Q&A

The Cottage Q&A is one of the magazine's most popular features. From finding a dead moose in the lake to appealing property taxes, we've been offering expert advice for over 20 years.


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Can you identify this bird?

Can you identify this bird?

Q:  I photographed this bird at our cottage near Bancroft. Can you help identify it? —Elsa Skuy, Monck Lake, Ont.  
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How do we make the cottage our “principal residence”?

How do we make the cottage our “principal residence”?

Q:  How do we designate the cottage as our “principal residence”? —Caleigh MacMillan, Kawartha Lakes, Ont.    
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Do water space rights exist?

Do water space rights exist?

Q:  Recently my cottage neighbour complained that my dock is in his water space and that he would appreciate it if I moved it. Is there such a thing as water space rights? —Harold Dinesen, Catchacoma Lake, Ont.
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Should my parents camp before building?

Should my parents camp before building?

Q:  My parents just bought a piece of land and want to build within a year. I am thinking they should camp out for at least a year and get to know the area before building. Is that a good idea?—Name withheld
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How do you stop porcupines from eating plywood?

How do you stop porcupines from eating plywood?

Q:  How do you stop porcupines from eating plywood buildings?—Craig Loucao
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Can bugs fly up between floorboards?

Can bugs fly up between floorboards?

Q:  We would like to put a screened-in porch on top of our deck. We wish to keep the floor as is, with spaces between the planks. We were told that we should have no problems with mosquitoes and blackflies as they will not travel up through the gaps. Is...
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How do I treat a dug well contaminated with coliform?

How do I treat a dug well contaminated with coliform?

Q:  How do I treat a dug well contaminated with coliform? —Jake Svanda, via e-mail
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What plants will grow in sand?

What plants will grow in sand?

Q:  We have a flat, sandy lot at the cottage. Is there any vegetation that will grow in very sandy soil? I’d love to see my vacuum bag empty of the pounds and pounds of sand being tracked inside.—Cheryl Rowan, via e-mail
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What happened to this wood?

What happened to this wood?

Q:  While splitting some logs that we cut from dead trees, we found one with an inner portion darker than its outer portion, as if the tree had been burned. What has happened?—Marj Barnden, Go Home Lake, Ont.
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Is fall the best time to buy a cottage?

Is fall the best time to buy a cottage?

Q:  Is fall the best time to buy a cottage?
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