cottage for a few weeks every summer to help cover carrying costs, or you’re investing in a waterfront getaway, the rules have clear requirements, deadlines, and safety standards . 📋 What Counts as a Short-Term Rental (STR)? In Trent Lakes, any single detached dwelling rented, advertised, or offered for  28 consecutive calendar days or less requires  a municipal registration . What’s Allowed:  Only  one single-family dwelling  per property can be registered . A detached guest cabin (without cooking or sanitary facilities) can be rented out on a registered property, provided it is counted as one of your approved Accommodation Rooms . What’s Prohibited:  You cannot register or operate a shor...
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Location: Trent Lakes, ON, Canada
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🚀 Rockets, New Council & 2027 Fee Hikes: Inside the Township of Limerick’s Big November 16, 2026 Meeting! 🌲🏡

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Welcome to a deep dive into local municipal affairs for the  Township of Limerick ! Whether you are a year-round resident, a seasonal cottager, or looking to invest in our beautiful corner of the Highlands, what happens at the council table directly impacts your wallet, your property value, and your lifestyle. ⚠️  A Quick Transparency Note:  The main package reviewed below is the  Agenda for the upcoming November 16, 2026 Council Meeting . Because this meeting has not happened yet,  no final decisions have been made on these upcoming items —only staff recommendations, proposed by-laws, and public delegations are listed for discussion . However, the package  does  include the  official approved Minutes from the September 21, 2026 meeting , where real decisions  were  finalized ! Let’s break down every single topic so you know exactly what is happening in Limerick Township. 👇 🏛️ PART 1: Swearing In the 2026–2030 Council & New Ap...
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Location: Limerick, ON, Canada
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