Escape to the Kawarthas: Why Life is Better on Chemong Lake (and Your Dream Home at 563 Dalhaven Rd)

There is a moment that happens when you drive north into the Kawarthas from the GTA. The traffic thins out, the air smells a little sweeter, and your shoulders naturally drop a few inches.

For many, Ennismore, Ontario, isn't just a dot on a map—it’s the ultimate escape. Nestled between lakes and rolling countryside, it offers that rare blend of cottage-country serenity and real-world convenience. And right now, there is a unique opportunity to own a slice of this paradise.

If you have been dreaming of waterfront living without sacrificing modern luxury, let me introduce you to 563 Dalhaven Rd.

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Why Ennismore and Chemong Lake?

Before we talk about the house, we have to talk about the water. Chemong Lake is part of the Tri-Lakes system and the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway. Living here means:

• Endless Boating: You aren't landlocked. You can boat into Buckhorn, Pigeon Lake, or navigate the locks all the way out to the ocean if you really wanted to!

• Four-Season Recreation: From trophy bass and walleye fishing in the summer to snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter, the lake is alive year-round.

• The Best of Both Worlds: Ennismore offers a tight-knit community feel, but you are only minutes away from Bridgenorth for groceries and the LCBO, and a short drive to Peterborough for hospitals, Costco, and fine dining.

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Spotlight on 563 Dalhaven Rd: A Masterclass in Craftsmanship

Properties on the water often force you to choose: do you want a great view with an old, drafty cabin, or a modern home with no soul?

563 Dalhaven Rd requires no compromise.

This five-year-old home was lovingly designed and crafted with an obsession for detail. It is a modern sanctuary built to maximize the beauty of Chemong Lake while ensuring absolute comfort inside.

1. Designed for the View

As soon as you step onto the open-concept main floor, you are greeted by sleek modern lines and an abundance of natural light. The layout was specifically engineered to accentuate the waterfront views. Whether you are prepping dinner on the large kitchen island or relaxing in the living area, the lake is your backdrop.

2. The Primary Retreat

The primary bedroom is light, airy, and positioned to overlook the water—imagine waking up to that view every morning. It features a spacious walk-in closet and a gorgeous 4-piece ensuite with a soaker tub, perfect for unwinding after a day on the boat.

3. "Invisible" Luxury & Comfort

Here is where this listing separates itself from the competition. The things you can’t see are just as impressive as the things you can. This home is built for longevity and peace of mind:

• Climate Control: In-floor radiant natural gas heat (with zone control) keeps your toes warm in winter, while a heat pump provides A/C for those humid August nights.

• Soundproofing: Every room has been soundproofed for ultimate privacy.

• Electrical Overkill: In a display of incredible quality, each plug has its own breaker.

• Reliability: An easily connected generator ensures you are never left in the dark during a storm.

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Your Outdoor Oasis

The exterior of 563 Dalhaven was designed for maximum enjoyment and minimum maintenance. You didn't move to the lake to spend all weekend mowing the lawn.

• Entertaining Ready: A welcoming rear patio with sliding door entry connects the indoors to the outdoors seamlessly. There is a gazebo for hosting dinners and a shed for storing your water toys.

• The Water’s Edge: Walk down the landscaped yard to the armour stone entry and your private dock. This is where your summer memories will be made.

• Curb Appeal: A paved driveway and thoughtful use of natural trees create a private, welcoming entrance.

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The Verdict

Located on a private road in a quiet area, this home offers the retreat you’ve been looking for. It is quality over quantity, luxury without pretension, and nature right at your doorstep.

563 Dalhaven Rd isn't just a house; it’s the lake lifestyle perfected.

Property at a Glance:

• Bedrooms: 3

• Bathrooms: 2 (Including Ensuite)

• Heat: In-floor Radiant Gas + Heat Pump

• Waterfront: Chemong Lake (Armour stone + Dock)

• Location: Ennismore (Minutes to Bridgenorth/Peterborough)

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Are you ready to wake up to the water? Contact me today to book your private viewing of this Ennismore gem. Trust me, the photos are beautiful, but the view in person is unforgettable.

Brought to you by: Brad Sinclair, sales representative, Re/Max Professionals North

Not intended to solict other already under contract

What people said about Apsley: Insights from the Apsley Downtown Survey by North Kawartha

How do we make Apsley an even better place to live, visit, and do business?

That was the big question behind the Downtown Revitalization Survey conducted this past summer. Between June and September 2025, NK Economic Development Officer hit the streets to chat with full-time residents, seasonal cottagers, and visitors.

A recently presented the findings to the Township Council. Here is a breakdown of what was learned about our community’s strengths, challenges, and future opportunities.

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Who Was Heard from?

The survey gathered detailed feedback from 48 participants. While the group was small, the conversations provided deep insights into how different people experience our downtown.

• 35% were Full-Time Residents

• 27% were Seasonal Residents

• 35% were Visitors

Heard from a wide range of voices, from those who have lived here for over 10 years to first-time tourists.

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The Good News: What Was Love About Apsley

The results highlighted two major areas where Apsley shines:

1. The People are the Priority: The number one strength identified was friendliness. 73% of you rated the friendliness of downtown businesses as "Excellent." Community pride is strong here.

2. Safety First: 83% of respondents agreed that Apsley feels safe, even at night.

3. Local Loyalty: There is a massive desire to support local businesses. 81% of respondents agreed they try to shop locally whenever possible. Among full-time residents, that number jumped to 94%.

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The Challenge: Why People Shop Elsewhere

While the desire to shop locally is high, the reality is often different. Many respondents admitted that Apsley is their primary spot for weekly needs, but 52% still travel elsewhere (mostly to Peterborough) due to price and selection.

Top Concerns:

• Product Availability: Only 38% felt that local businesses currently meet all their needs.

• Store Hours: While most found hours acceptable, there is a desire for more consistent opening times.

• Infrastructure: Public amenities, parking, and sidewalks were frequently rated as "fair" or "needing improvement."

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Your Wishlist: What Apsley Needs

It was asked what new businesses or services you would like to see. The top requests included:

• Health & Wellness: More clinics and wellness services.

• Food & Retail: A farmers market, affordable groceries, and more restaurants/cafés.

• Family Fun: Playgrounds and family-oriented amenities.

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The Future: Support for Proposed Changes

It was asked for your thoughts on specific improvements to the downtown core (Burleigh Street). The community support for infrastructure upgrades was very strong:

• 76% want better Wayfinding Signage (to help people find their way around).

• 73% support dedicated Sidewalks on Burleigh Street.

• 71% want a Speed Limit Reduction on Burleigh Street to make it safer for pedestrians.

• 71% support creating more Off-Street Parking.

What’s Next?

This survey is just the first step. These insights—combined with the one-on-one feedback received by the Economic Development Officer—will help shape the Downtown Revitalization process.

The Township is looking at how to prioritize cost-effective improvements that balance growth with preserving the nature and history that make North Kawartha special.

Stay Tuned: Keep the conversation going!

Prioritizing Safety & Savings: Douro-Dummer Fire Department Moves Forward with Bunker Gear Upgrade

Ensuring firefighters have reliable, up-to-date protective equipment is not just a regulatory requirement—it is a moral imperative. In a recent report to Council (Report Fire Chief-2025-06), Fire Chief Chuck Pedersen outlined a strategic plan to replace aging bunker gear while navigating new safety standards and securing the best possible price for taxpayers.

Here is a breakdown of the recommendation and its implications for the Douro Dummer community.

The Challenge: Changing Standards and Expiring Gear

The next three years mark a significant replacement cycle for the department’s "bunker gear"—the heavy-duty jackets and pants firefighters wear to protect themselves from extreme heat and hazardous environments.

For 2025 alone, the department budgeted for 18 new sets of gear. However, a hurdle appeared in May when the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) announced upcoming changes to safety standards. To ensure Douro-Dummer didn’t purchase gear that would arguably become obsolete, the department paused the traditional Request for Proposal (RFP) process to wait for the new specifications.

Those new standards (effective March 1, 2026) were finalized in November, requiring an update to our gear specifications.

The Solution: Streamlined Procurement

Because traditional bidding processes can be lengthy, and the clock is ticking on the expiring gear, Chief Pedersen recommended utilizing the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada.

What is Canoe? Canoe is a cooperative purchasing program that vets vendors and tenders contracts on behalf of public sector entities. Think of it as "collective buying power." It allows municipalities to skip the long administrative delays of tendering individually because Canoe has already done the heavy lifting to ensure trade compliance and competitive pricing.

By using Canoe, the Fire Department can purchase from a trusted Ontario-based vendor that:

• We have experience with.

• Is already approved by Canoe.

• Fits within Douro-Dummer's current budget.

The Financial Win: Buying Smart

The recommendation to Council wasn't just about speed; it was about smart economics.

The report recommends purchasing both the 2025 and 2026 gear allocations together.

• 2025 Budget: The purchase fits entirely within the approved budget.

• 2026 Strategy: By committing to the 2026 purchase before February 1st, the municipality avoids a planned industry price increase.

This proactive approach means the department secures essential safety equipment for the next two years while coming in below budget for the 2026 allocation.

Conclusion

By leveraging the collective power of the Canoe Procurement Group, Douro-Dummer are cutting through red tape to put safety first. This decision ensures Douro-Dummer firefighters are equipped with gear that meets the latest, rigorous safety standards without delay, while realizing significant cost savings for the community.

❄️ Snowmobiles Closer to Town? Dysart el al Council Considers New Access Routes to Town 🛵

Great news for our winter enthusiasts! We know how much snowmobiling adds to the vibrancy of Haliburton during the colder months, and it is Haliburton's goal to make it easier for riders to access the great restaurants and shops in the east end.

Dysart el al Parks and Recreation team, led by Director Andrew Wilbee, has been hard at work exploring options to bring snowmobilers closer to the heart of the community, especially when the ice on the lake isn't safe for travel.

The Journey So Far: HCSA Weighs In

The town of Haliburton recently met with the Haliburton County Snowmobile Association (HCSA), and they are happy with the current designated parking area near the Welcome Centre. Snowmobilers are already using this area and walking to restaurants along Highland and Maple Avenue without issue—which is fantastic!

However, the main concern is providing a reliable, off-lake access route. This is especially important for safety when the conditions are unpredictable.

The Proposed New Access Route: From Sam Slick to Head Lake

To address the need for a safe alternative route, Haliburton staff is proposing a path that runs parallel to the Head Lake walking trail, starting at Sam Slick Park and ending at the boat launch.

• The Plan: Create a marked and signed path.

• The Catch: HCSA cannot take on any more trails, and their groomer won't fit. This means the Council would need to approve and accept responsibility/liability for this new route.

• The Next Steps: Snowmobilers would then travel from the boat launch through the Head Lake parking lot to reach the existing designated snowmobile parking area near the Welcome Centre.

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🚦 Two Options to Get Even Closer to the Action

Once riders are parked at the Head Lake designated area, staff have explored two options to get them closer to the bustling intersection of Maple Avenue and Highland Street:

Option 1: A Quick Hop to York Street 🛵

This is the simpler approach:

1. Create an opening in the fence of the current snowmobile parking area.

2. Allow snowmobilers to pass through onto York Street.

3. Riders can travel along York Street and park in the upper library parking lot on a first-come, first-served basis.

Option 2: Through Head Lake Park to the Lower Library Lot 🏞️

This option would bring riders right up to the doorstep of the main retail area, but it comes with higher risks:

1. Create an opening at the far end of the designated snowmobile parking area to access Head Lake Park.

2. Mark and sign a trail that travels through Head Lake Park to the lower library parking lot.

3. The Library CEO would need to be notified and approve parking in this lot.

⚠️ Important Consideration for Option 2: Haliburton staff warned council that they need to be transparent about the risks. Before the current designated parking area was installed, Head Lake Park infrastructure (benches, paved pathways, sprinkler systems, and memorial trees) was damaged by snowmobilers driving off-trail. Choosing Option 2 means a higher risk of parks infrastructure being damaged, even with a marked trail.

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💰 The Financial Impact

The good news is that the initial investment is manageable. Staff estimate approximately $1,500 will be required to purchase the necessary stakes and signage to clearly mark and delineate the proposed trail(s) for the new route from Sam Slick Park and whichever final option Council chooses.

What Happens Next?

This recommendation is now before the Mayor and Members of Council for review. They will weigh the benefits of bringing snowmobilers closer to our businesses against the potential costs and liability, particularly concerning the two options for the final leg of the journey.

We’ll keep you updated on the decision! Which option do you think is best for our community and our park infrastructure? Let us know in the comments!

Selwyn Council Update: Proposed Jurisdiction Changes Regarding Road Transfers with Peterborough County

Road Ownership Updates: What You Need to Know About the Peterborough County Road Rationalization Report

If you live in Peterborough County or Selwyn Township, you might see some changes regarding who manages the roads you drive on every day. A recent report from Selwyn's Manager of Public Works has recommended a "Road Rationalization" plan that would swap the ownership of specific sections of County Road 12 (Fife’s Bay Road), Fairbairn Street, 3rd Line, and Lily Lake Road.

Here is a breakdown of what is being proposed, why it matters, and what happens next.

What is Road Rationalization?

Road rationalization is a process designed to make sure the right level of government is looking after the right roads.

• The County (Upper-tier): Should manage roads that serve "through traffic" (arterial roads) and connect different regions.

• The Township (Lower-tier): Should manage roads that primarily provide local access to residents and businesses.

By aligning the road with the correct authority, the municipality can ensure more efficient services (such as snow plowing and repairs) and consistent road standards.

The Proposed Changes

The report, which the Council has received for information, recommends directing staff to negotiate the transfer of the following roads based on their usage and function:

1. Moving to the Township: County Road 12 (Fife’s Bay Road)

The Section: From Fifes Bay Marina Lane to the current end (the Loop). The Reason: This section scored low on the "County Road" criteria because it serves a rural residential setting rather than through traffic. Transferring this to the Township allows for better local management. Key Factor: Winter Maintenance. The current setup makes it difficult for County snow plows to turn around safely. The Township is better equipped to manage this specific local stretch, and the transfer ensures safer conditions for both drivers and plow operators.

2. Moving to the County: Fairbairn Street & 3rd Line

The Section: Fairbairn Street (from 3rd Line to Lily Lake Road/Towerhill Road) and 3rd Line (from Fairbairn Street to Chemong Road/County Road 18). The Reason: These roads act as a "Ring Road" around the City of Peterborough. Drivers frequently use them to bypass the city. Because they function as arterial roads carrying higher volumes of traffic, they fit the criteria for County management.

3. Moving to the County: Lily Lake Road

The Section: From Highway 7 to Fife’s Bay Road (County Road 12) / Ackison Road (County Road 27). The Reason:Since traffic lights were added at Highway 7, this route has become a major connector for the northern part of the City. Currently, jurisdiction jumps confusingly between the City, County, Township, and MTO. Moving this entire stretch to the County creates continuity and a smoother road network.

How Was This Decided?

The County follows a strict 7-Step Policy to ensure fairness. This involves:

1. Identifying candidates.

2. Scoring the roads based on 9 specific criteria.

3. Reviewing scores (generally, a score of 6+ suggests a County road).

4. Considering unique factors (like the snow plow turnaround issue on Fife’s Bay).

Shutterstock

What Happens Next?

These transfers are not effective immediately. This is currently a recommendation to proceed to the next phase. The process moving forward involves:

1. Agreement in Principle: Both the Township and County Councils must agree that these transfers make sense.

2. Condition of Transfer: Staff will assess the physical condition of the roads. They need to determine if repairs, rehabilitation, or expansion are needed before the keys are handed over.

3. Financial Review: Costs will be calculated. If one municipality is receiving a road that needs major work, financial concessions or repairs will be negotiated.

4. Final Decision: Once the costs and conditions are settled, staff will return to Council for a final vote to legally transfer the roads.

Summary

The goal of these changes is efficiency. By ensuring the County manages the heavy-traffic arterial routes and the Township manages local residential lanes, residents should see better service delivery and a more logical road network.

The Price of Affordability: Why Bancroft Roads Might Look Different This Winter

Snowplows vs. Savings: Is Bancroft Making the Right Call? 

*Update: I wrote this blog with the information from the Mayor’s message found on the Town of Bancroft’s Facebook page dated November 17th, 2025 and the notes of the Committee of the Whole from November 25th, 2025. I received a call from Jake Krupa, Manager of Infrastructure and Capital Projects, saying the only rollbacks the Town will see is weekend winter maintenance. Weekend overtime is a budget killer. Mr. Krupa says that weekday maintenance will not be affected. Very much mix messaging from the Mayor and staff. I will say Mr.Krupa was very professional and I appreciate his call*

We are all feeling the pinch. From the grocery store checkout to the gas pump, the conversation lately has been dominated by one thing: rising costs. Unfortunately, the Town of Bancroft is not immune to the economic pressures hitting every household in Canada.

As budget season approaches, the municipality faces a difficult fork in the road. The choice is stark: raise taxes significantly to maintain the services we are used to, or tighten the belt to keep the tax rate as low as possible.

The Mayor’s Stance: Back to Basics According to the Mayor, the town has decided to prioritize affordability. However, keeping taxes in line means "something has to give." In this case, that "something" is road maintenance and snow removal.

For years, Bancroft the Mayor says has exceeded the provincial minimum standards for road care. Residents have grown accustomed to a level of service—speedy plowing and maintenance—that goes above and beyond what the province actually requires.

What This Means for Residents To offset rising costs without hiking taxes, the Mayor has stated that the town will now strictly adhere to those provincial minimums rather than exceeding them. The result?

• Slower response times: Snow removal may not happen as quickly as in previous years.

• Reduced maintenance: General road upkeep will be scaled back to meet the basic requirements, rather than the "gold standard" of the past.

It is a difficult trade-off, but one the municipality feels is necessary to protect taxpayers' wallets. As we head into the colder months, residents should prepare for a shift in expectations. We are trading speed and convenience for financial stability.

In the Committee of the Whole Meeting for the town of Bancroft on November 25th, the town heard from Jake Krupa, Manager of Infrastructure and Capital Projects. Here is his presentation:

 

Councillor Dave Haacke says there is no free ride: Peterborough Council is starting conversations about charging at the free zoo

Is the "Free Ride" Over? Why Charging for the Peterborough Zoo is the Wrong Move

If you grew up in or near Peterborough and you flip through your old family photo albums, I am willing to bet money on what you’ll find. There, sandwiched between Christmas mornings and first days of school, is a picture of you as a kid at the Riverview Park and Zoo.

For generations, this place has been the heartbeat of our community. It dates back to 1933, when Ross Dobbin, the GM of the PUC, returned to Peterborough from Florida with two alligators. By 1935, the zoo was officially born.

For 91 years, this gem has been accessible to everyone, regardless of their income. But that legacy is now under threat.

The City Takes Over, and the Meter Starts Running

The Riverview Park and Zoo was operated by the PUC until the City of Peterborough officially took over in April 2025. It has taken the City Council all of eight months to look at a 91-year legacy of free access and decide it’s time to monetize it.

Councillor Dave Haacke has been blunt, stating there is "no free ride." The conversation is starting with paid parking to generate revenue, but let’s be honest: does it ever stop there?

We are hearing talk of charging non-residents for visiting. We are hearing Sheldon Laidman, the City Community Services Commissioner, suggest that fees could be used as a "tool" to manage the busy parking lot. Mayor Leal has thrown his support behind the idea, noting that the park is "not free to maintain."

Parking Fees: The Thin Edge of the Wedge

They say they want to charge for parking to "manage" the crowds. They say they might only charge visitors from outside Peterborough.

But here is my worry: once you put up a gate, it’s only a matter of time before the price goes up, or the fees extend to everyone. With over 250,000 visitors annually, the Zoo is a massive draw. Being free is exactly what makes Peterborough special. It is a place that is truly inclusive—where a family struggling to make ends meet can have the exact same wonderful Sunday afternoon as the wealthiest family in town.

Putting a price tag on that experience kills the spirit of the park.

A Question of Priorities

Mayor Leal is right about one thing: maintenance isn't free. But it brings up an interesting question about priorities.

I can’t help but wonder what the entrance fees are for the new Pickleball park? That project is Mayor Leal's "baby," yet the conversation about squeezing revenue out of citizens seems squarely focused on the Zoo—a place that serves families, children, and history.

If You Want to Charge, Give Us Something New

You might be able to tell by the tone of this post that I am strongly against charging for what is currently offered at the Zoo.

If the City is desperate for revenue, they need to get creative, not greedy. If you want to charge admission, then build new, premium experiences that are worthy of a ticket price. create a new interactive exhibit, a guided behind-the-scenes tour, or a special event venue.

But do not start charging us for what has always been free. Do not take a 91-year-old gift to the people of Peterborough and turn it into just another transaction. The Riverview Park and Zoo is special because it belongs to all of us. Let’s keep it that way.

Week in review: Real Estate Market Watch and Update (September 22nd-September 28th2025) Peterborough and Haliburton

Real Estate Market Brief September 30th, 2025 Edition 

Peterborough and Haliburton

(September 22nd-September 28th,  2025)

www.bradsinclair.ca

 Peterborough (Non-Waterfront)

# of New listings-97

# of Active Listings-300+

# of Conditionally Sold-51

# of Sold-35

Average Sale Price-$631,305

Average List Price of Sold Listings-$650,683

Average Days on Market-41

Peterborough (Waterfront)

# of New listings: 15

# of Active Listings-284

# of Conditionally Sold-11

# of Sold-7

Average Sale Price-$764,814

Average List Price of Sold Listings-$696,741

Average Days on Market-54

Haliburton (Non-Waterfront)

# of New listings-18

# of Active Listings-240

# of Conditionally Sold-14

# of Sold-4

Average Sale Price-$395,500

Average List Price of Sold Listings-$417,250

Average Days on Market-69

Haliburton (Waterfront)

# of New listings-12

# of Active Listings-254

# of Conditionally Sold-13

# of Sold-5

Average Sale Price-$577,200

Average List Price of Sold Listings: $609,580

Average Days on Market-63

Summary of the Numbers!

My Thoughts

The key takeaways from the real estate data are:

The comparison covers the real estate market in the Peterborough and Haliburton regions for the two time periods: September 15th-21st, 2025, and September 22nd-28th, 2025.

For the Peterborough non-waterfront market:

• The number of new listings decreased from 106 to 97
• The number of active listings remained over 300
• The number of conditionally sold listings decreased from 66 to 51
• The number of sold listings increased from 31 to 35
• The average sale price increased from $604,601 to $631,305
• The average list price of sold listings increased from $619,961 to $650,683
• The average days on market decreased from 47 to 41

For the Peterborough waterfront market:

• The number of new listings decreased slightly from 16 to 15
• The number of active listings decreased from 294 to 284
• The number of conditionally sold listings increased from 9 to 11
• The number of sold listings increased from 5 to 7
• The average sale price decreased from $1,035,600 to $764,814
• The average list price of sold listings decreased from $1,094,660 to $696,741
• The average days on market decreased from 63 to 54

For the Haliburton non-waterfront market:

• The number of new listings decreased slightly from 19 to 18
• The number of active listings increased slightly from 237 to 240 
• The number of conditionally sold listings increased from 12 to 14
• The number of sold listings decreased from 7 to 4
• The average sale price increased from $384,214 to $395,500
• The average list price of sold listings increased from $413,557 to $417,250
• The average days on market increased from 54 to 69

For the Haliburton waterfront market:

• The number of new listings decreased from 14 to 12
• The number of active listings increased from 251 to 254
• The number of conditionally sold listings increased from 8 to 13
• The number of sold listings increased from 5 to 5
• The average sale price decreased from $746,000 to $577,200
• The average list price of sold listings decreased from $825,380 to $609,580
• The average days on market decreased from 68 to 63

Overall, the data shows a mixed performance across the different Peterborough and Haliburton real estate segments, with some metrics improving and others declining compared to the prior week. The report provides a detailed breakdown of the key changes in the market.

Taking pictures from #bridgenorth over to the beautiful #ennismore. Despite the calm weather, it was a really cloudy day on scenic Chemong Lake.

Ennismore over Chemong Lake September 2025

Brought to you by: Your local Realtor®

If you are looking to either Buy or Sell, contact me at 705-927-6236

Brad Sinclair, Sales Representative

Team Lead at The Brad Sinclair Team

Royal Heritage Realty

Your inside source to cottage country

Not intended to solicit clients under contract