Where the magic happens! Simplified explanation of how Septic Systems work.

 

Demystifying Septic Systems: What You Need to Know

If you've only ever lived with municipal sewer systems, the concept of a septic system can be a bit puzzling. Many people are surprised to learn that their waste is actually going into the ground, often just a short distance from where they're drawing their drinking water.

The truth is, septic systems are a necessity in areas without access to municipal services. These self-contained waste treatment systems are relatively straightforward, though it's essential to understand how they work to ensure they function correctly.

At the heart of a septic system is the septic tank, which can be made of concrete or plastic. This is where the magic happens - a biological process breaks down the solid waste into a liquid effluent. This effluent then flows out of the tank and into a drain field, where it percolates through layers of sand and gravel to be naturally filtered back into the groundwater.

However, septic systems aren't infallible. Homeowners can easily disrupt biological processes by introducing substances like chlorine, grease, excessive water, or even excessive toilet paper. Tree roots can also invade and clog the drain field pipes. That's why it's crucial to be aware of local guidelines on septic system sizing, setbacks, and absorption area requirements.

With a basic understanding of how septic systems work, homeowners can take steps to maintain their systems and avoid costly repairs down the line. By respecting the natural process, you can ensure your septic system functions as it should for years to come.

Maintenance tip: One of the most essential maintenance tasks for a septic system is regular pumping of the septic tank. This removes the accumulated solids and prevents them from overflowing into the drain field, which can lead to clogs and failures. Additionally, homeowners should be mindful of what they flush or pour down drains, as certain chemicals and products can disrupt the delicate bacterial balance within the tank. By staying proactive with septic system maintenance, homeowners can extend the lifespan of their system and avoid costly repairs.

Brought for 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 

Understanding Shoreline Road Allowances: A guide for a waterfront property owners or prospective buyers.

 

What You Need to Know About Shoreline Road Allowances in Ontario

If you own property near a lake or river in Ontario, you may have heard about the "shoreline road allowance" (SRA) before. But what exactly is an SRA, and how does it impact waterfront property owners?

In the late 19th century, the Crown (the government) instructed its surveyors to lay out 66-foot road allowances along the banks of lakes and rivers in Ontario. These road allowances were originally used for commercial purposes like logging and transporting goods. However, over time, they became less important for commercial transportation.

As a result, the Crown eventually transferred ownership of the SRAs to the individual municipalities where the lakes and rivers were located. Today, most SRAs are publicly owned by the local municipality.

Over the years, some property owners have been allowed to purchase the SRA adjacent to their land from the municipality for exclusive use. However, not all property owners have taken advantage of this opportunity. Municipalities also may not have consistently enforced rules around the use of SRAs in the past, leading to some cottages, boathouses, and docks being built on these publicly owned SRAs.

However, this situation has changed in recent years, with municipalities enforcing rules and environmental regulations more strictly around using SRAs. This can lead to problems for property owners who do not own the SRA adjacent to their land. On the other hand, if you own the SRA, you generally have fewer restrictions on how to use and build on that land.

Even if you don't own the SRA, you may still have "riparian rights" - the legal rights of property owners whose land abuts a body of water. This means you could potentially still build a dock or use the shoreline, albeit with the proper permits from the municipality.

The rules and processes around SRAs can vary significantly between different municipalities. Some municipalities may limit the number of SRAs they will sell to property owners each year, while others are more open to these sales. It's essential for anyone interested in an SRA adjacent to their property to research the specific policies and procedures in their local area.

This nuanced understanding of SRAs is not always known by all real estate agents, especially those in the GTA who may be less familiar with these types of rural/cottage country properties.  This lack of comprehensive knowledge can lead to misinformation or oversight regarding properties with shoreline road allowances.

As a result, property buyers and sellers should carefully investigate the status and ownership of any SRA associated with a lakefront or riverfront property rather than rely solely on the advice of their real estate agent. Consulting with the local municipal planning department or a real estate lawyer specializing in waterfront properties can help ensure all the relevant details around the SRA are understood before proceeding with a transaction.

Brought for 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 

Cottages are coming up for sale at great value. Here is two of them!

53 LONG ISLAND Otonabee-South Monaghan, Ontario K0L1B0

MLS® Number: X12127545

Spring is Here-time for cottage season to begin! Enjoy this extensively renovated island cottage on Long Island, Rice Lake. This fully insulated cottage features new windows and a main door. New siding, soffits, fascia and eaves. Put your mind at ease knowing there is a new steel roof on the front and 5-year-old shingles on the rear plus a new steel roof on the shed. Indoors, you will find a new, freshly installed kitchen just waiting for its first family gathering. The fresh bathroom offers a new vanity and light fixture. As you enter the cottage, the new wood wall coverings add a welcoming pine smell. The new subfloor and flooring provide easy maintenance and durable living space. A new ductless heat pump and baseboards help to keep the cold at bay. Throughout the cottage, there are new switches and plugs and light fixtures. The property has a spacious rear yard with space for the children to play. The property is just a few minute's boat ride from the mainland which will allow you to be relaxing on the dock in no time. Just 90 minutes from the GTA, Rice Lake is known for it's spectacular fishing, boating and family friendly atmosphere.

More info and photos:

https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28267300/53-long-island-otonabee-south-monaghan-otonabee-south-monaghan

837 Fife's Bay Marina Lane, Chemong Lake

MLS® Number: X12140866

This charming cottage sits on the shores of Chemong Lake. Offering 2 bedrooms, 1 bath and spectacular views this cottage makes the ideal getaway. The bright, spacious open kitchen, dining and living areas are perfect for staying connected with family and friends. Walk out to the deck from the dining area to enjoy a morning coffee or share a meal. 2 bedrooms in the main cottage and a bar in the bunkie there is plenty of room for the kids or guests and entertaining. In just a few steps you are at the lakeside where you can enjoy all the watersports or a quick dip. Chemong Lake is part of the tri-lake chain (Chemong Lake, Pigeon Lake and Buckhorn Lake) as well as the Trent Severn Waterway ideal for boaters and those who enjoy fishing. A quick drive or boat ride you can be eating at local restaurants, shopping or savouring a delicious ice cream cone or cold drink. Situated in a quiet area, just a short distance from Highway 7, City of Peterborough and quaint Village of Bridgenorth you have all the amenities and conveniences without sacrificing the quiet cottage feel.

More info and photos:

 https://www.realtor.ca/real-estate/28296321/837-fifes-bay-marina-lane-selwyn-selwyn

Brought for 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 

Hiring a Local Agent is Key When Selling/Buying Rural Property

 

Not everyone can sell rural real estate. Find out what you don’t know.

This week, I showed a vacant parcel of land in the rural Haliburton area. An agent from downtown Toronto listed the property, but they had never even seen the property in person. They didn't even know there was an old house on the land, even though it was in poor condition.

This raises serious questions about the Agent's fiduciary duties and whether they truly represent the seller's best interests. Why would a seller list their property with an agent who doesn't know the area or even the property itself?

Unfortunately, some agents may be willing to take on listings for properties they know nothing about; they just need to complete the paperwork and fire it onto the MLS. While this may be easy and profitable for the Agent, it's not in the seller's best interest.

As a local agent in the Peterborough/Hastings area, I have access to the same MLS data as big city agents. The key difference is my intimate knowledge of the local market and properties. This allows me to properly market and show the property to qualified buyers who are a good fit.

If a seller lists with an agent who lacks this crucial local expertise, they are likely missing out on potential buyers and may struggle to get the best price for their property. Hiring a local agent who knows the area inside and out is crucial when selling rural or specialty properties.

Hiring a local agent also ensures the property is priced appropriately based on recent comparable sales and crucial market knowledge. Out-of-town agents may struggle to accurately value rural properties. Local experts can identify unique features that impact the price. Furthermore, a nearby agent can easily coordinate viewings, liaise with potential buyers, and provide hands-on support throughout the selling process. This local expertise and availability is invaluable when selling rural real estate.

As a rural agent, I have full access to the big city MLS. The access swings both ways. The big city agent now has full access to the rural market, which temps them to represent Buyers in areas they know nothing about. Where is the nearest hospital or fire hall? What services does the municipality offer? What does the waterfront look like in the summer? All things if you don't know about the area, the Buyer needs to be informed. If the Agent does not know either, fiduciary duties are not met. Local expertise allows the local Agent to highlight unique features and address potential buyers' concerns about rural living. 

In conclusion, when selling or buying a rural or specialty property, it is essential to hire a local real estate agent who is intimately familiar with the area. This local expertise allows the Agent to properly represent the Seller or Buyer, and provide hands-on support throughout the sales process. Sellers and Buyers who list with out-of-town agents who lack this local knowledge are at a significant disadvantage and may potentially make a huge mistake with the lack of local knowledge and information.

Brought for 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

Inaugural ATV Ride of the Season

E Trail from Dyno Road to Cardiff

We headed out for the season's first ride. The trails were still icy in spots, but the mud was softening - just the way we like it! Despite some chilly weather, we had a blast on that lone sunny day of the weekend.

I was breaking in my brand new 2025 Polaris Sportsman, and the new tires provided excellent grip as we navigated the slippery sections and splashed through the soft, muddy patches. The refreshing cool breeze and occasional bursts of sunshine highlighting the vibrant green foliage made for a thoroughly enjoyable ride.

Though the weather was less than ideal, we couldn't wait to return for more adventures as the season progressed. Check out the video of the ride:

Here is a few photos to go along with the video. 

Paudash Lake Ice Update by Photos

Paudash Lake

Ice Conditions and Melt as of April 10th, 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

Chandos Lake and Jack Lake Ice Conditions Update Photos

 Chandos Lake

Ice conditions as of April 10th, 2025

Jack Lake

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