From Peterborough to the Kawarthas and the beauty of Haliburton—I want t...

From the vibrant streets of Peterborough to the serene shores of the Kawarthas and the rugged beauty of Haliburton—I want to answer YOUR questions! 🌲✨

Are you looking to buy, sell, or just curious about what’s happening in our local neighbourhoods? Ask me anything about: ✅ Current home values ✅ Waterfront property tips ✅ Hidden gems in our local communities. Comment your question below! ⬇️ #PTBO #Kawarthas #Haliburton #RealEstateQ&A #HomeBuying #WaterfrontLiving #LocalPro **When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. ** Find out what you don’t know. #thebradsinclairteam🏠 www.bradsinclair.ca ———————————————— Waterfront Real Estate Sales in the Kawarthas and Highlands #realestate #kawarthalakes #realtor #realestateagent #kawarthas #outdoor #cottagelife #lovelocal Social Media Marketing- #instagram #facebook #google

Brad Sinclair from "The Brad Sinclair Team" Presents! 563 Dalhaven Rd, E...

📯CHEMONG LAKE BEAUTY📯 🏠 563 Dalhaven Rd, Ennismore ON K0L 1T0 🏠 🛏 3 🛏 🛁 2 Bath 🛁 🏠 MLS®#: X12487098 🏠 🏠 List Price: $1,189,900 🏠 📣This lovingly designed and crafted Ennismore home spared no detail in quality and comfort! Located on the shores of Chemong Lake, this five-year-old home offers three bedrooms and two baths. The bright, open-concept main floor features a modern, sleek kitchen with a large island, as well as dining and living areas. Note the exceptional use of space to accentuate the views and natural light. Just off the main living space, you will find a three-piece bath and two good-sized bedrooms. The light and airy primary bedroom overlooks the lake, houses a spacious walk-in closet, and has a gorgeous 4-piece ensuite with a soaker tub. The home is heated with in-floor radiant natural gas heat with zone control and a heat pump for additional heat, and summer air conditioning. Each room has been soundproofed, while each plug has its own breaker. Like I said, every detail! An easily connected generator provides peace of mind and comfort when the power is out. The exterior of the property has been designed for easy maintenance. A paved driveway, landscaped yards, a welcoming rear patio with a sliding door entry to the home, and the use of natural trees and plants create a waterfront oasis. A gazebo for outdoor entertaining and a shed for storing toys add to the outdoor features. At the water's edge, the armour stone entry and private dock allow for maximum enjoyment of the water. This home is located on a private road in a quiet area just minutes from Bridgnorth and Peterborough—a wonderful retreat from the outside world. 📣 📞 Call/text Brad today to learn more: 705-927-6236 📞 Brad Sinclair Sales Representative RE/MAX Professionals North #bradsinclair #bradsinclairteam #chemonglake #waterfront #waterfrontliving #waterfronthome #chemonglakewaterfront #waterfrontpropertyforsale #peterboroughrealestate #remaxprofessionalsnorth**When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. ** Find out what you don’t know. #thebradsinclairteam🏠 www.bradsinclair.ca ———————————————— Waterfront Real Estate Sales in the Kawarthas and Highlands #realestate #kawarthalakes #realtor #realestateagent #kawarthas #outdoor #cottagelife #lovelocal Social Media Marketing- #instagram #facebook #google

Brad Sinclair from "The Brad Sinclair Team" Presents! 🏠 960 5th Line Dou...

960 5th Line Douro, Douro-Dummer ON K0L 2H0

3+1 2+1 Bath

MLS®#: X12629824

List Price: $924,900

Escape to the ultimate country retreat on the peaceful 5th Line of Douro. Perfectly positioned on a quiet dead-end street and set well back from the road, this 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom family home offers unmatched privacy on a sprawling 1.5-acre lot surrounded by serene farmland. Step inside to discover a home that has been meticulously updated from top to bottom. The heart of the home is the brand-new (2024) custom kitchen and dining area, designed for gathering. The main floor features three spacious bedrooms and two modern bathrooms (including a 2021 renovation), while the fully finished basement (renovated 2019/2020) adds a fourth bedroom and third bathroom—perfect for guests or a growing family. The real showstopper, however, is the backyard oasis. An entertainer’s wonderland awaits, featuring a massive deck (2021), a heated pool (2022) for summer fun, and a relaxing hot tub (2017). Whether you are hosting under the gazebos or gathering around the professionally built campfire pit, this property is designed for making memories. Rest easy knowing the mechanicals are top-tier, including a steel roof (2023), new furnace and heat pump (2018), solar hot water (2019), and a backup generator (2019). This is rural privacy without the maintenance headaches. Welcome home.

Call/text Brad today to learn more: 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair

Sales Representative

RE/MAX Professionals North

#bradsinclair #bradsinclairteam #countryliving #dourodummer

#dourodummerrealestate #RuralProperty #ruralpropertyforsale #peterboroughrealestate #remaxprofessionalsnorth

Brad Sinclair from "The Brad Sinclair Team" Presents! 🏠 89 Jacks Lake Rd...

📯 CHARMING HOME ON 6ACRES 📯

🏠 89 Jacks Lake Rd, North Kawartha ON K0L 1A0 🏠

🛏 3 🛏 🛁 1 Bath 🛁
🏠 MLS®#: X12571634 🏠
🏠 List Price: $549,900 🏠
📣A charming family home located in the Heart of Apsley. Situated on over 6 acres this 3 bedroom home features a bright, spacious eat in kitchen with plenty of counter space and storage perfect for family meals. Natural light floods the living area, offering a bright space for family gatherings or cozy nights. On the main floor you will also find the primary bedroom and a 4 piece family bath. On the upper level are two more bedrooms New windows with stylish wood trim installed in 2022 can be found throughout the home As you move outdoors you will find an enclosed porch to enjoy those fall evenings and a large deck. A new roof was installed in 2023 as an added value to this incredible property. The detached garage is an excellent space for storage or as a workshop. The property offers over 6 acres of naturally mixed tree and vegetation perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The village of Apsley offers its residents all the amenities of a larger centre with a community centre, library, grocery store, hardware store, local shopping, eateries and more. Just 30 minutes to Peterborough or Bancroft off Highway 28N. A wonderful opportunity for a young family, couple or those looking to escape the hectic city life. 📣
📞 Call/text Brad today to learn more: 705-927-6236 📞
Brad Sinclair
Sales Representative
Re/Max Professionals North, Brokerage
#bradsinclair #bradsinclairteam #apsleyhome #apsleyrealestate #northkawartha #northkawartharealestate #acerage #Remax #remaxprofessionalsnorth

Brad Sinclair from "The Brad Sinclair Team" Presents! 🏠 1406 Hancox Crt,...

📯SOUGHT AFTER GARDEN HOME📯
🏠 1406 Hancox Crt, Peterborough ON K9K 2M2 🏠

🛏 2 🛏 🛁 2 Bath 🛁 🏠 MLS®#: X12464794 🏠 🏠 List Price: $549,900 🏠 📣Located in the desirable West End, this 2 bedroom, 2 bath garden home offers exceptional quality and features. As you enter, you're greeted by a spacious dining room with built-in shelving and a large window that floods the room with natural light. The open kitchen and living room design provides a wonderful layout for cooking and relaxing. The gleaming hardwood floors throughout the main floor add warmth and elegance.The primary bedroom is generously sized with a 3-piece ensuite and built-in closet storage. Downstairs, a large rec room with a wet bar, a second bedroom, and a 4-piece bathroom provide additional living space. Exterior features include low-maintenance landscaping, a convenient walkout from the kitchen to a high-quality Trex deck and lower seating area - perfect for outdoor entertaining.This home's excellent location provides easy access to many city amenities, making it a great choice for those seeking a comfortable and well-appointed living experience. 📣 📞 Call/text Brad today to learn more: 705-927-6236 📞 Brad Sinclair Sales Representative Re/Max Professionals North #bradsinclair #bradsinclairteam #gardenhome #realestate #cityofpeterborough #peterboroughrealestate **When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. ** Find out what you don’t know. #thebradsinclairteam🏠 www.bradsinclair.ca ———————————————— Waterfront Real Estate Sales in the Kawarthas and Highlands #realestate #kawarthalakes #realtor #realestateagent #kawarthas #outdoor #cottagelife #lovelocal Social Media Marketing- #instagram #facebook #google

🏡 Cottage vs. Waterfront Home: The Kawartha Lakes Trap You Can't Afford ...

🏡 Cottage vs. Waterfront Home: The Kawartha Lakes Trap You Can't Afford to Fall Into! ⚠️ You have the dream: Buy the summer cottage now, use it on weekends, and eventually retire there full-time. It sounds perfect. But in the Kawartha's, the difference between a 'Cottage' and a 'Waterfront Home' isn't just about whether you have a furnace. It's a legal distinction that affects your property taxes, your mortgage eligibility, and—most importantly—whether you are actually allowed to live there in January. Here is the essential breakdown you need before you buy or renovate: 🛑 It's Not a "Small House," It's a "Seasonal Residence" To the municipality and MPAC (the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation), these are distinct asset classes: Asset Type Definition & Key Features Waterfront Home Designed for year-round habitation. Has permanent heating, a potable water source that doesn't freeze, and access to a municipally maintained and plowed road. Cottage (Seasonal) Intended for recreational use. Often on a private road that isn't plowed by the city, may draw lake water with no winter water, and might legally prohibit use as a principal residence. 💰 MPAC & Your Property Tax Bill A common myth is that cottages have a 'cheaper tax rate.' FALSE. Both fall under the same 'Residential' tax class. The difference is in the valuation: MPAC determines if your property is 'Seasonal' or 'Year-Round' based on: Access: Is the road public and plowed? Winterization: Do you have permanent heating/insulation vs. just a wood stove? Water: Is your water source certified year-round? 🚨 THE KICKER: If you renovate a seasonal cottage into a permanent home (add a furnace, insulate pipes), you significantly increase its assessed value. Your tax rate is the same, but your tax bill will jump significantly once MPAC reassesses the upgrade. 🗺️ The "Seasonal" Trap: Zoning & Limited Service Residential (LSR) If your potential cottage is zoned LSR (Limited Service Residential), it typically means the property is on a private road. "Limited Service" means: ❌ No Garbage Pickup: You're driving your trash to the dump. ❌ No Snow Plows: The city won’t clear your road. (Emergency services might not reach you in February!) ❌ No School Buses: They will not come down your road. Many LSR zones explicitly prohibit using the structure as a 'principal residence.' You must legally maintain a primary address elsewhere! ✅ The Conversion Checklist: 3 Things to Check Want to convert that seasonal cottage to a permanent home? It's more than a new furnace. The Road Access Agreement: You might need to upgrade your private road to municipal standards for full service, a cost that can be hundreds of thousands. The Septic System: Seasonal systems are rated for 'weekend use.' Moving in full-time will likely require a new, larger septic permit. Development Charges: Tearing down a small cottage to build a large home may trigger new development charges. (Though you may get a credit for the existing structure—check this before you demolish!) The Kawartha lifestyle is unbeatable, but you have to buy with your eyes open. A "cottage" is a recreational asset; a "waterfront home" is a lifestyle commitment with higher carrying costs. 🔑 Action Items for Buyers: Ask for the MPAC assessment code (This reveals the current classification). Ask about the road maintenance agreement. Check the municipal zoning map for the specific property. What are your thoughts on Limited Service Residential zoning? Let us know in the comments! 👇 #KawarthaLakes #RealEstateTips #CottageLife #WaterfrontHome #MPAC #LSR #BuyingInKawartha #OntarioCottage*When your recreation or waterfront property is no longer rainbows and sunshine, we offer concrete solutions to Life‘s curveballs. Call us today for a clear path. We will look after it. ** Find out what you don’t know. #thebradsinclairteam🏠 www.bradsinclair.ca ———————————————— Waterfront Real Estate Sales in the Kawarthas and Highlands #realestate #kawarthalakes #realtor #realestateagent #kawarthas #outdoor #cottagelife #lovelocal Social Media Marketing- #instagram #facebook #google

Brad Sinclair from "The Brad Sinclair Team" Presents! Bancroft's High Falls, Check them out!

Planning a trip to Bancroft? 🏞️ You HAVE to visit High Falls in Birds Creek! This stunning spot is where the York River begins its journey from Baptist Lake, and the falls from the dam are absolutely breathtaking. Pack a picnic, bring your camera, and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature! #HighFalls #BirdsCreek #Bancroft #YorkRiver #BaptistLake #Waterfall #OntarioTravel #ExploreOntario #NatureLovers #HiddenGems

A Deep Dive into Dysart et al’s 2025 Septic Re-Inspection Program

Septic Re-Inspection Program

The 2025 inspection season (running from May 20th to August 29th) focused specifically on Area 5, Part 2. Here is everything you need to know about how the program operated, from exemptions to the step-by-step inspection process.

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📍 Who Was Inspected in 2025?

The focus for this season was Part 2 of Area 5, covering 8 specific lakes within Harcourt Park. If your property is within 30 metres of the water on one of these lakes, it was on the list:

• Allen Lake

• Big Barnum Lake

• East Lake

• Straggle Lake

• Little Straggle Lake

• Charlie George Lake

• Kennaway Lake

• Long Lake

The goal? To identify systems needing upgrades and ensure compliance with By-Law 2024-24.

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🚫 Inspection Exemptions

Not every property on the list required a new inspection. Owners could be removed from the 2025 schedule if they met specific criteria and provided proof:

1. New Systems: The system was newly installed or fully replaced within the last 5 years.

2. Advanced Treatment Units: The system uses an improved quality treatment unit with a current service agreement and compliant annual effluent samples.

3. Recent Compliance: The property completed re-inspection requirements under a previous program within the last 5 years.

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🔍 The 10-Step Inspection Process

Curious about what happens when the inspector arrives? The process is thorough but straightforward. While it can vary slightly based on accessibility, here is the standard workflow:

1. Arrival & Intro: The inspector arrives, introduces themselves to the owner (if present), and gathers contact info/email for reporting. 2. Voluntary Walk-Through: The inspector requests a voluntary walk-through of the dwelling to confirm bedroom counts and identify fixtures for flow testing. Water is often run to prepare for the test. 3. Accessory Buildings: A quick check of any bunkies or garages to confirm their use. 4. Visual Tank Check: Lids are lifted off both chambers of the septic tank for a visual inspection of components and levels. 5. Sludge & Scum Check: The inspector uses a "Sludge Judge" tool to measure the thickness of sludge and scum layers. 6. The Flow Test: Water is drained from the house fixtures. The inspector watches the flow into the tank, through the second chamber, and out to the bed to ensure no blockages. (They may also clean the effluent filter if needed). 7. Closing Up: Lids are reinstalled. 8. Property Scan: A final walk-around to ensure the property complies physically (e.g., no unauthorized structures over the bed). 9. Lake Health Assessment: A complimentary assessment of the waterfront is done to educate owners on shoreline health. 10. Reporting: Back at the office, the report is finalized and emailed to the owner with any necessary remedial actions.

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🚛 When is a Pump-Out Required?

You don't always need a pump-out, but specific "red flags" will trigger a mandatory pump-out order:

• Age: The tank was installed prior to 1980.

• No Records: The Municipality has no permit on file.

• Material: The tank is made of something other than concrete, plastic, or fiberglass.

• Fullness: Scum/sludge levels occupy 1/3 or greater of the settling chamber's capacity.

• Malfunction: Any visible issues with tank levels or function.

Note: If you had a pump-out within 1 year of the inspection date, you could submit that invoice instead of doing it again.

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📝 Third-Party Inspections

Property owners had the option to hire their own inspector rather than using Municipal staff. However, strict rules applied:

• Inspectors must be qualified under Part 8 of the Ontario Building Code.

• They must have signed a 10-point agreement with the Municipality.

• Only Approved Third-Party Inspectors (listed on the municipal website) were accepted.

Owners were required to submit these reports via the website along with a $50 review fee. In 2025, 108 third-party reports were submitted for Area 5.

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💰 Fees and Invoicing

The costs associated with the program are approved by Council under By-Law 2024-24. Invoices were prepared by the Tax Department and applied directly to the property tax account.

Service	Fee
Sewage System Maintenance Inspection	$220.00
Inspection Outside Program Schedule	$320.00
Remedial Action Septic Review	$150.00
Partially Complete Return Inspection	$100.00
Vacant Lot / No Plumbing Confirmation	$100.00
3rd Party Inspection Report Review	$50.00
Failed 3rd Party Inspection Attempt	$50.00

Note: If a property required multiple attempts to complete the inspection, multiple $220 invoices were issued.

There are over 250 lakes in the Kawarthas... how do you possibly choose?

Sick of the City Grind? Here’s How to Find Your Perfect Kawartha Lake

Are you dreaming of that perfect cottage escape but feeling totally overwhelmed by the choices? You aren’t alone. There are over 250 lakes in the Kawarthas region. How do you possibly choose?

Stop scrolling and take a breath. Today, we are cutting through the noise.

The Kawarthas are legendary for a reason. They are accessible from the GTA, visually stunning, and offer that classic Canadian Shield experience. But here is the truth: not all lakes are created equal. A boater’s paradise might be a privacy seeker's nightmare.

I’m taking you on a deep dive into five specific lakes—the absolute best spots for three different vibes: ultimate family fun, endless boating adventures, and serious, serene privacy.

Let’s find your lake.

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1. Chemong Lake: The Boater's Playground

The Vibe: High Energy, Social, & Action-Packed

If you hate sitting still and love horsepower, say hello to Chemong Lake. This is the action hub of the region. Why? Because it is part of the "Tri-Lakes" system, meaning it connects directly to Pigeon Lake and Buckhorn Lake without the need for locks.

The Deep Dive (Insider Tips):

• The Pros: It’s busy, energetic, and incredibly social. This is the ideal spot for families with teenagers who want to be where the action is (tubing, waterskiing, and visiting friends).

• The Cons: It is a big, open lake, so wind can get choppy.

• What to Watch For: Chemong is relatively shallow in many big bays. This is great because it warms up fast for swimming in June, but it means significant weed growth later in the summer. If you are viewing property here, check the weed conditions in August, not just May.

Best For: Unlimited boating and socializing.

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2. Chandos Lake: The Family Gold Standard

The Vibe: Crystal Clear, Community-Focused, & "Goldilocks" Sized

Head a bit further north to North Kawartha, and you’ll find a lake that consistently ranks as a family favorite: Chandos Lake. It is often called the "Goldilocks" lake—big enough for great boating, but small enough to maintain a tight-knit community feel.

The Deep Dive (Insider Tips):

• The Water: Chandos is spring-fed with excellent water quality, making it incredible for swimming and snorkeling.

• The Traffic: Because it is not on the Trent-Severn Waterway, you don't get the transient boat traffic. The only people on the water are the people who love Chandos.

• The Terrain: Expect a mix of sandy shorelines and dramatic rocky outcrops.

Best For: Swimming and making lifelong family memories.

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3. Stoney Lake: The Iconic "Jewel"

The Vibe: Historic, Upscale, & Scenery-Heavy

You can’t talk about this region without mentioning the "Jewel of the Kawarthas." If you want that rugged, Canadian Shield look—exposed pink granite rocks and windswept pines—this is it.

The Deep Dive (Insider Tips):

• The Culture: Stoney Lake feels historic and a bit upscale. It has a fantastic community centered around sailing regattas, tennis clubs, and even its own church on a rock.

• The Boating: It is on the Trent-Severn, so the cruising is spectacular and can take you right through incredible lock systems.

• The Warning: The name "Stoney" is literal. This lake is full of rocks just below the surface. If you buy a boat here, you need a good chart plotter, and you must pay attention to the markers. It can be stressful for novice speed-boaters until you learn the channels.

Best For: Scenery, sailing, and the classic cottage vibe.

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4. Kasshabog Lake: The Rugged Escape

The Vibe: Wild, Winding, & Adventurous

Let’s head a little deeper into the woods to Kasshabog Lake, or "Kosh" as the locals call it. If Stoney Lake is the country club, Kosh is the cool, slightly wilder cousin.

The Deep Dive (Insider Tips):

• The Topography: Kosh is long, winding, and loaded with islands and hidden bays. It feels significantly more remote than Chemong, even though it isn't much further away.

• The Traffic: It is landlocked from the main Trent system, so you won't see giant cruisers passing through. Traffic is mostly locals.

• The Shoreline: It is very rugged. You are less likely to find expansive sandy beaches here, but more likely to find deep, clean water perfect for jumping off a rocky dock.

Best For: Paddling (canoe/kayak), exploring, and a "remote" feel.

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5. Paudash Lake: The Privacy Pinnacle

The Vibe: Deep Water, Silence, & Northern Beauty

Finally, for those of you who want the rugged experience without the Trent-Severn boat traffic, we head slightly north to the stunning Paudash Lake. This is where you go for silence.

The Deep Dive (Insider Tips):

• The Terrain: Known for dramatic Canadian Shield terrain and towering pines that often hide cottages from view.

• The Water: This is a fantastic, large lake known for incredible water clarity. Like many deep lakes, the shoreline often drops off quickly.

• The Entry: While deep water makes for great swimming, it means wide, shallow sandy entries for toddlers are less common. Paudash is for the buyer who wants rugged beauty and peace.

Best For: Deep water swimming, fishing, and total silence.

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Which Lake Vibe is Yours?

That was the whirlwind tour! To recap:

• Chemong for action.

• Chandos for swimming.

• Stoney for scenery.

• Kasshabog for exploring.

• Paudash for peace.

I genuinely want to know which one spoke to you. Are you Team "Party on the Pontoon" or Team "Leave Me Alone in the Woods"?

Drop a comment below with your pick and tell me why! And if you are ready to start looking for your own slice of the Kawarthas, bradsinclair.ca let's chat.

Until next time, I’ll see you on the dock.

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